We have demonstrated in this study the neoexpression of cytoskeletal proteins within diabetic kidneys. This has allowed the identification of new predicting histological markers for the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Lymphopenia is considered one of the most characteristic clinical features of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells via the interaction of its spike protein with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. Since T lymphocytes display a very low expression level of hACE2, a novel receptor might be involved in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into T cells. The transmembrane glycoprotein CD147 is highly expressed by activated T lymphocytes, and was recently proposed as a probable route for SARS-CoV-2 invasion. To understand the molecular basis of the potential interaction of SARS-CoV-2 to CD147, we have investigated the binding of the viral spike protein to this receptor in-silico. The results showed that this binding is dominated by electrostatic interactions involving residues Arg403, Asn481, and the backbone of Gly502. The overall binding arrangement shows the CD147 C-terminal domain interacting with the spike external subdomain in the grove between the short antiparallel b strands, b1' and b2', and the small helix a1'. This proposed interaction was further confirmed using MD simulation and binding free energy calculation. These data contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of infection of SARS-CoV-2 to T lymphocytes and could provide valuable insights for the rational design of adjuvant treatment for COVID-19.

Aim: Therapeutically targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs), which play a role in tumor initiation and relapse, remains challenging. Materials & methods: Novel-formulated platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) supported on polybenzimidazole (PBI)-functionalized polymers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were prepared and their effect on CSCs was evaluated. Results: Pt-NPs showed homogenous distribution on the surface of MWCNT/PBI composites, with very narrow particle size. MWCNT/PBI/Pt-NPs resulted in a dramatic decrease in the proliferation rate of CSCs but not bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Quantitative gene expression analysis revealed that MWCNT/PBI/Pt had a significant inhibitory effect on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell cycle markers of CSCs. Conclusion: MWCNT/PBI/Pt exhibited a specific cytotoxic effect on breast CSCs but not on adult stem cells.

No abstract

No abstract