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Background:The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway has a non-apoptotic role in cell differentiation. Results: Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes passes through a mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Conclusion:The delayed mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells delivers cells into differentiation, not cell death. Significance: Such a comparative study could help to clarify ambiguities about the death-centric model of differentiation.

Aim: To induce a safe death to MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line through gene therapy based on iC9 suicide gene. Materials & methods: To induce apoptosis to MCF-7 cell line, iC9 gene was transfected using pyridine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Then, to enhance chemotherapy, iC9 suicide gene therapy was performed alongside. Results: The results show that the MCF-7 cells were efficiently eliminated in a high percentage by this approach. Furthermore, the suicide gene by itself/in combination with the chemotherapeutic drugs managed to pass the cell cycle arrests. Conclusion: We introduced an in vitro treatment approach based on suicide gene therapy and the first step was taken toward the enhancement of chemotherapy, although more investigation is required.

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Magnetic functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized, characterized and studied for therapeutically active nucleic acids interaction and delivery. In this study, pyridine functionalized magnetically was investigated for plasmid DNA and aptamer delivery. A thorough structural characterization of new carrierhas been carried out by means of transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy images, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating‐sample magnetometer and spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of magnetic functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes allow the directional control of conjugated nucleic acids with a transporter using an external magnetic field. They can be used as a transporter to afford noncovalent binding with nucleic acids and are supposed to cross the plasma membrane and internalize into the cytoplasm without inducing cell death.