The aim of this study was to determine the role of retrograde signaling (mitochondria to nucleus) in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Therefore, in the present study, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids were produced using the mitochondria from the same H and J individuals that were already used in our non-diseased retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) cybrids. MCF7 cybrids were treated with cisplatin and analyzed for cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS, and expression levels of genes associated with the cGAS-STING and cancer-related pathways. Results showed that unlike the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids, the untreated MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had similar levels of ATP, lactate, and OCR: ECAR ratios. After cisplatin treatment, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids showed similar (a) decreases in cell viability and ROS levels; (b) upregulation of ABCC1, BRCA1 and CDKN1A/P21; and (c) downregulation of EGFR. Cisplatin-treated ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids showed increased expression of six cGAS-STING pathway genes, while two were increased for MCF7-J cybrids. In summary, the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids behave differentially from each other with or without cisplatin. In contrast, the MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had identical metabolic/bioenergetic profiles and cisplatin responses. Our findings suggest that cancer cell nuclei might have a diminished ability to respond to the modulating signaling of the mtDNA that occurs via the cGAS-STING pathway.

Objectives: This study aims to develop and evaluate a novel slit‐lamp‐based system to acquire 3‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes using conventional ultrasound probes. Methods: A slit‐lamp adapter was 3D printed and connected with a linear actuator and graphical user interface (GUI) system to control movement and create volumes of 2‐dimensional scans. The ultrasound probe contacted the patient's cornea to perform the scan. The GUI software was designed to acquire and process b‐scan images, which were exported to 3D Slicer and manually annotated. The annotated images were used to render 3D renderings of ophthalmic anatomy using MATLAB and 3D Slicer. Results: The optimal resolution, quality, scan type, and patient comfort were determined through simulations. Higher scan numbers and light contact pressure resulted in sufficient image clarity. Out of 250 completed scans, four 3D ultrasound models were created, depicting diagnoses such as tractional retinal detachment, choroidal hemorrhage, and myopia. These models were compared with traditional imaging methods. Conclusions: The study successfully created 3D ultrasound scans using a novel slit‐lamp‐based system and manual annotation. The accuracy of the models was comparable to other imaging forms and demonstrated greater details. This study represents a significant step toward an accessible point‐of‐care ultrasound system in ophthalmology.

Mitochondria, which have critical roles in energy metabolism and oxidative regulation, also have a role in immune regulation including T cell activation, NET formation, inflammation, and apoptosis. More than 50% of those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have lupus nephritis due to kidney damage from immune complex deposition. Disease severity is reported to be greater in certain lineages. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups, which reflect maternal lineages, may modulate immune balance and disease outcomes in SLE. Methods: DNA was extracted from 25 consecutive, consenting pediatric patients that fulfilled the 1997 criteria for SLE and their maternal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups were determined through next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results: This study evaluated the associations between mtDNA haplogroups, lupus nephritis, and organ damage in four mtDNA haplogroups: African (n = 5), Amerindian (n = 12), Asian (n = 4), and Caucasian (n = 4). Clinical data, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K), SLICC Damage Index (SDI), and renal biopsy findings were analyzed. Median SLEDAI-2K scores were higher in Amerindian (10) and African (8) patients than in the Caucasian (5.5) and Asian (3) groups, with significant differences between Amerindian vs. Caucasian (p = 0.045) and Amerindian vs. Asian (p = 0.008). Irreversible organ damage (SDI > 1) was more frequent in Amerindian (54%) and African (40%) patients. Lupus nephritis occurred most often and most severely (Class III–IV, CKD) in the Amerindian (85%) and African (80%) groups, while Caucasian and Asian patients more often showed milder, membranous disease without CKD. Conclusion: Although limited by the small sample size, pediatric SLE severity and renal involvement were found to be greater in Amerindian and African mtDNA haplogroups, suggesting that mitochondrial lineage may contribute to ethnic disparities in SLE.