Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) polymorphisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma risk. However, the results were controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the precise associations between MMPs polymorphisms and glaucoma risk. Related studies were reviewed by searching electronic databases within four databases. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between the most common polymorphisms of MMPs and glaucoma risk. Heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity analysis were conducted to guarantee the statistical power. Overall, 11 selected articles involving 2,388 cases and 2,319 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Significant associations were only found between MMP-9 rs17576 G > A polymorphism (GA vs. GG: OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.67-0.97, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%), MMP-9 rs3918249 C > T polymorphism (TT vs. CC + CT: OR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.51-0.98, P = 0.04, I2 = 0%) and glaucoma risk in the general population. Subgroup analysis also suggested that MMP-9 rs17576 G > A was related to glaucoma in the Caucasian population (GA vs. GG: OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.45-1.00, P = 0.05; GA + AA vs. GG: OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.45-0.97, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). Our meta-analysis demonstrates that MMP-9 rs17576 G > A polymorphism might be a protective factor against the development of glaucoma in Caucasian population.
1 July 2009 in Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers
A biofilm-like scaffold with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) encapsulated in situ was constructed on a titanium surface using a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique for the potential application for dental or joint implant. The scaffold was formed by depositing a single layer of positively charged poly(L-lysine) on a negatively charged NaOH-treated titanium substrate, followed by alternate immersion into a negatively charged alginate—BMSC suspension and positively charged chitosan solution, respectively, and terminated a layer of chitosan. The cell-encapsulated scaffolds were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The BMSC remained viable and grew well in the scaffold. This approach provides a method for the preparation of tissue engineering scaffold on titanium surfaces.
Stem cell lineage commitment is governed by intricate interactions between epigenetic mechanisms and 3D genome organization. Traditional linear epigenetics, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, cannot fully elucidate the complex spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression. Recent advances in spatial genomics technologies, such as high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi‐C), single‐cell Hi‐C, and Chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with Hi‐C (Hi‐ChIP), have provided unprecedented insights into genome architecture, revealing key structural units like chromatin compartments, topologically associating domains (TADs), and chromatin loops. These structures dynamically reorganize during differentiation, influencing transcriptional accessibility and lineage‐specific gene activation. Additionally, liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS)‐mediated transcriptional condensates, such as transcription factories and super‐enhancers, have emerged as essential regulators of gene expression patterns during cell fate transitions. The integration of multiomics data and artificial intelligence‐driven predictive modeling further enhances the understanding of these regulatory networks. Despite ongoing technical challenges, including limitations in resolution, data complexity, and causal inference, recent advances continue to push the field forward. Engineered interventions such as CRISPR‐based spatial genome editing and AI‐powered computational platforms hold great promise for translating structural insights into targeted therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine.
11 March 2025 in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
To suggest a chemical surface treatment for titanium and to initiate the formation of hydroxycarbonated apatite (HCA) on titanium surface during in vitro bioactivity tests in simulated body fluid (SBF). To improve the bone-bonding ability of Ti implants, commercially pure titanium (cpTi) by a simple chemical pre-treatment in orthophosphoric acid (H(3)PO(4)) with different density was activated, and then the phosphorylation specimens were soaked in SBF to investigate the function of biomineralization. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs showed that the surfaces of the pre-treated samples were characterized by a complex construction, which consisted of a mesh-like morphology matrix (a micro-roughened surface) and an uniform surface with different morphous of titanium dihydrogen orthophosphate [Ti(H(2)PO(4))(3)] crystal. After 14 days in SBF a homogeneous biomimetic apatite layer precipitated. These data suggest that the treatment of titanium by acid etching in orthophosphoric acid is a suitable method to provide the titanium implant with bone-bonding ability.