Flashback to 2023!
22nd December 2023
There have been significant advancements in 2023, aligned with the models performed at Epistem.
Our dedicated scientific team always reviews the latest standout publications in the research community, providing concise highlights in the form of Spotlights. From pioneering immuno-oncology research to advancements in gastrointestinal disease, organoid models, genomic techniques, and beyond – our goal is to keep you informed on the key scientific breakthroughs relevant to our work.
Here are the 12 compelling Spotlights from 2023:
Combined PD-L1/TGF Blockade Attenuates T-Cell Exhaustion
A novel combination immunotherapy enhances T-cell function and survival in the tumour microenvironment with findings to assist inform on new treatment strategies.
Intestinal Organoid-Derived Monolayer System
Overcoming current cell line issues (lack of cell differentiation complexity of the human intestine and mutations affecting drug response) with a novel barrier dysfunction model of the intestinal epithelium using organoid-derived monolayers.
Transcriptome Sequencing Across Tissue Storage Conditions
Observed changes in RNA quality as a result of tissue storage methods can offer guidance for optimal transcriptome sequencing from banked clinical samples.
Spatial Genomics Enables Multi-Modal Study of Clonal Heterogeneity in Tissues
By combining spatial genomic and histology techniques, intra-tumour heterogeneity in colorectal cancer was analysed at single-cell resolution. Insights from multi-modal approaches could lead to better prognostic indicators in the future.
Frizzled-7-Targeting Antibody Suppresses Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
With evidence of inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signalling and suppression of tumour growth in non–small-cell lung cancer models, Frizzled-7 is shown as a promising therapeutic target for continued drug development efforts for cancer.
Multi-Omics Analysis of the Gut-Liver Axis Reveals the Mechanism of Liver Injury in Colitis Mice
With integration of multi-omics data revealing a comprehensive systems perspective on the influence of colonic inflammation on liver injury, the results underscore the therapeutic potential associated with targeting bile acid metabolism.
Histopathology of Acute Radiation Syndrome and Delayed Effects in Rhesus Macaques
As a crucial animal model delineating radiation-induced pathology across various tissues with translational implications for human health risks, this study elucidates tissue-specific variations in response.
Periportal Mesenchyme-Ductal Epithelium Contacts Regulate Liver Cell Proliferation
Advancing the comprehension of cell-cell communication governing liver regeneration, these findings emphasise how signals from mesenchymal niche cells activate regeneration programs in ductal cells.
Zymosan-A Promotes the Regeneration of Intestinal Stem Cells by Upregulating ASCL2
In demonstrating a compound that enhances intestinal stem cell regeneration following radiation-induced injury, this study supports further exploration of the underlying molecular pathways to stimulate tissue repair.
Decoding Myofibroblast Origins in Human Kidney Fibrosis
Through single-cell analysis, surprising heterogeneity in myofibroblast origins during fibrosis progression was revealed, challenging the prevailing paradigm that activated resident fibroblasts are the predominant source.
The Importance of mRNA Stabilisation for Expression of TH17 Phenotype
The elucidation of mechanisms regulating the stabilisation of key inflammatory mRNA transcripts in this study brings to light potential new targets for modulating inflammation.
Correlations between Gastric Cancer Transcriptome & Histotype
In an integrative study correlating molecular alterations with histopathological presentation in gastric adenocarcinoma, the results refine subtype definitions that are pertinent for prognosis and treatment stratification.
We look forward to highlighting the influential breakthroughs of 2024 and beyond as we track progress in this dynamic field. Please reach out with any questions or areas of particular interest for future Spotlights.
