macrophages

[Laboratory Investigation] Based on the immunohistochemical analysis of breast cancer tissues from 497 patients, the authors demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP11) expression in mononuclear inflammatory cells was an independent negative prognostic factor in breast cancer, whereas MMP11 expression in tumor cells and fibroblasts was not associated with patient survival.

[iScience] Inhibition of matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) restricted functional transfer of hepatic miRNAs across the hepatic and non-hepatic cell boundaries and by targeting MMP2, scientists could reduce the innate immune response in mammalian liver by preventing intra-tissue miR-122 transfer.

[Cell Death Discovery] Investigators isolated radiation-induced senescent tdTOMp16 positive MSCs, established their absence of cell division, then measured levels of irradiation-induced expression of biomarkers of senescence by RNA-seq analysis.

[Laboratory Investigation] MSCs were genetically modified to overexpress placental growth factor, and its effects on macrophage proliferation and polarization were analyzed in vitro in a transwell co-culture system, as well as in vivo in a mouse model for spinal fusion, for which the cells were bilaterally injected into paravertebral muscles of the mouse lumbar spine.

[Nature Communications] Deletion of the apoptotic effectors BAK and BAX prevented MSC death and attenuated their immunosuppressive effects in disease models used to define MSC potency.

[Oncogene] Researchers showed that the activation of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway specifically in macrophages supports breast cancer growth and metastasis.