The network structure of hematopoietic cancers.

Hematopoietic cancers (HCs) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that affect blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. Here, by analyzing 1960 RNA-Seq samples from three independent datasets, we explored the co-expression landscape in HCs, by inferring gene co-expression networks (GCNs) with four cancer phenotypes (B and T-cell acute leukemia -BALL, TALL-, acute myeloid leukemia -AML-, and multiple myeloma -MM-) as well as non-cancer bone marrow. We characterized their structure (topological features) and function (enrichment analyses). We found that, as in other types of cancer, the highest co-expression interactions are intra-chromosomal, which is not the case for control GCNs. We also detected a highly co-expressed group of overexpressed pseudogenes in HC networks. The four GCNs present only a small fraction of common interactions, related to canonical functions, like immune response or erythrocyte differentiation. With this approach, we were able to reveal cancer-specific features useful for detection of disease manifestations.

Pseudogenes in Cancer: State of the Art.

Pseudogenes are duplicates of protein-coding genes that have accumulated multiple detrimental alterations, rendering them unable to produce the protein they encode. Initially disregarded as "junk DNA" due to their perceived lack of functionality, research on their biological roles has been hindered by this assumption. Nevertheless, recent focus has shifted towards these molecules due to their abnormal expression in cancer phenotypes. In this review, our objective is to provide a thorough overview of the current understanding of pseudogene formation, the mechanisms governing their expression, and the roles they may play in promoting tumorigenesis.

Healing of Wounds Treated with Chitosan Hydrogels with Extracts from Aloe vera and Calendula officinalis / Cicatrización de Heridas Tratadas con Hidrogeles de Quitosano con Extractos de Aloe vera y Calendula officinalis

ABSTRACT This project's purpose was to evaluate the healing effects of chitosan (CS) hydrogels loaded with extracts from Aloe vera (CS+AV) and Calendula officinalis (CS+CO) on wounds of diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats. A total of 24 rats were used; animals were randomly divided into three diabetic and three non-diabetic groups (one control and two treated groups) and monitored for 13 days. A biopsy on the wound site was recovered to assess the collagen and n-acetyl glucosamine content. The wound area ratio was reduced since day 1 on both non-diabetic treated groups. A similar effect was observed on the diabetic group treated with CS+AV, while the diabetic group treated with CS+CO showed a reduction in wound area compared to the diabetic control until day 11 after being wounded. Collagen and n-acetyl glucosamine content were higher in every treated group. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms through which they promote wound healing. These results suggest that the hydrogels prepared are potential material to be used as wound dressings.

RESUMEN El propósito de este proyecto fue evaluar los efectos curativos de los hidrogeles de quitosano con extractos de Aloe vera (CS + AV) y Calendula officinalis (CS + CO) en heridas en ratas Wistar diabéticas y no diabéticas. Se utilizaron un total de 24 ratas; los animales fueron divididos aleatoriamente en tres grupos diabéticos y tres no diabéticos (un grupo control y dos tratados) y se monitorearon durante 13 días. Se recuperó una biopsia del sitio de la herida para evaluar el contenido de colágeno y n-acetilglucosamina. El área de la herida se redujo desde el día 1 en ambos grupos no diabéticos tratados. Se observó un efecto similar en el grupo diabético tratado con CS + AV, mientras que el grupo diabético tratado con CS + CO mostró una reducción del área de la herida en comparación al control diabético hasta el día 11 después de la creación de la herida. El contenido de colágeno y n-acetilglucosamina fue mayor en todos los grupos tratados. Se necesitan más estudios para aclarar los mecanismos subyacentes a través de los cuales estos tratamientos promueven la cicatrización de heridas. Estos resultados sugieren que los hidrogeles preparados son materiales con potencial para usarse como apósitos para heridas.