Issues

Summary: Cancer-associated fibroblasts constitute a functionally heterogeneous mesenchymal cell population in the tumor microenvironment. This ‘At a glance’ article reviews their origin and their pro- and antitumor properties.

Summary: This Review describes the currently used animal models of critical-sized bone defects and the regenerative bone tissue engineering strategies used in these models, as well as the application of bone tissue engineering for the advancement of cancer xenograft models.

Summary: This study provides a new therapeutic strategy for diabetic neuropathy, by demonstrating CD40 as a key mediator of microangiopathy leading to HIF-1α expression in endothelial cells.

Summary: MBNL protein sequestration by expanded CUG RNA contributes towards cardiac dysfunction in a myotonic dystrophy Drosophila model. Here, the authors identify the anticancer drug daunorubicin as a candidate therapeutic for the disease.

Summary: Using a laser-induced photocoagulation model with collagen 1α1-GFP reporter mice, we identified choroidal pericytes as potential therapeutic targets to prevent subretinal fibrosis for management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Editor's choice: In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a motor neurodegenerative disease, the pathological changes of the skeletal muscle can significantly damage motor neurons, leading to progressive neurodegeneration.

Summary: A novel genetically engineered rabbit model of MPL syndrome, generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of FBN1, mimics the histopathological changes and functional defects of MPL syndrome seen in the clinic.

Summary: The authors present an innovative double binary zebrafish model for exploring regulatory mechanisms that govern the myeloid response at the onset of melanoma.