Publications

E. Abramov and Garti, N. . 2020. Incorporation Of Curcumin In Liquid Nanodomains Embedded Into Polymeric Films For Dermal Application. Colloids And Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. doi:10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111468. Publisher's Version
Liquid nanovehicles are gaining interest in drug delivery because of the high solubilization capacity of bioactives at their interface and enhanced permeation of compounds across physiological membranes. However, the dermal application of liquid nanovehicles is still limited. The goal of this research is to develop a dermal delivery system based on embedding of liquid nanovehicles into polymeric films, which will allow controlled release of the nanodroplets with the solubilized drug. In this study, we describe the incorporation of empty and curcumin-loaded nanodomains into polymeric film. The novel technology results in formation of homogeneous, transparent and elastic films with high (up to 85 wt%) loading capacity of nanodomains. The fundamental structural characterizations show that nanodomain structures embedded in the dry film are spontaneously reformed during the dermal application with similar droplets size of 10 nm. Ex-vivo release studies were performed on Franz diffusion cells and demonstrated a significant permeation of curcumin through the pig skin. This novel film technology can serve as a “solid platform reservoir” for liquid nanovehicles which enables controlled release of nanodroplets with solubilized bioactive. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
R. Bulvik, Breuer, R. , Dvir-Ginzberg, M. , Reich, E. , Berkman, N. , and Wallach-Dayan, S.B. . 2020. Sirt1 Deficiency, Specifically In Fibroblasts, Decreases Apoptosis Resistance And Is Associated With Resolution Of Lung-Fibrosis. Biomolecules, 10, 7, Pp. 1-12. doi:10.3390/biom10070996. Publisher's Version
In contrast to normal regenerating tissue, resistance to Fas-and FasL-positive T cell-induced apoptosis were detected in myofibroblasts from fibrotic-lungs of humans and mice following bleomycin (BLM) exposure. In this study we show, decreased FLIP expression in lung-tissues with resolution of BLM-induced fibrosis and in isolated-lung fibroblasts, with decreased resistance to apoptosis. Using a FLIP-expression vector or a shFLIP-RNA, we further confirmed the critical need for FLIP to regain/lose susceptibility of fibrotic-lung myofibroblast to Fas-induced apoptosis. Our study further show that FLIP is regulated by SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) deacetylase. Chimeric mice, with SIRT1-deficiency in deacetylase domain (H355Y-Sirt1y/y), specifically in mesenchymal cells, were not only protected from BLM-induced lung fibrosis but, as assessed following Ku70 immunoprecipitation, had also decreased Ku70-deacetylation, decreasedKu70/FLIP complex, and decreased FLIP levels in their lung myofibroblasts. In addition, myofibroblasts isolated from lungs of BLM-treated miR34a-knockout mice, exposed to a miR34a mimic, which we found here to downregulate SIRT1 in the luciferase assay, had a decreased Ku70-deacetylation indicating decrease in SIRT1 activity. Thus, SIRT1 may mediate, miR34a-regulated, persistent FLIP levels by deacetylation of Ku70 in lung myofibroblasts, promoting resistance to cell-death and lung fibrosis. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
A. Drori, Gammal, A. , Azar, S. , Hinden, L. , Hadar, R. , Wesley, D. , Nemirovski, A. , Szanda, G. , Salton, M. , Tirosh, B. , and Tam, J. . 2020. Cb1R Regulates Soluble Leptin Receptor Levels Via Chop, Contributing To Hepatic Leptin Resistance. Elife, 9, Pp. 1-26. doi:10.7554/eLife.60771. Publisher's Version
The soluble isoform of leptin receptor (sOb-R), secreted by the liver, regulates leptin bioavailability and bioactivity. Its reduced levels in diet-induced obesity (DIO) contribute to hyperleptinemia and leptin resistance, effects that are regulated by the endocannabinoid (eCB)/ CB1R system. Here we show that pharmacological activation/blockade and genetic overexpression/ deletion of hepatic CB1 R modulates sOb-R levels and hepatic leptin resistance. Interestingly, peripheral CB1 R blockade failed to reverse DIO-induced reduction of sOb-R levels, increased fat mass and dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in mice lacking C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), whereas direct activation of CB1 R in wild-type hepatocytes reduced sOb-R levels in a CHOP-dependent manner. Moreover, CHOP stimulation increased sOb-R expression and release via a direct regulation of its promoter, while CHOP deletion reduced leptin sensitivity. Our findings highlight a novel molecular aspect by which the hepatic eCB/CB1R system is involved in the development of hepatic leptin resistance and in the regulation of sOb-R levels via CHOP. © 2020, eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. All rights reserved.
S. Udi, Hinden, L. , Ahmad, M. , Drori, A. , Iyer, M.R. , Cinar, R. , Herman-Edelstein, M. , and Tam, J. . 2020. Dual Inhibition Of Cannabinoid Cb1 Receptor And Inducible Nos Attenuates Obesity-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease. British Journal Of Pharmacology, 177, 1, Pp. 110-127. doi:10.1111/bph.14849. Publisher's Version
Background and Purpose: Obesity, an important risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), affects the kidneys by two main molecular signalling pathways: the endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor system, whose activation in obesity promotes renal inflammation, fibrosis, and injury, and the inducible NOS (iNOS), which generates ROS resulting in oxidative stress. Hence, a compound that inhibits both peripheral CB1 receptors and iNOS may serve as an effective therapeutic agent against obesity-induced CKD. Experimental Approach: Here, we describe the effect of a novel peripherally restricted, orally bioavailable dual CB1 receptor/iNOS antagonist, MRI-1867 (3 mg·kg−1), in ameliorating obesity-induced CKD, and compared its metabolic and renal efficacies to a stand-alone peripheral CB1 receptor antagonist (JD5037; 3 mg·kg−1), iNOS antagonist (1400W; 10 mg·kg−1), and pair feeding. Mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity were treated orally with these compounds or vehicle (Veh) for 28 days. Standard diet-fed mice treated with Veh served as controls. Key Results: Enhanced expression of CB1 receptors and iNOS in renal tubules was found in human kidney patients with obesity and other CKDs. The hybrid inhibitor ameliorated obesity-induced kidney morphological and functional changes via decreasing kidney inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and renal injury. Some of these features were independent of the improved metabolic profile mediated via inhibition of CB1 receptors. An additional interesting finding is that these beneficial effects on the kidney were partially associated with modulating renal adiponectin signalling. Conclusions and Implications: Collectively, our results highlight the therapeutic relevance of blocking CB1 receptors and iNOS in ameliorating obesity-induced CKD. © 2019 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Pharmacological Society
S. Azar, Udi, S. , Drori, A. , Hadar, R. , Nemirovski, A. , Vemuri, K.V. , Miller, M. , Sherill-Rofe, D. , Arad, Y. , Gur-Wahnon, D. , Li, X. , Makriyannis, A. , Ben-Zvi, D. , Tabach, Y. , Ben-Dov, I.Z. , and Tam, J. . 2020. Reversal Of Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis By Peripheral Cb1 Receptor Blockade In Mice Is P53/Mirna-22/Sirt1/Pparα Dependent. Molecular Metabolism, 42. doi:10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101087. Publisher's Version
Objective: The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is increasingly recognized as being crucially important in obesity-related hepatic steatosis. By activating the hepatic cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R), eCBs modulate lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Methods: We combined unbiased bioinformatics techniques, mouse genetic manipulations, multiple pharmacological, molecular, and cellular biology approaches, and genomic sequencing to systematically decipher the role of the hepatic CB1R in modulating fat utilization in the liver and explored the downstream molecular mechanisms. Results: Using an unbiased normalized phylogenetic profiling analysis, we found that the CB1R evolutionarily coevolves with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), a key regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. In diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, peripheral CB1R blockade (using AM6545) induced the reversal of hepatic steatosis and improved liver injury in WT, but not in PPARα−/− mice. The antisteatotic effect mediated by AM6545 in WT DIO mice was accompanied by increased hepatic expression and activity of PPARα as well as elevated hepatic levels of the PPARα-activating eCB-like molecules oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide. Moreover, AM6545 was unable to rescue hepatic steatosis in DIO mice lacking liver sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an upstream regulator of PPARα. Both of these signaling molecules were modulated by the CB1R as measured in hepatocytes exposed to lipotoxic conditions or treated with CB1R agonists in the absence/presence of AM6545. Furthermore, using microRNA transcriptomic profiling, we found that the CB1R regulated the hepatic expression, acetylation, and transcriptional activity of p53, resulting in the enhanced expression of miR-22, which was found to specifically target SIRT1 and PPARα. Conclusions: We provide strong evidence for a functional role of the p53/miR-22/SIRT1/PPARα signaling pathway in potentially mediating the antisteatotic effect of peripherally restricted CB1R blockade. © 2020 The Authors
E.M. Davidson, Raz, N. , and Eyal, A.M. . 2020. Anesthetic Considerations In Medical Cannabis Patients. Current Opinion In Anaesthesiology, 33, 6, Pp. 832-840. doi:10.1097/ACO.0000000000000932. Publisher's Version
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Growing numbers of patients, consuming cannabinoids admitted to surgery, create a challenge to anesthesia providers. This review provides a summary of recent literature related to cannabis and anesthesia, with specific recommendations to the anesthetic management of medical cannabis consumers. RECENT FINDINGS: At present, cannabis has found its way to public consensus in many countries and is penetrating slower to different medical fields. We relate and discuss recent findings investigating effects of cannabis consumption on the various aspects including perioperative measures, post-operative pain, PONV, cardiovascular stability, and anesthesia monitoring. SUMMARY: Recent surveys estimate that 10-20% of adult populations have consumed cannabis in the past year. Medical cannabis consumers are a newer group of cannabis users. Anesthesia providers have to update their knowledge on cannabis and possible anesthetic interaction. It is unreasonable to make recommendations that apply to the whole heterogeneous group of cannabis users, but is easier with the more homogenous group of Medical cannabis users, characterized by frequent use and relatively high cannabis doses, combined with good knowledge of administered composition and protocol, as well as adverse and withdrawal effects. Anesthesia providers have to know the effects and modify anesthetic plan accordingly. We provide perioperative anesthetic recommendations related to medical cannabis consumers. Collecting information of the effects of medical cannabis use in perioperative setting will further create a highly useful database for anesthetics in the close future.
R.V. Sionov, Feldman, M. , Smoum, R. , Mechoulam, R. , and Steinberg, D. . 2020. Anandamide Prevents The Adhesion Of Filamentous Candida Albicans To Cervical Epithelial Cells. Scientific Reports, 10, 1. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70650-6. Publisher's Version
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species that have formed a biofilm on epithelial linings of the body. The most frequently affected areas include the vagina, oral cavity and the intestine. In severe cases, the fungi penetrate the epithelium and cause systemic infections. One approach to combat candidiasis is to prevent the adhesion of the fungal hyphae to the epithelium. Here we demonstrate that the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and the endocannabinoid-like N-arachidonoyl serine (AraS) strongly prevent the adherence of C. albicans hyphae to cervical epithelial cells, while the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) has only a minor inhibitory effect. In addition, we observed that both AEA and AraS prevent the yeast-hypha transition and perturb hyphal growth. Real-time PCR analysis showed that AEA represses the expression of the HWP1 and ALS3 adhesins involved in Candida adhesion to epithelial cells and the HGC1, RAS1, EFG1 and ZAP1 regulators of hyphal morphogenesis and cell adherence. On the other hand, AEA increased the expression of NRG1, a transcriptional repressor of filamentous growth. Altogether, our data show that AEA and AraS have potential anti-fungal activities by inhibiting hyphal growth and preventing hyphal adherence to epithelial cells. © 2020, The Author(s).}, funding_text 1=his study was partially supported by Agriculture Ministry of Israel. We are grateful to Dr. Yael Feinstein-Rotkopf for operating the Nikon spinning scan microscope at our Interdepartment Core Research Facility. We thank Muna Aqawi and Sarah Gingichashvili for their support.
M. Feldman, Sionov, R. , Smoum, R. , Mechoulam, R. , Ginsburg, I. , and Steinberg, D. . 2020. Comparative Evaluation Of Combinatory Interaction Between Endocannabinoid System Compounds And Poly-L-Lysine Against Streptococcus Mutans Growth And Biofilm Formation. Biomed Research International, 2020. doi:10.1155/2020/7258380. Publisher's Version
Endocannabinoid/endocannabinoid-like (EC/EC-like) are natural endogenous compounds which have been found to affect MRSA pathogenicity. Our previous studies showed that EC/EC-like was able to impair staphylococcal biofilm formation and maintenance as well as to alter biofilm-associated virulence factors. In the present study, we investigated the combinatory effect of the selected EC/EC-like with a natural antimicrobial agent, poly-L-lysine, on cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation. Among four tested EC/EC-like, only two, anandamide (AEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA), exhibited synergistic combinatory effect with poly-L-lysine against S. mutans. We attribute this distinct effect to differences in the fatty acid chain structure of the selected EC/EC-like compounds. Moreover, AEA exerted a specific antibiofilm mode of action against S. mutans by effecting total inhibition of biofilm formation while still allowing bacteria viability. Finally, we postulate that the presence of EC/EC-like and poly-L-lysine could enhance the permeability and efficacy of each other via hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with the S. mutans membrane. In conclusion, we assume that a combination of endogenous natural compounds such as EC/EC-like and poly-L-lysine may benefit oral hygiene by preventing dental plaque. © 2020 Mark Feldman et al.
M. Aqawi, Gallily, R. , Sionov, R.V. , Zaks, B. , Friedman, M. , and Steinberg, D. . 2020. Cannabigerol Prevents Quorum Sensing And Biofilm Formation Of Vibrio Harveyi. Frontiers In Microbiology, 11. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.00858. Publisher's Version
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid naturally present in trace amounts in the Cannabis plant. So far, CBG has been shown to exert diverse activities in eukaryotes. However, much less is known about its effects on prokaryotes. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CBG as an anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing agent against Vibrio harveyi. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system among bacteria that involves small signaling molecules called autoinducers, enabling bacteria to sense the surrounding environment. The autoinducers cause alterations in gene expression and induce bioluminescence, pigment production, motility and biofilm formation. The effect of CBG was tested on V. harveyi grown under planktonic and biofilm conditions. CBG reduced the QS-regulated bioluminescence and biofilm formation of V. harveyi at concentrations not affecting the planktonic bacterial growth. CBG also reduced the motility of V. harveyi in a dose-dependent manner. We further observed that CBG increased LuxO expression and activity, with a concomitant 80% downregulation of the LuxR gene. Exogenous addition of autoinducers could not overcome the QS-inhibitory effect of CBG, suggesting that CBG interferes with the transmission of the autoinducer signals. In conclusion, our study shows that CBG is a potential anti-biofilm agent via inhibition of the QS cascade. © Copyright © 2020 Aqawi, Gallily, Sionov, Zaks, Friedman and Steinberg.
M. Feldman, Smoum, R. , Mechoulam, R. , and Steinberg, D. . 2020. Potential Combinations Of Endocannabinoid/ Endocannabinoid-Like Compounds And Antibiotics Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Plos One, 15, 4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0231583. Publisher's Version
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus have reached epidemic proportions globally. Our previous study showed antimicrobial effects of anandamide (AEA) and arachidonoyl serine (AraS) against methicillin (MET)-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, proposing the therapeutic potential of these endocannabinoid/endocannabinoid-like (EC/EC-like) agents for the treatment of MRSA. Here, we investigated the potential synergism of combinations of AEA and AraS with different types of antibiotics against MRSA grown under planktonic growth or biofilm formation. The most effective combinations under planktonic conditions were mixtures of AEA and ampicillin (AMP), and of AraS and gentamicin (GEN). The combination with the highest synergy in the biofilm formation against all tested bacterial strains was AEA and MET. Moreover, the combination of AraS and MET synergistically caused default of biofilm formation. Slime production of MRSA was also dramatically impaired by AEA or AraS combined with MET. Our data suggest the novel potential activity of combinations of EC/EC-like agents and antibiotics in the prevention of MRSA biofilm formation. Copyright: © 2020 Feldman et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
S. Ron-Doitch, Soroka, Y. , Frusic-Zlotkin, M. , Barasch, D. , Steinberg, D. , and Kohen, R. . 2020. Saturated And Aromatic Aldehydes Originating From Skin And Cutaneous Bacteria Activate The Nrf2-Keap1 Pathway In Human Keratinocytes. Experimental Dermatology. doi:10.1111/exd.14103. Publisher's Version
Skin homeostasis is constantly challenged by environmental factors, affecting its delicate redox balance. The skin is also home to a wide variety of bacterial species, including Staphylococci. The cutaneous redox state is governed by the Nrf2-keap1 pathway, which is responsible for the induction of phase II cytoprotective enzymes, thus sustaining a healthy oxidative state. As part of normal metabolism, both bacteria and cutaneous tissue emit copious amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), one subgroup of which are aldehydes. α,β-unsaturated aldehydes are known activators of Nrf2-keap1 pathway by direct oxidation of the keap1 protein. However, we did not encounter reports of Nrf2 activation by saturated or aromatic aldehydes, neither bacteria nor skin-derived. We hypothesized that non–α,β-unsaturated aldehydes derived from skin or cutaneous bacteria may act as Nrf2-keap1 pathway activators and therefore afford protection against environmental insults. The saturated aldehydes nonanal and decanal (known skin metabolites) and the aromatic aldehyde benzaldehyde (known skin and Staphylococcus epidermidis metabolite) were shown to induce the Nrf2-keap1 pathway in human keratinocytes. We also identified a newly described aromatic aldehyde, 3-furaldehyde (3-FA), emitted from S. aureus and S. epidermidis cultures, which also activated the pathway. Moreover, Nrf2-keap1 induction led to a significant protection against UVB-induced apoptosis. The mechanism involved in this activation has been partially elucidated. This work emphasizes the importance of cutaneous bacteria, as well as healthy skin lipid peroxidation processes in the maintenance and regulation of the cellular antioxidant response, namely with regard to coping with environmental stressors. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
R. Rozner, Vernikov, J. , Griess-Fishheimer, S. , Travinsky, T. , Penn, S. , Schwartz, B. , Mesilati-Stahy, R. , Argov-Argaman, N. , Shahar, R. , and Monsonego-Ornan, E. . 2020. The Role Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids From Different Sources In Bone Development. Nutrients, 12, 11, Pp. 1-22. doi:10.3390/nu12113494. Publisher's Version
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients that must be obtained from the diet. We have previously showed that endogenous n-3 PUFAs contribute to skeletal development and bone quality in fat-1 mice. Unlike other mammals, these transgenic mice, carry the n-3 desaturase gene and thus can convert n-6 to n-3 PUFAs endogenously. Since this model does not mimic dietary exposure to n-3 PUFAs, diets rich in fish and flaxseed oils were used to further elucidate the role of n-3 PUFAs in bone development. Our investigation reveals that dietary n-3 PUFAs decrease fat accumulation in the liver, lower serum fat levels, and alter fatty acid (FA) content in liver and serum. Bone analyses show that n-3 PUFAs improve mechanical properties, which were measured using a three-point bending test, but exert complex effects on bone structure that vary according to its source. In a micro-CT analysis, we found that the flaxseed oil diet improves trabecular bone micro-architecture, whereas the fish oil diet promotes higher bone mineral density (BMD) with no effect on trabecular bone. The transcriptome characterization of bone by RNA-seq identified regulatory mechanisms of n-3 PUFAs via modulation of the cell cycle and peripheral circadian rhythm genes. These results extend our knowledge and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of bone remodeling regulation induced by different sources of dietary n-3 PUFAs. © MDPI AG. All rights reserved.
A. Basu and Domb, A.J. . 2020. Ion Exchange Nanoparticles For Ophthalmic Drug Delivery. Bioconjugate Chemistry. doi:10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00521. Publisher's Version
We report here on ion-exchange polymeric nanoparticles from a linear copolymer of maleic anhydride methyl vinyl ether esterified with 30% octadecanol. The side chains for the polymer structure were optimized through metadynamics simulations, which revealed the use of octadecanol esters generates ideal free energy surfaces for drug encapsulation and release. Nanoparticles were synthesized using a solvent evaporation-precipitation method by mixing the polymer solution in acetone into water; upon acetone evaporation, a nanodispersion with an average particle size of ∼150 nm was obtained. Gentamicin sulfate, possessing five amino groups, was spontaneously entrapped in the nanocarrier by ionic interactions. Encapsulation efficiency increases significantly with the increase in pH and ionic strength. In vivo results demonstrate high gentamicin (GM) content in the enteric chamber (AUC 8207 ± 1334 (μg min)/mL) compared to 3% GM solution (AUC 2024 ± 438 (μg min)/mL). The formulation was also able to significantly extend the release of gentamicin when applied to rabbit cornea. These anionic nanoparticles can be used for extended-release of other cationic drugs. © 2020 American Chemical Society.}, funding_text 1=his work was supported by a grant from Teva Pharm. Industries, affiliated with the David Bloom Center for Pharmacy and The Alex Grass Center for Drug Design. A.B. would like to thank the planning and budget commission (PBC) of Israel for providing Postdoctoral Fellowships.
M. Haim Zada, Kumar, A. , Elmalak, O. , Markovitz, E. , Icekson, R. , and Domb, A.J. . 2020. In Vitro And In Vivo Degradation Behavior And The Long-Term Performance Of Biodegradable Plcl Balloon Implants. International Journal Of Pharmaceutics, 574, Pp. 118870. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118870. Publisher's Version
Biodegradable poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) are used to prepare inflatable balloon implants in treating rotator-cuff injuries and tissue separation. These balloon implants act as a temporary spacer for tissues, while reducing pain and allowing rehabilitation after surgery. It is essential to ensure that each balloon fulfill two requirements after implantation: (1) display a well-defined degradation profile, and (2) remain unaffected by premature rapture or leakage. Storage also affects the stability of a polymer-based implant. Since the balloons are implanted into humans, it is essential to understand their in vitro and in vivo degradation along with their physicochemical properties. It is unpredictable if balloon storage on their performance. Therefore, the in vitro and in vivo degradation behavior of PLCL balloons was examined during one year, and the information obtained was used to correlate reliability under prolonged storage conditions. We investigated changes in weight, melting temperature (Tm), molecular weight distribution (Mw, Mn and PDI), crystallinity (Χ), optical activity [α], and inherent viscosity (η) of the balloons during the entire degradation time. We also examined the molecular properties of the balloons under annealing and extreme temperature conditions, such as the combined effect of temperature and humidity that simulate various storage conditions. We have concluded that degradation of the PLCL balloons is slow, and they remain stable during the test period. Results reveal that the balloons retain their molecular properties under long-term storage, annealing, and extreme temperature conditions. The balloons did not show any variation from reference samples, and they exhibited a constant stability profile even after shelf-storage of more than 3 years. These findings can serve as a case study for evaluating various other biodegradable materials. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
B. Elena-Herrmann, Montellier, E. , Fages, A. , Bruck-Haimson, R. , and Moussaieff, A. . 2020. Multi-Platform Nmr Study Of Pluripotent Stem Cells Unveils Complementary Metabolic Signatures Towards Differentiation. Scientific Reports, 10, 1. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-58377-w. Publisher's Version
Stem cells, poised to revolutionize current medicine, stand as major workhorses for monitoring changes in cell fate. Characterizing metabolic phenotypes is key to monitor in differentiating cells transcriptional and epigenetic shifts at a functional level and provides a non-genetic means to control cell specification. Expanding the arsenal of analytical tools for metabolic profiling of cell differentiation is therefore of importance. Here, we describe the metabolome of whole pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) using high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS), a non-destructive approach for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. The integrated 1H NMR analysis results in detection of metabolites of various groups, including energy metabolites, amino acids, choline derivatives and short chain fatty acids. It unveils new metabolites that discriminate PSCs from differentiated counterparts and directly measures substrates and co-factors of histone modifying enzymes, suggesting that NMR stands as a strategic technique for deciphering metabolic regulations of histone post-translational modifications. HR-MAS NMR analysis of whole PSCs complements the much used solution NMR of cell extracts. Altogether, our multi-platform NMR investigation provides a consolidated picture of PSC metabolic signatures and of metabolic pathways involved in differentiation. © 2020, The Author(s).

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