Citations

Abstract Enhancer is a critical epigenetic feature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), yet the functional roles of individual enhancers remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted an integrative multi-omics analysis based on publicly available ATAC-seq, H3K27ac ChIP-seq, transcriptomic profiling, and genetic association datasets to systematically map HNSCC-associated enhancers and their target genes. Integrating ATAC-seq and H3K27ac ChIP-seq, we identified 20,362 enhancers and 18,040 enhancer-associated genes, highlighting widespread regulatory complexity. Functional characterization of the TERT -associated enhancer GH05J001312 (GRCh38/hg38: chr5:1312099-1317743) revealed strong transcriptional activity in HNSCC. CRISPR-mediated deletion of a core sequence significantly reduced TERT expression, impaired cellular proliferation in vitro , and suppressed tumor growth in vivo , confirming its role as a key cis-regulatory element. RNA-seq analysis of enhancer-edited cells uncovered 742 differentially expressed genes enriched in cancer-related pathways, including MAPK and IL-17 signaling, indicating a broad transcriptional impact. Collectively, our findings establish GH05J001312 as a functional enhancer driving oncogenic programs in HNSCC and suggest enhancer-targeted strategies as a potential therapeutic avenue.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) invasion is shaped by dynamic clonal evolution within the spatial and cellular architecture of the brain. To investigate this process, we integrated multiparametric MRI, whole-exome sequencing (WES), bulk RNA-seq and single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) from 69 IDH-wildtype GBM patients, using spatially resolved biopsies from contrast-enhancing (CE) core tumor and non-enhancing (NE) invasive regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clonal architectures. CE-enriched clones carried truncal mutations in conanical drivers of cell cycle and RTK signaling (TP53, PTEN, EGFR, PDGFRA/B), and private alterations in DNA repair genes (CDH11, PAX7, RAD51B). In contrast, NE-enriched clones exhibited private mutations in MAPK and Hippo pathways components (STAG2, BRAF, MAP2K3, CTNNA1), suggesting region-specific evolutionary trajectories. Furthermore, snRNAseq cell-cell communication analysis uncovered enriched ligand-receptor signaling in NE regions between malignant cells and brain-resident populations, including PTN—PTPRZ1 (myeloid), NRG-ERBB4 and SLIT-ROBO (neuronal, astrocytic, and oligodendrocytic). Bulk RNAseq deconvolution confirmed increased representation of neurons and glial cells in biopsies harboring NE-specific clones. These findings define a unique population of GBM clones localized at the infiltrative margin, marked by private MAPK/Hippo mutations and enhanced intracellular communication with the surrounding brain microenvironment. The recurrent engagement of neural-glial signaling pathways suggests that these NE-associated clones co-opt normal cellular networks to support invasion, immune evasion, and persistence following surgical resection. This study establishes a mechanistic link between spatial clonal evolution and tumor-host communication at the GBM infiltrative region and provide a framework for targeting cell-cell signaling circuits that sustain invasive tumor ecosystems and escape therapeutic treatment.

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria, a growing worldwide concern, reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics against a wide range of microbial infections. Various bacterial species have quickly developed antibiotic resistance since the first mention of penicillin resistance in 1947. A rise in mortality, more extended hospital stays, more healthcare expenditures, and morbidity are all brought about by these bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. To develop resistance, bacteria may undergo genetic changes, engage in horizontal gene transfer, produce β‐lactamase, activate efflux pumps, form biofilms, and alter their metabolism to become less susceptible to drugs. Environmental factors and sublethal antibiotic exposure exacerbate resistance, particularly in cases of persistent infections caused by biofilms. This tendency is prompted by the overuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine, as well as inadequate infection control measures and environmental pollution. This review presents an extensive survey of antimicrobial resistance across bacterial taxa, with a focus on the physiological and genetic processes underlying this phenomenon. It delves into the current therapeutic landscape and showcases cutting‐edge methods—such as artificial intelligence‐driven antibiotic discovery and resistance prediction—to inform the development of next‐generation antibiotics and containment systems.

Abstract Oncogenic translocations involving the MET gene have been reported in several cancer types, but detailed clinicogenomic characterization of these cancers is not well defined. In addition, prospective clinical trials evaluating the antitumor activity of MET inhibitors in MET rearrangement–positive cancers are limited. In this study, in a pan-cancer analysis of >46,000 solid tumors with comprehensive genomic profiling, we identified oncogenic MET rearrangements in ∼0.04% of cancers. Preliminary analysis from a phase II clinical trial of the type I MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) vebreltinib in MET fusion–positive solid tumors demonstrated an objective response rate of 50% and disease control rate of 79%, with antitumor activity seen in diverse cancer types, including lung adenocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, among others. Similar to MET exon 14–altered lung cancer, secondary mutations in the kinase domain can confer resistance to MET TKIs in MET fusion–positive cancers. Overall, these data categorize MET rearrangements as actionable targets in solid tumors. Significance: MET rearrangement–positive cancers are not well-characterized, and optimal treatment strategies are yet to be defined. Through comprehensive genomic analysis, preclinical modeling, and preliminary results of a phase II clinical trial, we demonstrate that MET fusions are a unique molecular subtype of cancers targetable with vebreltinib, a TKI in development.

Abstract The aging process is universal, and it is characterized by a progressive deterioration and decrease in physiological function leading to decline on the organismal level. Nevertheless, a number of genetic and nongenetic interventions have been described, which successfully extend healthspan and lifespan in different species. Furthermore, a number of clinical trials have been evaluating the feasibility of different interventions to promote human health. The goal of the annual Biological Sciences Section of the Gerontological Society of America meeting was to share current knowledge of different topics in aging research and provide a vision of the future of aging research. The meeting gathered international experts in diverse areas of aging research including basic biology, demography, and clinical and translational studies. Specific topics included metabolism, inflammaging, epigenetic clocks, frailty, senescence, neuroscience, stem cells, reproductive aging, inter-organelle crosstalk, comparative transcriptomics of longevity, circadian clock, metabolomics, and biodemography.

Abstract Heterotopic ossification (HO), often arising in response to traumatic challenges, results from the aberrant osteochondral differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Nevertheless, the impact of trauma‐induced inflammatory exposure on MSC fate determination remains ambiguous. In this study, the cellular diversity within inflammatory lesions is elucidated, comprising MSCs and several innate and adaptive immune cells. It is observed that quiescent MSCs transition into cycling MSCs, subsequently giving rise to chondrogenic (cMSC) and/or osteogenic (oMSC) lineages within the inflammatory microenvironment following muscle or tendon injuries, as revealed through single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), spatial transcriptome and lineage tracing analysis. Moreover, these investigations demonstrate that neutrophils and natural killer (NK) cells enhance transition of quiescent MSCs into cycling MSCs, which is also controlled by M1 macrophages, a subpopulation of macrophages can also stimulate cMSC and oMSC production from cycling MSCs. Additionally, M2 macrophages, CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes are found to promote chondrogenesis. Further analysis demonstrates that immune cells promotes the activation of signaling transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway and phosphoinositide 3 (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in MSC proliferation and osteochondral progenitors’ production, respectively. These findings highlight the dynamics of MSC fate within the inflammatory lesion and unveil the molecular landscape of osteoimmunological interactions, which holds promise for advancing HO treatment.

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States. While neurons have been the focus to understand ASD, an altered neuro-immune response in the brain may be closely associated with ASD, and a neuro-immune interaction could play a role in the disease progression. As the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia regulate brain development and homeostasis via core functions including phagocytosis of synapses. While ASD has been traditionally considered a polygenic disorder, recent large-scale human genetic studies have identified SCN2A deficiency as a leading monogenic cause of ASD and intellectual disability. We generated a Scn2a-deficient mouse model, which displays major behavioral and neuronal phenotypes. However, the role of microglia in this disease model is unknown. Here, we reported that Scn2a-deficient mice have impaired learning and memory, accompanied by reduced synaptic transmission and lower spine density in neurons of the hippocampus. Microglia in Scn2a-deficient mice are partially activated, exerting excessive phagocytic pruning of post-synapses related to the complement C3 cascades during selective developmental stages. The ablation of microglia using PLX3397 partially restores synaptic transmission and spine density. To extend our findings from rodents to human cells, we established a microglial-incorporated human cerebral organoid model carrying an SCN2A protein-truncating mutation identified in children with ASD. We found that human microglia display increased elimination of post-synapse in cerebral organoids carrying the SCN2A mutation. Our study establishes a key role of microglia in multi-species autism-associated models of SCN2A deficiency from mouse to human cells.

8005 Background: CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207) is a phase 1b/2 study evaluating ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel; JNJ-68284528), a CAR T-cell therapy with two BCMA–targeting single-domain antibodies, in patients (pts) with R/R MM. Here, we report updated results in pts with a longer duration (median 12.4 months) of follow-up. Methods: Eligible pts had MM and received ≥3 prior regimens or were double refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), and had received a PI, IMiD, and anti-CD38 antibody. After apheresis, bridging therapy was permitted. Pts received a single cilta-cel infusion (target dose: 0.75×106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg; range 0.5-1.0×106) 5–7 days (d) after lymphodepletion (300 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide, 30 mg/m2 fludarabine daily for 3 d). The primary objectives were to characterize cilta-cel safety, confirm the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D; phase 1b), and evaluate efficacy (phase 2). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was graded by Lee et al (Blood 2014) and neurotoxicity by CTCAE, v5.0 (in phase 1b). CRS and ICANS were graded by ASTCT criteria (in phase 2). Here, Lee et al and CTCAE v5.0 were mapped to ASTCT for CRS and ICANS, respectively. Results: As of Sept 1, 2020, 97 pts with a median of 6 prior lines received cilta-cel. Overall response rate per independent review committee (primary endpoint) was 97% (95% CI, 91–99), with 67% achieving stringent complete response (sCR). Median time to first response was 1 month (range, 1–9), and median time to CR or better was 2 months (range, 1–15). Responses deepened over time, and median duration of response was not reached. Of 57 pts evaluable for minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment, 93% were MRD-negative at 10-5. The 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates (95% CI) were 77% (66–84) and 89% (80–94), respectively; median PFS was not reached. Grade 3/4 hematologic AEs ≥20% included neutropenia (95%), anemia (68%), leukopenia (61%), thrombocytopenia (60%), and lymphopenia (50%). CRS occurred in 95% of pts (4% grade 3/4), with median time to onset of 7 d (range, 1–12), and median duration of 4 d (range, 1–14, excluding 1 pt with 97-d duration). CRS resolved in all but one with grade 5 CRS/haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. CAR T-cell neurotoxicity occurred in 21% of pts (grade ≥3, 10%). Fourteen deaths occurred during the study after cilta-cel infusion: none within the first 30 days, 2 within 100 days; and 12 more than 100 days post infusion, of which 5 were due to disease progression, and 4 due to treatment-related AEs. Conclusions: A single infusion of cilta-cel yielded early, deep, and durable responses in heavily pretreated pts with MM, with a manageable safety profile at the RP2D. Cilta-cel is under further investigation in other MM populations in earlier lines of therapy and in outpatient settings. Clinical trial information: NCT03548207.

Background: The phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 study (NCT03548207) is evaluating ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel; JNJ-68284528; LCAR-B38M CAR-T cells), a chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy with 2 B-cell maturation antigen-targeting single-domain antibodies, in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma (MM). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a known side effect of CAR-T therapy, can be mild to life-threatening and requires careful monitoring and management. Here, we analyzed CRS and cytokine profiles in CARTITUDE-1. Methods: Eligible patients (aged ≥18 years) had a diagnosis of MM per International Myeloma Working Group criteria, measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1, received ≥3 prior regimens or were double-refractory to a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drug, and received an anti-CD38 antibody. Bridging therapy was permitted after apheresis. At 5-7 days prior to cilta-cel infusion, lymphodepletion was performed with cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 and fludarabine 30 mg/m2 daily for 3 days. Cilta-cel was administered as a single infusion at a target dose of 0.75×106 (range: 0.5-1.0×106) CAR+ viable T cells/kg. CRS was graded using Lee et al (Blood 2014) in the phase 1b portion and American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) in the phase 2 portion. In this combined analysis, Lee et al criteria were mapped to ASTCT criteria for patients in the phase 1b portion. Serum samples for cytokine profiling were collected prior to lymphodepletion, prior to cilta-cel infusion and 2 hours post-infusion on Day 1, at regular time points until Day 100, and if CRS was suspected or reported. Results: A total of 97 patients with R/R MM were treated with cilta-cel; median follow-up for this analysis was 8.8 months (range: 1.5-20.4). CRS was reported in 92 (94.8%) patients. A total of 48 (49.5%) patients had grade 1 CRS, 38 (39.2%) had grade 2, 4 (4.1%) had grade 3, and 1 had grade 5 (1.0%); maximum toxicity grade according to the ASTCT consensus grading system could not be derived for 1 patient with CRS in the phase 1b portion. Median time to CRS onset from cilta-cel infusion was 7.0 days (range: 1-12). Median duration of CRS was 4.0 days (range: 1-27, excluding n=1 with 97 days). Supportive measures to treat CRS or CRS symptoms were administered to 87 (89.7%) patients, most commonly tocilizumab (69.1%), acetaminophen (68.0%), corticosteroids (20.6%), and anakinra (18.6%). CRS resolved in 91 (98.9%) patients; the patient with grade 5 CRS/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis died on Day 99 subsequent to sequelae of grade 4 CRS. Across all patients, levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ peaked at Days 7-14 post-cilta-cel infusion. Conclusions: CRS after cilta-cel treatment was low grade and manageable in most patients with R/R MM. The low rate of grade ≥3 CRS, median time to CRS onset of 7.0 days, and median duration of 4.0 days suggests outpatient dosing of cilta-cel may be feasible; this approach is being explored in the phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 study (NCT04133636). Disclosures Lin: Gamida Cells: Consultancy; Sorrento: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Vineti: Consultancy; Takeda: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Legend BioTech: Consultancy; Juno: Consultancy; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Martin:Janssen: Research Funding; AMGEN: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy. Cohen:Novartis: Other: Patents/Intellectual property licensed, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda,: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GlaxoSmithKline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kite Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AstraZeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech/Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Jakubowiak:AbbVie, Amgen, BMS/Celgene, GSK, Janssen, Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive, Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria. Usmani:Celgene: Other; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; SkylineDX: Consultancy, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding; Array Biopharma: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; BMS, Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Speaking Fees, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Madduri:AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Speaking Engagement, Speakers Bureau; Foundation Medicine: Consultancy, Honoraria; Legend: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Speaking Engagement, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kinevant: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Speaking Engagement, Speakers Bureau. Stewart:Janssen, BMS, Sanofi-Aventis, GSK: Honoraria; Tempus, Inc., Genomics England LLC: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Singh:Janssen: Current Employment. Zudaire:Janssen: Current Employment. Yeh:Janssen: Current Employment. Allred:Janssen: Current Employment. Olyslager:Janssen: Current Employment. Banerjee:Janssen: Current Employment. Goldberg:Johnson & Johnson: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Schecter:Janssen: Current Employment. Jackson:Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Consultancy; Janssen: Current Employment. Deraedt:Janssen: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Geng:Legend Biotech USA Inc.: Current Employment. Wu:Legend Biotech USA Inc.: Current Employment. Carrasco:Legend Biotech USA Inc.: Current Employment. Akram:Legend Biotech USA Inc.: Current Employment. Hossain:Legend Biotech USA Inc.: Current Employment. Wang:Legend Biotech USA Inc.: Current Employment. Berdeja:CRISPR Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; EMD Sorono: Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; Servier: Consultancy; Vivolux: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Kesios: Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Consultancy; Legend: Consultancy; Genentech, Inc.: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cellularity: Research Funding; Constellation: Research Funding; Glenmark: Research Funding; CURIS: Research Funding; Bioclinica: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bluebird: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding; Acetylon: Research Funding; Prothena: Consultancy; Lilly: Research Funding. Jagannath:BMS, Janssen, Karyopharm, Legend Biotech, Sanofi, Takeda: Consultancy.