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The MYH9 (Myosin heavy chain 9), an architecture component of the actomyosin cytoskeleton, has been reported to be dysregulated in several types of cancers. However, how this molecule contributes to cancer development is still obscure. This study deciphered the molecular function of MYH9 in head and neck cancer (HNC). Cellular methods included clonogenic survival, wound-healing migration, and Matrigel invasion assays. Molecular techniques included RT-qPCR, western blot, luciferase reporter assays, and flow cytometry. Clinical association studies were undertaken by TCGA data mining, Spearman correlation, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. We found that MYH9 was overexpressed in tumors and associated with poor prognosis in HNC patients. MYH9 promoted cell motility along with the modulation of the extracellular matrix (fibronectin, ITGA6, fascin, vimentin, MMPs). Also, MYH9 contributed to radioresistance and was related to the expression of anti-apoptotic and DNA repairing molecules (XIAP, MCL1, BCL2L1, ATM, RAD50, and NBN). Mechanically, MYH9 suppressed cellular ROS levels, which were achieved by activating the pan-MAPK signaling molecules (Erk, p38, and JNK), the induction of Nrf2 transcriptional activity, and the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes (GCLC, GCLM, GPX2). The antioxidant enzyme GCLC was further demonstrated to facilitate cell invasion and radioresistance in HNC cells. Thus, MYH9 exerts malignant functions in HNC by regulating cellular ROS levels via activating the MAPK-Nrf2-GCLC signaling pathway. As MYH9 contributes to radioresistance and metastasis, this molecule may serve as a prognostic biomarker for clinical application. Furthermore, an in vivo study is emergent to support the therapeutic potential of targeting MYH9 to better manage refractory cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive thin films have great potential for application in the biomedical field. Herein, we designed thermoresponsive and conductive thin films with hydrophilicity, strain sensing, and biocompatibility. The crosslinked dense thin films were synthesized and prepared through a Schiff base reaction and ionic interaction from dialdehyde polyurethane, N-carboxyethyl chitosan, and double-bonded chitosan grafted polypyrrole. The thin films were air-dried under room temperature. These thin films showed hydrophilicity and conductivity (above 2.50 mS/cm) as well as responsiveness to the deformation. The tensile break strength (9.72 MPa to 15.07 MPa) and tensile elongation (5.76% to 12.77%) of conductive thin films were enhanced by heating them from 25 °C to 50 °C. In addition, neural stem cells cultured on the conductive thin films showed cell clustering, proliferation, and differentiation. The application of the materials as a conductive surface coating was verified by different coating strategies. The conductive thin films are potential candidates for surface modification and biocompatible polymer coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive hydrogel, with electroconductive properties and high water content in a three-dimensional structure is prepared by incorporating conductive polymers, conductive nanoparticles, or other conductive elements, into hydrogel systems through various strategies. Conductive hydrogel has recently attracted extensive attention in the biomedical field. Using different conductivity strategies, conductive hydrogel can have adjustable physical and biochemical properties that suit different biomedical needs. The conductive hydrogel can serve as a scaffold with high swelling and stimulus responsiveness to support cell growth in vitro and to facilitate wound healing, drug delivery and tissue regeneration in vivo. Conductive hydrogel can also be used to detect biomolecules in the form of biosensors. In this review, we summarize the current design strategies of conductive hydrogel developed for applications in the biomedical field as well as the perspective approach for integration with biofabrication technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]