Journal: Non-coding RNA Research

Article Title: CircSMAD4 shapes matrix-remodeling TAMs in lung adenocarcinoma

doi: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2026.03.003

Figure Lengend Snippet: circSMAD4 drives tumor-educated M2-like polarization of macrophages and promotes tumor-cell aggressiveness. (A) Workflow for generating TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs, circSMAD4 knockdown, and downstream functional assays. (B) RT–qPCR analysis of M1-associated markers (MHC-II [HLA-DRA in TC-hMDMs; H2-Ab1 in TC-BMDMs], NOS2, and CD86) and M2-associated markers (CD163, CD206, and ARG1) in TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs. (C) Representative flow-cytometry histograms for HLA-DR, iNOS, CD86, CD163, CD206, and ARG1 in TC-hMDMs. Gating strategy and marker thresholds were defined based on FMO controls (see ). (D) Flow-cytometry quantification of marker-positive cells in TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs. (E) ELISA of IL-10, TGF-β, and iNOS in culture supernatants. (F) CCK-8 assays of A549 and LLC cells. (G) Colony-formation assays of A549 and LLC cells with quantification. (H) Bioluminescence-based growth readouts of patient-derived LUAD organoids (PDO #1 and PDO #2) after co-culture with TC-hMDMs. (I) Immunoblot analysis of EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin) in A549 and LLC cells. (J) Transwell migration and invasion assays of A549 and LLC cells with quantification. Scale bar, 50 μm. ∗P < 0.05; ∗∗P < 0.01; ∗∗∗P < 0.001; ∗∗∗∗P < 0.0001; ns, not significant.

Article Snippet: For mouse experiments, mouse IL-10 was measured using the Mouse IL-10 ELISA Kit (R&D Systems, Cat# M1000B), and mouse TGF-β1 was measured using the Mouse TGF beta-1 ELISA Kit (Invitrogen, Cat# BMS608-4), following the manufacturers’ instructions.

Techniques: Knockdown, Functional Assay, Quantitative RT-PCR, Flow Cytometry, Marker, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, CCK-8 Assay, Derivative Assay, Co-Culture Assay, Western Blot, Migration

Journal: Non-coding RNA Research

Article Title: CircSMAD4 shapes matrix-remodeling TAMs in lung adenocarcinoma

doi: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2026.03.003

Figure Lengend Snippet: circSMAD4 drives tumor-educated M2-like polarization of macrophages and promotes tumor-cell aggressiveness. (A) Workflow for generating TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs, circSMAD4 knockdown, and downstream functional assays. (B) RT–qPCR analysis of M1-associated markers (MHC-II [HLA-DRA in TC-hMDMs; H2-Ab1 in TC-BMDMs], NOS2, and CD86) and M2-associated markers (CD163, CD206, and ARG1) in TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs. (C) Representative flow-cytometry histograms for HLA-DR, iNOS, CD86, CD163, CD206, and ARG1 in TC-hMDMs. Gating strategy and marker thresholds were defined based on FMO controls (see ). (D) Flow-cytometry quantification of marker-positive cells in TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs. (E) ELISA of IL-10, TGF-β, and iNOS in culture supernatants. (F) CCK-8 assays of A549 and LLC cells. (G) Colony-formation assays of A549 and LLC cells with quantification. (H) Bioluminescence-based growth readouts of patient-derived LUAD organoids (PDO #1 and PDO #2) after co-culture with TC-hMDMs. (I) Immunoblot analysis of EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin) in A549 and LLC cells. (J) Transwell migration and invasion assays of A549 and LLC cells with quantification. Scale bar, 50 μm. ∗P < 0.05; ∗∗P < 0.01; ∗∗∗P < 0.001; ∗∗∗∗P < 0.0001; ns, not significant.

Article Snippet: Human IL-10 was quantified using IL-10 DuoSet ELISA (R&D Systems, Cat# DY217B), and human TGF-β1 was measured using the Human TGF beta-1 ELISA Kit (Invitrogen, Cat# BMS249-4).

Techniques: Knockdown, Functional Assay, Quantitative RT-PCR, Flow Cytometry, Marker, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, CCK-8 Assay, Derivative Assay, Co-Culture Assay, Western Blot, Migration

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Glucose/ROS-responsive and redox-gated adaptive hydrogel dressing for accelerating diabetic wound repair via synergistic cGAS/STING pathway inhibition and oxidative stress alleviation

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.025

Figure Lengend Snippet: Angiogenesis and collagen deposition in diabetic wound tissues following HPSL@SG hydrogel treatment. (A) Dihydroethidium (DHE) immunofluorescence staining and (B) semi-quantitative analysis of wound tissues from each treatment group on day 7, scale bar = 100 μm. Immunofluorescence staining of (C) MMP-9, IL-6, and IL-10, and (D) CD31, VEGF-A, and collagen I in wound tissue sections from each treatment group on day 7, scale bar = 100 μm. (E-J) Mean relative fluorescence intensity of each indicator in wound tissue sections from each treatment group on day 7, scale bar = 100 μm. All data are shown as mean ± SEM (n = 6).

Article Snippet: IL-6 and IL-10-specific antibodies were purchased from Bosterbio (Wuhan, China).

Techniques: Immunofluorescence, Staining, Fluorescence

Journal: Non-coding RNA Research

Article Title: CircSMAD4 shapes matrix-remodeling TAMs in lung adenocarcinoma

doi: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2026.03.003

Figure Lengend Snippet: circSMAD4 drives tumor-educated M2-like polarization of macrophages and promotes tumor-cell aggressiveness. (A) Workflow for generating TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs, circSMAD4 knockdown, and downstream functional assays. (B) RT–qPCR analysis of M1-associated markers (MHC-II [HLA-DRA in TC-hMDMs; H2-Ab1 in TC-BMDMs], NOS2, and CD86) and M2-associated markers (CD163, CD206, and ARG1) in TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs. (C) Representative flow-cytometry histograms for HLA-DR, iNOS, CD86, CD163, CD206, and ARG1 in TC-hMDMs. Gating strategy and marker thresholds were defined based on FMO controls (see ). (D) Flow-cytometry quantification of marker-positive cells in TC-hMDMs and TC-BMDMs. (E) ELISA of IL-10, TGF-β, and iNOS in culture supernatants. (F) CCK-8 assays of A549 and LLC cells. (G) Colony-formation assays of A549 and LLC cells with quantification. (H) Bioluminescence-based growth readouts of patient-derived LUAD organoids (PDO #1 and PDO #2) after co-culture with TC-hMDMs. (I) Immunoblot analysis of EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin) in A549 and LLC cells. (J) Transwell migration and invasion assays of A549 and LLC cells with quantification. Scale bar, 50 μm. ∗P < 0.05; ∗∗P < 0.01; ∗∗∗P < 0.001; ∗∗∗∗P < 0.0001; ns, not significant.

Article Snippet: Human IL-10 was quantified using IL-10 DuoSet ELISA (R&D Systems, Cat# DY217B), and human TGF-β1 was measured using the Human TGF beta-1 ELISA Kit (Invitrogen, Cat# BMS249-4).

Techniques: Knockdown, Functional Assay, Quantitative RT-PCR, Flow Cytometry, Marker, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, CCK-8 Assay, Derivative Assay, Co-Culture Assay, Western Blot, Migration

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: M2 macrophage-derived exosomes delivering haptoglobin and interleukin-10 plasmids for synergistic therapy of intracerebral hemorrhage

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.01.047

Figure Lengend Snippet: Schematic illustration of the preparation of M2-exo@HI and its mediated therapeutic mechanisms and signaling pathways. (a) RAW264.7 macrophages were polarized to M2 phenotype using DEX, followed by M2-exo isolation from cell supernatant via differential centrifugation. M2-exo@HI was prepared through encapsulating HI into M2-exo by electroporation. (b) M2-exo@HI crossed the BBB and localized to microglia in the hemorrhagic brain, delivering the HI plasmid into the nucleus. This prompted expression and secretion of Hp and IL-10 by microglia. The released Hp inhibited Hb toxicity by binding to Hb. IL-10 shifted microglial polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype toward the reparative M2 phenotype, removing hematoma by engulfing erythrocyte and Hb-Hp complex, and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels—collectively enhancing neuroprotection and BBB repair. These beneficial outcomes were linked to the inhibition of the IL-17 and NF-κB signaling pathways and activation of the PI3K-Akt and ferroptosis pathways.

Article Snippet: ELISA kits included mouse TNF- α ELISA kit (Solarbio), mouse IL-10 ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse Hp ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse IL-1β ELISA kit (Solarbio), and TGF-β ELISA kit (Solarbio).

Techniques: Protein-Protein interactions, Isolation, Centrifugation, Electroporation, Plasmid Preparation, Expressing, Binding Assay, Inhibition, Activation Assay

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: M2 macrophage-derived exosomes delivering haptoglobin and interleukin-10 plasmids for synergistic therapy of intracerebral hemorrhage

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.01.047

Figure Lengend Snippet: Characterization of M2-exo@HI. (a) Western blot of Tsg101, CD9, and Calnexin expressions in RAW264.7 and M2-exo. (b) Protein bands of RAW264.7, M2-exo, M2-exo@HI, and HI by SDS-PAGE. (c) Fluorescence microscopy images showing Hp-EGFP and IL-10-mCherry expression in 293T cells infected with lipo2000@pBudCE4.1 , lipo2000@HI, and M2-exo@HI respectively, after 24 h. (d,e) Representative TEM images and size distribution profiles of M2-exo and M2-exo@HI. (f) Particle number of M2-exo and M2-exo@HI by NTA measurement. (g) Zeta potentials of M2-exo and M2-exo@HI (n = 3). (h) Drug release profiles of M2-exo@HI at pH 6.5 and pH 7.4, respectively (n = 3). (i) Stability evaluation of M2-exo@HI in PBS at 4 °C by monitoring particle size over time (n = 3). Data are presented as mean ± SD.

Article Snippet: ELISA kits included mouse TNF- α ELISA kit (Solarbio), mouse IL-10 ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse Hp ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse IL-1β ELISA kit (Solarbio), and TGF-β ELISA kit (Solarbio).

Techniques: Western Blot, SDS Page, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Expressing, Infection

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: M2 macrophage-derived exosomes delivering haptoglobin and interleukin-10 plasmids for synergistic therapy of intracerebral hemorrhage

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.01.047

Figure Lengend Snippet: Validation of M2-exo targeting, Hp/IL-10 transfection expression, and Hp/Hb binding. (a) Fluorescence imaging showing cellular uptake of ICG and M2-exo@ICG by M1 microglia. (b,c) Flow cytometry and corresponding quantification of RhB and M2-exo@RhB internalized by M1 microglia (n = 3). (d,e) Schematic illustration and quantitative analysis of the in vitro phagocytosis-release kinetics of M2-exo@RhB in BV2 under ICH-mimicking stimulation (n = 6). (f) Fluorescence images showing Hp and IL-10 expression in M1 microglia treated with M2-exo@HI for 12, 24, 48, 72 h. (g) Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) quantification of Hp and IL-10 expression (n = 3). (h,i) ELISA measurements of secreted Hp and IL-10 protein levels (n = 3). (j,k) qPCR analysis of relative Hp and IL-10 mRNA expression (n = 3). (l) Western blot detection of Hp and IL-10 protein expression. (m) Densitometric quantification of Hp and IL-10 protein levels from Western blot (n = 3). (n) Co-immunoprecipitation assay confirming the formation of Hp-Hb complex. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was calculated by unpaired Student's t -test (c and e), and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test (g-k and m).

Article Snippet: ELISA kits included mouse TNF- α ELISA kit (Solarbio), mouse IL-10 ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse Hp ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse IL-1β ELISA kit (Solarbio), and TGF-β ELISA kit (Solarbio).

Techniques: Biomarker Discovery, Transfection, Expressing, Binding Assay, Fluorescence, Imaging, Flow Cytometry, In Vitro, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, Western Blot, Co-Immunoprecipitation Assay

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: M2 macrophage-derived exosomes delivering haptoglobin and interleukin-10 plasmids for synergistic therapy of intracerebral hemorrhage

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.01.047

Figure Lengend Snippet: M2-exo@HI promotes in vitro microglia polarization, BBB repair and neuroprotection. (a) Flow cytometry analysis of M1-type (CD86 + ) and M2-type microglia (CD163 + ) following treatment with different formulations. (b,c) Percentages of CD86 + and CD163 + microglia populations (n = 3). (d–g) The cytokine levels of IL-10, TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-1β in treated microglia (n = 3). (h) Fluorescence microscopy images showing erythrophagocytosis by microglia across treatment groups. (i) Schematic of the in vitro BBB model assessing FITC-dextran permeability using a transwell assay. (j) Quantitative analysis of FITC-dextran penetration (n = 7). (k) Flow cytometry analysis of neuronal apoptosis across treatments (n = 3). (l) Quantitative analysis of neuronal apoptosis (n = 3). Data are presented as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was tested by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test.

Article Snippet: ELISA kits included mouse TNF- α ELISA kit (Solarbio), mouse IL-10 ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse Hp ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse IL-1β ELISA kit (Solarbio), and TGF-β ELISA kit (Solarbio).

Techniques: In Vitro, Flow Cytometry, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Permeability, Transwell Assay

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: M2 macrophage-derived exosomes delivering haptoglobin and interleukin-10 plasmids for synergistic therapy of intracerebral hemorrhage

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.01.047

Figure Lengend Snippet: Targeted delivery and therapeutic gene expression of M2-exo@HI in hemorrhagic brain. (a) In vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging showing ICG and M2-exo@ICG in mouse brains at various time points post-injection. (b) Average radiation efficiency of ICG in different treatment groups (n = 3). (c) Ex vivo fluorescence imaging of major organs harvested 24 h post-injection. (d) Average radiation efficiency of ICG in different in mouse tissues (n = 3). (e) Time-dependent accumulation of M2-exo@ICG at hematoma regions. (f) Immunofluorescence staining showing co-localization of Hp/IL-10 with astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells. (g) Temporal expression profiles of Hp and IL-10 in brain tissues. (h,i) ELISA quantification of Hp and IL-10 protein levels in brain homogenates (n = 3). Data are presented as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was calculated by unpaired Student's t -test (b,d), and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test (h,i).

Article Snippet: ELISA kits included mouse TNF- α ELISA kit (Solarbio), mouse IL-10 ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse Hp ELISA kit (Elabscience), mouse IL-1β ELISA kit (Solarbio), and TGF-β ELISA kit (Solarbio).

Techniques: Gene Expression, In Vivo, Fluorescence, Imaging, Injection, Ex Vivo, Immunofluorescence, Staining, Expressing, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay