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Introduction: Neural stem cells (NSCs) are multipotent stem cells residing in the central nervous system that is capable of self-renewal to support ongoing requirements for neurogenesis in the adult brain. Since NSCs are considered potential candidate cells for neuro-regenerative medicine, applying safe induction methods for them is very important. Synthetic modified-mRNA (mmRNA) as an alternative to traditional DNA- or protein-based methods, is regarded as a powerful tool for inducing short-term gene expression in cells with no genetic manipulation. Methods: Here, we aimed to develop an optimized condition for mmRNA transfection in primary NSCs. In vitro-transcribed EGFP mmRNA (mmRNAEGFP) was delivered to human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) and mouse NSCs by using two commercial agents, Lipofectamine-2000 (LF2000) and TransIT. Also, a plasmid DNA was used to transfect cells considered EGFP-expressing positive control. In addition, the poly(A) tail (poly adenosine tail) elongation and chloroquine (CQ) treatment were performed to improve transfection efficiency. Finally, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and MTT assays were performed to assess the cells. Results: In comparison with HEK293T, NSCs were very sensitive to transfection, the efficacy of transfection using DNA/LF2000 was higher in HEK293T cells, but mmRNAEGFP/ TransIT showed better transfection efficacy in NSCs. Poly(A) tail elongation; also, treating the cells with CQ before transfection significantly improved its efficacy. Conclusion: The mmRNA poly(A) tail elongation and the use of specific transfection agents in combination with TLR inhibitors can lead to a more effective transfection in NSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto™; LCZ696) is the first angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) drug approved by the US and EU for heart failure (HF) and especially recommended for hypertensive HF (HHF). Sacubitril inhibits the enzyme neprilysin (NEP) which produces both beneficial and adverse effects in the human body. While LCZ696 causes beneficial cardiovascular effects, it may induce memory and cognitive dysfunction, or even exacerbate Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article reviewed data reported by experimental and clinical studies that examined NEP inhibitors and their dementia-related side effects. Based on the literature, LCZ696 increases the risk of memory and cognitive dysfunctions, and clinical trials failed to show compelling evidence for LCZ696 safety for the brain. Together, it was concluded that more experimental and clinical studies with particular focus on LCZ696 side effects on β-amyloid (Aβ) degradation are needed to assess LCZ696 safety for the cognitive function, especially in case of long-term administration. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minicircle DNA vectors are plasmid derivatives free of bacterial elements. These vectors are mostly provided from common plasmids via recombination by site-specific recombinases in E. coli. Absence of bacterial backbone in minicircle vectors results in high-level and persistent expression of transgene in comparison with conventional plasmids and provides promising vehicles for gene therapy and vaccination. Here we describe the production of replicative minicircle DNA vectors using the PBAD/araC system expressing ΦC31 integrase in E. coli.