Recombinant growth factors, particularly fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), are major cost drivers in the production of cultured meat. In this study, we investigated the potential of polyphenol salts Show more
Recombinant growth factors, particularly fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), are major cost drivers in the production of cultured meat. In this study, we investigated the potential of polyphenol salts to reduce reliance on FGF2 in media supporting the proliferation and mesodermal differentiation of bovine embryonic stem cell (bESC) aggregates. The activation potential of these salts was first verified using a luciferase reporter assay in COS-7 cells expressing human FGFR1. Several compounds, particularly Na-Quercetin, induced strong, dose-dependent FGFR1 activation with sub-nanomolar EC₅₀ values, comparable to FGF2. We then evaluated the use of three of the salts Sodium-Curcumin (NaCur), Potassium-Naringenin (K-Ng) and Sodium-Quercetin (Na-Q) on bESC aggregates. NaCur significantly enhanced aggregate growth under reduced FGF2 conditions, restoring proliferation to levels exceeding those observed with 20 ng/mL FGF2 alone. Additionally, NaCur supported mesodermal differentiation, as indicated by Brachyury expression, when combined with low-dose FGF2. K-Ng and Na-Q improved aggregate growth in the absence of FGF2 serum-free conditions but were insufficient to support mesodermal differentiation. These findings suggest that NaCur can reduce the required concentration of recombinant FGF2 while supporting both proliferation and differentiation, whereas K-Ng and Na-Q may be better suited for the early expansion phase. Our results highlight the potential of using polyphenol supplementation as a strategy to lower medium costs in cultured meat production systems. Show less
Our previous studies have identified phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) and its receptor GPR173 in the porcine corpus luteum (CL) during the estrous cycle and their role in the endocrine function. This study explo Show more
Our previous studies have identified phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) and its receptor GPR173 in the porcine corpus luteum (CL) during the estrous cycle and their role in the endocrine function. This study explored PNX-14's impact on luteal angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. Luteal cells were cultured with PNX-14 at doses 1-1000 nM for 24-72 h. Then, the transcript level and secretion of angiogenic factors (VEGFA, bFGF2, ANG-1) and protein expression of their receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, FGFR1, FGFR2, TIE2) were analysed. Cell proliferation was assessed using the alamarBlue assay, whereas DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity through Cell Death Detection ELISA and CaspaseGlo 3/7 assay, respectively. We also examined mRNA and protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclins, and apoptotic factors. Using pharmacological inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), protein kinase B (AKT), 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and silencing of GPR173 by siRNA we checked their involvement in PNX-14 action in CL. The results showed that PNX-14 increased levels of bFGF2 and ANG-1, and protein expression of VEGFR2, FGFR1, and TIE2, while it decreased FGFR2. It enhanced luteal cell proliferation and PCNA expression, with variable effects on transcript and protein levels of cyclins. Moreover, PNX-14 decreased DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity, expression of caspases 3, 8, 9, and BAX, and increased BCL2. Additionally, GPR173 receptor and ERK1/2, AKT, and AMPK are involved in PNX-14 action on luteal function. In conclusion, PNX-14 acts as a luteotropic factor in the porcine CL by promoting angiogenesis, proliferation, and protection against apoptosis. Show less