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Topic Review
Battling Chemoresistance in Cancer
Chemoresistance remains a lethal challenge in the realm of cancer biology and clinics. Various determinants with their modes of action have been reported with clinical implications. However, many patients regrettably die due to chemoresistance-induced failure in treatment.
  • 769
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Lipidic Metabolism in Cancer
Altered cellular metabolism is a well-established hallmark of cancer. Although most studies have focused on the metabolism of glucose and glutamine, the upregulation of lipid metabolism is also frequent in cells undergoing oncogenic transformation. In fact, cancer cells need to meet the enhanced demand of plasma membrane synthesis and energy production to support their proliferation. Moreover, lipids are precursors of signaling molecules, termed lipid mediators, which play a role in shaping the tumor microenvironment. 
  • 769
  • 10 May 2023
Topic Review
Kinases/Protein Phosphatases in Signaling Pathways Activation
Optimizing physical training regimens to increase muscle aerobic capacity requires an understanding of the internal processes that occur during exercise that initiate subsequent adaptation. During exercise, muscle cells undergo a series of metabolic events that trigger downstream signaling pathways and induce the expression of many genes in working muscle fibers. There are a number of studies that show the dependence of changes in the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), one of the mediators of cellular signaling pathways, on the duration and intensity of single exercises. The activity of various AMPK isoforms can change in different directions, increasing for some isoforms and decreasing for others, depending on the intensity and duration of the load.
  • 769
  • 11 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Chromatin Accessibility Regulates White-Opaque Switching
Candida albicans, a diploid polymorphic fungus, has evolved a unique heritable epigenetic program that enables reversible phenotypic switching between two cell types, referred to as “white” and “opaque”. These cell types are established and maintained by distinct transcriptional programs that lead to differences in metabolic preferences, mating competencies, cellular morphologies, responses to environmental signals, interactions with the host innate immune system, and expression of approximately 20% of genes in the genome. Transcription factors that regulate the establishment and heritable maintenance of the white and opaque cell types have been a primary focus of investigation in the field; however, other factors that impact chromatin accessibility, such as histone modifying enzymes, chromatin remodelers, and histone chaperone complexes, also modulate the dynamics of the white-opaque switch and have beenmuch less studied to date.
  • 768
  • 05 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Structural and Functional Diversity among FGF Signals
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) encode a large family of growth factor proteins that activate several intracellular signaling pathways to control diverse physiological functions. The human genome encodes 22 FGFs that share a high sequence and structural homology with those of other vertebrates. FGFs orchestrate diverse biological functions by regulating cellular differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Dysregulated FGF signaling may contribute to several pathological conditions, including cancer. Notably, FGFs exhibit wide functional diversity among different vertebrates spatiotemporally. A comparative study of FGF receptor ligands and their diverse roles in vertebrates ranging from embryonic development to pathological conditions may expand our understanding of FGF.
  • 768
  • 06 May 2023
Topic Review
Postbiotics metabolism in cancer
Postbiotics are health-promoting microbial metabolites delivered as a functional food or a food supplement. They either directly influence signaling pathways of the body or indirectly manipulate metabolism and the composition of intestinal microflora. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and even though the prognosis of patients is improving, it is still poor in the substantial part of the cases. The preventable nature of cancer and the importance of a complex multi-level approach in anticancer therapy motivate the search for novel avenues of establishing the anticancer environment in the human body. This entry summarizes the principal findings demonstrating the usefulness of both natural and synthetic sources of postbotics in the prevention and therapy of cancer. Specifically, the effects of crude cell-free supernatants, the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, lactic acid, hydrogen sulfide, and β-glucans are described. Contradictory roles of postbiotics in healthy and tumor tissues are highlighted.
  • 767
  • 10 May 2021
Topic Review
In Silico and Cervical Cancer
High-Risk (HR) HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins are considered biomarkers in cervical cancer progression. Several small molecules (plant-derived or synthetic compounds) have been reported as blockers/inhibitors of E6 oncoprotein action, and computational-aided methods have shown of high relevance in their discovery and development. In silico approaches have become a powerful tool for reducing the time and cost of the drug development process.
  • 767
  • 09 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Fast Prototyping Microfluidics
Microfluidic (MF) advancements have been leveraged toward the development of state-of-the-art platforms for molecular diagnostics, where isothermal amplification schemes allow for further simplification of DNA detection and quantification protocols. The MF integration with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is today the focus of a new generation of chip-based devices for molecular detection, aiming at fast and automated nucleic acid analysis. Here, we combined MF with droplet digital LAMP (ddLAMP) on an all-in-one device that allows for droplet generation, target amplification, and absolute quantification. This multilayer 3D chip was developed in less than 30 minutes by using a low-cost and extremely adaptable production process that exploits direct laser writing technology in “Shrinky-dinks” polystyrene sheets. ddLAMP and target quantification were performed directly on-chip, showing a high correlation between target concentration and positive droplet score. We validated this integrated chip via the amplification of targets ranging from five to 500,000 copies/reaction. Furthermore, on-chip amplification was performed in a 10 µL volume, attaining a limit of detection of five copies/µL under 60 min. This technology was applied to quantify a cancer biomarker, c-MYC, but it can be further extended to any other disease biomarker.
  • 766
  • 25 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Mechanisms of Polyphenols as Treatment Against Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an extracranial tumor of the peripheral nervous system arising from neural crest cells. It is the most common malignancy in infants and the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The treatment for high-risk NB involves chemotherapy and surgical resection followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell rescue and radiation treatment. However, those with high-risk NB are susceptible to relapse and the long-term side effects of standard chemotherapy. Polyphenols, including the sub-class of flavonoids, contain more than one aromatic ring with hydroxyl groups.
  • 766
  • 06 Apr 2023
Topic Review
CRISPR/Cas9 Landscape
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 is a unique genome editing tool that can be easily used in a wide range of applications, including functional genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, biotechnology, plant engineering, livestock breeding, gene therapy, diagnostics, and so on.
  • 766
  • 16 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Conspicuous Link between Ear, Brain,Heart
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with neurovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline. While the deposition of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the pathological hallmarks of AD-affected brains, the majority of cases exhibits a combination of comorbidities that ultimately lead to multi-organ failure. Of particular interest, it can be demonstrated that Aβ pathology is present in the hearts of patients with AD, while the formation of NFT in the auditory system can be detected much earlier than the onset of symptoms. Progressive hearing impairment may beget social isolation and accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia.
  • 765
  • 21 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Self-Defense Mechanism in Rice to Salinity
Salinity has complex effects on plants, impacting many cellular and physiological systems. Plant roots absorb elevated sodium ions (Na+) in the soil. Elevated concentrations of Na+ alter the normal balance of ions within plant cells.
  • 765
  • 26 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Early OA Stage Like Response of synovial fibroblasts
As events triggering early osteoarthritis onset can be related to mechanical stress and proinflammatory signaling, the e ffect of diff erent mechanical strain protocols on the expression of proinflammatory genes, as well as extracellular matrix remodelling in human synovial fibroblasts are of interest. Three distinct models of tensile stretching were analyzed: static isotropic tensile strain at 0 Hz, 16% tension for 48 hours; short-term high-frequency cyclic tension at 1 Hz, 10% tension for 4 hours; and dynamic tensile stretching for 48 hours, consisting of two blocks of moderate stretching at 0.2 Hz, 2%, advanced stretching at 0.5 Hz, 15%, or a combination of both. General signs of inflammation were present after static isotropic tension, whereas short-term high-frequency cyclic tension showed increased levels of IL-6 paired with diminished levels of IL-1 . Reduced inflammatory e ffects of TNF- , IL-6, and IL-1 were observed when exposed to advanced stretching. Long-term tensile strain induced extracellular matrix remodelling at the gene and protein levels. While hyaluronan acid synthesis was increased with static tensile strain, dynamic tensile stretching had a reducing effect.It is suggested that proinflammatory markers are activated by mechanical strain as seen in static isotropic tension and short-term high-frequency tensile strain, whereas long-term exposure induced extracellular matrix remodelling processes.
  • 764
  • 24 Jun 2020
Topic Review
Fatty Acid Profile as Disease Predictor
Circulating fatty acids (FA) have an endogenous or exogenous origin and are metabolized under the effect of many enzymes. They play crucial roles in many mechanisms: cell signaling, modulation of gene expression, etc., which leads to the hypothesis that their perturbation could be the cause of disease development. FA in erythrocytes and plasma rather than dietary FA could be used as a biomarker for many diseases. Cardiovascular disease was associated with elevated trans FA and decreased DHA and EPA. Increased arachidonic acid and decreased Docosahexaenoic Acids (DHA) were associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Low Arachidonic acid and DHA are associated with neonatal morbidities and mortality. Decreased saturated fatty acids (SFA), increased monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) (C18:2 n-6 and C20:3 n-6) are associated with cancer. Additionally, genetic polymorphisms in genes coding for enzymes implicated in FA metabolism are associated with disease development. FA desaturase (FADS1 and FADS2) polymorphisms are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Autism spectrum disorder and obesity. Polymorphisms in FA elongase (ELOVL2) are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism spectrum disorder and obesity. FA-binding protein polymorphism is associated with dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, peripheral atherosclerosis combined with type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase polymorphisms are associated with diabetes, obesity and diabetic nephropathy. FA profile and genetic variants of proteins implicated in FA metabolism could be considered as disease biomarkers and may help with the prevention and management of diseases.
  • 764
  • 06 May 2023
Topic Review
Dry Ethanol Extracts from Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm
Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. is used in traditional medicine and has various established biological activities, however, the species is considered to be a potentially invasive alien tree species for Bulgarian flora. However, there is still much to be studied about the phytochemical and biological characteristics of the species. 
  • 763
  • 28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a markedly established regulator of a plethora of cellular and molecular processes. Its initial role in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds has been partially overshadowed by its involvement in homeostatic and organ physiology processes. In fact, the discovery of its ability to bind specific target regulatory sequences has allowed for the understanding of how AHR modulates such processes. Thereby, AHR presents functions in transcriptional regulation, chromatin architecture modifications and participation in different key signaling pathways. Interestingly, such fields of influence end up affecting organ and tissue homeostasis, including regenerative response both to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Beyond the role of AHR in transcriptional regulation, its implication in multiple signaling pathways has built a field of study regarding its participation in the control and maintenance of different physiological and pathological processes. The variety of responses resulting from AHR activation may be due to the different interactions of the receptor with other proteins or transcriptional cofactors. Therefore, numerous proteins affecting AHR activity and vice versa have been described over the years, constituting a solid trend in cell signaling.
  • 763
  • 14 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Implications of siRNA Therapy in Bone Health
The global statistics of bone disorders, skeletal defects, and fractures are frightening. Several therapeutic strategies are being used to fix them; however, RNAi-based siRNA therapy is starting to prove to be a promising approach for the prevention of bone disorders because of its advanced capabilities to deliver siRNA or siRNA drug conjugate to the target tissue. Despite its ‘bench-to-bedside’ usefulness and approval by food and drug administration for five siRNA-based therapeutic medicines: Patisiran, Vutrisiran, Inclisiran, Lumasiran, and Givosiran, its use for the other diseases still remains to be resolved. By correcting the complications and complexities involved in siRNA delivery for its sustained release, better absorption, and toxicity-free activity, siRNA therapy can be harnessed as an experimental tool for the prevention of complex and undruggable diseases with a personalized medicine approach.
  • 763
  • 20 Feb 2024
Topic Review
DNA Repair Proteins in Cancer Stem-Cell
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a tumor cell population maintaining tumor growth and promoting tumor relapse if not wholly eradicated during treatment. CSCs are often equipped with molecular mechanisms making them resistant to conventional anti-cancer therapies whose curative potential depends on DNA damage-induced cell death. 
  • 761
  • 19 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Antigen Presentation and Autophagy in Teleost Adaptive Immunity
Infectious diseases are a burden for aquaculture. Antigen processing and presentation (APP) to the immune effector cells that fight pathogens is key in the adaptive immune response. At the core of the adaptive immunity that appeared in lower vertebrates during evolution are the variable genes encoding the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). MHC class I molecules mainly present peptides processed in the cytosol by the proteasome and transported to the cell surface of all cells through secretory compartments. Professional antigen-presenting cells (pAPC) also express MHC class II molecules, which normally present peptides processed from exogenous antigens through lysosomal pathways. Autophagy is an intracellular self-degradation process that is conserved in all eukaryotes and is induced by starvation to contribute to cellular homeostasis. Self-digestion during autophagy mainly occurs by the fusion of autophagosomes, which engulf portions of cytosol and fuse with lysosomes (macroautophagy) or assisted by chaperones (chaperone-mediated autophagy, CMA) that deliver proteins to lysosomes. Thus, during self-degradation, antigens can be processed to be presented by the MHC to immune effector cells, thus, linking autophagy to APP.
  • 761
  • 10 May 2022
Topic Review
Viral Non-Coding RNAs as Transcriptional Weapons
Viral non-coding RNAs are gaining much value and interest for the potential impact played in host gene regulation, acting as fine tuners of host cellular defense mechanisms. Several viruses are able to produce v-ncRNAs that are frequently expressed at high copy numbers in infected cells. V-ncRNAs are capable of interacting with different host cell pathways leading to the modulation of different biological processes including: 1. regulation of viral and host gene expression; 2. cell survival; 3. viral infection/replication; 4. cell transformation; 5 virus proliferation/propagation . On the other hand, host cells regulate their own ncRNAs expression in order to activate defense mechanisms against virus infection.
  • 761
  • 15 Dec 2022
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