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Topic Review
Notch Signaling in Inflammatory Diseases
Notch signaling, a highly conserved pathway in mammals, is crucial for differentiation and homeostasis of immune cells. The spectrum of diseases is as broad as the cellular functions controlled by Notch signaling. In various types of cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, and inherited disease syndromes, Notch signaling has been found to exert a detrimental impact as well as in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), primary biliary cirrhosis, and atherosclerosis. 
  • 1.8K
  • 17 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Tubulin Post-Translational Modifications
Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic structures that are part of the cell cytoskeleton. They play important roles in various cellular functions, such as intracellular organization and transport, cell division, and cell migration. MTs are made up of α/β-tubulin heterodimers that display diversity due to the existence of different tubilin isotypes and post-translational modifications (PTMs). One specific PTM, tubulin-acetylation, occurs inside the MT lumen and has been pointed out as a hallmark of stable old MTs. However, the question if it is a cause or a consequence of long-lived MTs has never been clarified. The view on tubulin acetylation is that this modification alters the mechanical properties of MTs allowing MTs to bend and to resist age-related lattice damage caused by multiple interactions with different factors during their existence. However, how this ability of MTs to survive structural damage is translated into specific cellular functions is still controversial, and it is far from being elucidated. This PTM is also associated with cellular responses to stress and various human pathologies.The regulation of enzymes involved in tubulin acetylation and deacetylation is important for maintaining proper cell physiology. 
  • 1.8K
  • 17 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Cerebral Asymmetry
Human functions and traits are linked to cerebral networks serving different emotional and cognitive control systems, some of which rely on hemispheric specialization and integration to promote adaptive goal-directed behavior. Among the neural systems discussed in this context are those underlying pro- and antisocial behaviors. The diverse functions and traits governing our social behavior have been associated with lateralized neural activity. However, as with other complex behaviors, specific hemispheric roles are difficult to elucidate. This is due largely to environmental and contextual influences, which interact with neural substrates in the development and expression of pro and antisocial functions. This paper will discuss the reciprocal ties between environmental factors and hemispheric functioning in the context of antisocial behavior. The paper will attempt to familiarize readers with the prominent literature and primary questions to encourage further research and in-depth discussion in this field.
  • 1.8K
  • 22 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Subtype-Specific Cardiomyocytes
Cardiogenesis produces multiple cardiac muscle cell subtypes, including the contractile cardiomyocytes constituting the four heart chambers and the non-contractile cardiomyocytes forming the cardiac conduction system. The various cardiac cellular subtypes (e.g. atrial, ventricular, nodal) are highly specified, with each subtype expressing a unique set of structural proteins, ion channels and transcription factors. Stringent spatiotemporal molecular, transcriptomic, and electrophysiological regulation gives rise to the differentiation and maturation of the multiple cardiomyocyte subtypes. The precise generation of subtype-specific cardiomyocytes is necessary for translational applications of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for regenerative medicine.  
  • 1.8K
  • 21 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Pluripotency
Following fertilization, in the mammalian embryo, a series of programmed cell divisions occur whereby the arising cells progressively acquire their own cellular and molecular identity, and totipotency narrows until when pluripotency is achieved. The path towards pluripotency involves transcriptome modulation, remodeling of the chromatin epigenetic landscape to which external modulators contribute. Both human and mouse embryos are a source of different types of pluripotent stem cells whose characteristics can be captured and maintained in vitro. 
  • 1.7K
  • 03 Sep 2021
Topic Review
MRGPRX2
Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2) is a class A GPCR expressed on mast cells. Mast cells are granulated tissue-resident cells known for host cell response, allergic response, and vascular homeostasis.
  • 1.7K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts, the most abundant cells in the connective tissue, are key modulators of the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition.
  • 1.7K
  • 18 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Cell Sources for Retinal Regeneration
The main degenerative diseases of the retina include macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma. Novel approaches for treating retinal diseases are based on cell replacement therapy using a variety of exogenous stem cells. An alternative and complementary approach is the potential use of retinal regeneration cell sources (RRCSs) containing retinal pigment epithelium, ciliary body, Müller glia, and retinal ciliary region. RRCSs in lower vertebrates in vivo and in mammals mostly in vitro are able to proliferate and exhibit gene expression and epigenetic characteristics typical for neural/retinal cell progenitors.
  • 1.7K
  • 08 Dec 2022
Topic Review
cGAS–Sting Signaling in Alzheimer’s Disease
There is mounting evidence that the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) interacts extensively with immunological processes in the brain and extends beyond the neuronal compartment. Accumulation of misfolded proteins can activate an innate immune response that releases inflammatory mediators and increases the severity and course of the disease. It is widely known that type-I interferon-driven neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) accelerates the development of numerous acute and chronic CNS diseases. It is becoming better understood how the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) and its adaptor protein Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) triggers type-I IFN-mediated neuroinflammation.
  • 1.7K
  • 10 May 2023
Topic Review
Spleen Reparative Regeneration
The spleen is the largest lymphoid unpaired parenchymal organ of the abdominal cavity found in all vertebrates. Spleen is able to regenerate, though not necessarily to the initial volume. The recovery lasts one month and preserves the architecture, albeit with an increase in the relative volume of lymphoid follicles. The renovated tissues, however, exhibit skewed functional profiles; notably, the decreased production of antibodies and the low cytotoxic activity of T cells, consistent with the decline of T-dependent zones and prolonged reduction in T cell numbers. Autotransplantations of splenic material are of particular clinical interest, as the procedure can possibly mitigate the development of post-splenectomy syndrome. Under these conditions, regeneration lasts 1-2 months, depending on the species. The transplants effectively destroy senescent erythrocytes, assist in microbial clearance, and produce antibodies, thus averting sepsis and bacterial pneumonia. Meanwhile, cellular sources of splenic recovery in such models remain obscure, as well as the time required for T and B cell number re-constitution.
  • 1.7K
  • 21 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Perineuronal Nets
During restricted time windows of postnatal life, called critical periods, neural circuits are highly plastic and are shaped by environmental stimuli. In several mammalian brain areas, from the cerebral cortex to the hippocampus and amygdala, the closure of the critical period is dependent on the formation of perineuronal nets (PNNs). PNNs are condensed aggregates of an extracellular matrix (ECM) enwrapping the cell body, dendrites, and axon initial segments of several neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS). They represent one form of an ECM in the CNS, together with the ECM that is loosely distributed in the parenchyma, the ECM that constitutes the basal lamina (which separates the CNS tissue from meningeal and vascular tissues), and the ECM that is located at the nodes of Ranvier.
  • 1.7K
  • 11 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Regulation of Estrogen Receptor Stability
       Estrogen receptor (ER) signalling promotes proliferation in breast cancer (BCa). Endocrine therapies (ET) target this signaling by preventing the production of its ligand estrogen, or by blocking its interaction with the ER. The ER is regulated by a range of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) including ubiquitylation, SUMOylation, phosphorylation, palmitoylation, acetylation, methylation and glycosylation. These PTMs control ER activity, stability as well as its interactions with other proteins. For example, kinases play significant roles in mediating crosstalk between the ER and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and MAPK pathways, which are implicated in ET resistance. Another major control of ER activity is through the regulation of its half-life, largely by ubiquitin which initiates degradation through the ubiquitin proteasome system. As such, PTMs play a central role in the regulation of ER activity and stability.
  • 1.7K
  • 08 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Marginal Zone B-Cell Populations
Marginal zone (MZ) B-cells are innate-like, and possess a polyreactive B-cell receptor (BCR) and several pattern recognition receptors (PRR). They are known to generate low-affinity first-line antibody responses against invading pathogens such as encapsulated bacteria. Unfortunately, deregulations affecting MZ B-cell populations have been reported in the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other chronic inflammatory conditions. 
  • 1.7K
  • 22 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Replicative Senescence in Different Types of Stem Cells
Stem cells serve as a source of cellular material in embryogenesis and postnatal growth and regeneration. This requires significant proliferative potential ensured by sufficient telomere length. Telomere attrition in the stem cells and their niche cells can result in the exhaustion of the regenerative potential of high-turnover organs, causing or contributing to the onset of age-related diseases. Telomerase activity is present in most types of adult stem cells, though at substantially lower levels. Such lower levels are sufficient for slowing down telomere shortening and expanding the replicative lifespan  but cannot prevent replicative senescence. In this case, low telomerase expression may provide protection against the malignant transformation of stem cells.
  • 1.7K
  • 13 Oct 2022
Topic Review
TOM Complex Subunits
Mitochondria rely on the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex for the bulk of mitochondrial protein import. In addition to its role as the major entry point for mitochondrial proteins, the TOM complex serves as an entry pathway for viral proteins. TOM complex subunits also participate in a host of interactions that have been studied extensively for their function in neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, innate immunity, cancer, metabolism, mitophagy and autophagy.
  • 1.7K
  • 27 May 2021
Topic Review
Alveologenesis
Alveologenesis is the final stage of lung maturation, when an alveolar region is divided into smaller units called alveoli via the process known as secondary septation. Each of the formed septa serves as a new gas exchange surface, and all together, they dramatically increase the respiratory surface area. Alveologenesis is divided into 2 phases: classical and continued. During the classical alveologenesis, the secondary septa are formed and the number of alveoli increases. During the continued alveologenesis, the maturation and thinning of the septa occur and the size of alveoli increases. The disruption of alveologenesis leads to the simplification of the alveoli, as seen in preterm infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a widespread pulmonary disease that is often connected with lifelong respiratory failure.
  • 1.7K
  • 23 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Cancer Immunotherapies
Involvement of the immune system in biological therapies specifically targeting tumor microenvironment has been suggested. Substantial advancement in the treatment of malignant tumors utilizing immune cells, most importantly T cells that play a key role in cell-mediated immunity, have led to success in clinical trials. 
  • 1.7K
  • 20 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Illumina Dye Sequencing
Illumina dye sequencing is a technique used to determine the series of base pairs in DNA, also known as DNA sequencing. The reversible terminated chemistry concept was invented by Bruno Canard and Simon Sarfati at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. It was developed by Shankar Balasubramanian and David Klenerman of Cambridge University, who subsequently founded Solexa, a company later acquired by Illumina. This sequencing method is based on reversible dye-terminators that enable the identification of single nucleotides as they are washed over DNA strands. It can also be used for whole-genome and region sequencing, transcriptome analysis, metagenomics, small RNA discovery, methylation profiling, and genome-wide protein-nucleic acid interaction analysis.
  • 1.7K
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Actin Cytoskeleton in Podocytes
Proteinuria is one of the hallmarks of kidney disease. Serum proteins such as albumin are prevented from being filtered into the urine by the glomerular filtration barrier of which podocytes are a key part. Podocyte structure and function are dependent on maintenance of the actin cytoskeleton in podocyte foot processes. Foot processes contain two structural and signaling hubs: the slit diaphragm and focal adhesions, both of which maintain foot process integrity and relay signals to and from the podocyte exterior in response to hemodynamic changes. The entry below describes the key components of foot process actin cytoskeleton structure and regulation. 
  • 1.7K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Fluorescence Microscopy
Fluorescence microscopy has become a critical tool for researchers to understand biological processes at the cellular level. Micrographs from fixed and live-cell imaging procedures feature in a plethora of scientific articles for the field of cell biology.
  • 1.7K
  • 10 Feb 2022
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