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Topic Review
PAX5 Expression and Regulation
PAX5, a member of the Paired Box (PAX) transcription factor family, is an essential factor for B-lineage identity during lymphoid differentiation. Mechanistically, PAX5 controls gene expression profiles, pivotal to cellular processes such as viability, proliferation, and differentiation. Given its crucial function in B-cell development, PAX5 aberrant expression also correlates with hallmark cancer processes leading to hematological and other types of cancer lesion.
  • 2.0K
  • 26 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Clostridium botulinum
Clostridium botulinum is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobic bacterium widely distributed in soils, sediments, and aquatic environments. It is best known as the causative agent of botulism, a severe neuroparalytic disease caused by the production of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), among the most potent biological toxins known.
  • 2.0K
  • 23 Sep 2025
Topic Review
CRISPR FokI Dead Cas9 System
FokI–dCas9 (fdCas9) or RNA-guided FokI nuclease (RFN) is a genome editing tool engineered by fusing  the catalytic domain of the FokI endonuclease to the N-terminal catalytic inactive Cas9 protein. The fdCas9 system is active only as a heterodimer, requiring the simultaneous binding of two fdCas9/sgRNAs monomers at adjacent target sites in a PAM-out orientation, and a specific spacer distance separating the two binding sites of the two sgRNAs. The five engineered and published constructs induce significant gene editing activities and specificities, as tested on various gene targets and overcome the off-target effects associated with other genome editing tools, including ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas systems.
  • 2.0K
  • 30 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Development of Rudimentary Structure of Mammary Gland
The mammary gland is a compound, branched tubuloalveolar structure and a major characteristic of mammals. The mammary gland has evolved from epidermal apocrine glands, the skin glands as an accessory reproductive organ to support postnatal survival of offspring by producing milk as a source of nutrition. The mammary gland development begins during embryogenesis as a rudimentary structure that grows into an elementary branched ductal tree and is embedded in one end of a larger mammary fat pad at birth. At the onset of ovarian function at puberty, the rudimentary ductal system undergoes dramatic morphogenetic change with ductal elongation and branching. During pregnancy, the alveolar differentiation and tertiary branching are completed, and during lactation, the mature milk-producing glands eventually develop. The early stages of mammary development are hormonal independent, whereas during puberty and pregnancy, mammary gland development is hormonal dependent. The mammary gland develops as a rudimentary structure from a thickening under the ventral skin during embryogenesis. This rudimentary structure grows into a rudimentary branched ductal tree embedded in one end of a larger mammary fat pad at birth. The embryonic development of the mammary gland is a series of several hormone-independent specialized events.
  • 2.0K
  • 18 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Anti-inflammatory potential of Sesquiterpene Lactones
Inflammation is a crucial and complex process that reestablishes the physiological state after a noxious stimulus. In pathological conditions the inflammatory state may persist, leading to chronic inflammation and causing tissue damage. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are composed of a large and diverse group of highly bioactive plant secondary metabolites, characterized by a 15-carbon backbone structure. In recent years, the interest in SLs has risen due to their vast array of biological activities beneficial for human health. The anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds results from their ability to target and inhibit various key pro-inflammatory molecules enrolled in diverse inflammatory pathways, and prevent or reduce the inflammatory damage on tissues. Research on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SLs has thrived over the last years, and numerous compounds from diverse plants have been studied, using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Besides their anti-inflammatory potential, their cytotoxicity, structure–activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics have been investigated.
  • 2.0K
  • 14 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Brain Microvascular Pericytes in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
Brain tissue contains the highest number of perivascular pericytes compared to other organs. Pericytes are known to regulate brain perfusion and to play an important role within the neurovascular unit (NVU). The high phenotypic and functional plasticity of pericytes make this cell type a prime candidate to aid physiological adaptations but also propose pericytes as important modulators in diverse pathologies in the brain. This research highlights known phenotypes of pericytes in the brain, discusses the diverse markers for brain pericytes, and reviews current in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models to study pericyte function.
  • 2.0K
  • 05 May 2022
Topic Review
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 and Taste
Preclinical studies provided some important insights into the action of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in taste perception. This review examines the literature to uncover some molecular mechanisms and connections between GLP-1 and the gustatory coding. Local GLP-1 production in the taste bud cells, the expression of GLP-1 receptor on the adjacent nerves, a functional continuum in the perception of sweet chemicals from the gut to the tongue and an identification of GLP-1 induced signaling pathways in peripheral and central gustatory coding all strongly suggest that GLP-1 is involved in the taste perception, especially sweet. However, the impact of GLP-1 based therapies on gustatory coding in humans remains largely unaddressed. Based on the molecular background we encourage further exploration of the tongue as a new treatment target for GLP-1 receptor agonists in clinical studies. Given that pharmacological manipulation of gustatory coding may represent a new potential strategy against obesity and diabetes, the topic is of utmost clinical relevance.
  • 2.0K
  • 25 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion
Pembroke JT and MP Ryan.  Autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) is a microbial fermentation process characterized as a tertiary treatment of waste material carried out in jacketed reactors. Heat is generated which selects a thermoduric microbial population. The process results in a stabilised, pasteurised sludge suitable for land application as a fertiliser. The microbial population biodegrades sludge contents, are unique in terms of diversity and have biotechnological potential as enzymes and proteins associated with the microbial population are thermostable. 
  • 2.0K
  • 24 Dec 2021
Topic Review
The Biological Functions of Glutathione
Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous tripeptide that is biosynthesized in situ at high concentrations (1–5 mM) and involved in the regulation of cellular homeostasis via multiple mechanisms.
  • 2.0K
  • 07 Nov 2023
Topic Review
New AMPs' Prediction and Development
Theoretical methods for finding and predicting new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), based on the use of specially designed programs for these purposes, are making an increasing contribution to the development of new AMPs. Machine learning methods are also used for the prediction. Artificial neural networks perform highly accurate predictions based on rules from databases of antimicrobial peptides. Recently published data on the development of new AMP drugs based on a combination of molecular design and genetic engineering approaches are presented. This review examines AMP development strategies from the perspective of the current high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the potential prospects and challenges of using AMPs against infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In turn, we proposed another strategy for the development of new AMPs based on predicting amyloidogenic regions in a protein molecule sequence.
  • 2.0K
  • 30 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Modular CAR T Platforms
The engineering of T cells through expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) has shown significant potential for use as an anti-cancer therapeutic. The development of strategies for flexible and modular CAR T systems is accelerating, allowing for multiple antigen targeting, precise programming, and adaptable solutions in the field of cellular immunotherapy. Moving beyond the fixed antigen specificity of traditional CAR T systems, the modular CAR T technology splits the T cell signaling domains and the targeting elements through use of a switch molecule. The activity of CAR T cells depends on the presence of the switch, offering dose-titratable response and precise control over CAR T cells.
  • 2.0K
  • 25 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Irisin and Incretin Hormones
Incretins are gut hormones that potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) after meals. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is the most investigated incretin hormone, synthesized mainly by L cells in the lower gut tract. GLP-1 promotes β-cell function and survival and exerts beneficial effects in different organs and tissues. Irisin, a myokine released in response to a high-fat diet and exercise, enhances GSIS. Similar to GLP-1, irisin augments insulin biosynthesis and promotes accrual of β-cell functional mass. In addition, irisin and GLP-1 share comparable pleiotropic effects and activate similar intracellular pathways. The insulinotropic and extra-pancreatic effects of GLP-1 are reduced in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients but preserved at pharmacological doses. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are therefore among the most widely used antidiabetes drugs, also considered for their cardiovascular benefits and ability to promote weight loss. Irisin levels are lower in T2D patients, and in diabetic and/or obese animal models irisin administration improves glycemic control and promotes weight loss. This review aims to describe the similarities between GLP-1 and irisin and to propose a new potential axis involving the gut, muscle, and endocrine pancreas that controls energy homeostasis.
  • 2.0K
  • 10 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics
Psychedelic substances have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric disorders.
  • 2.0K
  • 07 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Updated Understanding of Cancer
       Cancer is a tumorigenesis process that forms a mass of cells that we call a tumor. During tumorigenesis, the cells that compose the tumor can be benign or malignant. When the cells in the tumor are normal but old, the tumor is termed benign. When the cells in the tumor are abnormal and can grow uncontrollably, the tumor is malignant. Sometimes a benign tumor can transform into a malign one if the normal old cells begin to develop abnormalities, such as DNA mutations, and grow rapidly. - by Cristian Muresanu
  • 2.0K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review Video
Cyclodextrin-Based Polymers
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharide structures that could be used for theranostic applications in personalized medicine. These compounds have been widely utilized not only for enhancing drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability but also for controlled and targeted delivery of small molecules. These compounds can be complexed with various biomolecules, such as peptides or proteins, via host-guest interactions. CDs are amphiphilic compounds with water-hating holes and water-absorbing surfaces. Architectures of CDs allow the drawing and preparation of CD-based polymers (CDbPs) with optimal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. These polymers can be cloaked with protein corona consisting of adsorbed plasma or extracellular proteins to improve nanoparticle biodistribution and half-life. Besides, CDs have become famous in applications ranging from biomedicine to environmental sciences.
  • 2.0K
  • 16 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Cobra Venom
Cobras (genus Naja) are widely distributed over Asia and Africa, and cobra envenomation is responsible for a large number of mortality and morbidity on these continents. Like other elapid venoms, cobra venoms are neurotoxic in nature; however, they also exhibit local cytotoxic effects at the envenomed site, and the extent of cytotoxicity may vary from species to species. Cobra venoms are predominated by the non-enzymatic three-finger toxin family which constitutes about 60-75% of the total venom. Cytotoxins (CTXs), an essential class of the non-enzymatic three-finger toxin family, are ubiquitously present in cobra venoms. These low-molecular-mass toxins, contributing to about 40 to 60% of the cobra venom proteome, play a significant role in cobra venom-induced toxicity, more prominently in dermonecrosis (local effects).
  • 2.0K
  • 12 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Seaweeds
Seaweeds have a long history of use as food, as flavouring agents, and also used in traditional folk medicine. Seaweed products range from food, feed, and dietary supplements to pharmaceuticals, and from bioenergy intermediates to materials. At present, 98% of the seaweed required by the seaweed industry is provided by five genera and only ten species. The two brown kelp seaweeds Laminaria digitata, a native Irish species, and Macrocystis pyrifera, a native New Zealand species, are not included in these eleven species, although they have been used as dietary supplements and as animal and fish feed. The properties associated with the polysaccharides and proteins from these two species have resulted in increased interest in them, enabling their use as functional foods. Improvements and optimisations in aquaculture methods and bioproduct extractions are essential to realise the commercial potential of these seaweeds.
  • 2.0K
  • 16 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Prebiotic Synthesis of Ribose
Prebiotic reactions describe how biomolecules such as ribose, was synthesized and protected from degradation, nucleobases generated from HCN oligomers and other derivatives including prebiotic RNA (preRNA) were formed at the given circumstances. Prebiotic conditions remained a subject of debate, but a reasonable aspect to consider is that tetrahedral structure shaping biomolecules consisted almost exclusively of elements belonging to the CHNOPS group in the periodic table, where capital letters correspond to the elements of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. Intermediary steps in the formose reaction network contain aldol condensation, aldose-ketose isomerizations, producing C3 - C6 carbohydrates including pentoses. The generation of genetic material could have developed from the formose reaction to ribose and further to non-genetic prebiotic  RNA (preRNA) [1-9]. Consecutive reactions of this pathway are not known. Those known abiotic chemical reactions were selected that could have resulted in preRNA and genetic RNA (genRNA).  Processes generating primitive life on Earth consisted of three successive stages: i) abiotic reactions generating organic molecules, ii) formation of molecular aggregates showing primitive metabolism, iii) development of primitive cells and organisms resembling those that exist today. Only cellular life is known that adapted in every aspect to conditions that exist only on Earth. Here only the 1st stage, the abiotic phase is dealt with. Prebiotic conditions remained subjects of debate ranging from a strong reductive to a strong oxidative climate. Our theory is based on a mildly reductive atmosphere that could have existed at the beginning of life some 4.3 -4.5 billion years ago, much before the Great Oxidation Event that took place much later 2.3 - 2.5 billion years ago. During the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules, ribose was selected as the precursor to life. .
  • 2.0K
  • 15 Jun 2021
Topic Review
IP6K
Inositol and its phosphate metabolites play a pivotal role in several biochemical pathways and gene expression regulation: inositol pyrophosphates (PP-IPs) have been increasingly appreciated as key signaling modulators. Fluctuations in their intracellular levels hugely impact the transfer of phosphates and the phosphorylation status of several target proteins. Pharmacological modulation of the proteins associated with PP-IP activities has proved to be beneficial in various pathological settings. IP7 has been extensively studied and found to play a key role in pathways associated with PP-IP activities. Three inositol hexakisphosphate kinase (IP6K) isoforms regulate IP7 synthesis in mammals. Genomic deletion or enzymic inhibition of IP6K1 has been shown to reduce cell invasiveness and migration capacity, protecting against chemical-induced carcinogenesis. IP6K1 could therefore be a useful target in anticancer treatment.
  • 2.0K
  • 14 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Oxidative Stress in NAFLD
Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the cellular levels of antioxidants and that of pro-oxidants, including ROS and reactive nitrogen species, which causes cellular damage and, in most cases, cell death. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome and its comorbidities that comprise, among others, obesity and insulin-resistance. At the molecular level, several models have been proposed for the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Most importantly, oxidative stress and mitochondrialdamage have been reported to be causative in NAFLD initiation and progression.
  • 2.0K
  • 02 Aug 2021
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