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Topic Review
RNA Modifications and RNA Metabolism in Neurological Disease
The intrinsic cellular heterogeneity and molecular complexity of the mammalian nervous system relies substantially on the dynamic nature and spatiotemporal patterning of gene expression. These features of gene expression are achieved in part through mechanisms involving various epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and non-coding RNA activity, amongst others. In concert, another regulatory layer by which RNA bases and sugar residues are chemically modified enhances neuronal transcriptome complexity. Similar RNA modifications in other systems collectively constitute the cellular epitranscriptome that integrates and impacts various physiological processes. The epitranscriptome is dynamic and is reshaped constantly to regulate vital processes such as development, differentiation and stress responses. Perturbations of the epitranscriptome can lead to various pathogenic conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular abnormalities and neurological diseases. These RNA modifications modulate the stability, transport and, most importantly, translation of RNA.
  • 1.2K
  • 22 Nov 2021
Topic Review
CL Biosynthesis and Functions
The heart is the most energy-consuming organ in the human body. In heart failure, the homeostasis of energy supply and demand is endangered by an increase in cardiomyocyte workload, or by an insufficiency in energy-providing processes. Energy metabolism is directly associated with mitochondrial redox homeostasis. The production of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) may overwhelm mitochondrial and cellular ROS defense mechanisms in case of heart failure. Mitochondria are essential cell organelles and provide 95% of the required energy in the heart. Metabolic remodeling, changes in mitochondrial structure or function, and alterations in mitochondrial calcium signaling diminish mitochondrial energy provision in many forms of cardiomyopathy. The mitochondrial respiratory chain creates a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which couples respiration with oxidative phosphorylation and the preservation of energy in the chemical bonds of ATP. Akin to other mitochondrial enzymes, the respiratory chain is integrated into the inner mitochondrial membrane. The tight association with the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin (CL) ensures its structural integrity and coordinates enzymatic activity. This review focuses on how changes in mitochondrial CL may be associated with heart failure. Dysfunctional CL has been found in diabetic cardiomyopathy, ischemia reperfusion injury and the aging heart. Barth syndrome (BTHS) is caused by an inherited defect in the biosynthesis of cardiolipin. Moreover, a dysfunctional CL pool causes other types of rare inherited cardiomyopathies, such as Sengers syndrome and Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Ataxia (DCMA). Here we review the impact of cardiolipin deficiency on mitochondrial functions in cellular and animal models. 
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Aug 2021
Topic Review
ANNEXIN A1
ANXA1 is found in the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, being described at low levels in the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of placental cells related to gestational diabetic diseases, and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus has been associated with a response to DNA damage. The human ANXA1 gene is located on chromosome 19q24, and encodes a 37-kDa protein. ANXA1 has a central domain (C-terminal), consisting of four repeats of 70 to 80 amino acids, which are highly conserved and responsible for calcium affinity and binding to phospholipids.
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Oxidative Stress and Mammalian Spermatozoa
Functionally, sperm capacitation is recognized as a redox-regulated process, wherein a low level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is intimately involved in driving such events as the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation, the facilitation of cholesterol efflux and the promotion of cAMP generation. However, the continuous generation of ROS ultimately creates problems for spermatozoa because their unique physical architecture and unusual biochemical composition means that they are vulnerable to oxidative stress. As a consequence, they are heavily dependent on the antioxidant protection afforded by the fluids in the male and female reproductive tracts and, during the precarious process of insemination, seminal plasma. If this antioxidant protection should be compromised for any reason, then the spermatozoa experience pathological oxidative damage. In addition, situations may prevail that cause the spermatozoa to become exposed to high levels of ROS emanating either from other cells in the immediate vicinity (particularly neutrophils) or from the spermatozoa themselves. The environmental and lifestyle factors that promote ROS generation around spermatozoa are reviewed in this article, as are the techniques that might be used in a diagnostic context to identify patients whose reproductive capacity is under oxidative threat.
  • 1.2K
  • 17 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of several disorders, such as hypertension, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
  • 1.2K
  • 06 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Curcumin in Retinal Diseases
The retina is subjected to oxidative stress due to its high vascularization, long time light exposition and a high density of mitochondria. Oxidative stress can lead to pathological processes, like cell apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammation ending in retinal pathologies. Curcumin, a major bioactive component obtained from the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome has been used for centuries in Asian countries for cooking and for curing all kinds of diseases like dysentery, chest congestion and pain in general, due to its antioxidant effects. Curcumin prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species and so it is a good protective agent. Curcumin has shown also anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Curcumin is a natural product, which can be a therapeutic option in a variety of retinal diseases due to its pleiotropic properties. Some drawbacks are its poor solubility, bioavailability and lack of stability at physiological conditions; which have been shown in curcumin skeptical publications.
  • 1.2K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
PacBio SMRT Sequencing for Human Telomere Sequence
This article describes the challenges of sequencing human telomeres and the advantages of using PacBio SMRT sequencing for telomere genome analysis.
  • 1.2K
  • 31 Oct 2024
Topic Review
Carboxylic Polyester-Degrading Enzymes
Esters are organic compounds widely represented in cellular structures and metabolism, originated by the condensation of organic acids and alcohols. Esterification reactions are also used by chemical industries for the production of synthetic plastic polymers. Polyester plastics are an increasing source of environmental pollution due to their intrinsic stability and limited recycling efforts. Bioremediation of polyesters based on the use of specific microbial enzymes is an interesting alternative to the current methods for the valorization of used plastics. Microbial esterases are promising catalysts for the biodegradation of polyesters that can be engineered to improve their biochemical properties.
  • 1.2K
  • 18 May 2021
Topic Review
The Link between CRDs and Prostate Cancer Risk
African American (AA) men have 2.4 times higher mortality rate due to prostate cancer than White men in the United States. Evidence implicates circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) as a potential driver of prostate cancer risk and progression. AA men are particularly vulnerable to CRDs due to greater exposure to night shift work, artificial light at night, noise pollution, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic disadvantages.
  • 1.2K
  • 15 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Artificial Light at Night and Associated Neuronal Changes
Artificial light at night (ALAN) has changed the pattern of the natural day-night environment. In recent times, a good amount of focus has been put on the research related with changes in night illumination due to rapid urbanization. It has shown to affect circadian rhythms that regulate almost all physiological processes in animals including sleep and cognition. In the early 2010s, most behavioural and molecular studies of light at night were focused on nocturnal rodents. However, until recently, songbirds have taken the front seat, as most are diurnal and show higher cognitive behaviour like mammalian model systems. Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects circadian rhythms and physiology in songbirds. Most of the studies, both in wild and captive birds, have shown negative consequences of ALAN on daily timing, sleep, physiology and higher brain functions.
  • 1.2K
  • 24 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Role of Oxidative Stress in Age-Related Neurological Diseases
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been described to induce a broad range of redox-dependent signaling reactions in physiological conditions. Nevertheless, an excessive accumulation of ROS leads to oxidative stress, which was traditionally considered as detrimental for cells and organisms, due to the oxidative damage they cause to biomolecules. During ageing, elevated ROS levels result in the accumulation of damaged proteins, which may exhibit altered enzymatic function or physical properties (e.g., aggregation propensity). Emerging evidence also highlights the relationship between oxidative stress and age-related pathologies, such as protein misfolding-based neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s (PD), Alzheimer’s (AD) and Huntington’s (HD) diseases). 
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Attachment Behaviour in Wolves
Attachment behaviour is a behaviour which is observed when an animal forms a strong bond to either a human or another animal. The behaviour of the animal that is seeking to be close to its either a human or another animal is characterized as attachment behaviour. Bowlby and Ainsworth were the first to describe attachment behaviour in humans. Since then the theory has been applied to other animals and their caregivers and to animal relationships with each other. This bond is often formed as the caregiver provides the essentials for life, such as food and security. Many studies have shown that dogs show attachment behaviour to their human caregivers. Wolves are highly social animals and their social interactions in their packs fit the criteria of attachment behaviour. As dogs are closely related to wolves many investigators have studied wolf attachment behaviour to humans. Wolves that were raised for 3–7 weeks showed attachment behaviour to their human caregivers. This attachment behaviour was characterized by preferring to be close to their human caregiver, by seeking contact, and by greeting the caregiver more frequently compared to a stranger. As the wolf is a non-domesticated animal this is an example of attachment behaviour without domestication. Another study showed that wolves that were hand-reared for 16 weeks of their lives by human caregivers showed attachment behaviour to a stranger rather than their caregiver.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Nov 2022
Topic Review
The Melanocortin System for New Antidepressant Drugs
Major depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders, causing significant human suffering and socioeconomic loss. Since conventional antidepressants are not sufficiently effective, there is an urgent need to develop new antidepressant medications. Despite marked advances in the neurobiology of depression, the etiology and pathophysiology of this disease remain poorly understood. Classical and newer hypotheses of depression suggest that an imbalance of brain monoamines, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) and immune system, or impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotrophic factors pathways are cause of depression. It is assumed that conventional antidepressants improve these closely related disturbances.
  • 1.2K
  • 27 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Deep Learning Neural Network Discriminate Multi-Cancer Types
Detecting cancers at early stages can dramatically reduce mortality rates. Therefore, practical cancer screening at the population level is needed.  Researchers employ artificial deep learning neural networks (NN) and noncoding RNA biomarkers to develop an accurate cancer detection system, with >96% AUC for binarily detecting cancers vs normal.
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Role of Raf Family in Biology
The Raf kinase family consists of three isoforms, C-Raf/Raf-1, B-Raf and A-Raf. They are located directly downstream of Ras and upstream of MEK1/2. Since the discovery of v-Ras, v-Raf and ERK and the connection of this regulatory hub with oncogenesis, tremendous efforts have been invested in the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the activation of Raf kinases. The Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is the first and clearly defined mitogenic pathway whose signal is invoked by extracellular mitogenic ligands and serves as a framework for other MAPK pathways. Among three isoforms of the Raf family, B-Raf is the only one that has so far been found mutated in many types of cancers. As all of the Raf family members directly act downstream of Ras, C-Raf and A-Raf are also important factors contributing to oncogenesis, either mediating the effects of mutated Ras or participating in oncogenic B-Raf-mediated pathogenesis. Thus, the development of Raf inhibitors has been a focus in cancer therapy.
  • 1.2K
  • 19 May 2022
Topic Review
Oenological Fermentation
Wine fermentation is a specific and complex research subject and its control is essential to ensure full process completion while improving wine quality. It displays several specificities, in particular, (i) musts with a very high sugar content, low pH, and some limiting nutrients, as well as a great variability in must composition according to the year, grape variety, and so on; (ii) atypical fermentation conditions with non-isothermal temperature profiles, a quasi-anaerobiosis and legal constraints with a limited and predefined list of authorized operations. New challenges have emerged, related to the increasing diversity of commercially available yeast strains; the fluctuating composition of musts, particularly owing to climate change; and sustainability, which has become a key issue. 
  • 1.2K
  • 08 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Musashi–1
Musashi–1 (MSI1) is an RNA–binding protein that promotes stemness properties.
  • 1.2K
  • 24 May 2021
Topic Review
4-Hexylresorcinol
4-Hexylresorcinol (4HR) is a synthetic resorcinolic lipid that has been used as an anti-parasitic and antiseptic agent since the 1920s. 
  • 1.2K
  • 14 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Immunoproteasome and Immune Checkpoints Modulation for Cancer Therapy
Immunoproteasome is a noncanonical form of proteasome with enzymological properties optimized for the generation of antigenic peptides presented in complex with class I MHC molecules. This enzymatic property makes the modulation of its activity a promising area of research. Nevertheless, immunotherapy has emerged as a front-line treatment of advanced/metastatic tumors providing outstanding improvement of life expectancy, even though not all patients achieve a long-lasting clinical benefit. To enhance the efficacy of the currently available immunotherapies and enable the development of new strategies, a broader knowledge of the dynamics of antigen repertoire processing by cancer cells is needed. Therefore, a better understanding of the role of immunoproteasome in antigen processing and of the therapeutic implication of its modulation is mandatory. 
  • 1.2K
  • 22 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Flavonoids Targeting CSC
Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been identified in several types of solid tumors. In some cases, CSC may be the source of all the tumor cells, the cause of the tumor’s resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, and the source of metastatic cells. Thus, a combination therapy targeting non-CSC tumor cells as well as specifically targeting CSCs holds the potential to be highly effective. Natural products (NPs) have been a historically rich source of biologically active compounds and are known for their ability to influence multiple signaling pathways simultaneously with negligible side effects. Natural flavonoids or potent derivatives are good candidates in exhibiting anti-CSC activity and targeting key functions required for CSC survival.
  • 1.2K
  • 29 Mar 2022
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