Subject:
All Disciplines Arts & Humanities Biology & Life Sciences Business & Economics Chemistry & Materials Science Computer Science & Mathematics Engineering Environmental & Earth Sciences Medicine & Pharmacology Physical Sciences Public Health & Healthcare Social Sciences
Sort:
Most Viewed Latest Alphabetical (A-Z) Alphabetical (Z-A)
Filter:
All Topic Review Biography Peer Reviewed Entry Video Entry
Topic Review
Receptor-Dependent Apoptotic Pathway
Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death which has an important role in tissue and organ homeostasis and in the control of organism development. Two main signaling pathways are involved in regulation of apoptosis: the mitochondrial dependent intrinsic pathway and death receptor dependent extrinsic pathway. The receptors are members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF).The extrinsic apoptotic pathway triggers apoptosis by binding of ligands to death receptors, which leads to formation of a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) and in consequence, caspase activation. This pathway and its subpathways and regulatory factors and linkages to the other cellular signaling events are briefly presented.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Carnitine Acyl-carnitine Carrier
The SLC25A20 transporter, also known as carnitine acyl-carnitine carrier (CAC), catalyzes the transport of short, medium and long carbon chain acyl-carnitines across the mitochondrial inner membrane in exchange for carnitine. The 30-year story of the protein responsible for this function started with its purification from rat liver mitochondria. 
  • 1.1K
  • 07 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Tenascin-C-Derived Peptide, TNIIIA2
Matricellular proteins harbor functional sites within their molecular structures. These functional sites are released via proteolytic cleavage by inflammatory proteinases, and the peptides containing these hidden functional sites have unique biological activities that are often not detected in the parent molecules. A peptide containing the functional site of tenascin-C (TNC), termed TNIIIA2, which is highly released at sites of inflammation and in the tumor microenvironment, has the ability to potently and persistently activate β1-integrins. Based on these activities, TNIIIA2-containing TNC fragments/peptides are involved in the acquisition of aggressiveness in cancer progression.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Design of Gold Nanoparticle Vertical Flow Assays
Vertical flow assays (VFAs) or flow-through assays have emerged as an alternate type of paper-based assay due to their faster detection time, larger sample volume capacity, and significantly higher multiplexing capabilities compared to lateral flow assays (LFAs).  VFA can be used for detecting important biomarkers in diagnostic medicine, particularly when VFA is paired with gold nanoparticle conjugation.
  • 1.1K
  • 10 May 2022
Topic Review
MYC
Despite the advancements in cancer treatments, gastric cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In this context, it is of great interest to discover new and more effective ways of treating this disease. Accumulated evidences have demonstrated the amplification of 8q24.21 region in gastric tumors. Furthermore, this is the region where the widely known MYC oncogene and different microRNAs are located. MYC deregulation is key in tumorigenesis in various types of tissues, once it is associated with cell proliferation, survival, and drug resistance. microRNAs are a class of noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate the protein translation, and which deregulation is related with gastric cancer development. However, little is understood about the interactions between microRNAs and MYC. Here, we overview the MYC role and its relationship with the microRNAs network in gastric cancer aiming to identify potential targets useful to be used in clinic, not only as biomarkers, but also as molecules for development of promising therapies.
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Unqiue Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (also known as sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronan) is a straight-chain, natural polysaccharide and the only nonsulfated GAG composed of alternating (1–4)-β d-glucuronic and (1–3)-β N-acetyl-d-glucosamine units. Both carbohydrate units are spatially related to glucose; therefore, in the β-configuration, it is possible for all their bulky groups (hydroxyl and carboxyl groups and the anomeric carbon on the neighboring sugar) to be in sterically favorable planes, while all the small hydrogen atoms occupy less sterically favorable axial positions. This chemical structure of HA is energetically very stable because of interactions between hydrophobic and intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the acetamide and carboxylate groups.
  • 1.1K
  • 12 May 2022
Topic Review
Plant Xyloglucan Xyloglucosyl Transferases
Plant xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferases or xyloglucan endo-transglycosylases (XET; EC 2.4.1.207) catalogued in the glycoside hydrolase family 16 constitute cell wall-modifying enzymes that play a fundamental role in the cell wall expansion and re-modelling. Over the past thirty years, it has been established that XET enzymes catalyse homo-transglycosylation reactions with xyloglucan (XG)-derived substrates and hetero-transglycosylation reactions with neutral and charged donor and acceptor substrates other than XG-derived. This broad specificity in XET isoforms is credited to a high degree of structural and catalytic plasticity that has evolved ubiquitously in algal, moss, fern, basic Angiosperm, monocot, and eudicot enzymes. These XET isoforms constitute gene families that are differentially expressed in tissues in time- and space-dependent manners during plant growth and development, and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Biosynthesis of Lasso Peptides
Lasso peptides are a subclass of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and feature the threaded, lariat knot-like topology. The basic post-translational modifications (PTMs) of lasso peptide contain two steps, including the leader peptide removal of the ribosome-derived linear precursor peptide by an ATP-dependent cysteine protease, and the macrolactam cyclization by an ATP-dependent macrolactam synthetase.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Jul 2022
Topic Review
HSP in Diabetes and Alzheimer
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are growing in prevalence worldwide. The development of T2D increases the risk of AD disease, while AD patients can show glucose imbalance due to an increased insulin resistance. T2D and AD share similar pathological features and underlying mechanisms, including the deposition of amyloidogenic peptides in pancreatic islets (i.e., islet amyloid polypeptide; IAPP) and brain (β-Amyloid; Aβ). Both IAPP and Aβ can undergo misfolding and aggregation and accumulate in the extracellular space of their respective tissues of origin. As a main response to protein misfolding, there is evidence of the role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in moderating T2D and AD. HSPs play a pivotal role in cell homeostasis by providing cytoprotection during acute and chronic metabolic stresses. In T2D and AD, intracellular HSP (iHSP) levels are reduced, potentially due to the ability of the cell to export HSPs to the extracellular space (eHSP). The increase in eHSPs can contribute to oxidative damage and is associated with various pro-inflammatory pathways in T2D and AD.
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Synthesis of Ilamycins/Rufomycins and Cyclomarins
Ilamycins/rufomycins and cyclomarins are marine cycloheptapeptides containing unusual amino acids. Produced by Streptomyces sp., these compounds show potent activity against a range of mycobacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The cyclomarins are also very potent inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum. Biosynthetically the cyclopeptides are obtained via a heptamodular nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) that directly incorporates some of the nonproteinogenic amino acids. A wide range of derivatives can be obtained by fermentation, while bioengineering also allows the mutasynthesis of derivatives, especially cyclomarins. Other derivatives are accessible by semisynthesis or total synthesis, reported for both natural product classes.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Exposome
The “exposome” is the cumulative exposures (diet, exercise, environmental exposure, vaccination, genetics, etc.) an individual has experienced and provides a mechanism for the establishment of immune training or immunotolerance. It is becoming increasingly clear that trained immunity constitutes a delicate balance between the dose, duration, and order of exposures. Upon innate stimuli, trained immunity or tolerance is shaped by epigenetic and metabolic changes that alter hematopoietic stem cell lineage commitment and responses to infection. Due to the immunomodulatory role of the exposome, understanding innate immune training is critical for understanding why some individuals exhibit protective phenotypes while closely related individuals may experience immunotolerant effects (e.g., the order of exposure can result in completely divergent immune responses). Research on the exposome and trained immunity may be leveraged to identify key factors for improving vaccination development, altering inflammatory disease development, and introducing potential new prophylactic treatments, especially for diseases such as COVID-19, which is currently a major health issue for the world. Furthermore, continued exposome research may prevent many deleterious effects caused by immunotolerance that frequently result in host morbidity or mortality. 
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Necroptosis in Intestinal Inflammation
Necroptosis is a caspases-independent programmed cell death displaying intermediate features between necrosis and apoptosis. Albeit some physiological roles during embryonic development such tissue homeostasis and innate immune response are documented, necroptosis is mainly considered a pro-inflammatory cell death. Key actors of necroptosis are the receptor-interacting-protein-kinases, RIPK1 and RIPK3, and their target, the mixed-lineage-kinase-domain-like protein, MLKL. The intestinal epithelium has one of the highest rates of cellular turnover in a process that is tightly regulated. Altered necroptosis at the intestinal epithelium leads to uncontrolled microbial translocation and deleterious inflammation. Indeed, necroptosis plays a role in many disease conditions and inhibiting necroptosis is currently considered a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Beta2-Microglobulin
Beta2-microglobulin (B2M) is a key component of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, which aid cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. B2M also plays an important role in innate defense and does not only function as an adjuvant for CTL response. 
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Jul 2021
Topic Review
β-hydroxybutyrate as an Anti-Aging Metabolite
The ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), derive from fatty acid oxidation and alternatively serve as a fuel source for peripheral tissues including the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. β-HB is currently considered not solely an energy substrate for maintaining metabolic homeostasis but also acts as a signaling molecule of modulating lipolysis, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. Besides, it serves as an epigenetic regulator in terms of histone methylation, acetylation, β-hydroxybutyrylation to delay various age-related diseases. In addition, studies support endogenous β-HB administration or exogenous supplementation as effective strategies to induce a metabolic state of nutritional ketosis. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of β-HB metabolism and its relationship and application in age-related diseases. Future studies are needed to reveal whether β-HB has the potential to serve as adjunctive nutritional therapy for aging.
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy and Disease
Given the relevance of mitochondria in numerous physiological and pathological mechanisms, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, apoptosis, metabolism, cancer progression, and drug resistance, mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) analysis has become of great interest in the study of human diseases, including cancer. A high number of variants and mutations have been identified in different types of tumors, which coexist with normal alleles, a phenomenon named heteroplasmy. This mechanism is considered an intermediate state between the fixation or elimination of the acquired mutations. It is suggested that mutations, which confer adaptive advantages to tumor growth and invasion, are enriched in malignant cells.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Sep 2022
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.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Resveratrol Production in Yeast Hosts
Resveratrol is a plant secondary metabolite known for its therapeutic applications as an antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, cardio-protective, and neuroprotective agent. Topical formulas of resveratrol are also used for skin disease management and in cosmetic industries. Due to its importance, high resveratrol production is urgently required. Yeasts were proven to be excellent host candidates for resveratrol production.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Genetic and Genomic Alterations in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumor characterized by high heterogeneity, diffuse infiltration, aggressiveness, and formation of recurrences. Patients with this kind of tumor suffer from cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems, beyond exhibiting dismal survival rates. Current treatment comprises surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with the methylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ). GBMs harbor intrinsic mutations involving major pathways that elicit the cells to evade cell death, adapt to the genotoxic stress, and regrow.
  • 1.1K
  • 23 May 2022
Topic Review
Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction
Reproductive dysfunction is often characterized by malfunction of the reproductive tissues, which may lead to disruption of the synergistic rhythm that should bring about a progression of sexual events and the conception of new life. This may therefore result in the sexual dysfunction and infertility that can be seen in couples having prolonged biological difficulty in reproducing their offspring after having unrestricted sexual intercourse for at least twelve months. Several factors have been implicated in the cause and progression of reproductive dysfunction, including poor nutrition, drug side effects, disease states, and toxicant ingestion. A well-known food additive that has been found to be potent at initiating reproductive anomalies in males is monosodium glutamate (MSG). 
  • 1.1K
  • 23 May 2022
Topic Review
Molecular Structure and Biochemistry of Post-Proline Cleaving Enzymes
Post-proline cleaving enzymes (PPCEs) are involved in various biological functions in diverse taxa of organisms including microbes, fungi, animals, and plants.
  • 1.1K
  • 24 May 2022
  • Page
  • of
  • 133
Featured Entry Collections
>>

Featured Books

>>
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences
Encyclopedia of COVID-19
Encyclopedia of Fungi
Encyclopedia of Digital Society, Industry 5.0 and Smart City
ScholarVision Creations
Feedback