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Topic Review
Endogenous Opioid Peptides
There exist three main types of endogenous opioid peptides, enkephalins, dynorphins and β-endorphin, all of which are derived from their precursors. These endogenous opioid peptides act through opioid receptors, including mu opioid receptor (MOR), delta opioid receptor (DOR) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR), and play important roles not only in analgesia, but also many other biological processes such as reward, stress response, feeding and emotion. 
  • 1.9K
  • 08 May 2021
Topic Review
Promising Lead Compounds for Resistant-Tuberculosis
According to WHO report, globally about 10 million active tuberculosis cases, resulting in about 1.6 million deaths, further aggravated by drug-resistant tuberculosis and/or comorbidities. Incomplete therapeutic regimen, meager dosing, and the capability of the latent and/or active state tubercular bacilli to abide and do survive against contemporary first-line and second-line antitubercular drugs escalate the prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis. To explore and identify the most potential antitubercular drug candidate among various reported compounds, here we focused to highlight the promising lead derivatives of isoniazid, coumarin, griselimycin, and antimicrobial peptides. The aim of the present review is to fascinate significant lead compounds in the development of potential clinical drug candidates that might be more precise and effective against drug-resistant tuberculosis, the world research looking for a long time.
  • 1.9K
  • 10 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Pharmacological Activation of AMPK
The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the central component of a signaling pathway that is conserved in essentially all eukaryotes, the exceptions being a few parasites (e.g., Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria) that spend most of their life cycle living inside other eukaryotic cells, in which case the host cell provides AMPK and the parasite may therefore have been able to dispense with it. AMPK is activated by various stresses that act via both classical (canonical) and non-classical (non-canonical) pathways. Pharmacological activation of AMPK can also be achieved via a range of mechanisms. Here, we enumerate the different classes of AMPK activators and describe their mechanisms of action.
  • 1.9K
  • 27 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Function and Components of Telomerase
Telomerase is the only known eukaryotic-specific enzyme with reverse transcriptase activity, which adds telomeric repeats at the ends of linear chromosomes. In this way, it counteracts telomere shortening and cellular replicative senescence. Telomerase consists of a catalytic protein subunit with reverse transcriptase activity (TERT), and an essential RNA component known as telomerase RNA component (TERC) that contains a template for the synthesis of telomeric DNA, as well as additional proteins (dyskerin, NHP2, NOP10 and GAR1 in vertebrates) that play crucial roles in its biogenesis, localization, and regulation. Beside its telomere-elongating activity, a growing number of studies have evidenced non-telomeric functions.
  • 1.9K
  • 20 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Exosome Isolation Techniques
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-binding vesicles secreted by cells into the extracellular space. The technologies and tools that have been used to purify exosomes from blood and other biofluids have evolved greatly, and this evolution has been driven by the need to accurately assess their biological function, but also and most importantly to decipher their molecular content, with a particular focus on tumor exosome biomarkers 
  • 1.9K
  • 20 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Long Non-coding RNAs
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute important group of RNA molecules with various biological activities. Despite significant progress in the understanding of lncRNAs, pivotal functions of this class of molecules are emerging. Among these, role in DNA damage response (DDR) seems to be fundamental. Various lncRNAs were found to modulate DNA repair on different levels: through TP53 activity modulation at transcriptional and translational level, through recruitment of chromatin remodelers that modulate the access of DNA repair proteins to the site of damage, and by working as scaffolds and mediators for DNA repair proteins, and acting as sponges for various DNA-damage-associated miRNAs. Considering that, lncRNAs involvement in DDR constitute interesting field of research with numerous future applications, such as development of new targeted anticancer therapies. 
  • 1.9K
  • 22 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Sphingosine Kinase 1
Sphingosine kinase (SPHK) catalyses the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of sphingosine to form sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), which acts as an intracellular second messenger and extracellular ligand for specific receptors. S1P can be released through specific transporters to act as a ligand for the family of G protein-coupled S1P receptors 1 to 5 (S1P1 to S1P5) and regulates a wide range of biological effects including transformation and cancer cell survival. S1P levels are tightly regulated by the balance between synthesis by SPHK, reversible conversion to sphingosine by specific S1P phosphatases (SPP1 and SPP2), and degradation by S1P lyase. 
  • 1.9K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Aspergillus
Aspergilli have been widely used in the production of organic acids, enzymes, and secondary metabolites for almost a century. Today, several GRAS (generally recognized as safe) Aspergillus species hold a central role in the field of industrial biotechnology with multiple profitable applications. Since the 1990s, research has focused on the use of Aspergillus species in the development of cell factories for the production of recombinant proteins mainly due to their natively high secretion capacity. Advances in the Aspergillus-specific molecular toolkit and combination of several engineering strategies (e.g., protease-deficient strains and fusions to carrier proteins) resulted in strains able to generate high titers of recombinant fungal proteins
  • 1.9K
  • 09 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Extracellular Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is essential for maintaining cellular bioenergetic homeostasis through its ability to bind and transport oxygen to the tissues. Besides its ability to transport oxygen, hemoglobin within erythrocytes plays an important role in cellular signaling and modulation of the inflammatory response either directly by binding gas molecules (NO, CO, and CO2) or indirectly by acting as their source. Once hemoglobin reaches the extracellular environment, it acquires several secondary functions affecting surrounding cells and tissues. By modulating the cell functions, this macromolecule becomes involved in the etiology and pathophysiology of various diseases. The up-to-date results disclose the impact of extracellular hemoglobin on (i) redox status, (ii) inflammatory state of cells, (iii) proliferation and chemotaxis, (iv) mitochondrial dynamic, (v) chemoresistance and (vi) differentiation.
  • 1.9K
  • 06 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Insulin-Degrading Enzyme
Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed metalloprotease that degrades insulin and several other intermediate-size peptides. For many decades, IDE had been assumed to be involved primarily in hepatic insulin clearance, a key process that regulates availability of circulating insulin levels for peripheral tissues. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that IDE has several other important physiological functions relevant to glucose and insulin homeostasis, including the regulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Investigation of mice with tissue-specific genetic deletion of Ide in the liver and pancreatic β-cells (L-IDE-KO and B-IDE-KO mice, respectively) has revealed additional roles for IDE in the regulation of hepatic insulin action and sensitivity.
  • 1.9K
  • 21 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Polysaccharide-Peptide from Trametes versicolor for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer have shown an upward trend. Therefore, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer still need our continuous attention. Finding compounds with strong anticancer activity and low toxicity is a good strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. Trametes versicolor is a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom with a long history of being used to regulate immunity and prevent cancer. Its extractions were demonstrated with strong cell growth inhibitory activity on human colorectal tumor cells, while the anticancer activity of them is not acted through a direct cytotoxic effect. 
  • 1.9K
  • 25 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Potassium Channels in PAH
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and severe cardiopulmonary disease without curative treatments. PAH is a multifactorial disease that involves genetic predisposition, epigenetic factors, and environmental factors (drugs, toxins, viruses, hypoxia, and inflammation), which contribute to the initiation or development of irreversible remodeling of the pulmonary vessels. The recent identification of loss-of-function mutations in KCNK3 (KCNK3 or TASK-1) and ABCC8 (SUR1), or gain-of-function mutations in ABCC9 (SUR2), as well as polymorphisms in KCNA5 (Kv1.5), which encode two potassium (K+) channels and two K+ channel regulatory subunits, has revived the interest of ion channels in PAH. This entry focuses on KCNK3, SUR1, SUR2, and Kv1.5 channels in pulmonary vasculature and discusses their pathophysiological contribution to and therapeutic potential in PAH.
  • 1.9K
  • 28 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Non-Flavonoid Polyphenols against Human Herpesviruses
Herpesviruses are one of the most contagious DNA viruses that threaten human health, causing severe diseases, including, but not limited to, certain types of cancer and neurological complications. The overuse and misuse of anti-herpesvirus drugs are key factors leading to drug resistance.
  • 1.9K
  • 21 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Membrane Lipid Switches
Peripheral membrane proteins are required for signal propagation upon ligand-induced receptor activation at the plasma membrane. The translocation of this amphitropic peripheral proteins from or to the plasma membrane enables signal cascade propagation into the cells. This translocation greatly depends on the membrane’s lipid composition and, consequently, regulation of the lipid bilayer emerges as a novel therapeutic strategy. Indeed, relevant changes in membrane lipids can induce massive translocation of peripheral signaling proteins from or to the plasma membrane, which controls how cells behave. We called these changes “lipid switches”, as they alter the cell’s status (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, death, etc.) in response to the modulation of membrane lipids. This discovery enables therapeutic interventions focused on modifying the bilayer’s lipids, an approach known as membrane-lipid therapy (MLT) or melitherapy.
  • 1.9K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Semaphorins Effects in Metabolic Disorders
       Semaphorins are a family originally identified as axonal guidance molecules. They are also involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, immune regulation, as well as other biological and pathological processes. Recent studies have shown that semaphorins play a role in metabolic diseases including obesity, adipose inflammation, and diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic wound healing, and diabetic osteoporosis. Evidence provides mechanistic insights regarding the role of semaphorins in metabolic diseases by regulating adipogenesis, hypothalamic melanocortin circuit, immune responses, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent progress regarding the role of semaphorins in obesity, adipose inflammation, and diabetic complications.
  • 1.9K
  • 28 Aug 2020
Topic Review
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor(AhR)
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a member of the family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors and well-known for its role in xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification.
  • 1.9K
  • 01 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Biological Effects of Radiotherapy in Cancer Cells
Radiotherapy remains an effective conventional method of treatment for patients with cancer. However, the clinical efficacy of radiotherapy is compromised by the development of radioresistance of the tumor cells during the treatment. The main goal of radiotherapy is to destroy or slow tumor growth by using high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, gamma (γ) rays, electrons, protons, neutrons, and carbon ions. The efficacy of killing is influenced by a number of factors, including the type of radiation, the total dose, the fractionation rate, and the targeted organs.
  • 1.9K
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Pig and Wild-Boar Distinguishing
The pig, one of the most important livestock species, is a meaningful source of global meat production. It is necessary to prove whether a food product that a discerning customer selects in a store is actually made from pork or venison, or does not contain it at all. The problem of food authenticity is widespread worldwide, and cases of meat adulteration have accelerated the development of food and the identification methods of feed species. It is worth noting that several different molecular biology techniques can identify a porcine component.
  • 1.9K
  • 31 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Antioxidant Potential and Beneficial Effects of Sea Cucumbers
Sea cucumbers are considered a luxury food item and used locally in traditional medication due to their impressive nutritional profile and curative effects. Sea cucumbers contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, namely phenolics, polysaccharides, proteins (collagen and peptides), carotenoids, and saponins, demonstrating strong antioxidant and other activities. In particular, phenolic compounds, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids, are abundant in this marine invertebrate and exhibit antioxidant activity. Protein hydrolysates and peptides obtained from sea cucumbers exhibit antioxidant potential, mainly dependent on the amino acid compositions and sequences as well as molecular weight, displayed for those of ≤20 kDa. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of sea cucumber polysaccharides, including fucosylated chondroitin sulfate and fucan, is a combination of numerous factors and is mostly associated with molecular weight, degree of sulfation, and type of major sugars. However, the activity of these bioactive compounds typically depends on the sea cucumber species, harvesting location, food habit, body part, and processing methods employed.
  • 1.9K
  • 24 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Molecular Progression of Prostate Cancer
We have witnessed noteworthy progress in our understanding of prostate cancer over the past decades. This basic knowledge has been translated into efficient diagnostic and treatment approaches leading to the improvement in patient survival. However, the molecular pathogenesis of prostate cancer appears to be complex, and histological findings often do not provide an accurate assessment of disease aggressiveness and future course. Moreover, we also witness tremendous racial disparity in prostate cancer incidence and clinical outcomes necessitating a deeper understanding of molecular and mechanistic bases of prostate cancer. Biological research heavily relies on model systems that can be easily manipulated and tested under a controlled experimental environment. Over the years, several cancer cell lines have been developed representing diverse molecular subtypes of prostate cancer. In addition, several animal models have been developed to demonstrate the etiological molecular basis of the prostate cancer. In recent years, patient-derived xenograft and 3-D culture models have also been created and utilized in preclinical research. This review is an attempt to succinctly discuss existing information on the cellular and molecular progression of prostate cancer. We also discuss available model systems and their tested and potential utility in basic and preclinical prostate cancer research.
  • 1.9K
  • 24 Sep 2020
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