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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.
  • 1.1K
  • 14 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Sugar Transporters in Plants
Phytohormone transporters, alkaloid transporters, ion and ion chelator transporters, sugar transporters, and amino acid transporters are common active transporters in plants. The examples of phytohormone transporters, alkaloid transporters, and ion and ion chelator transporters include ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and Multidrug And Toxic compound Extrusion (MATE) transporters, while the examples of sugar transporters include MonoSaccharide Transporters (MSTs) and SUcrose Transporters (SUTs). These transporters have been reported to play important roles in various biological processes including cellular detoxification, nutrient transport, and stress adaptation. 
  • 1.1K
  • 17 Mar 2022
Topic Review
MGluRI and ErbB Receptors
It is well-appreciated that phosphorylation is an essential post-translational mechanism of regulation for several proteins, including group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRI), mGluR1 and mGluR5 subtypes. While contributions of various serine/threonine protein kinases on mGluRI modulation have been recognized, the functional role of tyrosine kinases (TKs) is less acknowledged. Here, we describe current evidence on the modulatory roles of the ErbB tyrosine kinases receptors - activated by the neurotrophic factors neuregulins (NRGs) - on mGluRI function. Available evidence suggests that mGluRI activity is tightly dependent on ErbB signaling, and that ErbB's modulation profoundly influences mGluRI-dependent effects on neurotransmission, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory processes. 
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Nov 2020
Topic Review
RT-qPCR HEV RNA
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, belonging to the Hepeviridae family, resistant to environmental conditions, and transmitted by the consumption of contaminated water. This virus is responsible for both sporadic and epidemic outbreaks, leading to thousands of infections per year in several countries, and is thus considered an emerging disease in Europe and Asia. This study refers to a survey in Portugal during 2019, targeting the detection and eventual quantification of enteric viruses in samples from surface and drinking water. Samples positive for HEV RNA were recurrently found by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), in both types of matrix. Our results evidenced the existence of samples positive either for HEV RNA (77.8% in surface water and 66.7% in drinking water) or for infectious HEV (23.0% in surface water and 27.7% in drinking water). These results highlight the need for effective virological control of water for human consumption and activities.
  • 1.1K
  • 04 Feb 2022
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.
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a most common type of arthritis occur in the aged population. It affects any joint in the body and degenerates the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Despite the pathophysiology of OA is different, still cartilage resorption is a symbol of osteoarthritis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important proteolytic enzymes that degrade extra-cellular matrix proteins (ECM) in the body. MMPs contribute to the turnover of cartilage and its break down; their levels have increased in the joint tissues of OA patients. Application of chondroprotective drugs neutralize the activities of MMPs. Natural products derived from herbs and plants developed as traditional medicine have paid much attention due to their potential biological effects. Therapeutic value of natural products in OA has increased reputation by presenting clinical impact with insignificant side effects. Several MMPs inhibitor have been used as therapeutic drugs for long time. Recently, different types of compounds have been reviewed for their biological activities. In this review, we summarize numerous natural products for the development as MMPs inhibitors in arthritic diseases and describe the major signaling targets that involved for the treatments of these destructive joint diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Fyn
Fyn is a non-receptor or cytoplasmatic tyrosine kinase (TK) belonging to the Src family kinases (SFKs) involved in multiple transduction pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) including synaptic transmission, myelination, axon guidance, and oligodendrocyte formation. Almost one hundred years after the original description of Fyn, this protein continues to attract extreme interest because of its multiplicity of actions in the molecular signaling pathways underlying neurodevelopmental as well as neuropathologic events. Fyn is a common factor in healthy and diseased brains that targets different proteins and shapes different transduction signals according to the neurological conditions. In particular, Fyn mediates signaling pathways involved in neuronal differentiation and plasticity that have been subjected to considerable attention lately, opening the fascinating scenario to target Fyn TK for the development of potential therapeutic interventions for the treatment of CNS injuries and certain neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
  • 1.1K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Copper Homeostasis in Mammals
One of the hallmarks of Cu metabolism in mammals is that tissue and fluid levels are normally maintained within a very narrow range of concentrations.  This results from the ability of the organism to respond to variations in intake from food and drink by balancing excretion, which occurs mainly via the bile and feces.  Although this sounds straightforward and we have already learned a great deal about aspects of this process, the balance between overall intake and excretion occurs over a high background of Cu recycling, which has generally been ignored.  In fact, most of the Cu absorbed from the GI tract actually comes from digestive fluids and is constantly “re-used”.  A great deal more recycling of Cu probably occurs in the interior, between cells of individual tissues and the fluid of the blood and interstitium.  This review presents what is known that is pertinent to understanding these complexities of mammalian Cu homeostasis and indicates where further studies are needed.
  • 1.1K
  • 10 Nov 2020
Topic Review
ANO1 in Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common of rare hereditary diseases in Caucasians, and it is estimated to affect 75,000 patients globally. CF is a complex disease due to the multiplicity of mutations found in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene causing the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. Although CFTR is the main chloride channel in the lungs, others could, e.g., anoctamin-1 (ANO1 or TMEM16A), compensate for the deficiency of CFTR. 
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Oct 2021
Topic Review
D2 Dopamine Receptor (D2-R)
The type 2 dopamine receptor D2 (D2-R), member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, exists in two isoforms, short (D2S-R) and long (D2L-R). They differ by an additional 29 amino acids (AA) in the third cytoplasmic loop (ICL3) of the D2L-R. These isoforms differ in their intracellular localization and trafficking functionality, as D2L-R possesses a larger intracellular pool, mostly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). 
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
NcRNAs with Regulatory Functions
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play prominent roles in the regulation of gene expression via their interactions with other biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids.
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Nov 2021
Topic Review
ER Stress
Recent studies undoubtedly show the importance of inter-organellar connections to maintain cellular homeostasis. In normal physiological conditions or in the presence of cellular and environmental stress, each organelle responds alone or in coordination to maintain cellular function. The Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are two important organelles with very specialized structural and functional properties. These two organelles are physically connected through very specialized proteins in the region called the mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM). The molecular foundation of this relationship is complex and involves not only ion homeostasis through the shuttling of calcium but also many structural and apoptotic proteins. IRE1alpha and PERK are known for their canonical function as an ER stress sensor controlling unfolded protein response during ER stress. The presence of these transmembrane proteins at the MAM indicates its potential involvement in other biological functions beyond ER stress signaling. Many recent studies have now focused on the non-canonical function of these sensors. 
  • 1.1K
  • 06 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Protein Nanotubes
Nanobiotechnology involves the study of structures found in nature to construct nanodevices for biological and medical applications with the ultimate goal of commercialization. Within a cell most biochemical processes are driven by proteins and associated macromolecular complexes. Evolution has optimized these protein-based nanosystems within living organisms over millions of years. Among these are flagellin and pilin-based systems from bacteria, viral-based capsids, and eukaryotic microtubules and amyloids. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and protein/peptide-CNT composites, remain one of the most researched nanosystems due to their electrical and mechanical properties, there are many concerns regarding CNT toxicity and biodegradability. Therefore, proteins have emerged as useful biotemplates for nanomaterials due to their assembly under physiologically relevant conditions and ease of manipulation via protein engineering. 
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Nutritional Profile of Chilli
Chilli pepper, botanically Capsicum annuum L., is an indispensable vegetable cum spice crop grown commercially worldwide for its immature green and red ripe fruits. Universally, the crop is consumed and appreciated for its flavor, colour, aroma, texture, and preserving foods. The crop was probably first used among folks as medicinal plants for its rich bountiful and diversified nutrients, even before it was used in cooking. The understanding on use of such plants helped the masses to sustain since ancient times.
  • 1.1K
  • 17 Oct 2022
Topic Review
HEV infectivity in water samples
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, belonging to the Hepeviridae family, resistant to environmental conditions, and transmitted by the consumption of contaminated water. This virus is responsible for both sporadic and epidemic outbreaks, leading to thousands of infections per year in several countries, and is thus considered an emerging disease in Europe and Asia. This study refers to a survey in Portugal during 2019, targeting the detection and eventual quantification of enteric viruses in surface and drinking water sources. Samples positive for HEV RNA were recurrently found by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), in both matrices. The infectivity of these samples was evaluated in cultured Vero E6 cells and RNA from putative viruses produced in cell cultures was subjected to RT-qPCR targeting HEV genomic RNA. Our results evidenced the existence of samples positive either for HEV RNA (77.8% in surface water and 66.7% in drinking water) or for infectious HEV (23.0% in surface water and 27.7% in drinking water). These results highlight the need of effective virological control of water for human consumption and activities.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Biological Activities of Paper Mulberry
Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) is one of the most common skin-lightening agents in the beauty industry due to its strong anti-tyrosinase activity. It consists of various components, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, coumarins, glycosides, and polysaccharides, which possess a wide range of pharmacological properties. Apart from its anti-tyrosinase activity, paper mulberry and its compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, antigout, antinociceptive, and hepatoprotective effects. Phenols and flavonoids were demonstrated to be the main contributors to the biological activities of paper mulberry. Paper mulberry is widely applied in cosmetics for skin lightening and skin moisturizing purposes and shows potential for application in hair care products due to the hair nourishing effects. The safety of paper mulberry for topical application was proven in clinical studies.
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Senile Osteoporosis by BMSCs
Senile osteoporosis has become a worldwide bone disease with the aging of the world population. Unlike postmenopausal osteoporosis which is linked to menopause in women, senile osteoporosis is due to aging, hence, affecting both men and women. Evidence has shown that with age increase, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiate into more adipocytes rather than osteoblasts and undergo senescence, which leads to decreased bone formation and contributes to senile osteoporosis. Therefore, modulating BMSCs to stimulate them either differentiate into more osteoblasts than adipocytes or eliminate their senescence will be wonderful strategies for treating senile osteoporosis. Here, the treatment of senile osteoporosis by aiming at BMSCs is introduced.
  • 1.1K
  • 01 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Arabidopsis RETICULON-LIKE4 (RTNLB4)
Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring the transfer-DNA (T-DNA) and virulence (Vir) proteins from bacteria via a VirB-encoded type IV secretion system into plants. The effectors manipulate plant proteins to assist in T-DNA transfer, integration, and expression in plant cells. The Arabidopsis reticulon-like (RTNLB) proteins are located in the endoplasmic reticulum and are involved in endomembrane trafficking in plant cells. We functionally characterized reticulon-like protein B4 (RTNLB4), which interacted with the A. tumefaciens VirB2 protein, a major component of A. tumefaciens T-pilus. Overexpression or knockdown of RTNLB4 affected the expression of A. tumefaciens elf18 peptide-induced plant defense-related genes and could affect Agrobacterium-mediated transformation rates. Pre-treatment with elf18 peptide decreased Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression efficiency more in wild-type seedlings than RTNLB4 O/E transgenic plants, which suggests that the induced defense responses in RTNLB4 O/E transgenic plants might be affected after bacterial elicitor treatments. We also showed that two VirB2 peptides induced the expression of defense-related genes and H2O2 production and inhibited seedling growth. These typical pathogen-associated molecular pattern-trigged immune responses were less induced in RTNLB4 overexpression transgenic plants. Our findings provide strong evidence that RTNLB4 has major roles in the A. tumefaciens elf18 and VirB2 peptide-derived plant defense responses. We believe this study advances our understanding of possible functions of the RTNLB4 protein in the A. tumefaciens infection process and plant immunity.
  • 1.1K
  • 01 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Immunotherapy
The cancer-immunity cycle is characterized by various stimulatory and inhibitory factors, which together regulate the immune response and halt the extreme response that may lead to autoimmune disease. Immunotherapy of cancer has rejuvenated the field of tumor immunology and revolutionized treatment options.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 May 2023
Topic Review
Quantum Biology
Recent evidence suggests that a broad range of complex and dynamic processes in living systems could exploit quantum effects to enhance and/or regulate biological functions. These non-trivial quantum effects may play a crucial role in maintaining the non-equilibrium state of biomolecular systems so as to achieve biological advantages that cannot be understood within the boundaries of classical physics. Quantum biology is the study of such quantum aspects of living systems. 
  • 1.1K
  • 24 Mar 2021
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