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Topic Review
Antibacterial Peptides
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are produced by all living matter as a critical part of the innate immune system [1,2,3]. Their existence was discovered in 1939, the year gramicidin was isolated from the bacteria, Bacillus brevis; some resources, however, claim that the discovery of lysozyme in the 1920s should be treated as the first AMP instance, due to lysozyme’s non enzymatic, bactericidal second mode of action [2].
  • 1.6K
  • 20 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Adipogenic Transcription Factors
Adipogenic transcription factors including CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), C/EBP beta (C/EBPβ) and peroxisome proliferator-associated receptor gamma (PPARγ) are also expressed by osteoclastogenic cells. However, in contrast to MSCs, activation of these adipogenic transcription factors in HSCs promotes the differentiation of osteoclast precursors into mature osteoclasts. Herein, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that link adipogenic transcription factors to the osteoclast differentiation program.
  • 1.6K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Effect of Metals in Transthyretin
Transthyretin (TTR) is a plasma homotetrameric protein that transports thyroxine and retinol. TTR itself, under pathological conditions, dissociates into partially unfolded monomers that aggregate and form fibrils. Metal ions such as Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+ and Ca2+ play a controversial role in the TTR amyloidogenic pathway. TTR is also present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), where it behaves as one of the major Aβ-binding-proteins. The interaction between TTR and Aβ is stronger in the presence of high concentrations of Cu2+. Crystals of TTR, soaked in solutions of physiological metals such as Cu2+ and Fe2+, but not Mn2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, Al3+, Ni2+, revealed an unusual conformational change. 
  • 1.6K
  • 25 Apr 2021
Topic Review
LncRNA–Protein Interaction
Epigenetic dysregulation is an important feature for cancer initiation and progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that stably present as RNA forms with no translated protein and have lengths larger than 200 nucleotides. LncRNA can epigenetically regulate either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Nowadays, the combined research of lncRNA plus protein analysis is gaining more attention. LncRNA controls gene expression directly by binding to transcription factors of target genes and indirectly by complexing with other proteins to bind to target proteins and cause protein degradation, reduced protein stability, or interference with the binding of other proteins. Various studies have indicated that lncRNA contributes to cancer development by modulating genes epigenetically and studies have been done to determine which proteins are combined with lncRNA and contribute to cancer development. In this review, we look in depth at the epigenetic regulatory function of lncRNAs that are capable of complexing with other proteins in cancer development.
  • 1.6K
  • 09 Nov 2020
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. 
  • 1.6K
  • 06 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Platelet
Platelets are small, anucleate blood cells produced by megakaryocytes. The main function of platelets is to participate in the physiological process of haemostasis, allowing bleeding to stop at the site of an injury, while maintaining normal blood flow elsewhere in the circulation. Platelets are also involved in immunity, antimicrobial defense, cancer growth and metastasis, lymphangiogenesis, inflammatory diseases, wound healing, liver regeneration and neurodegeneration. Their life span is 7–10 days in human. They are produced by megakaryocytes (MKs), mostly in the bone marrow.
  • 1.6K
  • 11 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Polyphenols in the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet varies by country and region, so it has a range of definitions. In general, however, it is high in vegetables, fruits, legumes (such as beans), nuts, cereals, fish and unsaturated fats (such as olive oil). It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods. In particular, some plants are characteristic of the Mediterranean vegetation; some have been present for thousands of years, such as olive trees, walnuts, oregano, pomegranates, onions and others including various citrus species. Polyphenols have a typical molecular structure with one or more aromatic rings, and one or more double bonds are present in the molecule. This structure guarantees an antioxidant action for all classes, as there is delocalization of the free radical itself, with consequent antioxidant activity.
  • 1.6K
  • 31 May 2022
Topic Review
Role of Anillin in Normal Cell
Anillin (ANLN) is an actin-binding protein that has been documented as a key factor in cell division, and it is a multi-domain protein that interacts with many proteins. ANLN is highly expressed in many types of site-specific cancerous tumours, including brain, lung, pancreas, and bone marrow cancer.
  • 1.6K
  • 02 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Osteoclast Multinucleation
       Osteoclasts  are derived from hemopoietic progenitors of the monocyte-macrophage lineage. They differentiate upon exposure to macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), which are presented by osteoblasts and osteocytesare. Multinucleation in a late phase of osteoclastogenesis is a hallmark of osteoclast maturation. The unique and dynamic multinucleation process not only increases cell size but causes functional alterations through reconstruction of the cytoskeleton, creating the actin ring and ruffled border that enable efficient bone resorption.  The process of osteoclast multinucleation is dynamic, complicated and finely controlled by multiple entangled factors. At the beginning of the 21st century, two master fusogens, DC-STAMP and OC-STAMP, had been identified that directly regulate osteoclast multinucleation.
  • 1.6K
  • 17 Aug 2020
Topic Review
Phenolic Compound Family Extracted from Raspberries
In plant physiology, a phenolic compound family can act as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, and their biosynthesis follows the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways.
  • 1.6K
  • 04 Jul 2022
Topic Review
The Keap1–Nrf2 Pathway
The Nrf2 is a transcription factor and it belongs to cap ‘n’ collar (CNC) basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein subfamilies.
  • 1.6K
  • 23 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Polyphenols (PCs)
Polyphenols, a diverse group of naturally occurring molecules commonly found in higher plants, have been heavily investigated over the last two decades due to their potent biological activities—among which the most important are their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities.
  • 1.6K
  • 27 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species by Mitochondria
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are series of chemical products originated from one or several electron reductions of oxygen. ROS are involved in physiology and disease and can also be both cause and consequence of many biological scenarios. Mitochondria are the main source of ROS in the cell and, particularly, the enzymes in the electron transport chain are the major contributors to this phenomenon. 
  • 1.6K
  • 24 May 2022
Topic Review
Direct Arylation in Pincer Complexes
Direct arylation is an atom-economical alternative to more established procedures such as Stille, Suzuki or Negishi arylation reactions. In comparison with other palladium sources and ligands, the use of palladium pincer complexes as catalysts or pre-catalysts for direct arylation has resulted in improved efficiency, higher reaction yields, and advantageous reaction conditions. In addition to a revision of the literature concerning intra- and intermolecular direct arylation reactions performed in the presence of palladium pincer complexes, the role of these remarkably active catalysts will also be discussed.
  • 1.6K
  • 09 Aug 2021
Topic Review
RET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
Rearranged during transfection (RET) is the tyrosine kinase receptor that under normal circumstances binds ligand at the cell surface and mediates various essential roles in a variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, and metabolism. RET plays a pivotal role in the development of both peripheral and central nervous systems. RET is expressed from early stages of embryogenesis and remains expressed throughout all life stages. Mutations either activating or inhibiting RET result in several aggressive diseases, namely cancer and Hirschsprung disease. However, the physiological ligand-dependent activation of RET receptor is important for the survival and maintenance of several neuronal populations, appetite, and weight gain control, thus providing an opportunity for the development of disease-modifying therapeutics against neurodegeneration and obesity. In this review, we describe the structure of RET, its signaling, and its role in both normal development as well as in developmental disorders. We highlight the differences in the signaling and outcomes of constitutive and ligand-induced RET activation. Finally, we review the data on recently developed small molecular weight RET agonists and their potential for the treatment of various diseases.
  • 1.6K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Deubiquitinases in Breast Cancer
Deubiquitinase (DUB) is an essential component in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) by removing ubiquitin chains from substrates, thus modulating the expression, activity, and localization of many proteins that contribute to tumor development and progression. DUBs have emerged as promising prognostic indicators and drug targets. DUBs have shown significant roles in regulating breast cancer growth, metastasis, resistance to current therapies, and several canonical oncogenic signaling pathways. In addition, specific DUB inhibitors have been identified and are expected to benefit breast cancer patients in the future. 
  • 1.6K
  • 09 Nov 2021
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.
  • 1.6K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
CNS Glial Cells FA Synthesis
The central nervous system (CNS) has an exceptionally high lipid content. The brain contains the highest diversity of lipids than any other organ. Fatty acids (FA) are essential monomeric components that define the structural diversity of lipids and determine their functional properties in the CNS. FAs and their metabolites are critical for brain homeostasis and influence many neural functions, including cell survival, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Glial cells are a highly heterogeneous population of cells and predominate the mammalian brain. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia are the major types of glial cells in the CNS. Their main function is to sustain a homeostatic environment for neuronal circuits, providing not only structural or trophic support but also controlling neuronal function and plasticity. To do so, glial cells heavily rely on transient and temporal changes in the FA and lipid metabolism.
  • 1.6K
  • 23 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Important Plant Viruses for Plant Biotechnology
Plant viruses have traditionally been studied as pathogens in the context of understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of a particular disease affecting crops. In recent years, viruses have emerged as a new alternative for producing biological nanomaterials and chimeric vaccines. Plant viruses were also used to generate highly efficient expression vectors, revolutionizing plant molecular farming (PMF). 
  • 1.6K
  • 18 Jan 2023
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.
  • 1.6K
  • 27 Jan 2021
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