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Topic Review
Mitochondrial Regulation of Inflammation in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Despite the burden, the factors contributing to the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain to be fully elucidated. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is a pathological mediator in DKD as the kidney is a highly metabolic organ rich in mitochondria. Furthermore, low-grade chronic inflammation also contributes to the progression of DKD, and several inflammatory biomarkers have been reported as prognostic markers to risk-stratify patients for disease progression and all-cause mortality.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Intermediate Filaments in the Endothelial Cell
Vimentin, the main protein of endothelial intermediate filaments, is one of the most well-studied of these and belongs to type-III intermediate filaments, commonly found in cells of mesenchymal origin. Vimentin filaments are linked mechanically or by signaling molecules to microfilaments and microtubules by which coordinated cell polarisation and migration are carried out, as well as control over several endotheliocyte functions. Moreover, the soluble vimentin acts as an indicator of the state of the cardiovascular system, and the involvement of vimentin in the development and course of atherosclerosis has been demonstrated.
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Cristae Dynamics
Recent studies using fluorescence super-resolution (SR) microscopy techniques showed unexpected fast movement of cristae and CJs, collectively termed as cristae dynamics. Cristae undergo continuous cycles of membrane remodelling often assisted by the dynamics of CJs in a MICOS-dependent manner, which led to the proposal of the ‘Cristae Fission and Fusion’ (CriFF) model. The field of cristae dynamics is still in infancy, future experiments could provide better insights about the consequences of the reduced cristae or CJ dynamics in the knockouts (KOs) of the MICOS subunits and their relevance in many pathologies associated with the MICOS complex.
  • 1.2K
  • 27 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Polyploidy and Ploidy Alterations in Hepatocytes
Polyploidy, a condition in which more than two sets of chromosomes are present in a cell, is a characteristic feature of hepatocytes. A significant number of hepatocytes physiologically undergo polyploidization at a young age. Polyploidization of hepatocytes is enhanced with age and in a diseased liver. It is worth noting that polyploid hepatocytes can proliferate, in marked contrast to other types of polyploid cells, such as megakaryocytes and cardiac myocytes. Polyploid hepatocytes divide to maintain normal liver homeostasis and play a role in the regeneration of the damaged liver. Furthermore, polyploid hepatocytes have been shown to dynamically reduce ploidy during liver regeneration. Although it is still unclear why hepatocytes undergo polyploidization, accumulating evidence has revealed that alterations in the ploidy in hepatocytes are involved in the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis and carcinogenesis. 
  • 1.2K
  • 28 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Hallmarks of Aging in Macrophages
The skin is our largest organ and the outermost protective barrier. Its aging reflects both intrinsic and extrinsic processes resulting from the constant insults it is exposed to. Aging in the skin is accompanied by specific epigenetic modifications, accumulation of senescent cells, reduced cellular proliferation/tissue renewal, altered extracellular matrix, and a proinflammatory environment favoring undesirable conditions, including disease onset. Macrophages (Mφ) are the most abundant immune cell type in the skin and comprise a group of heterogeneous and plastic cells that are key for skin homeostasis and host defense. However, they have also been implicated in orchestrating chronic inflammation during aging. Since Mφ are related to innate and adaptive immunity, it is possible that age-modified skin Mφ promote adaptive immunity exacerbation and exhaustion, favoring the emergence of proinflammatory pathologies, such as skin cancer.
  • 1.2K
  • 10 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras
The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is an essential part of the cellular machinery responsible for maintaining intracellular protein homeostasis. A network of proteins that comprises the proteolytic system and chaperones calculates cellular protein homeostasis. Chaperones are in charge of correcting protein misfolding, but the proteolytic system, which converges on the 26S proteasome, is in charge of removing damaged or unfolded proteins to maintain a healthy environment inside the cell. Using proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology for targeted protein degradation, a novel technique of treatment is emerging that stems from an aberrant expression of a protein that causes disease. PROTAC molecules are tiny, bifunctional molecules that bind an E3-ubiquitin ligase and a target protein at the same time, causing ubiquitination and proteasome destruction of the target protein.
  • 1.2K
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicles(EVs)
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), comprising large microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (EXs), play a key role in intercellular communication, both in physiological and in a wide variety of pathological conditions. However, the education of EV target cells has so far mainly been investigated as a function of EX cargo, while few studies have focused on the characterization of EV surface membrane molecules and the mechanisms that mediate the addressability of specific EVs to different cell types and tissues. Identifying these mechanisms will help fulfill the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic promises fueled by our growing knowledge of EVs.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Neuroprotection of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding proteins and receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), proposing IGF-1-induced neurotrophic actions in normal growth, development, and maintenance. However, while there is convincing evidence that the IGF-1 system has specific endocrine roles in the CNS, the concept is emerging that IGF-I might be also important in disorders such as ischemic stroke, brain trauma, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, etc., by inducing neuroprotective effects towards glutamate-mediated excitotoxic signaling pathways. Research in rodent models has demonstrated rescue of pathophysiological and behavioral abnormalities when IGF-1 was administered by different routes, and several clinical studies have shown safety and promise of efficacy in neurological disorders of the CNS.
  • 1.2K
  • 03 Mar 2022
Topic Review
N-Terminal Methionine Excision
In the cytosol of human cells, when a newly synthesized polypeptide emerges from the ribosomes, its fate can be determined by the enzymes that modify its N-terminal α-amino acid residue (Nα). These N-terminal modifications include excision of the initiator methionine (iMet), Nα-myristoylation, Nα-acetylation, Nα-methylation, and other less common modification events. Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) are responsible for N-terminal iMet excision (NME).
  • 1.2K
  • 14 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Cellular Senescence in the Kidneys
Cellular senescence is a state of cell cycle arrest induced by repetitive cell mitoses or different stresses, which is implicated in various physiological or pathological processes. The beneficial or adverse effects of senescent cells depend on their transitory or persistent state. Recently, an increase in senescent cell burden has been reported in renal disorders. Here, we will summarize the molecular mechanisms of senescence and their implication in renal diseases. We will also discuss the differential impacts of transient versus persistent status of cellular senescence.
  • 1.2K
  • 25 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Cytokine Storm Syndrome in SARS-CoV-2
Cytokine storm syndrome is a cascade of escalated immune responses disposing the immune system to exhaustion, which might ultimately result in organ failure and fatal respiratory distress. Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 can result in uncontrolled production of cytokines and eventually the development of cytokine storm syndrome. Mast cells may react to viruses in collaboration with other cells and lung autopsy findings from patients that died from the coronavirus disease that emerged in 2019 (COVID-19) showed accumulation of mast cells in the lungs that was thought to be the cause of pulmonary edema, inflammation, and thrombosis. 
  • 1.2K
  • 03 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Cellular Senescence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Cellular senescence is regarded as a fail-safe program, leading to double-sword effects of both cell growth inhibition and tissue repair promotion. Particularly, cellular senescence serves a pivotal role in the progression of chronic inflammatory liver diseases, ultimately leading to carcinogenesis. 
  • 1.2K
  • 11 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Hsp90α and Hsp90β
Hsp90α and Hsp90β are both ubiquitously expressed in all cell types, but assigned for distinct and irreplaceable functions. Hsp90β is essential during mouse development and Hsp90α only maintains male reproductivity in adult mice. Neither Hsp90β nor Hsp90α could substitute each other under these biological processes. Hsp90β alone maintains cell survival in culture and Hsp90α cannot substitute it. Hsp90α also has extracellular functions under stress and Hsp90β does not.
  • 1.2K
  • 02 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Melatonin and Neurogenesis
There are several neurological diseases under which processes related to adult brain neurogenesis, such cell proliferation, neural differentiation and neuronal maturation, are affected. Melatonin can exert a relevant benefit for treating neurological disorders, given its well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its pro-survival effects. In addition, melatonin is able to modulate cell proliferation and neural differentiation processes in neural stem/progenitor cells while improving neuronal maturation of neural precursor cells and newly created postmitotic neurons.
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Malarial Protozoan Parasites Infection
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Plasmodium genus through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes, affecting 228 million people and causing 415 thousand deaths in 2018. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the most recommended treatment for malaria; however, the emergence of multidrug resistance has unfortunately limited their effects and challenged the field.
  • 1.2K
  • 17 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Fibroblast Activation in Injured Heart
Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extra cellular matrix (ECM) components. It is a physiological response to pathological stimuli that helps to confine injuries. However, the prolonged activation of this process results in adverse tissue remodeling, which can ultimately affect the structure and function of organs (adverse remodeling).
  • 1.2K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
DNA Homeostasis and Senescence
As we age, our bodies accrue damage in the form of DNA mutations. These mutations lead to the generation of sub-optimal proteins, resulting in inadequate cellular homeostasis and senescence. The build-up of senescent cells negatively affects the local cellular micro-environment and drives ageing associated disease, including neurodegeneration. Therefore, limiting the accumulation of DNA damage is essential for healthy neuronal populations.  
  • 1.2K
  • 17 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Glial Cells in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Ischemic stroke is the second cause of mortality and the first cause of long-term disability constituting a serious socioeconomic burden worldwide. Approved treatments include thrombectomy and rtPA intravenous administration, which, despite their efficacy in some cases, are not suitable for a great proportion of patients. Glial cell-related therapies are progressively overcoming inefficient neuron-centered approaches in the preclinical phase. Exploiting the ability of microglia to naturally switch between detrimental and protective phenotypes represents a promising therapeutic treatment, in a similar way to what happens with astrocytes. However, the duality present in many of the roles of these cells upon ischemia poses a notorious difficulty in disentangling the precise pathways to target. Still, promoting M2/A2 microglia/astrocyte protective phenotypes and inhibiting M1/A1 neurotoxic profiles is globally rendering promising results in different in vivo models of stroke.
  • 1.2K
  • 08 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Wall-Associated Kinase
Wall-Associated Kinase (WAKs) are one of many classes of plant proteins known to serve as a medium between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytoplasm of cell walls. They are serine-threonine kinases that contain epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats, a cytoplasmic kinase and are located in the cell walls. They provide a linkage between the inner and outer surroundings of cell walls. WAKs are under a group of receptor-like kinases (RLK) that are actively involved in sensory and signal transduction pathways especially in response to foreign attacks by pathogens and in cell development. On the other hand, pectins are an abundant group of complex carbohydrates present in the primary cell wall that play roles in cell growth and development, protection, plant structure and water holding capacity. Pectins are rich in galacturonic acids (OGs) and present in the middle lamellae in plant tissues where they provide strength, flexibility and adhesion between plant cells. Commercially and within the food industry, they are used as gels and stabilizers for desserts and juices. The role of WAKs in cell walls as pectin receptors is vital to a variety of functions involved with cell differentiation, form and host-pathogen relations.
  • 1.2K
  • 25 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Organoids in Radiobiology
The majority of cancer patients will be treated with radiotherapy, either alone or together with chemotherapy and/or surgery. Optimising the balance between tumour control and the probability of normal tissue side effects is the primary goal of radiation treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how irradiation affects both normal and cancer tissue. Here, we discuss how organoids, three-dimensional tissue-resembling structures derived from tissue-resident, embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, have a growing importance in the field of radiation biology research.
  • 1.2K
  • 07 Jan 2021
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