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Topic Review
Superoxide Dismutases
Several enzymes exist that can convert or degrade reactive oxygen species (ROS); among them are the superoxide dismutases (SODs). SODs are responsible for converting superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide by dismutation, therefore participating in the ROS detoxification. Here a short overview on the role of SODs in development and pathogenicity of fungi like Podospora anserina and Aspergillus spp. is given. 
  • 909
  • 06 Feb 2022
Topic Review
STAT6
Inflammation is the main driver of tumor initiation and progression in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Recent findings have indicated that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) plays a fundamental role in the early stages of CAC, and STAT6 knockout (STAT6−/−) mice are highly resistant to CAC development. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a major role in coordinating immunomodulation in cancer; however, the role of STAT6 in the induction and function of Treg cells is poorly understood. To clarify the contribution of STAT6 to CAC, STAT6−/− and wild type (WT) mice were subjected to an AOM/DSS regimen, and the frequency of peripheral and local Treg cells was determined during the progression of CAC. When STAT6 was lacking, a remarkable reduction in tumor growth was observed, which was associated with decreased inflammation and an increased number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells. STAT6 has a direct role in the induction and function of Treg cells during CAC development.  
  • 908
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Exosomes and Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Acute Lung Injury
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent clinical condition of the digestive system, with a growing frequency each year. Approximately 20% of patients suffer from severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with local consequences and multi-organ failure, putting a significant strain on patients’ health insurance. According to reports, the lungs are particularly susceptible to SAP. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, a severe type of acute lung injury (ALI), is the primary cause of mortality among AP patients. Controlling the mortality associated with SAP requires an understanding of the etiology of AP-associated ALI, the discovery of biomarkers for the early detection of ALI, and the identification of potentially effective drug treatments. Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles with a diameter of 30–150 nm that are actively released into tissue fluids to mediate biological functions. Exosomes are laden with bioactive cargo, such as lipids, proteins, DNA, and RNA. During the initial stages of AP, acinar cell-derived exosomes suppress forkhead box protein O1 expression, resulting in M1 macrophage polarization. Similarly, macrophage-derived exosomes activate inflammatory pathways within endothelium or epithelial cells, promoting an inflammatory cascade response. On the other hand, a part of exosome cargo performs tissue repair and anti-inflammatory actions and inhibits the cytokine storm during AP. 
  • 908
  • 03 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Tooth Cementum Annulation
Tooth Cementum Annulation (or TCA) is a technique that relies on the analysis of the incremental growth of dental cementum for age and season at death estimation.
  • 907
  • 27 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Corneous ß-proteins
The epidermal appendages of birds and reptiles (the sauropsids) include claws, scales, and feathers. Each has specialized physical properties that facilitate movement, thermal insulation, defence mechanisms, and/or the catching of prey. The mechanical attributes of each of these appendages originate from its fibril-matrix texture, where the two filamentous structures present, i.e., the corneous ß-proteins (CBP or ß-keratins) that form 3.4 nm diameter filaments and the α-fibrous molecules that form the 7–10 nm diameter keratin intermediate filaments (KIF), provide much of the required tensile properties. The matrix, which is composed of the terminal domains of the KIF molecules and the proteins of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) (and which include the terminal domains of the CBP), provides the appendages, with their ability to resist compression and torsion. 
  • 904
  • 05 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Pin1 involvement in Vascular Diseases
The vascular endothelium, the active inner layer of the blood vessel, releases a wide array of biologically active molecules acting in an autocrine or paracrine fashion, thereby controlling arterial structure and vasodilatory, thrombolytic, and vaso-protective functions. By controlling the change of the backbones of several cellular substrates, the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase Pin1 acts as key fine-tuner and amplifier of multiple signaling pathways, thereby inducing several biological consequences, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Data from the literature indicate a prominent role of Pin1 in regulating vascular homeostasis. 
  • 904
  • 08 Dec 2021
Topic Review
OsFH3 Encodes a Type II Formin
The actin cytoskeleton is crucial for plant morphogenesis, and organization of actin filaments (AF) is dynamically regulated by actin-binding proteins. However, the roles of actin-binding proteins, particularly type II formins, in this process remain poorly understood in plants.
  • 903
  • 15 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Tyrosine Kinase Syk
Platelet-rich thrombi formed in vivo in mice have been shown to be composed of a core and shell region. Different pathways regulate the formation and stability of these two regions and understanding them may result in new ways to treat arterial thrombosis. The distinguishing feature between these two regions is the absence of fibrin in the shell, which indicates that in-vitro flow-based assays over thrombogenic surfaces, in the absence of coagulation, can be used to resemble this region.  Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) is a platelet immunoglobulin receptor which is known as a receptor for collagen and has been shown to contribute to the stability of platelet aggregates on collagen at high shear. In recent years GPVI has also been shown to be a receptor for fibrin and fibrinogen. Since the activation of GPVI by fibrinogen is also dependent on integrin αIIbβ3, with the interplay of the two receptors driving platelet adhesion and activation, blocking signalling pathways common to both receptors may have a greater antithrombotic effect than blocking GPVI alone. Therefore in this study, we have investigated the contribution of Syk tyrosine kinase, which plays a critical role in signalling by integrin αIIbβ3 and GPVI, in the stability of platelet aggregates formed on collagen or atherosclerotic plaque homogenate at arterial shear (1000 s-1). The results show that Syk regulates thrombus stability in the absence of fibrin. The fact that inhibitors of Syk are currently used for the treatment of patients with refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) without increasing the risk of bleeding, indicate that Syk inhibitors may represent a new class of antiplatelet agent with reduced bleeding risk compared to current drugs.
  • 901
  • 17 Jan 2022
Topic Review
The Immune System in Brief
The immune system is the body's intricate defense mechanism against infections and diseases. It is composed of a vast network of cells, tissues, and molecules working in harmony to protect us. Two main branches, the innate and adaptive immune systems, work together to differentiate between "self" and "non-self" entities. Innate immunity provides immediate but nonspecific protection, employing barriers like the skin and various white blood cells to quickly respond to threats. Adaptive immunity, on the other hand, takes time to develop and is highly specific. It relies on the production of antibodies and memory cells to remember and target specific pathogens for future encounters. The immune system's functionality revolves around recognizing foreign invaders, launching targeted responses, and forming immunological memory. It also requires tight regulation to prevent overactive responses or autoimmune disorders. Recent breakthroughs in immunology, such as immunotherapy and mRNA vaccines, highlight the ever-evolving understanding and harnessing of the immune system's capabilities, promising a brighter future in the fight against diseases.
  • 898
  • 28 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Non-Classical Exosomes for Osteoarthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common chronic, debilitating musculoskeletal conditions. Exosomes derived from non-classical sources (not bone marrow or adipose derived MSCs derived MSCs) for osteoarthritis of the knee have potential clinical use.
  • 896
  • 18 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Antiparasitic Activity of Betulinic Acid and Its Derivatives
Betulinic acid (BA) is a triterpene natural product which has shown antiparasitic activity against Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Plasmodium. 
  • 896
  • 31 May 2022
Topic Review
OGG1 in Lung
As the organ executing gas exchange and directly facing the external environment, the lungs are challenged continuously by various stimuli, causing the disequilibration of redox homeostasis and leading to pulmonary diseases. The breakdown of oxidants/antioxidants system happens when the overproduction of free radicals results in an excess over the limitation of cleaning capability, which could lead to the oxidative modification of macromolecules including nucleic acids. The most common type of oxidative base, 8-oxoG, is considered the marker of DNA oxidative damage. The appearance of 8-oxoG could lead to base mismatch and its accumulation might end up as tumorigenesis. The base 8-oxoG was corrected by base excision repair initiated by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1), which recognizes 8-oxoG from the genome and excises it from the DNA double strand, generating an AP site for further processing. Aside from its function in DNA damage repairment, it has been reported that OGG1 takes part in the regulation of gene expression, derived from its DNA binding characteristic, and showed impacts on inflammation. 
  • 895
  • 25 May 2022
Topic Review
Yes-Associated Protein in Psoriasis and Skin Tumor Pathogenesis
Psoriasis and skin tumors (such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) are chronic diseases that endanger physical and mental health, and yet the causes are largely unknown and treatment options limited. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a key member of the Hippo signaling pathway. It was originally identified in Drosophila, with a molecular weight of 65 kDa, and is also known as YAP65.
  • 895
  • 28 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Pepsin Hydrolysis of Orange By-Products
The orange seed is an important by-product obtained from the juice production industry. The juice industry considers seed as a by-product that contains between 17.9% to 26.5% of protein [18]. In fact, the protein obtained from defatted flour can be used as a low-cost source for the generation of peptides through hydrolysis that could have an important role as antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, or antihypertensive peptides.
  • 894
  • 28 May 2021
Topic Review
Pathophysiology of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy worldwide. It is characterized by an impairment of shear stress-mediated vasodilation, a pro-coagulant, and a pro-adhesive state orchestrated among others by the depletion of the vasodilator nitric oxide, by the increased phosphatidylserine exposure and tissue factor expression, and by the increased interactions of erythrocytes with endothelial cells that mediate the overexpression of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1, respectively. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to be novel actors involved in SCD pathophysiological processes. Medium-sized EVs, also called microparticles, which exhibit increased plasma levels in this pathology, were shown to induce the activation of endothelial cells, thereby increasing neutrophil adhesion, a key process potentially leading to the main complication associated with SCD, vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Small-sized EVs, also named exosomes, which have also been reported to be overrepresented in SCD, were shown to potentiate interactions between erythrocytes and platelets, and to trigger endothelial monolayer disruption, two processes also known to favor the occurrence of VOCs.
  • 893
  • 26 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Neuraminidases
Neuraminidases (NEUs) are able to cleave off sugars termed sialic acids, which are terminally attached to glycolipids and -proteins. Glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surfaces of vertebrates and higher invertebrates contain α-keto acid sugars called sialic acids, terminally attached to their glycan structures. The actual level of sialylation, regulated through enzymatic removal of the latter ones by NEU enzymes, highly affects protein-protein, cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. Thus, their regulatory features affect a large number of different cell types, including those of the immune system.
  • 892
  • 05 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Genetic Mutations Associated with TOF
Perturbed cardiac fetal blood flow and congenital heart disease are intrinsically interlinked. The presence of subtle or overt structural heart defects induces blood flow conditions that differ from normal. Because blood flow provides important mechanical feedback during heart development, mutations in genes that are responsive to flow (such as the vascular endothelial growth factor family) or perturbations in blood flow itself both lead to congenital heart defects. In particular tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is associated with perturbations in early embryonic blood flow as well as genetic mutations.
  • 891
  • 03 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Glucose-Lowering Mechanisms of Imeglimin
Imeglimin enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and inhibits the apoptosis of β-cells in the pancreas by the maintaining function and structure of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum in β-cells. Further, imeglimin inhibits hepatic glucose production and ameliorates insulin sensitivity.
  • 887
  • 31 May 2023
Topic Review
Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) represent one of the worst complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in general, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in particular. The clinical impact on patients is dramatic: the 5-year mortality rate following PJI equals the one of oncologic patients. On the other side, hospital readmission rates following explants already double those of many cardiac and oncologic procedures, leading to a significant burden on healthcare systems. At current times, the combination of increasing antibiotic resistance and the growth in the number of culture-negative PJI makes preventing infection a key aspect of adult reconstruction practices in order to avoid an epidemic escalation of PJI and musculoskeletal infections in general.
  • 886
  • 23 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Application of Barley Tweaky Spike Mutants
Barley developmental mutants tweaky spike (tw) with disturbed auxin pathways possess a unique feature of an increased level of mouldy germinating grains (MGG), which serves as a convenient model to investigate the effects of plant immunity-related substances. The effects of the auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), auxin inhibitors, salicylic acid (SA), and trans-cinnamic acid (TCA) were studied using the tw-WT system in surface-sterilized and unsterilized germinating grains under high rates of natural infection. Significant differences among the allelic tw mutants were revealed at the natural MGG level and in response to 2,4-D, SA, and TCA. The most effective means against MGG were sterilization and TCA. 2,4-D inhibited root growth in tw and tw2 mutants, occurring only in unsterilized and not sterilized germinating grains, while the opposite was observed for TCA and SA. The tw mutations influenced variations in the seed-borne fungal spectra, decreasing the frequency of Bipolaris sorokiniana and increasing Fusarium spp. Hypochlorite-based surface sterilization methods should be used with caution in studies where the action of exogenous 2,4-D will be analysed in germinating grains. Auxin pathway disturbances specific for pleiotropic tw mutants are generally restricted to organogenesis but not to germination events. 
  • 884
  • 29 Oct 2021
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