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Topic Review
The Effects of Diets on the “Gut–Brain” Pathways
With depression becoming increasingly prevalent, being closely associated with stress, and many patients exhibiting resistance to current treatments, depression pathophysiology requires further elucidation. Recent research has shown complex bidirectional links between the brain and the gut, and the gut microbiota and the influence of diet is beginning to provide new clues to the complex nature of this disorder. It is well known that diet is a key modulator of gut microbial composition. In humans, good quality plant-based diets such as the Mediterranean diet have been shown to reduce pathogenic bacteria in the gut, increase Bifidobacterium and Clostridium, as well as lower the risk of depression, while poorer quality diets such as the Western diet have been shown to reduce Lactobacillus in the gut, reduce overall gut microbial diversity and have been associated with increased depression risk. Evaluating the effects of diets on the brain-to-gut and gut-to-brain mechanisms in animal models of stress and depression may aid in the elucidation of the pathophysiology of depression and may provide novel therapeutic approaches. 
  • 1.5K
  • 21 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Plant Xyloglucan Xyloglucosyl Transferases
Plant xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferases or xyloglucan endo-transglycosylases (XET; EC 2.4.1.207) catalogued in the glycoside hydrolase family 16 constitute cell wall-modifying enzymes that play a fundamental role in the cell wall expansion and re-modelling. Over the past thirty years, it has been established that XET enzymes catalyse homo-transglycosylation reactions with xyloglucan (XG)-derived substrates and hetero-transglycosylation reactions with neutral and charged donor and acceptor substrates other than XG-derived. This broad specificity in XET isoforms is credited to a high degree of structural and catalytic plasticity that has evolved ubiquitously in algal, moss, fern, basic Angiosperm, monocot, and eudicot enzymes. These XET isoforms constitute gene families that are differentially expressed in tissues in time- and space-dependent manners during plant growth and development, and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.
  • 1.5K
  • 03 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Two phytochrome A Types in Plants
The phytochrome (phy) system of plants with the main phyA and phyB controls their development beginning from seed germination to fruiting and senescence. The regulation reactions are categorized into three modes—the very low and low fluence responses (VLFR and LFR) and the high irradiance responses (HIR). The phyA is unique among the other phytochromes; it is major in etiolated seedlings and light-labile, and mediates all the three photoresponse modes. The phyB is light-stable, dominates in deetiolated plants, and performs the LFR. The phyA is itself heterogeneous which may explain its functional complexity. It comprises two native types, phyA′ and phyA″, the products of post-translational modification of the molecule at the N-terminus, possibly, via serine phosphorylation. This alters chromophore-apoprotein interactions resulting in the different photochemical, phenomenological, and functional properties of the two phyA pools. The phyA′ is major, water-soluble, and light-labile; the phyA″ is minor, amphiphilic, and relatively light-stable. The phyA′ mediates the VLFR whereas the water-soluble fraction of phyA″ is responsible for the HIR and LFR, the processes taking place in the nucleus. The membrane- (protein-) associated fraction of phyA” is likely to participate in the cytoplasmic photoregulation processes. The phyA pools' functions—their mode, intensity and sign—depend on plant's species, genotype and organ/tissue. The evidence of the existence of the two distinct phyA types in a plant, and their physicochemical properties and their role in the phyA functioning are discussed.
  • 1.5K
  • 17 May 2023
Topic Review
Tumor Endothelial Cell
Tumor progression relies on angiogenesis from established normal vasculature to form new tumor blood vessels. Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) in the tumor blood vessels maintain tumor vessel formation through continual angiogenesis. TECs are heterogeneous with a diverse cellular origin. Moreover, the various factors and conditions in the tumor microenvironment elicit specific characteristics in TECs differentiating them from endothelial cells in normal vessels. TECs are the main focus of antiangiogenesis strategies, and their unique features make tumor blood vessels good anti-cancer therapeutic targets.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Bile Acids and Microbiota
After their synthesis from cholesterol in hepatic tissues, bile acids (BAs) are secreted into the intes-tinal lumen. Most BAs are subsequently re-absorbed in the terminal ileum and are transported back for recycling to the liver. Some of them, however, reach the colon and change their physico-chemical properties upon modification by gut bacteria, and vice versa, BAs also shape the compo-sition and function of the intestinal microbiota. This mutual interplay of both BAs and gut micro-biota regulates many physiological processes, including the lipid, carbohydrate and energy metab-olism of the host. Emerging evidence also implies an important role of this enterohepatic BA cir-cuit in shaping mucosal colonization resistance as well as local and distant immune responses, tissue physiology and carcinogenesis.
  • 1.5K
  • 20 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Treatment of Galactosemia
Galactosemia is an inborn disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by the inability to metabolize galactose, a sugar contained in milk (the main source of nourishment for infants), and convert it into glucose, the sugar used by the body as the primary source of energy. Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that can be diagnosed at birth, even in the absence of symptoms, with newborn screening by assessing the level of galactose and the GALT enzyme activity, as GALT defect constitutes the most frequent cause of galactosemia. Currently, galactosemia cannot be cured, but only treated by means of a diet with a reduced content of galactose and lactose. Although the diet is able to reverse the neonatal clinical picture, it does not prevent the development of long-term complications. 
  • 1.5K
  • 29 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Glyphosate Pollution Treatment
Glyphosate (N-Phosphonomethyl-glycine) is a broad-spectrum herbicide extensively used worldwide to eliminate weeds in agricultural areas, control vegetation in urban areas, and accelerate the harvest of several crops. Recently was classified as a potentially carcinogenic compound, due to this several countries banned or are in the process of banning its use.
  • 1.5K
  • 24 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Antioxidants and Human Oocyte Mitochondrial
Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) while also generating high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from oxygen metabolism. ROS are small but highly reactive molecules that can be detrimental if unregulated. While normally functioning mitochondria produce molecules that counteract ROS production, an imbalance between the amount of ROS produced in the mitochondria and the capacity of the cell to counteract them leads to oxidative stress and ultimately to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction impairs cellular functions through reduced ATP output and/or increased oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction may also lead to poor oocyte quality and embryo development, ultimately affecting pregnancy outcomes. Improving mitochondrial function through antioxidant supplementation may enhance reproductive performance. Recent studies suggest that antioxidants may treat infertility by restoring mitochondrial function and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Antioxidant properties of coenzyme-Q10, resveratrol, melatonin and several vitamins have been evaluated in the human oocyte, although their direct action on mitochondrial function has yet to be elucidated.
  • 1.5K
  • 10 Jan 2021
Topic Review
NRF2 Signaling Pathway in Cancer
Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and its major negative modulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) are main players of the cellular defense mechanisms against internal and external cell stressors.
  • 1.5K
  • 26 May 2021
Topic Review
Raman Spectroscopy Applied to Biomedical Research
Nowadays, there is an interest in biomedical and nanobiotechnological studies, such as studies on carotenoids as antioxidants and studies on molecular markers for cardiovascular, endocrine, and oncological diseases. Also, interest in industrial production of microalgal biomass for biofuels and bioproducts has stimulated studies on microalgal physiology and mechanisms of synthesis and accumulation of valuable biomolecules in algal cells. Biomolecules such as neutral lipids and carotenoids are being actively explored by the biotechnology community. Raman spectroscopy (RS) has become an important tool for researchers to understand biological processes at the cellular level in medicine and biotechnology.
  • 1.5K
  • 05 May 2022
Topic Review
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a principal subcellular organelle responsible for protein quality control in the secretory pathway, preventing protein misfolding and aggregation. Failure of protein quality control in the ER triggers several molecular mechanisms such as ER-associated degradation (ERAD), the unfolded protein response (UPR) or reticulophagy, which are activated upon ER stress (ERS) to re-establish protein homeostasis by transcriptionally and translationally regulated complex signalling pathways.
  • 1.5K
  • 13 Jun 2023
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.
  • 1.5K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Insulin Growth-Factor-Binding Protein 2
Evidence from observational and in vitro studies suggests that insulin growth-factor-binding pro-tein type 2 (IGFBP2) is a promising protein in non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, great efforts have been carried out to explore the role of IGFBP2 in obesity state and insulin-related diseases, which it is typically found decreased.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Amperometric Biosensors and Biofuel Cells
Amperometric biosensors and biofuel cells are mostly based on immobilized enzymes or living cells. Among the many oxidoreductases, glucose oxidase (GOx) is used mostly in biosensor design. The same GOx can be well applied for the development of biofuel cells and self-charging capacitors based on the operation of biofuel cells. 
  • 1.5K
  • 24 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Dermatan Sulfate in Tissue Development
The crucial roles of dermatan sulfate (DS) have been demonstrated in tissue development of the cutis, blood vessels, and bone through construction of the extracellular matrix and cell signaling. DS classically exerts physiological functions via interaction with collagens, growth factors, and heparin cofactor-II.
  • 1.5K
  • 14 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Therapeutic Potential of Intrabodies for Cancer Immunotherapy
Tumor cells are characterized by overexpressed tumor-associated antigens or mutated neoantigens, which are expressed on the cell surface or intracellularly. One strategy of cancer immunotherapy is to target cell-surface-expressed tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) with therapeutic antibodies. Intrabodies are suitable to knockdown TAAs and neoantigens without off-target effects. Intrabodies can now be selected against virtually any protein inside the cell. RNA sequencing and proteome analysis of single tumor cells combined with computational methods is bringing forward the identification of new neoantigens for the selection of anti-cancer intrabodies, which can be easily performed using phage display antibody repertoires. Anti-cancer intrabodies demonstrated tumor growth inhibition in appropriate xenograft tumor mouse models. At the moment, the biggest challenge in translating TAA/neoantigen-directed intrabodies into the clinic is the specific targeting of the intrabodies to the tumor cells. The promising development of tumor-specific lipid nanoparticles which could be embedded with an mRNA transgene or new capsid-modified and tumor-specific recombinant AAVs should enable tumor-cell-specific intrabody transfection/transduction in cancer patients and may finally bring intrabodies into the clinic.
  • 1.5K
  • 02 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Inhibitors of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases
Protein phosphorylation is a necessary mechanism to drive numerous cellular processes such as cell division, migration, differentiation and programmed cell death. This process is regulated by many enzymes, including cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) which phosphorylate proteins on their serine and threonine amino acid residues. The 20 members of CDK family known to this day regulate the cell cycle, transcription and splicing.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Bone Resorption
Bone resorption, the process by which bone is broken down to liberate products needed by the body’s metabolism, most prominently, but not exclusively, calcium, is incompletely understood.
  • 1.5K
  • 29 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Skeletal Fluorosis
Fluorine is widely dispersed in nature and has multiple physiological functions. Although it is usually regarded as an essential trace element for humans, this view is not held universally. Moreover, chronic fluorosis, mainly characterized by skeletal fluorosis, can be induced by long-term excessive fluoride consumption. High concentrations of fluoride in the environment and drinking water are major causes, and patients with skeletal fluorosis mainly present with symptoms of osteosclerosis, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, and degenerative changes in joint cartilage. Etiologies for skeletal fluorosis have been established, but the specific pathogenesis is inconclusive. Currently, active osteogenesis and accelerated bone turnover are considered critical processes in the progression of skeletal fluorosis. In recent years, researchers have conducted extensive studies in fields of signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Hedgehog, parathyroid hone, and insulin signaling pathways), stress pathways (oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways), epigenetics (DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs), and their inter-regulation involved in the pathogenesis of skeletal fluorosis.
  • 1.5K
  • 11 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Chemical Chaperones
Chemical chaperones are well known as inhibitors of protein and peptide self-assembly, as well as structural stabilizers of misfolded enzymes. We discovered that chemical chaperones inhibit adenine self-assembly both in a yeast model and in vitro. According to our study, chemical chaperones might have a dual function as enhancers of enzyme stability and as inhibitors of toxic metabolite self-assembly. This novel approach could be implemented for the rational design of inhibitors that target metabolite self-assembly as therapeutics for inborn errors of metabolism.
  • 1.5K
  • 15 Sep 2021
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