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Topic Review
Xenopus Oocytes to Study Fully-Processed Membrane Proteins
The use of Xenopus oocytes in electrophysiological and biophysical research constitutes a long and successful story, providing major advances to the knowledge of the function and modulation of membrane proteins, mostly receptors, ion channels, and transporters. These cells are capable of correctly expressing heterologous proteins after injecting the corresponding mRNA or cDNA. The Xenopus oocyte has become an outstanding host–cell model to carry out detailed studies on the function of fully-processed foreign membrane proteins after their microtransplantation to the oocyte. 
  • 1.5K
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Probe for Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy
Probe choice in single-molecule microscopy requires deeper evaluations than those adopted for less sensitive fluorescence microscopy studies. Fluorophore characteristics can alter or hide subtle phenomena observable at the single-molecule level, wasting the potential of the sophisticated instrumentation and algorithms developed for this kind of advanced applications. The three typical groups of fluorophores are fluorescent proteins, organic dyes and quantum dots; here their advantages, drawbacks and use in single-molecule microscopy are discussed. Some requirements are common to all applications, such as high brightness and photostability, specific and efficient labeling, controlled stoichiometry, no perturbation on the system. Other requirements depend on the specific type of single-molecule technique; some of them are here described with their specific requirements for probe choice.
  • 1.5K
  • 13 Feb 2023
Topic Review
The Non-Coding RNA Language
Complex organisms are associations of different cells that coexist and collaborate creating a living consortium, the holobiont. The relationships between the holobiont members are essential for a proper homeostasis of all the organisms and they are founded on the establishment of complex inter-connections between all the cells. Non-coding RNAs are transcriptional products of the genomic output with regulatory function and they can act as communication signals between cells, being involved either in homeostasis or dysbiosis of the holobiont. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells can transmit signals via non-coding RNAs using specific extracellular conveyors that will travel to reach the target cell and will be translated into a regulatory response by a dedicated molecular machinery. Within holobionts, non-coding RNA regulatory signaling is involved in symbiotic and pathogenic relationships among cells. This review analyzes the current knowledge about the role of non-coding RNAs in cell-to-cell communication, with a special focus in the signaling between cells in multi-organism consortia.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
PARP in DNA Damage Repair
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) 1-3 are well-known multi-domain enzymes, catalysing the covalent modification of proteins, DNA, and themselves. They attach mono- or poly-ADP-ribose to targets using NAD+ as a substrate. Poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) is central to the important functions of PARP enzymes in the DNA damage response and nucleosome remodelling. Activation of PARP happens through DNA binding via zinc fingers and/or the WGR domain. Modulation of their activity using PARP inhibitors occupying the NAD+ binding site has proven successful in cancer therapies. For decades, studies set out to elucidate their full-length molecular structure and activation mechanism. 
  • 1.5K
  • 02 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Biology of Cancer Stem Cells
Cancer stem cells have claimed to be one of the most important group of cells for the development of several common cancers as they dictate features, such as resistance to radio- and chemotherapy, metastasis, and secondary tumor formation. Therapies which could target these cells may develop into an effective strategy for tumor eradication and a hope for patients for whom this disease remains uncurable.
  • 1.5K
  • 06 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Interleukin-6
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine of a pro-inflammatory nature, and it can be produced by various cell types of the immune system as well as by some nonimmune cells, including fibroblasts. IL-6 is cytokine important for the initial phase of immune response that is recognized by 2 types of receptor. Overproduction of IL-6 is associated with aging, chronic inflammation, cancer and severe viral infections such is COVID-19.  This molecule is not produced by immune cells but also by cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells. Control of its production or inhibition of IL-6 receptors could have the therapeutic consequences. 
  • 1.5K
  • 26 Nov 2020
Topic Review
5-Oxo-Eicosatetraenoic Acid
5-Oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (i.e. 5-oxo-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid; also termed 5-oxo-ETE and 5-oxoETE) is a Nonclassic eicosanoid metabolite of arachidonic acid and the most potent naturally occurring member of the 5-HETE family of cell signaling agents. Like other cell signaling agents, 5-oxo-ETE is made by a cell and then feeds back to stimulate its parent cell (see Autocrine signaling) and/or exits this cell to stimulate nearby cells (see paracrine signaling). 5-Oxo-ETE can stimulate various cell types particularly human leukocytes but possesses its highest potency and power in stimulating the human eosinophil type of leukocyte. It is therefore suggested to be formed during and to be an important contributor to the formation and progression of eosinophil-based allergic reactions; it is also suggested that 5-oxo-ETE may also contribute inflammation, cancer cell growth, and other pathophysiological responses.
  • 1.5K
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Successful detection of the first SARS-CoV-2 cases using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method reflects the power and usefulness of this technique. Real-time PCR is a variation of the PCR assay to allow monitoring of the PCR progress in actual time. PCR itself is a molecular process used to enzymatically synthesize copies in multiple amounts of a selected DNA region for various purposes. Real-time PCR is one of the most powerful molecular approaches and is widely used in biological sciences and medicine because it is quantitative, accurate, sensitive, and rapid. Applications of real-time PCR include gene expression analysis, mutation detection, detection and quantification of pathogens, detection of genetically modified organisms, detection of allergens, monitoring of microbial degradation, species identification, and determination of parasite fitness. The technique has been used as a gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. Modifications of the standard real-time PCR methods have also been developed for particular applications. 
  • 1.5K
  • 26 Dec 2022
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
PBK/TOPK
T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK, also known as PDZ-binding kinase or PBK) plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and mitotic progression. Abnormal overexpression or activation of TOPK has been observed in many cancers, including colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and melanoma, and it is associated with increased development, dissemination, and poor clinical outcomes and prognosis in cancer. Moreover, TOPK phosphorylates p38, JNK, ERK, and AKT, which are involved in many cellular functions, and participates in the activation of multiple signaling pathways related to MAPK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT, and NOTCH1; thus, the direct or indirect interactions of TOPK make it a highly attractive yet elusive target for cancer therapy. Small molecule inhibitors targeting TOPK have shown great therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer both in vitro and in vivo, even in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, targeting TOPK could be an important approach for cancer prevention and therapy.
  • 1.5K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Traveling Across Life Sciences with Acetophenone
Each metabolite, regardless of its molecular simplicity or complexity, has a mission or function in the organism biosynthesizing it.  The biological, allelochemical, and chemical properties of acetophenone, as a metabolite involved in multiple interactions with various (mi-cro)organisms.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Jan 2023
Topic Review
High-resolution melt method
HRM (High-resolution melt) analysis is a powerful molecular biology detection method used for the identification of genetic mutations, DNA methylation analysis or species identification. 
  • 1.5K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Oral Sulfated Fucose-Rich Polysaccharides
Sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides from marine organisms are unique molecules with various pharmacological effects. They might have promising therapeutic applications in different diseases.
  • 1.5K
  • 24 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Cathepsin Proteases and Bcl-2 Proteins
Taken with the growing importance of cathepsin-mediated substrate proteolysis in tumor biology and progression, the focus and emphasis placed on therapeutic design and development is coming into fruition. Underpinning this approach is the invariable progression from the direction of fully characterizing cathepsin protease members and their substrate targets, towards targeting such an interaction with tangible therapeutics. The two groups of such substrates that have gained much attention over the years are the pro- and anti- apoptotic protein intermediates from the extrinsic and intrinsic signaling arms of the apoptosis pathway.
  • 1.4K
  • 08 May 2021
Topic Review
CUT Domain Proteins in Cancer
Recent studies revealed that CUT domains function as accessory factors that accelerate DNA repair by stimulating the enzymatic activities of the base excision repair enzymes OGG1, APE1, and DNA pol β. Strikingly, the role of CUT domain proteins in DNA repair is exploited by cancer cells to facilitate their survival. Cancer cells in which the RAS pathway is activated produce an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which, if not counterbalanced by increased production of antioxidants, causes sustained oxidative DNA damage and, ultimately, cell senescence. These cancer cells can adapt by increasing their capacity to repair oxidative DNA damage in part through elevated expression of CUT domain proteins such as CUX1, CUX2, or SATB1. In particular, CUX1 overexpression was shown to cooperate with RAS in the formation of mammary and lung tumors in mice. Conversely, knockdown of CUX1, CUX2, or SATB1 was found to be synthetic lethal in cancer cells exhibiting high ROS levels as a consequence of activating mutations in KRAS, HRAS, BRAF, or EGFR. Importantly, as a byproduct of their adaptation, cancer cells that overexpress CUT domain proteins exhibit increased resistance to genotoxic treatments such as ionizing radiation, temozolomide, and cisplatin.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Jun 2021
Topic Review
The PINK1/Parkin Pathway
The process by which dysfunctional mitochondria are selectively targeted for lysosome-mediated degradation otherwise known as mitophagy, requires the serine/threonine kinase PINK1 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin to occur. In the last decade the PINK1/Parkin pathway received great attention due to its importance in many physiological and pathological processes. Understanding the mechanisms by which mitochondria are selectively recognized and targeted for degradation is thus fundamental to understand and to develop therapies for many devastating diseases. Here the mechanisms at the basis of the PINK1/Parkin-mediated degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria are described.
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Non-Amyloidbeta-Tau Biomarkers
Core biomarkers amyloid beta (Aβ) and Tau have been considered as key neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. However, they did not sufficiently reflect clinical severity and therapeutic response, proving the difficulty of the Aβ- and Tau-targeting therapies in clinical trials. Along with these core biomarkers, non-Amyloidbeta-Tau pathophysiological biomarkers (Neurodegeneration-related biomarkers, biomarkers for neuroinflammation and phagocytosis of an innate immune system, lipid metabolism biomarkers) could serve as advanced reporters for early diagnosing AD, predicting AD progression, and monitoring the treatment response.
  • 1.4K
  • 18 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Immune-Mediated Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a challenging clinical event in medicine, particularly because of its ability to present with a variety of phenotypes including that of autoimmune hepatitis or other immune mediated liver injuries.
  • 1.4K
  • 12 Oct 2021
Topic Review
SnRK2 in Plants
Reversible phosphorylation is a major mechanism for regulating protein function and controls a wide range of cellular functions including responses to external stimuli. The plant-specific SNF1-related protein kinase 2s (SnRK2s) function as central regulators of plant growth and development, as well as tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. 
  • 1.4K
  • 26 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Bioactivities and Chemical Analysis of Ailanthus altissima(Mill.) Swingle
Many species of the so-called exotic plants coexist with native species in a balanced way, but others thrive very quickly and escape human control, becoming harmful—these are called invasive alien species. In addition to overcoming geographic barriers, these species can defeat biotic and abiotic barriers, maintaining stable populations. Ailanthus altissima is no exception; it is disseminated worldwide and is considered high risk due to its easy propagation and resistance to external environmental factors. Currently, it has no particular use other than ornamental, even though it is used to treat epilepsy, diarrhea, asthma, ophthalmic diseases, and seborrhoea in Chinese medicine. Considering its rich composition in alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, and flavonoids, doubtlessly, its use in medicine or other fields can be maximised.
  • 1.4K
  • 17 Dec 2021
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