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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
Genetic and Genomic Alterations in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumor characterized by high heterogeneity, diffuse infiltration, aggressiveness, and formation of recurrences. Patients with this kind of tumor suffer from cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems, beyond exhibiting dismal survival rates. Current treatment comprises surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with the methylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ). GBMs harbor intrinsic mutations involving major pathways that elicit the cells to evade cell death, adapt to the genotoxic stress, and regrow.
  • 1.5K
  • 23 May 2022
Topic Review
Lonomia obliqua Envenoming
The hemorrhagic syndrome is one of the most serious complications in patients who have  been in contact with the Lonomia caterpillar bristles. Although 26 species of the genus Lonomia (Saturniidae family) are distributed in the American continent, the most studied species are L. obliqua and L. achelous caterpillars; both are capable of inducing hemorrhagic effects in humans. Envenoming by L. obliqua caterpillars was considered a public health problem in southern Brazil. The hemostatic disturbances observed in the envenoming by L. obliqua caterpillars, result in a consumption coagulopathy, resembling a disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and secondary fibrinolysis, which can lead to the hemorrhagic syndrome. The main complication of L. obliqua envenomation is acute renal failure, which can occur in up to 12% of the cases, being frequent in patients over 45 years old and in those with heavy bleeding. Besides that, some deaths related to hemorrhage and renal failure have been reported. However, the early diagnosis and proper treatment with  antilonomic serum (ALS), produced by the Butantan Institute (SP/Brazil), within 12 h of contact can prevent severe coagulopathy and hemorrhage events. 
  • 1.5K
  • 22 Dec 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.
  • 1.5K
  • 27 Oct 2020
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
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
Generalities about AB Toxins
AB toxins exhibit a protein structure, consisting of two distinct domains: a targeting domain and a catalytic (toxic) domain. Over time, these toxins have evolved into highly efficient carriers adept at delivering their catalytic domain into cells. The use of biotechnology to manipulate these proteins facilitates the development of potent and exquisitely precise protein ligands designed to specifically target cell surface receptors associated with cancer and deliver treatments in to these cells. Two noteworthy examples of such toxins are the Shiga toxin and the Anthrax toxin.
  • 1.5K
  • 24 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Arterial Hypertension and Tension-Type Headache
Arterial hypertension (AH) is a prevalent condition worldwide and is the key risk factor for non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular complications. Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of primary headache and is considered a common everyday headache.
  • 1.5K
  • 11 Oct 2021
Topic Review
UBR Box-Containing E3 Ligases
UBR box E3 ligases, also called N-recognins, are integral components of the N-degron pathway. Representative N-recognins include UBR1, UBR2, UBR4, and UBR5, and they bind destabilizing N-terminal residues, termed N-degrons. Understanding the molecular bases of their substrate recognition and the biological impact of the clearance of their substrates on cellular signaling pathways can provide valuable insights into the regulation of these pathways.
  • 1.5K
  • 13 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Ribosome Interactions with SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causing pathogen of the unprecedented global Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Upon infection, the virus manipulates host cellular machinery and ribosomes to synthesize its own proteins for successful replication and to facilitate further infection. SARS-CoV-2 executes a multi-faceted hijacking of the host mRNA translation and cellular protein synthesis. Viral nonstructural proteins (NSPs) interact with a range of different ribosomal states and interfere with mRNA translation. Concurrent mutations on NSPs and spike proteins contribute to the epidemiological success of variants of concern (VOCs). The interactions between ribosomes and SARS-CoV-2 represent attractive targets for the development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
  • 1.5K
  • 18 Feb 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
Vitamins B1, B3 and B6 in Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease
The molecular mechanisms of Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease, involving impaired vitamin metabolism and/or actions, are considered in light of the potential therapeutic actions of vitamins B1, B3 and B6 in the disease.
  • 1.5K
  • 27 Jun 2023
Topic Review
5-Hydroxytryptamine and Gut
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a metabolite of tryptophan and is reported to modulate the development and neurogenesis of the enteric nervous system, gut motility, secretion, inflammation, sensation, and epithelial development. Approximately 95% of 5-HT in the body is synthesized and secreted by enterochromaffin (EC) cells, the most common type of neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, through sensing signals from the intestinal lumen and the circulatory system. Gut microbiota, nutrients, and hormones are the main factors that play a vital role in regulating 5-HT secretion by EC cells. Apart from being an important neurotransmitter and a paracrine signaling molecule in the gut, gut-derived 5-HT was also shown to exert other biological functions (in autism and depression) far beyond the gut. Moreover, studies conducted on the regulation of 5-HT in the immune system demonstrated that 5-HT exerts anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory effects on the gut by binding to different receptors under intestinal inflammatory conditions. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms through which 5-HT participates in cell metabolism and physiology can provide potential therapeutic strategies for treating intestinal diseases. Herein, we review recent evidence to recapitulate the mechanisms of synthesis, secretion, regulation, and biofunction of 5-HT to improve the nutrition and health of humans.
  • 1.5K
  • 17 Aug 2021
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
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
E3 Ligases in Muscle Atrophy
Skeletal muscle loss is a detrimental side-effect of numerous chronic diseases that dramatically increases mortality and morbidity. The alteration of protein homeostasis is generally due to increased protein breakdown while, protein synthesis may also be down-regulated. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is a master regulator of skeletal muscle that impacts muscle contractile properties and metabolism through multiple levers like signaling pathways, contractile apparatus degradation, etc. Among the different actors of the UPS, the E3 ubiquitin ligases specifically target key proteins for either degradation or activity modulation, thus controlling both pro-anabolic or pro-catabolic factors. The atrogenes MuRF1/TRIM63 and MAFbx/Atrogin-1 encode for key E3 ligases that target contractile proteins and key actors of protein synthesis respectively. However, several other E3 ligases are involved upstream in the atrophy program, from signal transduction control to modulation of energy balance. Controlling E3 ligases activity is thus a tempting approach for preserving muscle mass.
  • 1.5K
  • 31 May 2021
Topic Review
Benchmarking Data Sets
Developing realistic data sets for evaluating virtual screening methods is a task that has been tackled by the cheminformatics community for many years. Numerous artificially constructed data collections were developed, such as DUD, DUD-E, or DEKOIS. However, they all suffer from multiple drawbacks, one of which is the absence of experimental results confirming the impotence of presumably inactive molecules, leading to possible false negatives in the ligand sets. In light of this problem, the PubChem BioAssay database, an open-access repository providing the bioactivity information of compounds that were already tested on a biological target, is now a recommended source for data set construction. Nevertheless, there exist several issues with the use of such data that need to be properly addressed. In this article, an overview of benchmarking data collections built upon experimental PubChem BioAssay input is provided, along with a thorough discussion of noteworthy issues that one must consider during the design of new ligand sets from this database. The points raised in this review are expected to guide future developments in this regard, in hopes of offering better evaluation tools for novel in silico screening procedures.
  • 1.5K
  • 26 Oct 2020
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
Label-Based Electrochemical Aptasensors for Cancer Detection Applications
Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. With the advantages of simplicity, rapid response, reusability, and a low cost, aptamer-based electrochemical biosensors have received considerable attention as a promising approach for the clinical diagnosis of early-stage cancer.
  • 1.5K
  • 14 Apr 2022
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
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