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Topic Review
Glycerol Phosphate-Containing Glycan in Mammals
Bacteria contain glycerol phosphate (GroP)-containing glycans, which are important constituents of cell-surface glycopolymers such as the teichoic acids of Gram-positive bacterial cell walls. These glycopolymers comprising GroP play crucial roles in bacterial physiology and virulence. Recently, the first identification of a GroP-containing glycan in mammals was reported as a variant form of O-mannosyl glycan on α-dystroglycan (α-DG). However, the biological significance of such GroP modification remains largely unknown.
  • 1.4K
  • 15 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Genetic Engineering Technology
Genetic engineering refers to the specific molecular biological modification of DNA sequences. With the rapid development of genetic engineering methods, especially the breakthroughs in guiding endonuclease technology, gene remodeling of crops has become simpler, more precise, and efficient. Genetic engineering techniques can be used to develop crops with superior traits such as high trace elements and high plant nutrients, providing an important tool to meet the needs of nearly 7.6 billion people in the world for crop yield and quality and to achieve sustainable development.
  • 1.4K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
PERK
Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer that represents a severe health threat. The drugs used nowadays in chemotherapy often encounter resistance leading to a dramatic loss of their efficacy, which consequently affects patients’ survival. Previous studies have shown that the protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway, which is one of the three branches of the unfolded protein response, is highly activated in multiple myeloma, possibly contributing to the chemotherapy resistance that these patients develop. In this study, we have used the compound GSK2606414, which is a PERK inhibitor, and found that myeloma cells are highly sensitive to this molecule. These effects were more pronounced when the inhibitor was used in combination with an anti-myeloma drug such as the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, suggesting that the PERK pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients.
  • 1.4K
  • 02 Nov 2020
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.
  • 1.4K
  • 13 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Oleuropein in Non-Communicable Diseases
Growing scientific literature data suggest that the intake of natural bioactive compounds plays a critical role in preventing or reducing the occurrence of human chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as neuro- and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and cancer. Oleuropein, the main phenolic component of Olea europaea L., has attracted scientific attention for its several health beneficial properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio- and neuro-protective, and anti-cancer. This entry contains data from the current literature concerning the effect of oleuropein in NCDs not only due to its putative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but also to its other peculiar actions such as autophagy inducer and amyloid fibril growth inhibitor and, finally, as anti-cancer agent. Despite the increasing number of published studies, looking at the health effects of oleuropein, there is limited clinical evidence focused on the benefits of this polyphenol as a nutraceutical product in humans, and many problems are still to be resolved about its bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and dosage. Thus, future clinical randomized trials are needed to establish the relation between the beneficial effects and the mechanisms of action occurring in the human body in response to the intake of oleuropein.
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Tyrp1 Mutant Variants and OCA3
Oculocutaneous albinism type 3 (OCA3) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the TYRP1 gene. Tyrosinase-related protein 1 (Tyrp1) is involved in eumelanin synthesis, catalyzing the oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid oxidase (DHICA) to 5,6-indolequinone-2-carboxylic acid (IQCA).
  • 1.4K
  • 29 Oct 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.
  • 1.4K
  • 14 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Rapamycin Signaling at Muscle Fiber Fate in Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia, the age-related decline of muscle mass and strength/function is a major risk factor for disability and loss of independence in late life. Studies have shown that behavioral interventions (e.g., physical activity, adapted nutrition) reduce the rate of muscle wasting during aging. However, an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms driving age-related muscle loss has hampered the development of effective drugs to prevent or treat sarcopenia. Altered muscle protein metabolism is considered to be one of the main factors underlying the development and progression of sarcopenia. While basal rates of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and degradation (MPD) seem to be unaffected by age, the anabolic response to a variety of stimuli (e.g., exercise, nutrient ingestion) is blunted during aging. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of muscle anabolic and catabolic pathways and, hence, a promising target for interventions against sarcopenia.
  • 1.4K
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Coformer Utilization in Multicomponent Crystal Formation
Most recently discovered active pharmaceutical molecules and market-approved medicines are poorly soluble in water, resulting in limited drug bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. The application of coformers in a multicomponent crystal method is one possible strategy to modulate a drug’s solubility. A multicomponent crystal is a solid phase formed when several molecules of different substances crystallize in a crystal lattice with a certain stoichiometric ratio. 
  • 1.4K
  • 20 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Parkinson’s genes in neurological disorders
Neurodevelopmental and late-onset neurodegenerative disorders present as separate entities that are clinically and neuropathologically quite distinct. However, recent evidence has highlighted surprising commonalities and converging features at the clinical, genomic, and molecular level between these two disease spectra. This is particularly striking in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Genetic causes and risk factors play a central role in disease pathophysiology and enable the identification of overlapping mechanisms and pathways. Several genes and genomic regions are highlighted, including SNCA (alpha-synuclein), PARK2 (parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase), chromosome 22q11 deletion/DiGeorge region, and FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) repeat expansion, which influence the development of both ASD and PD, with converging features related to synaptic function and neurogenesis. Both PD and ASD display alterations and impairments at the synaptic level, representing early and key disease phenotypes, which support the hypothesis of converging mechanisms between the two types of diseases. Therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms might inform on common targets and therapeutic approaches.
  • 1.4K
  • 24 Aug 2020
Topic Review
Melatonin and Plant Cadmium Tolerance
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most injurious heavy metals, affecting plant growth and development. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) was discovered in plants in 1995, and it is since known to act as a multifunctional molecule to alleviate abiotic and biotic stresses, especially Cd stress. Endogenously triggered or exogenously applied melatonin re-establishes the redox homeostasis by the improvement of the antioxidant defense system. It can also affect the Cd transportation and sequestration by regulating the transcripts of genes related to the major metal transport system, as well as the increase in glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs). 
  • 1.4K
  • 10 Nov 2021
Topic Review
RNA–Protein
RNA–protein interactions are the nodes in a complex regulatory network that controls the fate of each RNA expressed in a cell.
  • 1.4K
  • 15 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Oxidative Stress
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor necessary for the launch of transcriptional responses important in health and disease. Its partner protein aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), and AhR repressor protein (AhRR) are members of a family of structurally related transcription factors (basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) motif-containing Per–ARNT–Sim (PAS), whose members carry out critical functions in the gene expression networks that underlie many physiological and developmental processes, especially those participating in responses to signals from the environment.
  • 1.4K
  • 12 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Exosomes and Mesothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Most patients with ovarian cancer (OvCA) present peritoneal disseminated disease at the time of diagnosis. During peritoneal metastasis, cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and disseminate through the intraperitoneal fluid. The peritoneal mesothelial cell (PMC) monolayer that lines the abdominal cavity is the first barrier encountered by OvCA cells. Subsequent progression of tumors through the peritoneum leads to the accumulation into the peritoneal stroma of a sizeable population of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which is mainly originated from a mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) process. A common characteristic of OvCA patients is the intraperitoneal accumulation of ascitic fluid, which is composed of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, miRNAs, and proteins contained in exosomes, as well as tumor and mesothelial suspended cells, among other components that vary in proportion between patients. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that have been shown to mediate peritoneal metastasis by educating a pre-metastatic niche, promoting the accumulation of CAFs via MMT, and inducing tumor growth and chemoresistance. This review summarizes and discusses the pivotal role of exosomes and MMT as mediators of OvCA peritoneal colonization and as emerging diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
  • 1.4K
  • 11 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Abscisic Acid (ABA)
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a significant regulator of numerous flexible traits of plant developmental improvements, including embryo maturation, germination, seed dormancy, floral initiation, and root growth.
  • 1.4K
  • 25 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Naturally Occurring Heavy Metal Hyperaccumulators
A hyperaccumulator is a plant which can absorb and accumulate heavy metals in its above-ground sections (especially the leaves) at values exceeding specific metal thresholds. 
  • 1.4K
  • 21 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and Dementia
Dementia is reported to be common in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes contributes to common molecular mechanisms and an underlying pathology with dementia. Brain cells becoming resistant to insulin leads to elevated blood glucose levels, impaired synaptic plasticity, microglial overactivation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis, nutrient deprivation, TAU (Tubulin-Associated Unit) phosphorylation, and cholinergic dysfunction.
  • 1.4K
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Integrins
Integrins belong to a group of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) which is a large group of membrane-bound proteins. They are involved both in cell attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and in signal transduction from the ECM to the cells. They also take part in numerous biological activities, namely extravasation, cell-to-cell adhesion, cell migration, and function as receptors for certain viruses, including adenovirus, echovirus, hantavirus, foot-and-mouth disease, polio virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). CAMs also include selectins, cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily and other molecules, including CD44. Cell adhesion molecules are classified using the CD nomenclature (from 1 to 130). Integrins receive and transmit biochemical and mechanical signals through the cell membrane in both directions. Signals which develop inside the cell lead to conformational changes of the molecule and transmission of integrin into a state which enables ligand binding. The name “integrins” has been coined to denote the function they have maintaining a multicellular organism as a whole. They significantly affect the integrity of the cytoskeleton–ECM connections.
  • 1.4K
  • 04 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Angiopoietin-like Proteins
Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) are a family of eight proteins with a diversity of applications, including pro- and anti-angiogenic properties.
  • 1.4K
  • 25 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Potential Biochemical Properties and Genetics of C-Reactive Protein
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is supposed to be an accredited benchmark for physicians, to reveal or rule out inflammation, and multifarious scientific endeavors have been made so as to detect the direct pleiotropic functions of this protein. The use of CRP as the most important and critical immunochemical marker of several medical conditions, including infections such as sepsis, physiological organ diseases, various autoimmune disorders, malignancies and other health conditions, has become widely popular.
  • 1.4K
  • 14 Nov 2023
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