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Topic Review
Schlafens in Cancer Cell Biology
Schlafens (SLFN) are a family of genes widely expressed in mammals, including humans and rodents. These intriguing proteins play different roles in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation, immune cell growth and maturation, and inhibiting viral replication. The emerging evidence is implicating Schlafens in cancer biology and chemosensitivity. Although Schlafens share common domains and a high degree of homology, different Schlafens act differently. In particular, they show specific and occasionally opposing effects in some cancer types. 
  • 995
  • 16 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Preclinical and Clinical Endeavors Targeting Mitochondria
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, for which current treatment options are limited. Recent studies have shed light on the role of mitochondria in ALS pathogenesis, making them an attractive therapeutic intervention target.
  • 995
  • 26 Feb 2024
Topic Review
MicroRNAs in Cutaneous Autoimmune Diseases
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the gene expression at a post-transcriptional level and participate in maintaining the correct cell homeostasis and functioning. Different specific profiles have been identified in lesional skin from autoimmune cutaneous diseases, and their deregulation cause aberrant control of biological pathways, contributing to pathogenic conditions. 
  • 994
  • 08 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Platelet Biology
Platelets are generated from megakaryocytes in a multi-step process called thrombopoiesis regulated by thrombopoietin. Thrombopoietin stimulates its receptor in megakaryocytes to induce the genesis of pro-platelets via a mechanism activated by low platelet counts. Platelet counts in blood are controlled by the rates of production and removal, involving mechanisms of platelet clearance, activation or ageing. Platelets are the most numerous circulating cell type (≈200,000/µL blood in humans) with an immune function. 
  • 994
  • 14 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Liver Fibrosis in HIV-Infected Individuals
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a common problem in HIV-infected individuals. Among all used drugs in anti-retroviral treatment (ART), "first-generation" NRTIs carry the greater risk for LF, with integrase strand transfer and entry inhibitors showing minimal risk. Overall most ART drugs are safe and do not seem to cause liver fibrosis when no other live comorbidities co-exist
  • 993
  • 12 Oct 2021
Topic Review
EBV Positive B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma herpes virus that infects the majority of the world population. EBV induces B-cell transformation, and disruption of a finely balanced relationship between the virus and host immune system can lead to EBV+B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPDs), which represent a wide and expanding clinicopathological spectrum ranging from indolent and self-limited disease to aggressive lymphoma.
  • 993
  • 12 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Exercise-Boosted Mitochondrial Remodeling in Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons resulting in dopamine deficiency in the striatum. Given the estimated escalation in the number of people with PD, interventions aimed at minimizing morbidity and improving quality of life are crucial. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are intrinsic factors related to PD pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that patients with PD might benefit from various forms of exercise in diverse ways, from general health improvements to disease-specific effects and, potentially, disease-modifying effects.
  • 993
  • 23 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Metabolic Program
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in bone marrow continuously supply a large number of blood cells throughout life in collaboration with hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). HSCs and HPCs are thought to regulate and utilize intracellular metabolic programs to obtain metabolites, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is necessary for various cellular functions. The metabolic programs of tissue stem/progenitor cells and their underlying molecular mechanisms have been elucidated using a variety of metabolic analysis methods.
  • 993
  • 05 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Chromatin and Cancer
A hallmark of cancers is uncontrolled cell proliferation, frequently associated with an underlying imbalance in gene expression. This transcriptional dysregulation observed in cancers is multifaceted and involves chromosomal rearrangements, chimeric transcription factors, or altered epigenetic marks. Traditionally, chromatin dysregulation in cancers has been considered a downstream effect of driver mutations. Disruption of this large-scale chromatin in proliferating cancerous cells in conventional chemotherapies induces DNA damage and provides a positive feedback loop for chromatin rearrangements and tumor diversification. Consequently, the surviving cells from these chemotherapies become tolerant to higher doses of the therapeutic reagents, which are significantly toxic to normal cells. Furthermore, the disorganization of chromatin induced by these therapies accentuates nuclear fragility, thereby increasing the invasive potential of these tumors.
  • 993
  • 29 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Mechanisms of Myofibroblast Formation
At least three local events are needed to generate mature α-SMA-positive, fully differentiated myofibroblasts: (i) biologically active TGF-β1; (ii) extracellular stress, arising from the mechanical properties of the ECM (particularly collagen) and EDA–FN/integrin interactions; and (iii) the precursory production of phenotypic modulators (EDA–FN, HA) following activation. Increasing evidence strongly supports the role of inflammatory cell interactions in promoting myofibroblast development. Regardless of the origin, the resultant myofibroblast cells share the same properties and signalling cascade events that led to their formation.
  • 993
  • 11 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Functions of Astrocytes after a Brain Disease
Neurons and glia (astrocytes, radial glia, oligodendroglia, and microglia) are the neural cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Glial cells have different functions; microglia are the resident macrophages in the CNS, oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelin production, NG2-positive glia is consistent with an oligodendrocyte progenitor function, and astrocytes play an important role both in homeostasis and in diseases. 
  • 993
  • 17 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Calcium Sources to Somatic Release of Serotonin
The soma, dendrites and axon of neurons may display calcium-dependent release of transmitters and peptides. Such release is named extrasynaptic for occurring in absence of synaptic structures. Emphasis is given to the somatic release of serotonin by the classical leech Retzius neuron, which has allowed detailed studies on the fine steps from excitation to exocytosis. Trains of action potentials induce transmembrane calcium entry through L-type channels. For action potential frequencies above 5 Hz, summation of calcium transients on individual action potentials activates the second calcium source: ryanodine receptors produce calcium-induced calcium release. The resulting calcium tsunami activates mitochondrial ATP synthesis to fuel transport of vesicles to the plasma membrane. Serotonin that is released maintains a large-scale exocytosis by activating the third calcium source: serotonin autoreceptors coupled to phospholipase C promote IP3 production. Activated IP3 receptors in peripheral endoplasmic reticulum release calcium that promotes vesicle fusion. The Swiss-clock workings of the machinery for somatic exocytosis has a striking disadvantage. The essential calcium-releasing endoplasmic reticulum near the plasma membrane hinders the vesicle transport, drastically reducing the thermodynamic efficiency of the ATP expenses and elevating the energy cost of release. 
  • 991
  • 09 Feb 2022
Topic Review
FtsHi Enzymes of Arabidopsis thaliana
FtsH metalloproteases found in eubacteria, animals, and plants are well-known for their vital role in the maintenance and proteolysis of membrane proteins. Their location is restricted to organelles of endosymbiotic origin, the chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, there are 17 membrane-bound FtsH proteases containing an AAA+ (ATPase associated with various cellular activities) and a Zn2+ metalloprotease domain.
  • 990
  • 15 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Exocytosis Mechanisms/Pathways of Nanoparticles
Both biomedical applications and safety assessments of manufactured nanomaterials require a thorough understanding of the interaction between nanomaterials and cells, including how nanomaterials enter cells, transport within cells, and leave cells. Compared to the extensively studied uptake and trafficking of nanoparticles (NPs) in cells, less attention has been paid to the exocytosis of NPs. Yet exocytosis is an indispensable process of regulating the content of NPs in cells, which in turn influences, even decides, the toxicity of NPs to cells. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and influencing factors of the exocytosis of NPs is not only essential for the safety assessment of NPs but also helpful for guiding the design of safe and highly effective NP-based materials for various purposes.
  • 990
  • 10 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Rho GTPase Regulators
The Rho family GTPases are small G proteins that act as molecular switches shuttling between active and inactive forms. Rho GTPases are regulated by two classes of regulatory proteins, guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Rho GTPases transduce the upstream signals to downstream effectors, thus regulating diverse cellular processes, such as growth, migration, adhesion, and differentiation. In particular, Rho GTPases play essential roles in regulating neuronal morphology and function. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of Rho GTPase signaling contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been found that 20 genes encoding Rho GTPase regulators and effectors are listed as ASD risk genes by Simons foundation autism research initiative (SFARI).
  • 990
  • 02 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Cell Cycle Regulation and Ciliogenesis
Primary cilia biogenesis has been closely associated with cell cycle progression. Cilia assemble when cells exit the cell cycle and enter a quiescent stage at the post-mitosis phase, and disassemble before cells re-enter a new cell cycle. Studies have focused on how the cell cycle coordinates with the cilia assembly/disassembly process, and whether and how cilia biogenesis affects the cell cycle. Appropriate regulation of the functions and/or expressions of ciliary and cell-cycle-associated proteins is pivotal to maintaining bodily homeostasis. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone/chromatin modifications, are involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression and cilia biogenesis.
  • 989
  • 03 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Rieske Iron-Sulfur Protein in COPD and Pulmonary Hypertension
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide. The development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) accounts for the high mortality rate in COPD patients. Recent studies from the researchers' laboratory and others have highlighted the important role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling in the development of COPD and associated PH. ROS are primarily generated in mitochondrial complex III in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Rieske iron-sulfur protein (RISP), a catalytic subunit of mitochondrial complex III, is the major player in the generation of ROS. RISP plays a critical role in pulmonary vasoconstriction, remodeling, and hypertension.
  • 989
  • 17 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Circadian Regulation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Function
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a single layer of cells located between the choriocapillaris vessels and the light-sensitive photoreceptors in the outer retina. The RPE performs physiological processes necessary for the maintenance and support of photoreceptors and visual function. Among the many functions performed by the RPE, the timing of the peak in phagocytic activity by the RPE of the photoreceptor outer segments that occurs 1–2 h. after the onset of light has captured the interest of many investigators and has thus been intensively studied. Several studies have shown that this burst in phagocytic activity by the RPE is under circadian control and is present in nocturnal and diurnal species and rod and cone photoreceptors. Previous investigations have demonstrated that a functional circadian clock exists within multiple retinal cell types and RPE cells. However, the anatomical location of the circadian controlling this activity is not clear. Experimental evidence indicates that the circadian clock, melatonin, dopamine, and integrin signaling play a key role in controlling this rhythm.
  • 987
  • 21 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Cell Senescence
The ageing of an organism is based on the mechanisms that mediate the ageing of its cells, that is, cell senescence. Senescence is a programmed mechanism that protects cells, predominantly against DNA damage. 
  • 987
  • 14 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Tocotrienols
Tocotrienols (T3s), members of the vitamin E family, are natural compounds found in various food sources and exist as four naturally occurring analogues known as alpha (α), beta (β), delta (δ), and gamma (γ).
  • 986
  • 29 Nov 2021
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