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Topic Review
The Natterin Proteins Diversity
The Natterin proteins were first revealed in the venom of the medically significant Brazilian toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri (VTn) in five orthologs named Natterin (1–4, and -P). They were identified as being responsible for the main toxic non-lethal effects of the VTn, such as local edema and excruciating pain, that evolved to necrosis. Following the first identification, the group of Natterin-like proteins has been expanded over time. Several sequences homologous to Natterin have been identified in different teleostean genomes, such as the venomous catfish Plotosus lineatus and non-venomous fish, including lampreys-Lampetra japonica or Lethenteron camtschaticum and Lampetra morii, arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus, zebrafish Danio rerio, atlantic cod Gadus morhua, and ovate pompano Trachinotus ovatus.
  • 1.4K
  • 09 Aug 2021
Topic Review
KRAS and the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment Modulation
The TME is a dynamic network composed, not only by tumor cells, but also by several non-tumor cell types, including stromal cells as immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic and natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), B and T cells), fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, neurons, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). This non-cellular component, together with the tumor and the non-tumor cells, establish a dynamic, challenging microenvironment that can be modulated, but especially modulates cancer cell activities, dictating the success of tumor progression. Inflammation has been gradually recognized as a key initiator and contributor for tumorigenesis by orchestrating the immune surveillance and the immune escape, but also by affecting treatment response. Interestingly, the concept of tumor-promoting inflammation has been tightly associated with KRAS mutations. In fact, in colorectal cancers, the majority of the cases with a high prevalence of KRAS mutations correlate with chronic inflammatory diseases. KRAS and its downstream interactors are described as capable of shaping the immune microenvironment through the induction of the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF)-kB signaling, which in turn promotes the transcription of several cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-1α/β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Cys-X-Cys Chemokine (CXCL)-1, 2, 5, and 8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1 or CCL2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM1). Independently of NF-kB, KRAS-downstream partners, such as RAF/MAPK and PI3K, may also induce IL-10, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression. Several studies already reported that KRAS mutations could drive the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, with the ability to sustain an immunosuppressive TME, whereas other studies verified that KRAS mutations could interfere with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as ICAM-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Thus, KRAS seems to act as a modulator of both an anti-inflammatory and a pro-inflammatory TME.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Feb 2022
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysteroid: member of a class of polyhydroxylated steroids found in invertebrate animals (zooecdysteroids; moulting hormones), plants (phytoecdysteroids) and fungi (mycoecdysteroids). Over 500 structural analogues are currently known. Biosynthetically, they derive from C27-, C28- or C29-sterols. The most frequently encountered analogue (in arthropods and plants) is 20-hydroxyecdysone (2β,3β,14α,20R,22R,25-hexahydroxycholest-7-en-6-one). In arthropods, ecdysteroids occur universally and regulate development by inducing moulting and reproduction, where their action is mediated by high-affinity binding to an intracellular member of the class of nuclear receptor (NR) proteins (ecdysteroid receptor; EcR) dimerised with a second NR (USP/RxR). This receptor complex binds to specific DNA promoter sites and regulates gene expression. In plants, ecdysteroids are a class of secondary compounds, occurring in varying amounts in certain species, but not all in others. Phytoecdysteroids are believed to contribute to the reduction of invertebrate predation by acting as feeding deterrents or endocrine disruptors. Ecdysteroids also possess a wide range of positive pharmacological effects in mammals, where the mode of action involves moderate-affinity binding to plasma-membrane-bound receptors and not interaction with the classical NRs for vertebrate steroid hormones.
  • 1.4K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Databases in Metabolomics
Metabolomics has advanced from innovation and functional genomics tools and is currently a basis in the big data-led precision medicine era. Metabolomics is promising in the pharmaceutical field and clinical research.
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase PRMT7
PRMT7 is a member of the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family, which methylates a diverse set of substrates. Arginine methylation as a posttranslational modification regulates protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions, and as such, has been implicated in various biological functions. PRMT7 is a unique, evolutionarily conserved PRMT family member that catalyzes the mono-methylation of arginine. The structural features, functional aspects, and compounds that inhibit PRMT7 are discussed here. Several studies have identified physiological substrates of PRMT7 and investigated the substrate methylation outcomes which link PRMT7 activity to the stress response and RNA biology. PRMT7-driven substrate methylation further leads to the biological outcomes of gene expression regulation, cell stemness, stress response, and cancer-associated phenotypes such as cell migration. Furthermore, organismal level phenotypes of PRMT7 deficiency have uncovered roles in muscle cell physiology, B cell biology, immunity, and brain function. 
  • 1.4K
  • 10 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Relationship between D-Amino Acids and Schizophrenia
D-amino acids may play key roles for specific physiological functions in different organs including the brain. Importantly, D-amino acids have been detected in several neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and age-related disorders, reflecting the disease conditions. Relationships between D-amino acids and neurophysiology may involve the significant contribution of D-Serine or D-Aspartate to the synaptic function, including neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Gut-microbiota could play important roles in the brain-function, since bacteria in the gut provide a significant contribution to the host pool of D-amino acids. In addition, the alteration of the composition of the gut microbiota might lead to schizophrenia. Furthermore, D-amino acids are known as a physiologically active substance, constituting useful biomarkers of several brain disorders including schizophrenia.
  • 1.4K
  • 17 May 2022
Topic Review
Sources of Reactive Oxygen Species
Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular anti-oxidant defense mechanisms, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. ROS are either produced through cellular processes or environmental factors. Of note, oxidative stress has been described as a secondary effect within the pathology of several rare monogenic diseases and sometimes been called a common denominator. 
  • 1.4K
  • 26 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Antioxidant Compounds of Mushrooms as Neuroprotective Agents
Mushrooms have been used for their nutritional value and medicinal properties. They therefore represent not only a food but also a precious source of biologically active compounds that act as nutraceuticals. Numerous studies have shown that edible mushrooms possess anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic, hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidemic, antiviral, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. The antioxidant properties of edible mushrooms are mainly related to their content in phenolic compounds and polysaccharides. Among polyphenol groups, phenolic acids are the main antioxidants, whereas the major antioxidant effects of polysaccharides are attributed to beta-glycans. These compounds show significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity and are also able to stimulate the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes.
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is a cytoplasmic receptor that recognizes invading molecules and danger signals inside the cells.
  • 1.4K
  • 17 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Research Trends of Microbial Fuel Cells in 1990-2022
Microbial fuel cells have undergone several modifications since their creation, mainly due to the different substrates that can be used as fuel for the generation of electrical energy. Research on microbial fuel cells tends to grow, with China as a leading country on the subject, written by the author Wang X. It is observed that the new cell research trends deal with the modification and fabrication of electrodes with nanomaterials in order to improve their power and reduce costs to show their viability on a larger scale.
  • 1.4K
  • 15 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factor
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infectious process that results from the excessive and uncontrolled activation of the host’s pro-inflammatory immune response to a pathogen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, which is a major component of Gram-negative bacteria’s outer membrane, plays a key role in the development of Gram-negative sepsis and septic shock in humans. To date, no specific and effective drug against sepsis has been developed.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Usefulness of Microbiome for Forensic Geolocation
Forensic microbiomics is a promising tool for crime investigation. Geolocation connects an individual to a certain place or location by microbiota.
  • 1.4K
  • 16 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Ribosome Display Technology
Antibody ribosome display remains one of the most successful in vitro selection technologies for antibodies fifteen years after it was developed. The unique possibility of direct generation of whole proteins, particularly single-chain antibody fragments (scFvs), has facilitated the establishment of this technology as one of the foremost antibody production methods. Ribosome display has become a vital tool for efficient and low-cost production of antibodies for diagnostics due to its advantageous ability to screen large libraries and generate binders of high affinity. The remarkable flexibility of this method enables its applicability to various platforms. 
  • 1.4K
  • 11 Mar 2022
Topic Review
MicroRNAs-dysregulation and mitochondrial-dysfunction in neurodegenerative-diseases
       Neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating and currently incurable conditions causing severe cognitive and motor impairments, defined by the progressive deterioration of neuronal structure and function, eventually causing neuronal loss. Understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these disorders are essential to develop therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs implicated in gene expression regulation at the post-transcriptional level. Moreover, miRNAs are crucial for different processes, including cell growth, signal transmission, apoptosis, cancer and aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Altered miRNAs levels have been associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS formation occur in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. The crosstalk existing among oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and miRNAs dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • 1.4K
  • 01 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Sirtuins in Kidney Diseases
Sirtuins (SIRTs) are class III histone deacetylases (HDACs) that play important roles in aging and a wide range of cellular functions. Sirtuins are crucial to numerous biological processes, including proliferation, DNA repair, mitochondrial energy homeostasis, and antioxidant activity. Mammals have seven different sirtuins, SIRT1–7, and the diverse biological functions of each sirtuin are due to differences in subcellular localization, expression profiles, and cellular substrates. In this review, we summarize research advances into the role of sirtuins in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases including acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, renal fibrosis, and kidney aging along with the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. The available evidence indicates that sirtuins have great potential as novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a central player of melanocyte survival, function and development. It belongs to the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors in vertebrates, consisting of four distinct but closely related and evolutionary conserved members, including MITF, transcription factor EB (TFEB), TFE3 and TFEC. Structurally, MITF encodes a basic–helix–loop–helix leucine zipper (bHLH-ZIP) transcription factor, thereby exerting its function by regulating genes involved in cell cycle progression and differentiation, a role sustained throughout the process of melanogenesis and in melanoma.
  • 1.4K
  • 13 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Lipoprotein Apheresis
Combined with high Lp(a) levels, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) leads to a greater CVD risk. In suspected FH patients, the proportion of cases explained by a rise of Lp(a) levels ranges between 5% and 20%. In the absence of a specific pharmacological approach able to lower Lp(a) to the extent required to achieve CV benefits, the most effective strategy today is lipoprotein apheresis (LA).
  • 1.4K
  • 13 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Dictyostelium discoideum
Dictyostelium discoideum has provided a useful, simple model to aid in unraveling the complex pathological characteristics of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses and lissencephaly. 
  • 1.4K
  • 06 May 2022
Topic Review
CRISPR/Cas-Based Gene Editing
There is a growing need for a molecular vehicle that can successfully load and deliver CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein complexes (and other gene editing systems) into target tissues. Synthetic delivery vehicles are being developed but so far have been only moderately successful. Extracellular vesicles are ideal candidates for a universal biological platform to produce ready-to-use, programmable, and highly biocompatible CRISPR therapeutics. Using extracellular vesicles in the CRISPR/Cas research and, ultimately, in the clinic, demands novel, advanced techniques for protein/RNA loading, surface engineering, and manufacturing. Safety of CRISPR/Cas systems and EVs also need to be tested extensively for every particular application.
  • 1.4K
  • 03 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Molecular Hydrogen
Molecular hydrogen has attracted great attention in the medical field as a nonfunctional gas that is safe and effective and attenuates oxidative stress by acting as a radical scavenger for hydroxyl radical (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). Molecular hydrogen has been  reported as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent to treat several oxidative stress related diseases. 
  • 1.4K
  • 03 Mar 2021
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