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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.
  • 1.3K
  • 22 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Tuning between Nuclear Organization and Functionality in Health
The organization of eukaryotic genome in the nucleus, a double-membraned organelle separated from the cytoplasm, is highly complex and dynamic. The functional architecture of the nucleus is confined by the layers of internal and cytoplasmic elements, including chromatin organization, nuclear envelope associated proteome and transport, nuclear–cytoskeletal contacts, and the mechano-regulatory signaling cascades. The size and morphology of the nucleus could impose a significant impact on nuclear mechanics, chromatin organization, gene expression, cell functionality and disease development. The maintenance of nuclear organization during genetic or physical perturbation is crucial for the viability and lifespan of the cell. Abnormal nuclear envelope morphologies, such as invagination and blebbing, have functional implications in several human disorders, including cancer, accelerated aging, thyroid disorders, and different types of neuro-muscular diseases. 
  • 1.3K
  • 07 Mar 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.
  • 1.3K
  • 16 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Signal Transduction by VIP and PACAP Receptors
Homeostasis of the human immune system is regulated by many cellular components, including two neuropeptides, VIP and PACAP, primary stimuli for three class B G protein-coupled receptors, VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) regulate intestinal motility and secretion and influence the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems. Inhibition of VIP and PACAP receptors is an emerging concept for new pharmacotherapies for chronic inflammation and cancer, while activation of their receptors provides neuroprotection. Major molecular switches of VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1 may act as triggers for receptor activation and compare them with similar non-covalent interactions changing upon activation that were observed for other GPCRs. Interhelical interactions in VIP and PACAP receptors that are important for agonist binding and/or activation provide a molecular basis for the design of novel selective drugs demonstrating anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects. As to the genetic variants of VIP, PACAP, and their receptors on signalling mediated by endogenous agonists, this sequence diversity resulting from gene splicing has a significant impact on agonist selectivity and potency as well as on the signalling properties of VIP and PACAP receptors. 
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Mar 2022
Topic Review
BET Family Proteins
The BET family of proteins consists of a series of proteins with two N-terminal tandem bromodomains and an exclusive extra terminal domain (ET) that play an important role in gene transcription through epigenetic regulation, with a prominent impact in the control of cell growth and differentiation.
  • 1.3K
  • 05 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Decoding CD271 in melanoma
The evolution of melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, is triggered bydriver mutations that are acquired in the coding regions of particularly BRAF (rat fibrosarcomaserine/threonine kinase, isoform B) or NRAS (neuroblastoma-type ras sarcoma virus) in melanocytes.Although driver mutations strongly determine tumor progression, additional factors are likelyrequired and prerequisite for melanoma formation. Melanocytes are formed during vertebratedevelopment in a well-controlled di erentiation process of multipotent neural crest stem cells(NCSCs). However, mechanisms determining the properties of melanocytes and melanoma cellsare still not well understood. The nerve growth factor receptor CD271 is likewise expressed inmelanocytes, melanoma cells and NCSCs and programs the maintenance of a stem-like and migratoryphenotype via a comprehensive network of associated genes. Moreover, CD271 regulates phenotypeswitching, a process that enables the rapid and reversible conversion of proliferative into invasive ornon-stem-like states into stem-like states by yet largely unknown mechanisms. Here, we summarizecurrent findings about CD271-associated mechanisms in melanoma cells and illustrate the role ofCD271 for melanoma cell migration and metastasis, phenotype-switching, resistance to therapeuticinterventions, and the maintenance of an NCSC-like state.
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Oxygen-Based Molecules
Oxygen-based compounds are an instrumental part of the group of small, relatively reactive molecules which control cellular activities. Traditionally such molecules have been referred to as the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and include hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2∙−), and hydroxyl radicals (∙OH). However, several other reactive signaling molecules also contain oxygen, although referred to as reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These include nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−), and therefore could be grouped together with the ROS as oxygen-based compounds. 
  • 1.3K
  • 04 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Protein Translocation to Endosymbiotic Organelles
The problem with increasing the yield of recombinant proteins is resolvable using different approaches, including the transport of a target protein to cell compartments with a low protease activity. In the cell, protein targeting involves short-signal peptide sequences recognized by intracellular protein transport systems. 
  • 1.3K
  • 17 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Neuroprotective Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, characterised by a marked decline of both memory and cognition, along with pathophysiological hallmarks including amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) accumulation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuronal loss and inflammation in the brain. Additionally, oxidative stress caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants is considered one of the main risk factors for AD, since it can result in protein, lipid and nucleic acid damage and exacerbate Aβ and tau pathology. Green tea, and its main bioactive compound, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been targeted as a plausible option for the modulation of AD. Specifically, EGCG acts as an antioxidant by regulating inflammatory processes involved in neurodegeneration such as ferroptosis and microglia-induced cytotoxicity and by inducing signalling pathways related to neuronal survival. Furthermore, it reduces tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation and promotes the non-amyloidogenic route of APP processing, thus preventing the formation of Aβ and its subsequent accumulation.
  • 1.3K
  • 20 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Ribonucleoside Hydrolase Structure
Ribonucleoside hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of ribonucleosides to nitrogenous bases and ribose. These enzymes are found in many organisms: bacteria, archaea, protozoa, metazoans, yeasts, fungi and plants.
  • 1.3K
  • 20 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Targeted Cytokine Delivery for Cancer Treatment
Anti-tumor properties of several cytokines have already been investigated in multiple experiments and clinical trials. However, those studies evidenced substantial toxicities, even at low cytokine doses, and the lack of tumor specificity. These factors significantly limit clinical applications. Due to their high specificity and affinity, tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments are capable of delivering fused cytokines to tumors and, therefore, of decreasing the number and severity of side effects, as well as of enhancing the therapeutic index. Targeted cytokine-mediated activation of the immune cells may trigger massive cytokine production at the disease site, making the local environmental conditions more favorable for local immune system cell functioning.
  • 1.3K
  • 10 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Biosynthesis of Non-Canonical Amino Acids
The functional pool of canonical amino acids (cAAs) has been enriched through the emergence of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs). NcAAs play a crucial role in the production of various pharmaceuticals. The biosynthesis of ncAAs has emerged as an alternative to traditional chemical synthesis due to its environmental friendliness and high efficiency.
  • 1.3K
  • 10 Oct 2023
Topic Review
The Molecular Basis of Fragile X-Premutation-Associated Conditions
The premutation of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene is characterized by an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeats (55 to 200 CGGs) in the 5’ untranslated region and increased levels of FMR1 mRNA. Molecular mechanisms leading to fragile X-premutation-associated conditions (FXPAC) include cotranscriptional R-loop formations, FMR1 mRNA toxicity through both RNA gelation into nuclear foci and sequestration of various CGG-repeat-binding proteins, and the repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN)-initiated translation of potentially toxic proteins.
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Sep 2023
Topic Review
miR-944 in Cancer
miR-944 is localized in intron 4 of TP63. ΔNp63 in intron 3 of TP63 recruits the transcription factor AP-2 to promote miR-944 gene expression, which mediates epidermal differentiation induction by ΔNp63. miR-944 is dysregulated in various cancers. In squamous cell carcinoma. miR-944 can target and inhibit 27 protein-coding genes, thereby regulating cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial mesenchymal transition, cancer cell invasion and migration, and other cell behaviors. The genes targeted by miR-944 are involved in three signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Jak/STAT3 pathway, and PI3K/AKT pathway. miR-944 was regulated by a total of 11 competing endogenous RNAs, including 6 circular RNAs and 5 long non-coding RNAs. Abnormally expressed miR-944 can act as an independent prognostic factor and is closely related to tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, TNM staging, and drug resistance. miR-944 is expected to become a critical biomarker with great clinical application value in cancer.
  • 1.3K
  • 15 Sep 2022
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.
  • 1.3K
  • 27 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Role of Proteins and Divalent Ions in LLPS
Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is one of the key mechanisms affecting how macromolecular assemblies, including membrane-less organelles (MLOs), are formed and regulated. The molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the biomineralization pathway remain puzzling. Additionally, the significance of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which are an abundant organic component of hard tissues, in the formation of liquid precursors of biominerals remains to be solved. Research on the interactions between proteins and divalent cations is essential for understanding the resulting liquid precursors.
  • 1.3K
  • 21 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Insights into HP1a-Chromatin Interactions
     Understanding the packaging of DNA into chromatin is essential for the study of gene expression regulatory mechanisms. Heterochromatin establishment and maintenance dynamics have emerged as key features involved in genome stability, cellular growth, and disease. The heterochromatin protein HP1a is the most extensively studied factor that has both establishment and heterochromatin maintenance activities. This protein has two primary domains, namely the chromoshadow and the chromodomain, separated by a hinge region. Several works have taken place over the years, taking the challenge of defining HP1a partners using diverse experimental approaches. We revised and assemble on explaining these interactions and the potential complexes and subcomplexes associated formed with this essential protein. Characterization of these complexes will allow us to clearly understand the consequences of HP1a interactions in heterochromatin in maintenance, heterochromatin dynamics, and the direct relationship of heterochromatin with gene regulation.
  • 1.3K
  • 03 Apr 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).
  • 1.3K
  • 13 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Secondary Metabolism's Main Biosynthetic Pathways in Solid-State Fermentation
Microbial secondary metabolites are low-molecular-weight compounds synthesized by microorganisms after the growth phase. Secondary metabolites are not directly involved in microbial growth. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a process whereby microorganisms grow in the absence of free water or with low water content. It has been used since ancient times to obtain fermented foods such as koji, bread, and cheeses.
  • 1.3K
  • 13 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Aging Stress Response
Aging induces several stress response pathways to counterbalance detrimental changes associated with this process. These pathways include nutrient signaling, proteostasis, mitochondrial quality control and DNA damage response. At the cellular level, these pathways are controlled by evolutionarily conserved signaling molecules, such as 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and sirtuins, including SIRT1. Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), encoded by the PPARGC1A gene, playing an important role in antioxidant defense and mitochondrial biogenesis, may interact with these molecules influencing lifespan and general fitness. Perturbation in the aging stress response may lead to aging-related disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main reason for vision loss in the elderly. This is supported by studies showing an important role of disturbances in mitochondrial metabolism, DDR and autophagy in AMD pathogenesis. In addition, disturbed expression of PGC-1α was shown to associate with AMD. Therefore, the aging stress response may be critical for AMD pathogenesis, and further studies are needed to precisely determine mechanisms underlying its role in AMD.
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Sep 2021
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