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Topic Review
Xenopus Oocytes to Study Fully-Processed Membrane Proteins
The use of Xenopus oocytes in electrophysiological and biophysical research constitutes a long and successful story, providing major advances to the knowledge of the function and modulation of membrane proteins, mostly receptors, ion channels, and transporters. These cells are capable of correctly expressing heterologous proteins after injecting the corresponding mRNA or cDNA. The Xenopus oocyte has become an outstanding host–cell model to carry out detailed studies on the function of fully-processed foreign membrane proteins after their microtransplantation to the oocyte. 
  • 750
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Polyphenols as Antioxidant/Pro-Oxidant Compounds and Donors
Polyphenolic compounds are characterized by having at least one benzene ring with two or more hydroxyl (OH) groups. There are more than 8000 polyphenolic compounds in nature, classified into flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes.
  • 750
  • 19 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Acute Phase of Brain Injury
Early or primary injury due to brain aggression, such as mechanical trauma, hemorrhage or is-chemia, triggers the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in the extracellular space. Some DAMPs, such as S100B, participate in the regulation of cell growth and survival but may also trigger cellular damage as their concentration increases in the extracellular space. When DAMPs bind to pattern-recognition receptors, such as the receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), they lead to non-infectious inflammation that will contribute to necrotic cell clearance but may also worsen brain injury.
  • 749
  • 23 Mar 2021
Topic Review
ZNF71 KRAB in NSCLC
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the U.S. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 84% of lung cancer cases. Our previous study found that zinc finger protein 71 (ZNF71) mRNA expression was associated with chemosensitivity and its protein expression was prognostic of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 
  • 749
  • 12 Apr 2021
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. 
  • 749
  • 26 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Principle of Liquid Crystal Biosensors
Liquid crystals (LCs) are phase transition materials that exist between the liquid and the crystal states, and they can flow as liquids and also have properties such as birefringence of crystals. LCs have been widely used as sensitive elements to construct LC biosensors based on the principle that specific bonding events between biomolecules can affect the orientation of LC molecules.
  • 749
  • 25 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (ITPRs) are intracellular calcium release channels located on the endoplasmic reticulum of virtually every cell.
  • 748
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Biomarker Studies in Stress Biology
Endpoints assessed at the population or community level are most often the result of the sum of effects on individuals, arising from the effects at the cellular and molecular levels. Within this framework, these lower biological level endpoints are more responsive at an early stage of exposure, making them potential toolboxes to be used as early-warning markers to address stress. Given this, by linking responses and understanding organisms’ metabolism and physiology, the possibilities for the use of biomarkers in stress biology are vast.
  • 748
  • 10 Jan 2022
Topic Review
ICIs for HCC treatment
Immunotherapies are promising approaches for treating hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) refractory to conventional therapies. However, a recent clinical trial of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revealed that anti-tumor responses to ICIs are not satisfactory in HCC cases. Therefore, it is critical to identify molecular markers to predict outcome and develop novel combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of ICIs. Recently, several attempts have been made to classify HCC based on genome, epigenome, and transcriptome analyses. These molecular classifications are characterized by unique clinical and histological features of HCC, as well immune phenotype. For example, HCCs exhibiting gene expression patterns with proliferation signals and stem cell markers are associated with the enrichment of immune infiltrates in tumors, suggesting immune-proficient characteristics for this type of HCC. However, the presence of activating mutations in β-catenin represents a lack of immune infiltrates and refractoriness to ICIs. Although the precise mechanism that links the immunological phenotype with molecular features remains controversial, it is conceivable that alterations of oncogenic cellular signaling in cancer may lead to the expression of immune-regulatory molecules and result in the acquisition of specific immunological microenvironments for each case of HCC. Therefore, these molecular and immune characteristics should be considered for the management of HCC using immunotherapy.
  • 747
  • 02 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Cofilin Signaling
Three ADF/cofilin family members are expressed in mammals: ADF, cofilin-1, and cofilin-2. The first member ADF (also known as destrin), encoded by the gene DSTN in humans, was initially identified in the chick brain. Cofilin was discovered as an actin-interacting protein in the porcine brain. Later, Ono et al. identified two mammalian variants of cofilin, non-muscle type (also known as cofilin-1 and n-cofilin) and muscle type (also known as cofilin-2 and m-cofilin). In humans, cofilin-1 and cofilin-2 are encoded by the genes CFL1 and CFL2, respectively. Different isoforms of ADF/cofilin have qualitatively similar but quantitatively different effects on actin dynamics. To be noted, both ADF and cofilin show cooperative binding with actin filaments. Interestingly, cofilin-1 comprises almost 90% of the total ADF/cofilin family in CNS. Cofilin can bind to both G-actin and F-actin, exhibiting stronger affinities for the ADP-bound actins than the ATP- or ADP-Pi-bound forms. Cofilin binding to F-actin induces actin subunit rotation, enhances Pi release along the filament, and promotes filament severing in a concentration-dependent manner.
  • 747
  • 28 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Ursolic Acid in Cancer and Diabetic Neuropathy Diseases
Ursolic acid (UA) is a promising triterpenoid compound present in several plants’ leaves, flowers, and fruits. It shows a broad range of pharmaceutical properties and therapeutic effects. UA has been utilized as a herbal medicine with excellent pharmacological activities.
  • 747
  • 19 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Glycosphingolipid Antigens and Human Diseases
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are composed of a mono-, di-, or oligosaccharide and a ceramide and function as constituents of cell membranes. Various molecular species of GSLs have been identified in mammalian cells due to differences in the structures of oligosaccharides. The oligosaccharide structure can vary depending on cell lineage, differentiation stage, and pathology; this property can be used as a cell identification marker. 
  • 746
  • 18 Apr 2021
Topic Review
The Mitochondrial Calcium Channel Discovery
The notion of the active role of mitochondria in the decoding and shaping of intracellular Ca2+ signals dates back at the end of the 19th century. However, the identity of the molecule(s) involved in Ca2+ ion transport into mitochondria remained elusive for decades. Only in the last ten years, the factors, and the relative coding genes, mediating Ca2+ entry in mitochondria started to be genetically and biochemically described. The gene for the pore-forming unit of the mitochondrial Ca2+ channel was discovered in 2011, and its product was named mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter or MCU. The mitochondria Ca2+ uptake regulator 1 gene, MICU1, was cloned one year before, in 2010. The increasing interest of the scientific community towards mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling and metabolism in the subsequent  years led to the identification of many other MCU components and to the description of their 3D structure and physiological role. Here, we will present a brief overview of the land marking discoveries in the history of mitochondrial Ca2+ studies. 
  • 746
  • 28 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 18.5 million people die annually on account of these diseases, with a third of these people dying under the age of 70 years. Identifying those most affected by CVDs and ensuring they receive the appropriate treatment can prevent premature deaths. Furthermore, the development of new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers with the potential to predict the progression of CVDs is fundamental to reducing mortality worldwide. CVDs can be defined as disorders that affect the heart or blood vessels such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, and congenital heart disease.
  • 745
  • 30 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Radiolabeled Gold Nanoseeds and Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), classified as a grade IV brain tumor, represents the most frequent brain tumor, accounting for approximately 12–15% of all intracranial neoplasms. Current therapeutic strategies for GBM rely on open surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite some progress in the past 30 years, the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma remains extremely poor. The average lifespan is approximately 15 months after diagnosis, with most patients experiencing tumor relapse and outgrowth within 7–10 months of initial radiation therapy.
  • 745
  • 14 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicles in Helicobacter pylori-Infection
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived vesicles important in intercellular communication that play an essential role in host-pathogen interactions, spreading pathogen-derived, as well as host-derived molecules during infection. Pathogens can induce changes in the composition of EVs derived from the infected cells and use them to manipulate their microenvironment and, for instance, modulate innate and adaptive inflammatory immune responses, both in a stimulatory or suppressive manner. Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered the main risk factor for developing this disease, which is characterized by a strong inflammatory component. EVs released by host cells infected with H. pylori contribute significantly to inflammation, and in doing so promote the development of disease. 
  • 744
  • 13 May 2021
Topic Review
Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology in Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by an abrupted decline in renal function due to miscellaneous factors, such as rapid volume depletion, acute infection, nephrotoxic medicines and so on, leading to a retention of nitrogen wastes and creatinine accompanied by electrolyte disturbances and acid-base imbalance. Owing to the predictable base-pairing rule and highly modifiable characteristics, nucleic acids have already become significant biomaterials for nanostructure and nanodevice fabrication, which is known as nucleic acid nanotechnology. In particular, its excellent programmability and biocompatibility have further promoted its intersection with medical challenges. Lately, there have been an influx of research connecting nucleic acid nanotechnology with the clinical needs for renal diseases, especially AKI.
  • 744
  • 23 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Chitosans and Nanochitosans
Chitosan displays a dual function, acting as both an active ingredient and/or carrier for pharmaceutical bioactive molecules and metal ions. Its hydroxyl- and amino-reactive groups and acetylation degree can be used to adjust this biopolymer’s physicochemical and pharmacological properties in different forms, including scaffolds, nanoparticles, fibers, sponges, films, and hydrogels, among others. 
  • 743
  • 01 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Antibodies induced by Glycosphingolipids
Glycosphingolipids containing very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) regulate several immune responses, such as cytokine production, immune signaling, and antibody induction. Here, we report that immunization with glycosphingolipids containing-VLCFAs can efficiently induce the production of anti-glycan antibodies by B cells.
  • 742
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
BAZ1B the Protean Protein
The bromodomain adjacent to the zinc finger domain 1B (BAZ1B) or Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) are just two of the names referring the same protein that is encoded by the WBSCR9 gene and is among the 26–28 genes that are lost from one copy of 7q11.23 in Williams syndrome (WS: OMIM 194050). Patients afflicted by this contiguous gene deletion disorder present with a range of symptoms including cardiovascular complications, developmental defects as well as a characteristic cognitive and behavioral profile. Studies in patients with atypical deletions and mouse models support BAZ1B hemizygosity as a contributing factor to some of the phenotypes. Focused analysis on BAZ1B has revealed this to be a versatile nuclear protein with a central role in chromatin remodeling through two distinct complexes as well as being involved in the replication and repair of DNA, transcriptional processes involving RNA Polymerases I, II, and III as well as possessing kinase activity. 
  • 742
  • 22 Oct 2021
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