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Topic Review
Identification Methods of Entomological Origin of Honey
Honey is a sweet natural product that is produced by managed and wild bees, derived from the nectar of flowers. It is made up of various components such as sugar, protein, vitamins, minerals, aromatic substances, polyphenols, pigments, beeswax, and pollen that contribute to its color, smell, and flavor. However, honey adulteration is a growing concern, including the production of honey by feeding bees with commercial industrial sugar, the addition of foreign sugar, as well as mislabeling. Therefore, traceability of the entomological origin of honey should also be considered in honey quality control protocols. Although several methods exist, such as physicochemical characterization and bioactivity profiling of honey of different entomological origins, the most promising three methods for entomological authentication of honey include protein-based identification, chemical profiling, and a DNA-based method. ll of these methods can be applied for reliable identification of the entomological origin of honey. However, as the honey is a complex matrix, the inconsistency of the results obtained by these methods is a pragmatic challenge, and therefore, the use of each method in all the cases is questionable. Most of these methodologies can be used for authentication of newly harvested honey and it is worth understanding the possibility of using these methods for authentication of relatively old samples. Most probably, using DNA-based methods targeting small fragments of DNA can provide the best result in old samples, however, the species-specific primers targeting short fragments are limited and not available for all species. Therefore, using universal primers in combination with a DNA metabarcoding approach can be a good solution that requires further investigation.
  • 1.3K
  • 07 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicles in Neurogenic Niches
Adult neurogenesis, involving the generation of functional neurons from adult neural stem cells (NSCs), occurs constitutively in discrete brain regions such as hippocampus, sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) and hypothalamus. The intrinsic structural plasticity of the neurogenic process allows the adult brain to face the continuously changing external and internal environment and requires coordinated interplay between all cell types within the specialized microenvironment of the neurogenic niche. NSC-, neuronal- and glia-derived factors, originating locally, regulate the balance between quiescence and self-renewal of NSC, their differentiation programs and the survival and integration of newborn cells. Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication, representing an efficient way to transfer the biologically active cargos (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids) by which they modulate the function of the recipient cells. At present, little is known on the physiological role of EVs in neurogenic niches. 
  • 1.3K
  • 02 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Role of Coenzyme Q
Coenzyme Q is a unique lipidic molecule highly conserved in evolution and essential to maintaining aerobic metabolism. It is endogenously synthesized in all cells by a very complex pathway involving a group of nuclear genes that share high homology among species. This pathway is tightly regulated at transcription and translation, but also by environment and energy requirements. Dysfunction in CoQ synthesis produces mitochondrial diseases that can partially reverted by CoQ supplementation. The main function of CoQ10 in human metabolism and antioxidant protection of membranes against oxidation and ferroptosis makes CoQ10 as an essential factor in many metabolic, chronic diseases and also in aging.
  • 1.3K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Cell-Penetrable Peptide-Conjugated FADD protein
Peptide mediated intracellular delivery of FADD protein, efficiently expressed in the cytosol and target core pro-tumorigenic NFκB signaling to restrict cancer cells proliferation. This approach has the potential to design strategies for targeted delivery of proteins inside the cells, which might be useful in cancer therapeutics.
  • 1.3K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors facilitate urine glucose excretion by reducing glucose reabsorption, leading to ameliorate glycemic control. While the main characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus are insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance, SGLT2 inhibitors have some favorable effects on pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity. SGLT2 inhibitors ameliorate fatty liver and reduce visceral fat mass.
  • 1.3K
  • 11 May 2021
Topic Review
The HPA Axis and Dreaming
This is an overview of research on dream recall/affect and of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, discussing caveats regarding the action of hormones of the HPA axis (mainly cortisol and its free form, cortisol-binding globulin and glucocorticoid receptors). Results of studies regarding dream recall/affect and the HPA axis under physiological (such as waking) or pathological conditions (such as in Cushing’s syndrome or stressful situations) are presented.
  • 1.3K
  • 16 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Mechanisms of Antibody Uptake into Central Nervous System
Antibodies (mAbs) are attractive molecules for their application as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). mAbs can be generated to have high affinity and specificity to target molecules in the CNS. Unfortunately, only a very small number of mAbs have been specifically developed and approved for neurological indications. This is primarily attributed to their low exposure within the CNS, hindering their ability to reach and effectively engage their potential targets in the brain.
  • 1.3K
  • 18 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Fluorescent Protein-Based Metal Biosensors
Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are optical probes that are used to track the functions of genetically encoded target molecules in molecular and cellular biology. FPs have intrinsic photophysical properties generated by the chromophore and its surrounding amino acid sequences. The intensity of the fluorescence emission of FPs can be changed using external factors such as pH or metal ions.
  • 1.3K
  • 21 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Bladder Ischemia
The concept of bladder ischemia as a contributing factor to detrusor overactivity and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is evolving. Bladder ischemia as a consequence of pelvic arterial atherosclerosis was first documented in experimental models and later in elderly patients with LUTS. It was shown that early-stage moderate ischemia produces detrusor overactivity, while prolonged severe ischemia provokes changes consistent with detrusor underactivity. Recent studies imply a central role of cellular energy sensors, cellular stress sensors, and stress response molecules in bladder responses to ischemia. The cellular energy sensor adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase was shown to play a role in detrusor overactivity and neurodegeneration in bladder ischemia.
  • 1.3K
  • 15 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using oxygen, light, and photosensitizers, which has potential for making up for the weakness of the existing therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It has been mainly used to treat cancer, and clinical tests for second-generation photosensitizers with improved physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic profiles, or singlet oxygen quantum yield have been conducted.
  • 1.3K
  • 13 Apr 2021
Topic Review
RAB11-Mediated Trafficking and Human Cancers
RAB11 isoforms function as membrane organizers connecting the transport of cargoes towards the plasma membrane with the assembly of autophagic precursors and the generation of cellular protrusions. These processes dramatically impact normal cell physiology and their alteration significantly affects the survival, progression and metastatization as well as the accumulation of toxic materials of cancer cells. 
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Quality Control of the 26S Proteasome
The ubiquitin-26S proteasome system and autophagy are two major protein degradation machineries encoded in all eukaryotic organisms. While the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for the turnover of short-lived and/or soluble misfolded proteins under normal growth conditions, the autophagy-lysosomal/vacuolar protein degradation machinery is activated under stress conditions to remove long-lived proteins in the forms of aggregates, either soluble or insoluble, in the cytoplasm and damaged organelles. 
  • 1.3K
  • 31 Jan 2023
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.
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Insights into Postoperative Cognitive Impairment Induced by Anesthesia
Cognitive impairment after surgery is a common problem, affects mainly the elderly, and can be divided into postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Both phenomena are accompanied by neuroinflammation; however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment after anesthesia are not yet fully understood. Anesthesiological drugs can have a longer-term influence on protein transcription, thus, epigenetics is a possible mechanism that impacts on cognitive function. Epigenetic mechanisms may be responsible for long-lasting effects and may implicate novel therapeutic approaches.
  • 1.3K
  • 19 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Sulfotransferase (SOT) Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Various kinds of primary metabolisms in plants are modulated through sulfate metabolism, and sulfotransferases (SOTs), which are engaged in sulfur metabolism, catalyze sulfonation reactions. In this study, a genome-wide approach was utilized for the recognition and characterization of SOT family genes in the significant nutritional crop potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Twenty-nine putative StSOT genes were identified in the potato genome and were mapped onto the nine S. tuberosum chromosomes. The protein motifs structure revealed two highly conserved 5′-phosphosulfate-binding (5′ PSB) regions and a 3′-phosphate-binding (3′ PB) motif that are essential for sulfotransferase activities. The protein–protein interaction networks also revealed an interesting interaction between SOTs and other proteins, such as PRTase, APS-kinase, protein phosphatase, and APRs, involved in sulfur compound biosynthesis and the regulation of flavonoid and brassinosteroid metabolic processes. This suggests the importance of sulfotransferases for proper potato growth and development and stress responses. Notably, homology modeling of StSOT proteins and docking analysis of their ligand-binding sites revealed the presence of proline, glycine, serine, and lysine in their active sites. An expression essay of StSOT genes via potato RNA-Seq data suggested engagement of these gene family members in plants’ growth and extension and responses to various hormones and biotic or abiotic stimuli. Our predictions may be informative for the functional characterization of the SOT genes in potato and other nutritional crops.
  • 1.3K
  • 13 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Flavivirus Genomes
The flavivirus genome consists of a single positive-stranded RNA molecule with just one open reading frame (ORF) flanked by untranslated 5′ and 3′ regions. The ORF encodes a polyprotein that is processed to produce three structural and seven non-structural viral proteins. The RNA genome is endowed with a type I cap structure at the 5′ terminus and lacks a poly A tail at its 3′ end. To store all the information required for their successful propagation, flaviviruses use discrete structural genomic RNA elements to code for functional information by the establishment of dynamic networks of long-range RNA–RNA interactions that promote specific functional folding.
  • 1.3K
  • 20 Apr 2021
Topic Review
MIT for Uric Acid Determination
The application of molecular imprinting technology (MIT) is a fascinating way to obtain the highly selective analytical systems. The terminology of MIT is applicable to both (i) inorganic compounds as it was demonstrated on the silica gel-based system at the very beginning of the history of this technology and also for the (ii) polymeric compounds. In case of the MIT application for the systems based on the polymers, the obtained structures are called MIPs. Uric acid is a biologically active compound, which is found in human fluids (blood and urine). The increased (hyperuricemia) or decreased (hypouricemia) levels of uric acid in the blood and urine are linked to many diseases, including gout, diabetes (type 2), cardiovascular, kidney, and many other. MIPs are offering many analytical and/or technological advantages for electrochemical and some other analytical systems dedicated to the determination of uric acid, which is an important issue in biomedicine, environmental and food chemistry. 
  • 1.3K
  • 21 May 2021
Topic Review
FURIN in insulin receptor processing
The insulin receptor (IR) is critically involved in maintaining glucose homeostasis. It undergoes proteolytic cleavage by proprotein convertases, which is an essential step for its activation. The importance of the insulin receptor in the liver is well established, but its role in pancreatic β cells is still controversial.
  • 1.3K
  • 24 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Anti-Aging Mechanism of Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are natural and efficient biological macromolecules that act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and immune regulators.
  • 1.3K
  • 26 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Thioredoxin-Related Transmembrane Proteins
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is site of synthesis and maturation of membrane and secretory proteins in eukaryotic cells. The ER contains more than 20 members of the Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) family. These enzymes regulate formation, isomerization and disassembly of covalent bonds between cysteine residues. As such, PDIs ensure protein folding, which is required to attain functional and transport-competent structure, and protein unfolding, which facilitates dislocation of defective gene products across the ER membrane for ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The PDI family includes over a dozen of soluble members and few membrane-bound ones. Among these latter, there are five PDIs grouped in the thioredoxin-related transmembrane (TMX) protein family.
  • 1.3K
  • 27 Oct 2020
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