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Topic Review
Agaricales Mushroom Lignin Peroxidase
Lignin biodegradation has been extensively studied in white-rot fungi, which largely belong to order Polyporales. Among the enzymes that wood-rotting polypores secrete, lignin peroxidases (LiPs) have been labeled as the most efficient. A recent thorough study of 52 Agaricomycetes genomes has revealed the high presence of putative ligninolytic peroxidases in fungi belonging to the order Agaricales. These include the first LiP outside the order Polyporales, identified in the genome of the mushroom Agrocybe pediades (ApeLiP) as a case of parallel and convergent evolution of LiPs between Agaricales and Polyporales.
  • 1.2K
  • 17 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting c-Kit
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15–25% of all lung cancers. It exhibits a rapid doubling time and a high degree of invasiveness. Additionally, overexpression of c-Kit occurs in 70% of SCLC patients.
  • 1.2K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Astrocytes and α-Syn in Parkinson’s Disease
The α-syn protein is a 140-amino-acid protein that comprises an N-terminal region that assumes an α-helical secondary structure upon membrane binding, a non-amyloid-component hydrophobic domain that can adopt a β-sheet conformation, promoting protein aggregation in its monomeric form, and a negatively charged C-terminal domain. Astrocytes greatly contribute to neuronal survival through numerous mechanisms, such as the secretion of neurotrophins and antioxidants, the clearance of α-synuclein, glutamate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and the transfer of healthy mitochondria to neurons.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Neuroinflammation Receptors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Fibrillar aggregates and soluble oligomers of both Amyloid-β peptides (Aβs) and hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins (p-Tau-es), as well as a chronic neuroinflammation are the main drivers causing progressive neuronal losses and dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are still much disputed. Several endogenous neurotoxic ligands, including Aβs, and/or p-Tau-es activate innate immunity-related danger-sensing/pattern recognition receptors (PPRs) thereby advancing AD's neuroinflammation and progression. The major PRR families involved include scavenger, Toll-like, NOD-like, AIM2-like, RIG-like, and CLEC-2 receptors, plus the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). This quite intricate picture stresses the need to identify the pathogenetically topmost Aβ-activated PRR, whose signaling would trigger AD's three main drivers and their intra-brain spread. In theory, the candidate might belong to any PRR family. However, results of preclinical studies using in vitro nontumorigenic human cortical neurons and astrocytes and in vivo AD-model animals have started converging on the CaSR as the pathogenetically upmost PRR candidate. In fact, the CaSR binds both Ca2+ and Aβs and promotes the spread of both  Ca2+ dyshomeostasis and AD's three main drivers, causing a progressive neurons' death. Since CaSR's negative allosteric modulators block all these effects, CaSR's candidacy for topmost pathogenetic PRR has assumed a growing therapeutic potential worth clinical testing.
  • 1.2K
  • 10 Jan 2021
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.
  • 1.2K
  • 07 Jun 2023
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.
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Apr 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.
  • 1.2K
  • 24 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Retroviral Genome Packaging
Retroviruses selectively package two copies of their RNA genomes from a cellular milieu that includes a substantial excess of host and non-genomic viral RNAs. Present understanding of the structural determinants and mechanism of retroviral genome packaging has been derived from combinations of genetic experiments, phylogenetic analyses, nucleotide accessibility mapping, in silico RNA structure predictions, and biophysical studies. Genetic experiments provided early clues regarding the protein and RNA elements required for packaging, and nucleotide accessibility mapping experiments provided insights into the secondary structures of functionally important elements in the genome. Three-dimensional structural determinants of packaging were primarily derived by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A key advantage of NMR, relative to other methods for determining biomolecular structure (such as X-ray crystallography), is that it is well suited for studies of conformationally dynamic and heterogeneous systems—a hallmark of the retrovirus packaging machinery.
  • 1.2K
  • 06 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Filippi’s Glands and Silk Moths Cocoon Construction
Filippi’s glands (FGs), formerly also called Lyonet’s glands, are accessory secretory structures of the labial (silk) glands of lepidopteran caterpillars, which were implicated to play an important role in the maturation of the silk material and the construction of the cocoon.
  • 1.2K
  • 24 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Genetic Effects on Plant Immunity
An immune system is a protective mechanism that shields plants from environmental stresses. This primary function is to maintain optimal circumstances for the growth and development of plant tissues while avoiding harm from biotic and abiotic stress factors. Plants subjected to various stressors initiate stress signaling cascades that affect multiple gene expressions and induce adaptation. These signaling pathways are coordinated by transcription factors, non-coding RNAs, RNA-binding proteins, and protein-protein interaction networks.
  • 1.2K
  • 22 Nov 2022
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. 
  • 1.2K
  • 21 May 2021
Topic Review
Protein-based Subunit Nanovaccine
Protein-based subunit nanovaccines are typically composed of native or altered protein antigens that can self-assemble into nanoparticles, or antigens associated with nanoparticles through covalent or noncovalent interactions. Characteristically, nanovaccines are 1 to 1000 nm in size which generally facilitates the induction of stronger immune responses.
  • 1.2K
  • 18 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Enhancer Regulation of WNT3A
Upon traumatic brain injury, epigenome reprograms allowing gene expressions for injury response and regeneration. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing of histone marks, we identify a novel enhancer region for induced WNT3A transcription during regeneration of injured cortical neurons. An increased mono-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me1) modification and a topological transformation of this enhancer and with promoter of WNT3A gene orchestrate the transcription of WNT3A gene during neuronal regeneration.
  • 1.2K
  • 02 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Mimicking the Mammalian Plasma Membrane
Cell membranes are very complex biological systems including a large variety of lipids and proteins. Therefore, they are difficult to extract and directly investigate with biophysical methods.
  • 1.2K
  • 02 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Nrf2 in Wound Healing Process
Wound healing involves a series of cellular events in damaged cells and tissues initiated with hemostasis and finally culminating with the formation of a fibrin clot. However, delay in the normal wound healing process during pathological conditions due to reactive oxygen species, inflammation and immune suppression at the wound site represents a medical challenge. So far, many therapeutic strategies have been developed to improve cellular homeostasis and chronic wounds in order to accelerate wound repair. In this context, the role of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) during the wound healing process has been a stimulating research topic for therapeutic perspectives. Nrf2 is the main regulator of intracellular redox homeostasis. It increases cytoprotective gene expression and the antioxidant capacity of mammalian cells. It has been reported that some bioactive compounds attenuate cellular stress and thus accelerate cell proliferation, neovascularization and repair of damaged tissues by promoting Nrf2 activation.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Jun 2021
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.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Plant Xyloglucan:Xyloglucosyl Transferases
Plant xyloglucan:xyloglucosyl transferases, known as xyloglucan endo-transglycosylases (XETs) are the key players that underlie plant cell wall dynamics and mechanics. These fundamental roles are central for the assembly and modifications of cell walls during embryogenesis, vegetative and reproductive growth, and adaptations to living environments under biotic and abiotic (environmental) stresses. Xyloglucan:xyloglucosyl transferases or xyloglucan endo-transglycosylases (XET), classified under EC 2.4.1.207, transfer the glycosyl groups from one glycoside to another. These enzymes were discovered in 1992 independently in bean epicotyls, nasturtium seeds, and pea, tomato and other plant extracts, and since their discovery, significant knowledge has been accumulated on their mode of action.
  • 1.2K
  • 14 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Anti-Aging Mechanism of Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are natural and efficient biological macromolecules that act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and immune regulators.
  • 1.2K
  • 26 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Cetuximab
Cetuximab is a human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), first approved in the world.
  • 1.2K
  • 12 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicles in Central Nervous System
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) form a heterogeneous group of membrane-enclosed structures secreted by all cell types. EVs export encapsulated materials composed of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, making them a key mediator in cell–cell communication. In the context of the neurovascular unit (NVU), a tightly interacting multicellular brain complex, EVs play a role in intercellular communication and in maintaining NVU functionality. In addition, NVU-derived EVs can also impact peripheral tissues by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to reach the blood stream. As such, EVs have been shown to be involved in the physiopathology of numerous neurological diseases.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Dec 2022
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