Your browser does not fully support modern features. Please upgrade for a smoother experience.
Subject:
All Disciplines Arts & Humanities Biology & Life Sciences Business & Economics Chemistry & Materials Science Computer Science & Mathematics Engineering Environmental & Earth Sciences Medicine & Pharmacology Physical Sciences Public Health & Healthcare Social Sciences
Sort by:
Most Viewed Latest Alphabetical (A-Z) Alphabetical (Z-A)
Filter:
All Topic Review Biography Peer Reviewed Entry Video Entry
Topic Review
Polyphenols in Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a malignant disease of the blood. Current treatments for leukaemia are associated with serious side-effects. Here we discuss the potential therapeutic use of polyphenols in leukaemia. We outline the molecular mechanism of action of polyphenol in leukaemia cell lines, and discuss the pharmacological properties of polyphenols, including their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumour activities, and suggest that polyphenols are potent natural agents that can be useful therapeutically; and discuss why data on bioavailability, toxicity and metabolism is essential to evaluate their clinical use. 
  • 940
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Chemokines in the cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a heterogeneous tumor with poor prognosis, can arise at any level in the biliary tree. It may derive from epithelial cells in the biliary tracts and peribiliary glands and possibly from progenitor cells or even hepatocytes. Several risk factors are responsible for CCA onset, however an inflammatory milieu nearby the biliary tree represents the most common condition favoring CCA development. Chemokines play a key role in driving the immunological response upon liver injury and may sustain tumor initiation and development. Chemokine receptor-dependent pathways influence the interplay among various cellular components, resulting in remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment towards a pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrogenic, pro-angiogenic and pre-neoplastic setting. Moreover, once tumor develops, chemokine signaling may influence its progression.
  • 939
  • 24 Aug 2020
Topic Review
Epigenetics in Myeloid Diseases
Mutations in genes encoding chromatin regulators are early events contributing to developing asymptomatic clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and its frequent progression to myeloid diseases with increasing severity. We focus on the subset of myeloid diseases encompassing myelodysplastic syndromes and their transformation to secondary acute myeloid leukemia. We introduce the major concepts of chromatin regulation that provide the basis of epigenetic regulation. In greater detail, we discuss those chromatin regulators that are frequently mutated in myelodysplastic syndromes. We discuss their role in the epigenetic regulation of normal hematopoiesis and the consequence of their mutation. Finally, we provide an update on the drugs interfering with chromatin regulation approved or in development for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.
  • 939
  • 20 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Transport Metabolons in Tumor Cells
Solid tumors are metabolically highly active tissues, which produce large amounts of acid. The acid/base balance in tumor cells is regulated by the concerted interplay between a variety of membrane transporters and carbonic anhydrases (CAs), which cooperate to produce an alkaline intracellular, and an acidic extracellular, environment, in which cancer cells can outcompete their adjacent host cells. Many acid/base transporters form a structural and functional complex with CAs, coined “transport metabolon”. Transport metabolons with bicarbonate transporters require the binding of CA to the transporter and CA enzymatic activity. In cancer cells, these bicarbonate transport metabolons have been attributed a role in pH regulation and cell migration. Another type of transport metabolon is formed between CAs and monocarboxylate transporters, which mediate proton-coupled lactate transport across the cell membrane. In this complex, CAs function as “proton antenna” for the transporter, which mediate the rapid exchange of protons between the transporter and the surroundings. These transport metabolons do not require CA catalytic activity, and support the rapid efflux of lactate and protons from hypoxic cancer cells to allow sustained glycolytic activity and cell proliferation.
  • 938
  • 07 Jun 2021
Topic Review
MYBBP1A
The MYB binding protein 1A (MYBBP1A, also known as p160) acts as a co-repressor of multiple transcription factors involved in many physiological processes. Therefore, MYBBP1A acts as a tumor suppressor in multiple aspects related to cell physiology, most of them very relevant for tumorigenesis. We explored the different roles of MYBBP1A in different aspects of cancer, such as mitosis, cellular senescence, epigenetic regulation, cell cycle, metabolism plasticity and stemness. We especially reviewed the relationships between MYBBP1A, the inhibitory role it plays by binding and inactivating c-MYB and its regulation of PGC-1α, leading to an increase in the stemness and the tumor stem cell population. In addition, MYBBP1A causes the activation of PGC-1α directly and indirectly through c-MYB, inducing the metabolic change from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Therefore, the combination of these two effects caused by the decreased expression of MYBBP1A provides a selective advantage to tumor cells. Interestingly, this only occurs in cells lacking pVHL. Finally, the loss of MYBBP1A occurs in 8%–9% of renal tumors. tumors, and this subpopulation could be studied as a possible target of therapies using inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration.
  • 938
  • 09 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Standard of Care for Glioblastoma
The most common, most rapidly progressing central nervous system tumor, glioblastoma, is a heterogeneous cancer with both interpatient and intratumor variability.
  • 938
  • 14 Sep 2022
Topic Review
β-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human cancers. Activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are widespread in HCC (~50% and ~30%, respectively). TERTp mutations are predicted to increase TERT transcription and telomerase activity. 
  • 937
  • 02 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Circulating Tumor DNA in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers appear as major health burdens worldwide with high incidences and mortality rates. For these cancers, stage at diagnosis remains the most important prognostic factor for clinical outcome. However, the emergence of simple and reproducible biomarkers is needed for the management of these diseases along their evolution.
  • 937
  • 10 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Biomarkers in Anal Cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare neoplasm, but with rising incidence rates in the past few decades; it is etiologically linked with the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and is especially prevalent in immunocompromised patients, mainly those infected with HIV. 
  • 936
  • 30 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive subtype of lung cancer characterized by a rapid initial response and early development of resistance to systemic therapy and radiation. The management of SCLC significantly changed for the first time in decades with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
  • 935
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Simultaneous Monitoring of Multi-Enzyme Activity
The use of fluorescent imaging probes that monitor the activity of proteases that experience an increase in expression and activity in tumors is well established. These probes can be conjugated to nanoparticles of iron oxide, creating a multimodal probe serving as both a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent and an indicator of local protease activity. Previous works describe probes for cathepsin D (CatD) and metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) protease activity grafted to cross-linked iron oxide nanoparticles (CLIO). Herein, we have synthesized a triply labeled fluorescent iron oxide nanoparticle molecular imaging (MI) probe, including an AF750 substrate concentration reporter along with probes for cathepsin B (CatB) sand MMP2 protease activity. The reporter provides a baseline signal from which to compare the activity of the two proteases. The activity of the MI probe was verified through incubation with the proteases and tested in vitro using the human HT29 tumor cell line and in vivo using female nude mice injected with HT29 cells. We found the MI probe had the appropriate specificity to the activity of their respective proteases, and the reporter dye did not activate when incubated in the presence of only MMP2 and CatB. Probe fluorescent activity was confirmed in vitro, and reporter signal activation was also noted. The fluorescent activity was also visible in vivo, with injected HT29 cells exhibiting fluorescence, distinguishing them from the rest of the animal. The reporter signal was also observable in vivo, which allowed the signal intensities of the protease probes to be corrected; this is a unique feature of this MI probe design.
  • 934
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
EDCs function in tumor microenvironment
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) can display estrogenic and androgenic effects, and their exposure has been linked to increased cancer risk. EDCs have been shown to directly affect cancer cell regulation and progression, but their influence on tumour microenvironment is still not completely elucidated. In this context, the signalling hub protein RACK1 (Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1) could represent a nexus between cancer and the immune system due to its roles in cancer progression and innate immune activation. Since RACK1 is a relevant EDCs target that responds to steroid-active compounds, it could be considered a molecular bridge between the endocrine-regulated tumour microenvironment and the innate immune system.
  • 934
  • 17 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the primary cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Although early diagnosis and cancer growth inhibition has significantly improved breast cancer survival rate over the years, there is a current need to develop more effective systemic treatments to prevent metastasis. One of the most commonly altered pathways driving breast cancer cell growth, survival, and motility is the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is a group of lipid kinases that phosphorylate the 3′-OH group of phosphatidylinositol (PI) at plasma and intracellular membranes. 
  • 934
  • 30 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Oncogene Driver Mutations and Therapeutic Implications in CRC
Genetic alterations in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) have shown a negative predictive and prognostic role in specific target therapies. The assessment of RAS and BRAF genes and mismatch repair (MMR)/microsatellite status should be evaluated as molecular panel upfront in all cases of CRC to drive patients’ selection toward biological approved treatments.
  • 934
  • 08 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Although most prostate cancers are localized, and the majority are curable, recurrences occur in approximately 35% of men. Among patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence and PSA doubling time (PSADT) less than 15 months after radical prostatectomy, prostate cancer accounted for approximately 90% of the deaths by 15 years after recurrence. An immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and impaired cellular immunity are likely largely responsible for the limited utility of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) in advanced prostate cancer compared with other tumor types. Thus, for immunologically “cold” malignancies such as prostate cancer, clinical trial development has pivoted towards novel approaches to enhance immune responses. Numerous clinical trials are currently evaluating combination immunomodulatory strategies incorporating vaccine-based therapies, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Other trials evaluate the efficacy and safety of these immunomodulatory agents’ combinations with standard approaches such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), taxane-based chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors.
  • 933
  • 01 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Serum Metabolomes of Gastric Cancers
Gastric cancer (GC) is ranked third in cancer deaths world-wide. It is separated anatomically into either gastric adenocarcinomas (non-cardia GC) or gastro-esophageal-junction adenocarcinomas (cardia GC) and is further classified histologically into either diffuse or intestinal types.
  • 933
  • 25 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous and phenotypically diverse group of diseases, which require different selection of treatments. Accurately being able to distinguish between the various subtypes of breast cancer is vital as they have different prognoses and responses to therapy. Gene expression studies have identified six distinct molecular subtypes for breast cancer, which characterize distinct physiological presentation, gene expression profile, prognosis and clinical outcomes. These subtypes are classified according to the presence or absence of hormone (estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR)) receptors (HR+/HR-) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+/HER2-). Luminal A (HR+/HER2-) represents a slow-growing and less aggressive subtype, while luminal B (HR+/HER2+) seems to be more aggressive than luminal A. HER2-positive (HR-/HER2+) breast cancers, which express excess HER2 and do not express hormone receptors, grow and spread more aggressively than other breast cancers and are correlated with poorer prognosis than ER+ breast cancers. 
  • 932
  • 04 Aug 2021
Topic Review
NLRP7 in Normal and Malignant Trophoblast Cells
NLRP7 is a member of a new family of proteins that contributes to innate immune processes. Depending on its level of expression, NLRP7 can function in an inflammasome-dependent or independent pathway.
  • 932
  • 18 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer
The oligometastatic prostate cancer state is defined as the presence of a number of lesions ≤ 5 and has been significantly correlated with better survival if compared to a number of metastases > 5. In particular, patients in an oligometastatic setting could benefit from a metastates directed therapy, which could control the disease delaying the start of systemic therapies. For this reason, the selection of true-oligometastatic patients who could benefit from such approach is particularly important in this setting.
  • 931
  • 13 Jul 2021
Topic Review
MicroRNA Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer by Ultrasound-Based Identification
MiRNAs are ~22-nucleotide long noncoding sequences of RNA that are located across the genome, within an intron or untranslated region (UTR) of a coding gene. Pri-miRNAs are transcribed from their genes in longer primary transcripts which are processed by two RNase III proteins—Drosha and Dicer—to form a functional miRISC complex that binds to the 3′ UTR of target mRNAs and induces their degradation and translational repression . miRNAs were found to be highly stable in blood and other body fluids, where they circulate in a cell-free form, bound to other proteins, lipids, or lipoprotein or encapsulated in exosomes. The development of specific high-throughput detection methods allowing miRNA detection in extracellular fluids, besides the fact that profiles of miRNAs were shown to be either downregulated or overexpressed across several cancer types compared to normal counterparts, has paved the way for serum miRNAs to be developed as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of tumor evolution. However, significant challenges remain, such as the low concentration of miRNAs released in the blood, especially in early-stage disease, and the difficult identification of biomarker release sites.
  • 931
  • 12 Nov 2021
  • Page
  • of
  • 129
Featured Entry Collections
>>

Featured Reprints

>>
Encyclopedia of Digital Society, Industry 5.0 and Smart City
Encyclopedia of Engineering
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences
Encyclopedia of Medieval Royal Iconography
Academic Video Service
Feedback