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Topic Review
STAT3 and STAT5
A central characteristic of many types of cancer is altered energy metabolism processes such as enhanced glucose uptake and glycolysis and decreased oxidative metabolism. The regulation of energy metabolism is an elaborate process involving regulatory proteins such as HIF (pro-metastatic protein), which reduces oxidative metabolism, and some other proteins such as tumour suppressors that promote oxidative phosphorylation. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins play a pivotal role in metabolism regulation. STAT3 and STAT5 are essential regulators of cytokine- or growth factor-induced cell survival and proliferation, as well as the crosstalk between STAT signalling and oxidative metabolism. Several reports suggest that the constitutive activation of STAT proteins promotes glycolysis through the transcriptional activation of hypoxia-inducible factors and therefore, the alteration of mitochondrial activity. It seems that STAT proteins function as an integrative centre for different growth and survival signals for energy and respiratory metabolism.
  • 2.1K
  • 16 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an essential signaling system in mammal physiology regulating several biological and disease conditions. ECS’s three main components are (i) cannabinoids receptors (CBR) CBR-1 and CBR-2; (ii) signaling molecules that are lipid-based termed the “endocannabinoids” (EC), endogenous ligands of the CBRs; and (iii) enzymes responsible for synthesizing and degrading ECs. ECS regulates multiple physiological processes, such as brain plasticity and neuronal development, cell death, inflammation, sleep, appetite, pain, and anxiety.
  • 2.1K
  • 24 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Diatoms for Carbon Sequestration
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Diatoms, a natural sink of atmospheric CO2, can be cultivated industrially in autotrophic and mixotrophic modes for the purpose of CO2 sequestration. In addition, the metabolic diversity exhibited by this group of photosynthetic organisms provides avenues to redirect the captured carbon into products of value. These include lipids, omega-3 fatty acids, pigments, antioxidants, exopolysaccharides, sulphated polysaccharides, and other valuable metabolites that can be produced in environmentally sustainable bio-manufacturing processes. To realize the potential of diatoms, expansion of our knowledge of carbon supply, CO2 uptake and fixation by these organisms, in conjunction with ways to enhance metabolic routing of the fixed carbon to products of value is required. 
  • 2.1K
  • 09 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Targeting CDK4/6 for Anticancer Therapy
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) are key regulators of the cell cycle and are deemed as critical therapeutic targets of multiple cancers. Various approaches have been applied to silence CDK4/6 at different levels, i.e., CRISPR to knock out at the DNA level, siRNA to inhibit translation, and drugs that target the protein of interest. Here we summarize the current status in this field, highlighting the mechanisms of small molecular inhibitors treatment and drug resistance.
  • 2.1K
  • 12 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Bilateral Asymmetry in Sports Performance
Asymmetry is ubiquitous in nature and humans have well-established bilateral asymmetries in their structures and functions. It is prevalent across several sports regardless of age, gender, or competitive level, and can be verified even in apparently symmetric actions (e.g., running and rowing). Assessments of bilateral asymmetries are highly task-, metric-, individual-, and sport-specific; fluctuate significantly in time (in magnitude and, more importantly, in direction); and tend to be poorly correlated among themselves, as well as with general performance measures. Most studies assessing bilateral asymmetries do not actually assess the occurrence of injuries. While injuries tend to accentuate bilateral asymmetries, there is no evidence that pre-existing asymmetries increase injury risk. While training programs reduce certain bilateral asymmetries, there is no evidence that such reductions result in increased sport-specific performance or reduced injury risk. 
  • 2.1K
  • 13 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Mint Oils
The objectives of the study were to test the biological activities of peppermint and spearmint oils via (i) measuring in vitro anti-inflammatory effects with porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), (ii) determining the barrier integrity of IPEC-J2 by analyzing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), (iii) testing their antioxidant activities, and (iv) investigating the antimicrobial activity against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18+. Briefly, (i) macrophages were seeded at 106 cells/mL and treated (24 h) with mint oils and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The treatments were 2 (0 or 1 μg/mL of LPS) × 5 (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL of mint oils). The supernatants were collected for TNF-α and IL-1β measurement by ELISA; (ii) IPEC-J2 cells were seeded at 5 × 10 5 cells/mL and treated with mint oils (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). TEER (Ωcm2) was measured at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h; (iii) the antioxidant activity was assessed (0, 1, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 600 mg/mL) using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assays; (iv) overnight-grown ETEC F18+ were quantified (CFU/mL) after supplementing with peppermint and spearmint oils (0, 1.44, 2.87, 5.75, 11.50, and 23.00 mg/mL). All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure. Both mint oils significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) IL-1β and TNF-α secretion from LPS-stimulated PAMs. Mint oil treatments did not affect TEER in IPEC-J2. Spearmint and peppermint oils exhibited (p < 0.05) strong antioxidant activities in DPPH and reducing power assays. Both mint oils also dose-dependently inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of ETEC F18+ in vitro. The results of the study indicated that both mint oils are great candidate feed additives due to their in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy in vivo.
  • 2.1K
  • 15 Oct 2021
Topic Review
p16 in Different Tissues and Organs
P16 is a tumor suppressor gene, which has been termed with several names such as the multiple tumor suppressor-1 (MTS-1), the inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 4a (INK4A), or the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2a (CDKN2A). The human p16 gene is located on the short arm of chromosome (9p21.3). The p16 transcript is composed of three exons which encode 156 amino acids. The use of an alternative reading frame generates the human p14Arf protein (p19Arf in mice). In several selected tissues and organs, including skin, bones, lungs, brain, heart, kidney, and liver, it is intended to address the well-known function of p16 in senescence and aging, and discuss several functions of p16, which might be more related to its classical role as a cell cycle regulator.
  • 2.1K
  • 05 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Bcl-2 Family Evolutionary Conservation
Intrinsic apoptosis, the response to intracellular cell death stimuli, is regulated by the interplay of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family and their membrane interactions. Bcl-2 proteins mediate a number of processes including development, homeostasis, autophagy, and innate and adaptive immune responses and their dysregulation underpins a host of diseases including cancer. The Bcl-2 family is characterized by the presence of conserved sequence motifs called Bcl-2 homology (BH) motifs, as well as a transmembrane region, which form the interaction sites and intracellular location mechanism, respectively. Bcl-2 proteins have been recognized in the earliest metazoans including Porifera (sponges), Placozoans, and Cnidarians (e.g., Hydra). A number of viruses have gained Bcl-2 homologs and subvert innate immunity and cellular apoptosis for their replication, but they frequently have very different sequences to their host Bcl-2 analogs. Though most mechanisms of apoptosis initiation converge on activation of caspases that destroy the cell from within, the numerous gene insertions, deletions, and duplications during evolution have led to a divergence in mechanisms of intrinsic apoptosis. Currently, the action of the Bcl-2 family is best understood in vertebrates and nematodes but new insights are emerging from evolutionarily earlier organisms.
  • 2.1K
  • 22 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Cortical Silent Period
The so-called cortical silent period (CSP) refers to the temporary interruption of electromyographic signal from a muscle following a motor-evoked potential (MEP) triggered by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex (M1). The neurophysiological origins of the CSP are debated. Previous evidence suggests that both spinal and cortical mechanisms may account for the duration of the CSP. However, contextual factors such as cortical fatigue, experimental procedures, attentional load, as well as neuropathology can also influence the CSP duration. The present paper summarizes the most relevant evidence on the mechanisms underlying the duration of the CSP, with a particular focus on the central role of the basal ganglia in the “direct” (excitatory), “indirect” (inhibitory), and “hyperdirect” cortico-subcortical pathways to manage cortical motor inhibition. We propose new methods of interpretation of the CSP related, at least partially, to the inhibitory hyperdirect and indirect pathways in the basal ganglia. This view may help to explain the respective shortening and lengthening of the CSP in various neurological disorders.
  • 2.1K
  • 01 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Salicornia sp. pl. (Annual)
Salicornia, also commonly known as pickleweed, glasswort, sea asparagus and samphire, derives its name from the Latin word meaning “salt” and includes strictly halophytes.  Salicornia species thrive in littoral and coastal salt marsh or in inland salt pans, forming distinct vegetation types subjected to different flooding regimes with brackish-to-saline water (depending on tidal influences) and usually composed of almost monospecific plant communities; in general,  annual Salicornia occur in the innermost parts of the salt marshes, subject to longer periods of submersion. Asssregards their taxonomy, two series have been traditionally identified, diploid and tetraploid, each of them with numerous species and micro-species. Only three entities are recognized in the Mediterranean: Salicornia procumbens subsp. procumbens (tetraploid, distributed along Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts and including Salicornia emerici, Salicornia veneta and Salicornia dolichostachya), Salicornia perennans subsp. perennans (diploid, with Mediterranean and Eurasian distribution, including Salicornia patula) and Salicornia europaea subsp. europaea (diploid, western Mediterranean). They are almost all of food interest, because of herbaceous in consistency, and the tender tips of the young branches, that are harvested during summer and thean prepared i numerous  recipes based on geographic area of interest. Being therophytes, the only method of propagation is by the generative way (from seeds). Salicornia sp. pl. is cultivated on a commercial scale in Israel and in Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and India. In many parts of the Europe, the use of this halophyte is mainly based on the harvesting of wild plants, while only in the Netherlands, Portugal and France are the plants of Salicornia sp. pl. cultivated. In Italy, the first attempts of S. patula cultivation for family consumption started over 40 years ago in the gardens located around the Lesina lagoon (Apulia, Southern Italy). Like other halophilic species, even in glassworts the stress of the alkaline environment induces the synthesis of metabolites that can be useful to humans for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power.
  • 2.0K
  • 13 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Crustacean Waste-Derived Chitosan
Chitosan is obtained from chitin that in turn is recovered from marine crustacean wastes. The recovery methods and their varying types and the advantages of the recovery methods are briefly discussed. Chitin is the major component of cuticles of insects (cockroach, beetle, true fly, and worm), fungal cell walls (Aspergillus niger, Mucor rouxii, Penicillum notatum, yeast) and green algae. The recovery methods and their varying types and the advantages of the recovery methods are briefly discussed. 
  • 2.0K
  • 09 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Peptide Inhibitors of Kv1.5
The human voltage gated potassium channel Kv1.5 that conducts the IKur current is a key determinant of the atrial action potential. This channel is an attractive target for the management of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). A wide range of peptide toxins from venomous animals are targeting ion channels, including mammalian channels. These peptides usually have a much larger interacting surface with the ion channel compared to small molecule inhibitors and thus, generally confer higher selectivity to the peptide blockers. To date, literature has known two peptides that inhibit IKur: Ts6 and Osu1. T
  • 2.0K
  • 30 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Biomass-Based Chemical Looping Gasification
Chemical Looping Gasification is a process allowing for the conversion of solid feedstock (e.g. biomass) into N2-free, high-calorific syngas or producer gas. The process utilizes the ability of so-called oxygen carriers (e.g. ilmenite, iron ore) to take up and release oxygen in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, respectively. Employing this characteristic, the oxygen carrier is cycled between two or more reactors to transport oxygen into the so-called fuel reactor, where the inlet feedstock is firstly gasified using steam or CO2, before intermediate gaseous products (e.g. H2, CH4) are further oxidized by the oxygen carrier, providing additional process heat to drive the endothermic gasification reactions. The loop is then closed as the reduced oxygen carrier is re-oxidized in a so-called air reactor, using the oxygen contained in ambient air, resulting in a stream of pure nitrogen at the air reactor outlet.
  • 2.0K
  • 03 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Methionine Dependence of Cancer
Tumorigenesis is accompanied by the reprogramming of cellular metabolism. The shift from oxidative phosphorylation to predominantly glycolytic pathways to support rapid growth is well known and is often referred to as the Warburg effect. However, other metabolic changes and acquired needs that distinguish cancer cells from normal cells have also been discovered. The dependence of cancer cells on exogenous methionine is one of them and is known as methionine dependence or the Hoffman effect. This phenomenon describes the inability of cancer cells to proliferate when methionine is replaced with its metabolic precursor, homocysteine, while proliferation of non-tumor cells is unaffected by these conditions. Surprisingly, cancer cells can readily synthesize methionine from homocysteine, so their dependency on exogenous methionine reflects a general need for altered metabolic flux through pathways linked to methionine.
  • 2.0K
  • 30 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Seahorse Male Pregnancy
Seahorses, together with sea dragons and pipefishes, belong to the Syngnathidae family of teleost fishes. Seahorses and other Syngnathidae species have a very peculiar feature: male pregnancy. Among different species, there is a gradation of paternal involvement in carrying for the offspring, from a simple attachment of the eggs to the skin surface, through various degrees of egg coverage by skin flaps, to the internal pregnancy within a brood pouch, which resembles mammalian uterus with the placenta. Because of the gradation of parental involvement and similarities to mammalian pregnancy, seahorses are a great model to study the evolution of pregnancy and the immunologic, metabolic, cellular, and molecular processes of pregnancy and embryo development. Seahorses are also very useful for studying the effects of pollutants and environmental changes on pregnancy, embryo development, and offspring fitness. 
  • 2.0K
  • 15 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Ecosystem
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic relationships with the roots of nearly all land-dwelling plants, increasing growth and productivity, especially during abiotic stress. AMF improves plant development by improving nutrient acquisition, such as phosphorus, water, and mineral uptake. AMF improves plant tolerance and resilience to abiotic stressors such as drought, salt, and heavy metal toxicity.
  • 2.0K
  • 07 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Carotenoids of Capsicum Fruits
Pepper of the Capsicum species is a common ingredient in various food preparations by different cultures worldwide. The Capsicum is recognised by its five main domesticated species, namely Capsicum annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens and C. pubescens. The genetic diversity in Capsicum offers fruits in wide ranges of morphology and carotenoid profile. Carotenoids enhance the value of pepper from a nutritional standpoint, despite being commonly prized for the pharmacologically active pungent capsaicinoids. Carotenoids of pepper comprise mainly of the unique, powerful and highly stable capsanthin and capsoroubin, together with β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin and violaxanthin. These carotenoids are present at diverse profile and varying levels, biosynthetically connected to the fruit maturity stages.
  • 2.0K
  • 16 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Alopecia
Hair loss (HL), also known as alopecia or baldness, is a common clinical disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and often causes a significant source of patient distress.
  • 2.0K
  • 07 May 2021
Topic Review
September 12: Hans Spemann Died
Hans Spemann (27 June 1869 – 9 September 1941) was a pioneering German embryologist and Nobel laureate renowned for his groundbreaking work in experimental embryology. His discovery of the "organizer effect" (now known as embryonic induction) revolutionized understanding of embryonic development and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1935. Spemann's research laid the foundation for modern developmental biology and concepts such as cellular differentiation and cloning. Despite his scientific achievements, his final years were marred by the political turmoil of Nazi Germany, leading to his death in 1941 under circumstances that remain historically debated.
  • 2.0K
  • 12 Sep 2025
Topic Review
Synthetic Biology towards Flavonoid Pharmacokinetics
Flavonoids are a structurally diverse class of natural products that have been found to have a range of beneficial activities in humans. However, the clinical utilisation of these molecules has been limited due to their low solubility, chemical stability, bioavailability and extensive intestinal metabolism in vivo. Recently, the view has been formed that site-specific modification of flavonoids by methylation and/or glycosylation, processes that occur in plants endogenously, can be used to improve and adapt their biophysical and pharmacokinetic properties. The traditional source of flavonoids and their modified forms is from plants and is limited due to the low amounts present in biomass, intrinsic to the nature of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Access to greater amounts of flavonoids, and understanding of the impact of modifications, requires a rethink in terms of production, more specifically towards the adoption of plant biosynthetic pathways into ex planta synthesis approaches. Advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, aided by protein engineering and machine learning methods, offer attractive and exciting avenues for ex planta flavonoid synthesis.
  • 1.9K
  • 04 Jun 2021
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