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Topic Review
Implications of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog in NSCLC
Lung cancer remains one of the major human malignancies affecting both men and women worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most prevalent type. Multiple mechanisms have been identified that favor tumor growth as well as impede the efficacy of therapeutic regimens in lung cancer patients. Among tumor suppressor genes that play critical roles in regulating cancer growth, the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) constitutes one of the important family members implicated in controlling various functional activities of tumor cells, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
  • 748
  • 29 Aug 2023
Topic Review
TRAP1 - the Mitochondrial HSP90
The HSP90 paralog TRAP1 was discovered more than 20 years ago, however, a detailed understanding of the function of this mitochondrial molecular chaperone remains elusive. The dispensable nature of TRAP1 in vitro and in vivo further complicates an understanding of its role in mitochondrial biology. TRAP1 is more homologous to the bacterial HSP90, HtpG, than to eukaryotic HSP90. Lacking co-chaperones, the unique structural features of TRAP1 likely regulate its temperature-sensitive ATPase activity and shed light on the alternative mechanisms driving the chaperone’s nucleotide-dependent cycle in a defined environment whose physiological temperature approaches 50 °C. TRAP1 has been shown to be an important bioregulator of mitochondrial respiration, mediating the balance between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, while at the same time promoting mitochondrial homeostasis and displaying cytoprotective activity. 
  • 745
  • 07 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Sexual Dimorphism in Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a group of heterogeneous progressive pulmonary disorders, characterised by tissue remodelling and/or fibrotic scarring of the lung parenchyma. ILD patients experience lung function decline with progressive symptoms, poor response to treatment, reduced quality of life and high mortality. ILD can be idiopathic or associated with systemic or connective tissue diseases (CTD) but idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form. While IPF has a male predominance, women are affected more greatly by CTD and therefore associated ILDs. The mechanisms behind biological sex differences in these progressive lung diseases remain unclear. However, differences in environmental exposures, variable expression of X-chromosome related inflammatory genes and sex hormones play a role.
  • 744
  • 08 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Galectin-16 Gene in Human Cells and Tissues
Galectins are soluble β-galactoside binding proteins, which are involved in regulation of multiple cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses. Sixteen galectin genes have been identified in animals, 12 of which are expressed in humans. Out of all galectins, galectin-16 is poorly characterized yet and current knowledge suggest that this is a tissue-specific gene with functions and expression limited to placenta and brain among others.
  • 743
  • 06 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Soy Isoflavones in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
A possible link between diet and cancer has long been considered, with growing interest in phytochemicals. Soy isoflavones have been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in Asian populations. Of the soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, in particular, have been studied, but recently, equol as a derivative has gained interest because it is more biologically potent. Different mechanisms of action have already been studied for the different isoflavones in multiple conditions, such as breast, gastrointestinal, and urogenital cancers. Many of these mechanisms of action could also be demonstrated in the prostate, both in vitro and in vivo. 
  • 743
  • 04 Dec 2023
Topic Review
MicroRNA in Cervical Lesions
The regulatory functions of microRNA (miRNA) are involved in all processes contributing to carcinogenesis and response to viral infections. Cervical cancer in most cases is caused by the persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. While oncogenic human papillomaviruses induce aberrant expression of many cellular miRNAs, this dysregulation could be harnessed as a marker in early diagnosis of HR-HPV infection, cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions, and cancer. In recent years, growing data indicate that miRNAs show specific patterns at various stages of cervical pathology, that gives hope for the development of non-invasive diagnostic tests that take into account the heterogeneity of tumor-related changes. Due to this heterogeneity resulting in difficult to predict clinical outcomes, precise molecular tools are needed to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic process.
  • 742
  • 30 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Redox Chemistry and Ubiquitylation
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a highly regulated mechanism for protein degradation that regulates many biological processes to maintain cellular homeostasis. A protein is targeted for degradation upon ubiquitylation, where the small 8.6 kDa protein, ubiquitin, is covalently attached to the target protein through an isopeptide bond. Ubiquitylation involves the sequential transfer of ubiquitin through a three-enzyme cascade—an ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1), an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2), and an ubiquitin ligase (E3).
  • 741
  • 30 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Extracellular vesicles and Cardiovascular Diseases
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are composed of a lipid bilayer containing transmembrane and soluble proteins. Subtypes of EVs include ectosomes (microparticles/microvesicles), exosomes, and apoptotic bodies that can be released by various tissues into biological fluids. EV cargo can modulate physiological and pathological processes in recipient cells through near- and long-distance intercellular communication. Recent studies have shown that origin, amount, and internal cargos (nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids) of EVs are variable under different pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The early detection and management of CVD reduce premature morbidity and mortality. Circulating EVs have attracted great interest as a potential biomarker for diagnostics and follow-up of CVD. 
  • 740
  • 26 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Profiling Cancer Cells by Cell-SELEX
The identification of tumor cell-specific surface markers is a key step towards personalized cancer medicine, allowing early assessment and accurate diagnosis, and development of efficacious targeted therapies. What mainly limits the number of ideal clinical biomarkers is the high complexity and heterogeneity of several human cancers and still-limited methods for molecular profiling of specific cancer types. The cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) technology for the differential selection of oligonucleotide aptamers against a specific cancer-cell type has become the selection technique for the discovery of cell-surface markers. Indeed, it allows selection, at the same time, of a set of aptamers acting as highly efficacious recognition elements for functional surface signatures of target cells. Importantly, these aptamers may be used to identify cell-surface molecules whose role is still unexplored. This fulfills the great challenge of simultaneously targeting multiple proteins whose alterations, in concert, define the pathological state of the cell and are thus more informative for biomarker discovery than the alteration of a single protein.
  • 739
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Membrane Traffic in Aspergillus oryzae
This entry summarizes molecular mechanisms of intracellular membrane traffic, mainly focusing on the secretory and endocytic pathways, in A. oryzae and its related filamentous fungi.
  • 738
  • 06 Jul 2021
Topic Review
MicroRNAs in Dystrophinopathy
Dystrophinopathies are a group of X-linked inheritance disorders characterized by loss of limbs, loss of respiratory and cardiac muscle strength, and destruction of nerve tissue. There are two main forms of dystrophinopathy: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which develops in early childhood and presents with severe symptoms, and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), which develops late as a milder form.
  • 738
  • 28 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Advancements in Circulating Tumor Cell Research
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells released from the primary and metastatic tumor and intravasate into the blood or lymphatic vessels, where they are transported to distant sites and act as seeds that initiate cancer metastases or the development of further lesions.
  • 738
  • 01 Apr 2024
Topic Review
Metastasis-Initiating Cells
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with a high prevalence of transcoelomic metastasis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and only a small percentage of cancer cells, metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), have the capacity to finally establish metastatic lesions. These MICs maintain a certain level of stemness that allows them to differentiate into other cell types with distinct transcriptomic profiles and swiftly adapt to external stresses. Furthermore, they can coordinate with the microenvironment, through reciprocal interactions, to invade and establish metastases. Therefore, identifying, characterizing, and targeting MICs is a promising strategy to counter the spread of ovarian cancer. 
  • 737
  • 22 Dec 2023
Topic Review
STAT3 Enhances Sensitivity of Glioblastoma to Cell Death
Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain cancer in adults. One reason for the development and malignancy of this tumor is the misregulation of certain cellular proteins. The oncoprotein Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT3) that is frequently overactive in glioblastoma cells is associated with more aggressive disease and decreased patient survival. Autophagy is a form of cellular self digestion that normally maintains cell integrity and provides nutrients and basic building blocks required for growth. While glioblastoma is known to be particularly resistant to conventional therapies, recent research has suggested that these tumors are more sensitive to excessive overactivation of autophagy, leading to autophagy-dependent tumor cell death.
  • 736
  • 26 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Netosis in Brief
Netosis is a complex and fascinating cellular process that plays a pivotal role in our immune defense system. It involves the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) composed of chromatin and antimicrobial proteins. These NETs act as sophisticated snares, capturing and neutralizing various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The process begins with chromatin decondensation, mediated by enzymes like PAD4, allowing the extrusion of chromatin from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. Subsequent rupture of the nuclear envelope leads to NET formation and their release into the extracellular environment. While netosis is essential for immune defense, dysregulation can contribute to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and even thrombosis. Understanding netosis opens doors to potential therapeutic interventions targeting this intricate cellular mechanism.
  • 734
  • 18 Sep 2023
Topic Review
TFEB-Induced Autophagy's Regulation during Mtb Infection and Starvation
Through the promotion of phagolysosome formation, autophagy has emerged as a crucial mechanism to eradicate intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). A cell-autonomous host defense mechanism called lysosome biogenesis and autophagy transports cytoplasmic cargos and bacterial phagosomes to lysosomes for destruction during infection. Similar occurrences occurred in stressful or starvation circumstances and led to autophagy, which is harmful to the cell. It is interesting to note that under both hunger and infection states, the transcription factor EB (TFEB) acts as a master regulator of lysosomal activities and autophagy. 
  • 733
  • 18 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Biomembranes and Lateral Nanoscale Inhomogeneities
The nanoscale lateral inhomogeneities (nanodomains, NDs) in the lipid bilayer of cellular and model membranes can be divided into two large groups: (i) arising spontaneously and (ii) arising as a result of the influence of external factors (in relation to the components of the lipid bilayer) like other molecules (for example, peptides and proteins), changes in environmental parameters (temperature, degree of hydration, presence of ions, etc. ), curvature of the membranes, etc. Undoubtedly, these processes are interrelated, since in order for a certain type of ND-based DMP to arise in the membrane under the influence of external factors, it is necessary that the undisturbed lipid bilayer itself (including water molecules and ions) is able in principle to spontaneously form such nanoscale structures.
  • 732
  • 25 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Vascular Inflammatory Diseases and Endothelial Phenotypes
The physiological functions of endothelial cells control vascular tone, permeability, inflammation, and angiogenesis, which significantly help to maintain a healthy vascular system. Several cardiovascular diseases are characterized by endothelial cell activation or dysfunction triggered by external stimuli such as disturbed flow, hypoxia, growth factors, and cytokines in response to high levels of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, aging, drugs, and smoking. Increasing evidence suggests that uncontrolled proinflammatory signaling and further alteration in endothelial cell phenotypes such as barrier disruption, increased permeability, endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and metabolic reprogramming further induce vascular diseases, and multiple studies are focusing on finding the pathways and mechanisms involved in it.
  • 730
  • 27 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Telocytes in Modulating Gut Motility Function and Development
Telocytes (TCs) are interstitial cells with distinct features. They have extensions that react to mechanical stimulation through calcium channels. The ability of TCs to communicate with surrounding cells, especially stem cells (SCs), through gap junctions and extracellular vesicles opens a wide range of questions. Moreover, the hypothesis that TCs are capable of carrying out the cellular niche for stem cell regulation and support suggests that TCs could play an important part in the response to major changes in homeostasis. It also suggests that TCs have a significant functional role in tissues that have an increased turnover.
  • 730
  • 25 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Sterol Hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone Biosynthesis
20E (20-Hydroxyecdysone) is a central steroid hormone that orchestrates developmental changes and metamorphosis in arthropods. PCD (Programmed cell death), including apoptosis, necrosis, efferocytosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, plays a crucial role in regulated cell elimination, which is vital for cells’ development and tissue homeostasis.
  • 730
  • 22 Nov 2023
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