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Topic Review
Flavones in Hypertensive Disease
Hypertension is the leading remediable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the United States. Excess dietary salt consumption, which is a catalyst of hypertension, initiates an inflammatory cascade via activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This pro-inflammatory response is driven primarily by sodium ions (Na+) transporting into APCs by the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and subsequent NADPH oxidase activation, leading to high levels of oxidative stress. Flavonoids, a natural phenolic compound, have these therapeutic benefits and can potentially serve as anti-hypertensives. Flavones are a type of flavonoid that have increased anti-inflammatory effects that may allow them to act as therapeutic agents for hypertension, including diosmetin, which is able to induce significant arterial vasodilation in several different animal models.
  • 706
  • 02 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Elongational Stresses and Cells
Shear often attributed as being the main source of cell deformation/damage in devices like prosthetic heart valves and artificial organs. Less well understood and studied are extensional stresses which are often found in such devices, in bioreactors, and in normal blood circulation. Several microfluidic channels utilizing hyperbolic, abrupt, or tapered constrictions and cross-flow geometries, have been used to isolate the effects of extensional flow. Under such flow cell deformations, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and a variety of other cell types have been examined. Results suggest that extensional stresses cause larger deformation than shear stresses of the same magnitude. This has further implications in assessing cell injury from mechanical forces in artificial organs and bioreactors. The cells’ greater sensitivity to extensional stress has found utility in mechanophenotyping devices, which have been successfully used to identify pathologies that affect cell deformability. Further application outside of biology includes disrupting cells for increased food product stability and harvesting macromolecules for biofuel. 
  • 705
  • 08 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Targeting Strategies against Radioresistant Tumors
A radiosensitizer is a drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. These compounds apparently promote the scavenging of free radicals produced by radiation damage on the molecular level. Radiation therapy generally affects DNA; mainly, it leads to DNA DSBs. Therefore, many radiosensitizing agents have been formulated to target the clinically developed DNA DSB repair pathways. Other agents instead target different pathways, e.g., DNA-PKcs, ATM, and ATR signaling cascades. More than seven PARP inhibitors, for example, are currently being developed considering their role in DNA repair, especially for tumors with DNA repair defects, such as BRCA mutation, because of their synthetic lethality.
  • 705
  • 16 Sep 2022
Topic Review
The Microenvironment of the Pathogenesis of Cardiac Hypertrophy
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a key risk factor for the development of heart failure and predisposes individuals to cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death. While physiological cardiac hypertrophy is adaptive, hypertrophy resulting from conditions comprising hypertension, aortic stenosis, or genetic mutations, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is maladaptive. Prolonged cardiovascular stress causes cardiomyocytes and non-myocardial cells to enter an activated state releasing numerous pro-hypertrophic, pro-fibrotic, and pro-inflammatory mediators such as vasoactive hormones, growth factors, and cytokines, i.e., commencing signaling events that collectively cause cardiac hypertrophy. Fibrotic remodeling is mediated by cardiac fibroblasts as the central players, but also endothelial cells and resident and infiltrating immune cells enhance these processes. Many of these hypertrophic mediators are now being integrated into computational models that provide system-level insights and will help to translate our knowledge into new pharmacological targets. 
  • 705
  • 14 Jul 2023
Topic Review
MOB in Cytokinesis, Cell Architecture and Tissue Homeostasis
The Monopolar spindle One Binder protein (MOB) family proteins are constituted by highly conserved eukaryote kinase signal adaptors that are often essential both for cell and organism survival. Historically, MOB family proteins have been described as kinase activators participating in Hippo and Mitotic Exit Network/Septation Initiation Network (MEN/SIN) signaling pathways that have central roles in regulating cytokinesis, cell polarity, cell proliferation and cell fate to control organ growth and regeneration. In metazoans, MOB proteins act as central signal adaptors of the core kinase module MST1/2, LATS1/2, and NDR1/2 kinases that phosphorylate the YAP/TAZ transcriptional co-activators, effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway. MOBs have been shown to also have non-kinase partners and to be involved in cilia biology, indicating that its activity and regulation is more diverse than expected.
  • 704
  • 18 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Overexpression of CERKL Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium Mitochondria
The precise function of CERKL, a Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) causative gene, is not yet fully understood. There is evidence that CERKL is involved in the regulation of autophagy, stress granule generation and mitochondrial dynamics, and it is considered a resilience gene that protects retinal cells from oxidative stress. Mutations in most RP genes affect photoreceptors, but retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells may be also affected. Upon oxidative stress conditions, CERKL knockdown causes RPE mitochondrial fragmentation and respiratory metabolism alterations, whereas CERKL overexpression protects mitochondria of RPE cells. Particular retinal phenotypic traits observed in patients carrying CERKL mutations may reflect a combination of photoreceptor and RPE alterations.
  • 703
  • 31 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Glioblastoma-Specific Strategies of Vascularization
Angiogenesis has long been implicated as a crucial process in Glioblastoma (GBM) growth and progression. GBM can adopt several strategies to build up its abundant and aberrant vasculature. Targeting GBM angiogenesis has gained more and more attention in anti-cancer therapy, and many strategies have been developed to interfere with this hallmark.
  • 703
  • 17 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Mir-137
In molecular biology, miR-137 (or microRNA-137) is a short non-coding RNA molecule that functions to regulate the expression levels of other genes by various mechanisms. miR-137 is located on human chromosome 1p22 and has been implicated to act as a tumor suppressor in several cancer types including colorectal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma via cell cycle control. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have provided evidence to suggest that single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vicinity of the MIR137 gene are statistically associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. miR-137 is shown to regulate neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells, and neuronal maturation, including regulation of dendrite length, branch points, end points, and spine density in mouse adult hippocampal neuroprogenitor-derived and mouse fetal hippocampus neurons. Decreased spine density has also been observed in the dorsolateral cortex of patients with schizophrenia. miR-137 belongs to the miR-137 clan (a clan is group of two or more RNA families that have arisen from a single evolutionary origin, as derived from their related structure and function). The miR-137 clan contains two members: miR-137 and miR-234; the total number of RNA domains in the clan is 112.
  • 702
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Genetics of Aging Plasticity
Biological aging is characterized by irreversible cell cycle blockade, a decreased capacity for tissue regeneration, and an increased risk of age-related diseases and mortality. A variety of genetic and epigenetic factors regulate aging, including the abnormal expression of aging-related genes, increased DNA methylation levels, altered histone modifications, and unbalanced protein translation homeostasis. The epitranscriptome is also closely associated with aging. Aging is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic factors, with significant variability, heterogeneity, and plasticity. Understanding the complex genetic mechanisms of aging will aid the identification of aging-related markers, which may in turn aid the development of effective interventions against this process.
  • 702
  • 04 May 2023
Topic Review
Role of Sensory Innervation in Corneal Epithelial Renewal
Corneal clarity is required for vision, and blindness occurs when the cornea becomes opaque. The cornea is covered by unique transparent epithelial cells that serve as an outermost cellular barrier bordering between the cornea and the external environment. Corneal sensory nerves protect the cornea from injury by triggering tearing and blink reflexes, and are also thought to regulate corneal epithelial renewal via unknown mechanism(s). When protective corneal sensory innervation is absent due to infection, trauma, intracranial tumors, surgery, or congenital causes, permanent blindness results from repetitive epithelial microtraumas and failure to heal. The condition is termed neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), with an incidence of 5:10,000 people worldwide.
  • 700
  • 19 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Innate Lymphoid Cells in Brief
Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) are a recently discovered, enigmatic class of immune cells that have garnered significant attention in the field of immunology. These cells play a pivotal role in maintaining tissue integrity, immune surveillance, and mediating immune responses at barrier surfaces, such as the skin, gut, and lungs. What sets ILCs apart is their ability to swiftly respond to challenges without the need for prior sensitization, distinguishing them from adaptive immune cells like T and B cells. ILCs rely on pattern recognition receptors and a repertoire of cytokines to detect and respond to a wide array of threats, including infections, tissue damage, and environmental changes. ILCs are classified into three main groups based on their cytokine production and transcription factor profiles: ILC1s, ILC2s, and ILC3s. ILC1s primarily defend against intracellular pathogens, ILC2s respond to parasitic infections and allergies, while ILC3s are essential for maintaining mucosal barrier integrity and regulating the gut microbiota. These cells are not only integral to immune defense but also have implications in various disease contexts, including infections, inflammatory disorders, cancer, and allergic conditions. Understanding ILC biology promises to shed light on new therapeutic strategies and revolutionize our approach to immune-related diseases. As our knowledge of ILCs deepens, these cells continue to unveil their potential as critical players in the intricate symphony of the immune system.
  • 698
  • 09 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Non-Peptide Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists as Antitumor Drugs
The substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) system is involved in cancer progression. NK-1R, activated by SP, promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, the Warburg effect, and the prevention of apoptosis. Tumor cells overexpress NK-1R, which influences their viability. A typical specific anticancer strategy using NK-1R antagonists, irrespective of the tumor type, is possible because these antagonists block all the effects mentioned above mediated by SP on cancer cells.
  • 697
  • 10 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Mitochondrial Metabolism and Dynamics in Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Western countries. Mitochondria, the “powerhouse” of cells, undergo distinctive metabolic and structural dynamics in different types of cancer. PCa cells experience peculiar metabolic changes during their progression from normal epithelial cells to early-stage and, progressively, to late-stage cancer cells.
  • 696
  • 08 Mar 2023
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Techniques for Theoretical Prediction of Immunogenic Peptides
Small peptides are an important component of the vertebrate immune system. They are important molecules for distinguishing proteins that originate in the host from proteins derived from a pathogenic organism, such as a virus or bacterium. Consequently, these peptides are central for the vertebrate host response to intracellular and extracellular pathogens. Computational models for prediction of these peptides have been based on a narrow sample of data with an emphasis on the position and chemical properties of the amino acids. In past literature, this approach has resulted in higher predictability than models that rely on the geometrical arrangement of atoms. However, protein structure data from experiment and theory are a source for building models at scale, and, therefore, knowledge on the role of small peptides and their immunogenicity in the vertebrate immune system. The following sections introduce procedures that contribute to theoretical prediction of peptides and their role in immunogenicity. Lastly, deep learning is discussed as it applies to immunogenetics and the acceleration of knowledge by a capability for modeling the complexity of natural phenomena.
  • 696
  • 20 Mar 2024
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.
  • 695
  • 22 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Golgi Metal Ion Homeostasis (Ca2+/Mn2+)
The Golgi apparatus is an organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. Being part of the endomembrane system in the cytoplasm, it resides at the intersection of the exocytic and endocytic pathways, and works mainly in post-translational modifications and sorting of lipids and proteins. One unique characteristic of the Golgi is the multilayer stack that divides the Golgi membrane system into several sub-compartments known as cis-, medial, and trans-Golgi, each of which contains a set of glycosylation enzymes that sequentially remove or add various sugar monomers to proteins as they pass through the Golgi. To fulfill its function, the Golgi structure is highly dynamic, while Golgi structure and function are tightly regulated. Similarly, the microenvironment of each sub-compartment is also under strict regulation in response to intracellular environmental changes.
  • 695
  • 19 Jan 2022
Topic Review
CaFtsH06
we examined the transcriptional regulation of the CaFtsH06 gene in the R9 thermo-tolerant pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) line. The results of qRT-PCR revealed that CaFtsH06 expression was rapidly induced by abiotic stress treatments, including heat, salt, and drought. The CaFtsH06 protein was localized to the mitochondria and cell membrane. Additionally, silencing CaFtsH06 increased the accumulation of malonaldehyde content, conductivity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, and the activity levels of superoxide dismutase and superoxide (·O2−), while total chlorophyll content decreased under these abiotic stresses. Furthermore, CaFtsH06 ectopic expression enhanced tolerance to heat, salt, and drought stresses, thus decreasing malondialdehyde, proline, H2O2, and ·O2− contents while superoxide dismutase activity and total chlorophyll content were increased in transgenic Arabidopsis. Similarly, the expression levels of other defense-related genes were much higher in the transgenic ectopic expression lines than WT plants. These results suggest that CaFtsH06 confers abiotic stress tolerance in peppers by interfering with the physiological indices through reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, inducing the activities of stress-related enzymes and regulating the transcription of defense-related genes, among other mechanisms. The results of this study suggest that CaFtsH06 plays a very crucial role in the defense mechanisms of pepper plants to unfavorable environmental conditions and its regulatory network with other CaFtsH genes should be examined across variable environments
  • 694
  • 12 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Detection of Hypoxia in Cancer Models
The rapid proliferation of cancer cells combined with deficient vessels cause regions of nutrient and O2 deprivation in solid tumors. Some cancer cells can adapt to these extreme hypoxic conditions and persist to promote cancer progression. Intratumoral hypoxia has been consistently associated with a worse patient prognosis. In vitro, 3D models of spheroids or organoids can recapitulate spontaneous O2 gradients in solid tumors. Likewise, in vivo murine models of cancer reproduce the physiological levels of hypoxia that have been measured in human tumors. Given the potential clinical importance of hypoxia in cancer progression, there is an increasing need to design methods to measure O2 concentrations. O2 levels can be directly measured with needle-type probes, both optical and electrochemical. Alternatively, indirect, noninvasive approaches have been optimized, and include immunolabeling endogenous or exogenous markers. Fluorescent, phosphorescent, and luminescent reporters have also been employed experimentally to provide dynamic measurements of O2 in live cells or tumors. In medical imaging, modalities such as MRI and PET are often the method of choice. 
  • 692
  • 01 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Beehive Products for Wound Repair and Skin Care
There is a long and interesting history between honeybees and humans. From the beginning, honey has been utilized not only as a sweetener, but also as an ointment and a drug to treat several diseases. Until the discovery of antibiotics, honey was a very popular product used to protect and preserve skin and promote wound healing, to counteract gastrointestinal pains and disorders of the oral cavity, and for other diseases. After the development of antibiotic resistance, honey again gained interest for its use in wound management. Subsequently, more recently, in vitro and in vivo studies have displayed antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other effects of honey and honeybee products, as well as protection of cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. 
  • 692
  • 06 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Exosomes in Glioma
Gliomas, the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors, present a challenging prognosis even after undergoing surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells, play a pivotal role in glioma progression and contribute to resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy by facilitating the transportation of biological molecules and promoting intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, exosomes exhibit the remarkable ability to traverse the blood–brain barrier, positioning them as potent carriers for therapeutic delivery. These attributes hold promise for enhancing glioma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. 
  • 692
  • 28 Feb 2024
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