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Topic Review
Lipid Metabolic Alterations in KRAS Mutant Tumors
KRAS is one of the most commonly mutated genes, an event that leads to development of highly aggressive and resistant to any type of available therapy tumors. Mutated KRAS drives a complex network of lipid metabolic rearrangements to support the adaptation of cancer cells to harsh environmental conditions and ensure their survival. Because there has been only a little success in the continuous efforts of effectively targeting KRAS-driven tumors, it is of outmost importance to delineate the exact mechanisms of how they get rewired, leading to this distinctive phenotype.
  • 706
  • 06 Mar 2023
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. 
  • 704
  • 01 Mar 2022
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.
  • 704
  • 09 Oct 2023
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
  • 702
  • 12 Jul 2021
Topic Review
SLC26A9 in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
SLC26A9 belongs to the solute carrier family 26 (SLC26), which comprises membrane proteins related to the phylogenetically older SLC26-SulP gene family. On the basis of different preliminary findings, including the phenotype of SlC26A9-deficient mice and its possible role as a gene modifier of the human phenotype and treatment response, SLC26A9 has emerged as one of the most interesting alternative targets for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • 702
  • 18 Feb 2022
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.
  • 702
  • 10 Nov 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.
  • 702
  • 20 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Metastasis
Communication between cancer cells and the surrounding stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in promoting metastasis, which is the major cause of cancer death. Small membrane-bound particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from both cancer and stromal cells and have a key role in mediating this communication through transport of cargo such as various RNA species (mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA), proteins, and lipids. 
  • 699
  • 04 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Testicular Germ-Cell Tumours (TGCT)
Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs) are the second most common form of Germ Cell Tumour after benign ovarian teratomas. They are considered a “curable cancer” due to their exceptionally high survival rate of their patients: young caucasian men mostly. A better stratification of those patients would mean an improvement in their quality of life, which is currently diminished by the aggressiveness of prognostic treatments. The knowledge about the relation between TGCTs and the immune system could give keys to improve prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of this cancer.
  • 699
  • 24 May 2022
Topic Review
RUNX2 and Cancer
Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) is critical for the modulation of chondrocyte osteoblast differentiation and hypertrophy. Recently discovered RUNX2 somatic mutations, expressional signatures of RUNX2 in normal tissues and tumors, and the prognostic and clinical significance of RUNX2 in many types of cancer have attracted attention and led RUNX2 to be considered a biomarker for cancer. Many discoveries have illustrated the indirect and direct biological functions of RUNX2 in orchestrating cancer stemness, cancer metastasis, angiogenesis, proliferation, and chemoresistance to anticancer compounds, warranting further exploration of the associated mechanisms to support the development of a novel therapeutic strategy. 
  • 699
  • 25 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Basic Principles of Cryopreservation of Cells and Tissues
Cryopreservation refers to the technique of storing biological materials at below-zero temperatures, slowing the rate of degradation to ensure minimal loss in function; this practice has wide-reaching applications, including basic biological research, agriculture and food industry, and medicine.
  • 699
  • 01 Apr 2024
Topic Review
Coordination between Rac1 and Rab Proteins
Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a member of the family of the typical Rho guanosine triphosphate phosphohydrolases (GTPases), which are known for their role in several cellular processes such as cytoskeleton organization, gene expression regulation, and cell migration. The small GTPases of the Rho family regulate many aspects of actin dynamics, but are functionally connected to many other cellular processes. Rac1, a member of this family, besides its known function in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, plays a key role in the production of reactive oxygen species, in gene transcription, in DNA repair, and also has been proven to have specific roles in neurons. 
  • 699
  • 19 May 2022
Topic Review
Myoglobin in Brown Adipose Tissue: Novel Thermogenic Implications
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in energy homeostasis by generating heat from chemical energy via uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation. Besides its high mitochondrial content and its exclusive expression of the uncoupling protein 1, another key feature of BAT is the high expression of myoglobin (MB), a heme-containing protein that typically binds oxygen, thereby facilitating the diffusion of the gas from cell membranes to mitochondria of muscle cells. In addition, MB also modulates nitric oxide (NO•) pools and can bind C16 and C18 fatty acids, which indicates a role in lipid metabolism. Studies in humans and mice implicated MB present in BAT in the regulation of lipid droplet morphology and fatty acid shuttling and composition, as well as mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. 
  • 697
  • 14 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Collagen in Cartilage Damage
Collagens serve essential mechanical functions throughout the body, particularly in the connective tissues. In articular cartilage, collagens provide most of the biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix essential for its function. Collagen plays a very important role in maintaining the mechanical properties of articular cartilage and the stability of the ECM. Noteworthily, many pathogenic factors in the course of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, such as mechanical injury, inflammation, and senescence, are involved in the irreversible degradation of collagen, leading to the progressive destruction of cartilage. 
  • 697
  • 25 Sep 2023
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. 
  • 697
  • 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. 
  • 697
  • 28 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Evolutionary Medicine
Evolutionary medicine is a rapidly developing field. There are two polyploidy-related aspects of it. Firstly, mutations and changes in expression patterns of many ohnologs are associated with various diseases and developmental disorders. Secondly (and probably more important), cancer is now interpreted as an evolutionary phenomenon, and polyploidy often arises in cancer.
  • 696
  • 11 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Potential Use of MitoEVs as Diagnostic Markers
Similar to other subtypes of EVs (extracellular vesicles), MitoEVs (mitochondrial extracellular vesicles) are altered in several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular disease. MitoEVs contain a variety of molecular components from releasing cells, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which may serve as indicators of disease status.
  • 696
  • 27 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicles of MSCs
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the cells distributed in the stromas of the body, are known for various properties including replication, the potential of various differentiations, the immune-related processes including inflammation. These cells were shown to play relevant roles in the therapy of numerous diseases, dependent on their immune regulation and their release of cytokines and growth factors, with ensuing activation of favorable enzymes and processes. Soon thereafter, it became clear that therapeutic actions of MSCs are risky, accompanied by serious drawbacks and defects. MSC therapy has been therefore reduced to a few diseases, replaced for the others by their extracellular vesicles, the MSC-EVs. The latter vesicles recapitulate most therapeutic actions of MSCs, with equal or even better efficacies and without the serious drawbacks of the parent cells. In addition, MSC-EVs are characterized by many advantages, among which are their heterogeneities dependent on the stromas of origin, the alleviation of cell aging, the regulation of immune responses and inflammation.
  • 695
  • 26 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Alternate Causes for Pathogenesis of Exfoliation Glaucoma
Exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) is the most recognizable form of secondary open-angle glaucoma associated with a high risk of blindness. This disease is characterized by white flaky granular deposits in the anterior chamber that leads to the elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and subsequent glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Conventionally, XFG is known to respond poorly to medical therapy, and surgical intervention is the only management option in most cases.
  • 694
  • 11 Mar 2022
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