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Topic Review
JAK/STAT Pathway in Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is defined as a group of diseases characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which leads to right ventricular failure and premature death. There are multiple clinical manifestations that can be grouped into five different types. Pulmonary artery remodeling is a common feature in pulmonary hypertension (PH) characterized by endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle pulmonary artery cell proliferation. The current treatments for PH are limited to vasodilatory agents that do not stop the progression of the disease. Therefore, there is a need for new agents that inhibit pulmonary artery remodeling targeting the main genetic, molecular, and cellular processes involved in PH. Chronic inflammation contributes to pulmonary artery remodeling and PH, among other vascular disorders, and many inflammatory mediators signal through the JAK/STAT pathway. Recent evidence indicates that the JAK/STAT pathway is overactivated in the pulmonary arteries of patients with PH of different types. In addition, different profibrotic cytokines such as IL-6, IL-13, and IL-11 and growth factors such as PDGF, VEGF, and TGFβ1 are activators of the JAK/STAT pathway and inducers of pulmonary remodeling, thus participating in the development of PH. The understanding of the participation and modulation of the JAK/STAT pathway in PH could be an attractive strategy for developing future treatments. 
  • 1.1K
  • 19 May 2021
Topic Review
The Mutant p53 Secretome
p53 suppresses tumorigenesis by activating a plethora of effector pathways. While most of these operate primarily inside of cells to limit proliferation and survival of incipient cancer cells, many extend to the extracellular space. In particular, p53 controls expression and secretion of numerous extracellular factors that are either soluble or contained within extracellular vesicles such as exosomes. As part of the cellular secretome, they execute key roles in cell-cell communication and extracellular matrix remodeling. Mutations in the p53-encoding TP53 gene are the most frequent genetic alterations in cancer cells, and therefore, have profound impact on the composition of the tumor cell secretome.
  • 1.1K
  • 10 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Chloride Channels and Transporters in Cancers
The canonical roles of chloride channels and chloride-associated transporters have been physiologically determined; these roles include the maintenance of membrane potential, pH balance, and volume regulation and subsequent cellular functions such as autophagy and cellular proliferative processes. Although complicated ion movements, crosstalk among channels/transporters through homeostatic electric regulation, difficulties with experimental implementation such as activity measurement of intracellular location were disturbed to verify the precise modulation of channels/transporters, recently defined cancerous function and communication with tumor microenvironment of chloride channels/transporters should be highlighted beyond classical homeostatic ion balance.
  • 1.1K
  • 21 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Pol θ as a Central Player in TMEJ
DNA polymerase θ belongs to the A family of DNA polymerases and plays a key role in DNA repair and damage tolerance, including double-strand break (DSB) repair and DNA translesion synthesis. During Pol θ-mediated end joining (TMEJ), Pol θ aligns resected 3′-single-stranded DNA ends based on microhomology, fills DNA gaps and generates repair products with deletions of nonhomologous sequences flanking the DSB site.
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Vertebral Fractures in HIV-Infected Patients
HIV-infected patients show high risk of fracture. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of vertebral fractures (VFs) and their associations with vitamin D in HIV patients. 100 patients with HIV infection and 100 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Bone mineral density was measured by quantitative ultrasound at the non-dominant heel. Serum osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type 1 served as bone turnover markers. Bone ultrasound measurements were significantly lower in patients compared with controls (Stiffness Index (SI): 80.58 ± 19.95% vs. 93.80 ± 7.10%, respectively, p < 0.001). VFs were found in 16 patients and in 2 controls. HIV patients with vertebral fractures showed lower stiffness index (SI) (70.75 ± 10.63 vs. 83.36 ± 16.19, respectively, p = 0.045) and lower vitamin D levels (16.20 ± 5.62 vs. 28.14 ± 11.94, respectively, p < 0.02). The majority of VFs (87.5%) were observed in HIV-infected patients with vitamin D insufficiency, and regression analysis showed that vitamin D insufficiency was significantly associated with vertebral fractures (OR 9.15; 95% CI 0.18–0.52, p < 0.04). VFs and are a frequent occurrence in HIV-infected patients and may be associated with vitamin D insufficiency.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Oxidative Crosslinking of Peptides and Proteins
Covalent crosslinks within or between proteins play a key role in determining the structure and function of proteins. Some of these are formed intentionally by either enzymatic or molecular reactions and are critical to normal physiological function. Others are generated as a consequence of exposure to oxidants (radicals, excited states or two-electron species) and other endogenous or external stimuli, or as a result of the actions of a number of enzymes (e.g., oxidases and peroxidases). Increasing evidence indicates that the accumulation of unwanted crosslinks, as is seen in ageing and multiple pathologies, has adverse effects on biological function.
  • 1.1K
  • 24 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Outlook on Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized as a disorder of the heart muscle. It is distinguished by the widening/dilation of the left ventricle of the heart with left ventricular or biventricular systolic dysfunction. Contractile functioning of the left ventricle is highly compromised due to dilation. However, in some cases of DCM, the right ventricle is also dilated. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains an enigmatic cardiovascular disease (CVD) condition characterized by contractile dysfunction of the myocardium due to dilation of the ventricles. DCM is one of the major forms of CVD contributing to heart failure. Dilation of the left or both ventricles with systolic dysfunction, not explained by known causes, is a hallmark of DCM. Progression of DCM leads to heart failure. Genetic and various other factors greatly contribute to the development of DCM, but the etiology has still remained elusive in a large number of cases. 
  • 1.1K
  • 15 Jun 2022
Topic Review
ROS in Acute Hypoxia
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are series of chemical products originated from one or several electron reductions of oxygen. ROS are involved in physiology and disease and can also be both cause and consequence of many biological scenarios. Mitochondria are the main source of ROS in the cell and, particularly, the enzymes in the electron transport chain are the major contributors to this phenomenon
  • 1.1K
  • 16 May 2021
Topic Review
Thymoquinone and Curcumin
D-galactose (D-gal) administration causes oxidative disorder and is widely utilized in aging animal models. Therefore, subcutaneously injected D-gal at 200 mg/kg BW dose to assess the potential preventive effect of thymoquinone (TQ) and curcumin (Cur) against the oxidative alterations induced by D-gal. Other than the control, vehicle, and D-gal groups, the TQ and Cur treated groups were orally supplemented at 20 mg/kg BW of each alone or combined. TQ and Cur effectively suppressed the oxidative alterations induced by D-gal in brain and heart tissues. The TQ and Cur combination significantly decreased the elevated necrosis in the brain and heart by D-gal. It significantly reduced brain caspase 3, calbindin, and calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1), heart caspase 3, and BCL2. Expression of mRNA of the brain and heart TP53, p21, Bax, and CASP-3 were significantly downregulated in the TQ and Cur combination group along with upregulation of BCL2 in comparison with the D-gal group. Data suggested that the TQ and Cur combination is a promising approach in aging prevention. 
  • 1.1K
  • 28 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Curcumin and Ethanol Effects in Trembler-J Schwann
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) syndrome is the most common progressive human motor and sensory peripheral neuropathy. CMT type 1E is a demyelinating neuropathy affecting Schwann cells due to peripheral-myelin-protein-22 (PMP22) mutations, modelized by Trembler-J mice. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol compound obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa), exhibits dose- and time-varying antitumor, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, however, the neurotherapeutic actions of curcumin remain elusive. Here, the researchers propose curcumin as a possible natural treatment capable of enhancing cellular detoxification mechanisms, resulting in an improvement of the neurodegenerative Trembler-J phenotype. 
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Epigenetic Changes and Chromatin Reorganization in Brain Function
Healthy brain functioning in mammals requires a continuous fine-tuning of gene expression. Accumulating evidence over the past demonstrates that epigenetic mechanisms and dynamic changes in chromatin organization are critical components during the control of gene transcription in neural cells. Genome-wide analyses show that the regulation of brain genes requires the contribution of both promoter and long-distance enhancer elements, which must functionally interact to upregulate gene expression in response to physiological cues. Hence, a deep comprehension of the mechanisms mediating these enhancer–promoter interactions (EPIs) is critical if people are to understand the processes associated with learning, memory and recall. Moreover, the onset and progression of several neurodegenerative diseases and neurological alterations are found to be strongly associated with changes in the components that support and/or modulate the dynamics of these EPIs. 
  • 1.1K
  • 28 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Lipidomics
Lipid analysis provides additional insight into the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) disorders and reveals new targets for drug action. The profile of changes in the composition of fatty acids in the cell, as well as the time course of these changes, indicate both the mechanism of damage and new therapeutic possibilities. 
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Quercetin against Neurodegenerative Diseases Progression
Berries are well-known fruits for their antioxidant effects due to their high content of flavonoids, and quercetin is one of the potent bioactive flavonoids. Although oxidative stress is an inevitable outcome in cells due to energy uptake and metabolism and other factors, excessive oxidative stress is considered a pivotal mediator for the cell death and leads to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Furthermore, oxidative stress triggers inflammation that leads to neuronal cell loss. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and so on are the main neurodegenerative diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Dec 2022
Topic Review
The Involvement of GSTs in Mammalian Chemoperception
Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are ubiquitous key enzymes with different activities as transferases or isomerases. As key detoxifying enzymes, GSTs are expressed in the chemosensory organs. They fulfill an essential protective role because the chemosensory organs are located in the main entry paths of exogenous compounds within the body. In addition to this protective function, they modulate the perception process by metabolizing exogenous molecules, including tastants and odorants.
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Carbon Dot-Based Fluorescent Detection of Biothiols
Biothiols, such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH), play a vital role in gene expression, maintaining redox homeostasis, reducing damages caused by free radicals/toxins, etc. Likewise, abnormal levels of biothiols can lead to severe diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neurotoxicity, hair depigmentation, liver/skin damage, etc. To quantify the biothiols in a biological system, numerous low-toxic probes, such as fluorescent quantum dots, emissive organic probes, composited nanomaterials, etc., have been reported with real-time applications.
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Plant-Associated Burkholderia Species
The genus Burkholderia belongs to the subphylum of β-proteobacteria and encompasses Gram-negative bacterial species with high genetic versatility and adaptability to various ecological niches.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Signal Peptide-CUB-EGF Domain-Containing Protein in Cancer
Signal peptide, CUB, and EGF-like domain-containing proteins (SCUBE) are secretory cell surface glycoproteins that play key roles in the developmental process. SCUBE proteins participate in the progression of several diseases, including cancer, and are recognized for their oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions depending on the cellular context. SCUBE proteins promote cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, or metastasis, stemness or self-renewal, and drug resistance. The association of SCUBE with other proteins alters the expression of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Notch, TGF-β/Smad2/3, and β-catenin. Further, SCUBE proteins function as potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
  • 1.1K
  • 28 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Types of Histone Post-Translational Modifications
Abiotic stresses profoundly alter plant growth and development, resulting in yield losses. Plants have evolved adaptive mechanisms to combat these challenges, triggering intricate molecular responses to maintain tissue hydration and temperature stability during stress. A pivotal player in this defense is histone modification, governing gene expression in response to diverse environmental cues. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone tails, including acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation, regulate transcription, DNA processes, and stress-related traits.
  • 1.1K
  • 08 Dec 2023
Topic Review
C1q as Biomarker in ME/CFS
This study revealed high levels of circulating complement factor C1q of the participants, placing C1q as a key molecule to identify an myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) subtype/subgroup with more apparent pain symptoms.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Nov 2021
Topic Review
AztABCD Zinc Transporter System
Zinc is an essential trace nutrient. In bacteria, its import into the cell is largely mediated by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which rely on extracellular solute binding proteins (SBP) to bind the metal with high affinity and specificity. In some cases, the SBPs work with other extracellular zinc binding proteins known as metallochaperones. The mechanisms of zinc transport in these systems is of interest because zinc ABC transporters have been shown to be essential for virulence in a number of pathogenic bacteria. This entry describes several structural features of a zinc SBP and related metallochaperone and their role in zinc binding and transfer. 
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Aug 2020
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