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Topic Review
Agri-Food Waste from Apple, Pear, and Sugar Beet
Endothelial damage is recognized as the initial step that precedes several cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. It has been demonstrated that the best treatment for CVD is prevention, and, in the frame of a healthy lifestyle, the consumption of vegetables, rich in bioactive molecules, appears effective at reducing the risk of CVD. In this context, the large amount of agri-food industry waste, considered a global problem due to its environmental and economic impact, represents an unexplored source of bioactive compounds. The waste matrices of apple, pear, and sugar beet crops can represent promising starting material for producing “upcycled” products with functional applications, such as the prevention of endothelial dysfunction linked to cardiovascular diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Sep 2022
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
Telomeres and Their Neighbors
Telomeres are essential structures formed from satellite DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes in most eukaryotes. Satellite DNA repeat sequences are useful markers for karyotyping, but have a more enigmatic role in the eukaryotic cell. More research is needed until there is a complete picture of the biological function of telomere and other DNA satellite sequences, including chromatin structure, chromosome end-protection and species evolution with a particular focus on non-model organisms. The first problem to solve is the identification of telomere repeats, because telomere repeat identity is the foundation for any hypothesis about telomere maintenance and structure, or binding of specific  proteins. Celebrating Gregor Mendel’s anniversary by going to the principles behind the experiments, a selection of recent developments and underexplored areas of research from the past are illustrated in plants and insects. Indeed, much recent work has expanded beyond the human and yeast models traditional in telomere research. Classic methods from the past, and cutting-edge in silico methods are described. These do not require specialized equipment or expensive materials and can be used, often in combination, to aid research into telomeres and satellites. This can both enrich the general understanding of chromosome maintenance mechanisms and further explore the evolution of telomeres and telomerases.
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Taxol®
Taxol®, which is also known as paclitaxel, is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used to treat different cancers. Since the discovery of its antitumoral activity, Taxol® has been used to treat over one million patients, making it one of the most widely employed antitumoral drugs.
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Asymptomatic Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and represents an escalating problem for healthcare system. Therefore, it would be of utmost importance to identify asymptomatic individuals with left ventricular dysfunction before the onset of symptoms. Furthermore, special attention should be focused on individuals who are already classified as NIHA I and "apparently healed" patients, who have been diagnosed with HF and whose clinical condition is stable thanks to therapy. These patients usually suffer from a worsening of their condition over time, and therefore recognizing these changes at the onset would be a great achievement.
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Jul 2021
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
Esterification of Docosahexaenoic Acid  in Brain Diseases
Docosahexaenoic acid-containing lysophosphatidylcholine (DHA-LysoPC) is presented as the main transporter of DHA from blood plasma to the brain. This is related to the major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein 2A (Mfsd2a) symporter expression in the blood–brain barrier that recognizes the various lyso-phospholipids that have choline in their polar head. In order to stabilize the DHA moiety at the sn-2 position of LysoPC, the sn-1 position was esterified by the shortest acetyl chain, creating the structural phospholipid 1-acetyl,2-docosahexaenoyl-glycerophosphocholine (AceDoPC). This small structure modification allows the maintaining of the preferential brain uptake of DHA over non-esterified DHA. Additional properties were found for AceDoPC, such as antioxidant properties, especially due to the aspirin-like acetyl moiety, as well as the capacity to generate acetylcholine in response to the phospholipase D cleavage of the polar head. Esterification of DHA within DHA-LysoPC or AceDoPC could elicit more potent neuroprotective effects against neurological diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Nov 2022
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
Topic Review
PA-mPT Pore
A sharp increase in the permeability of the mitochondrial inner membrane known as mitochondrial permeability transition (or mPT) occurs in mitochondria under the conditions of Ca2+ and ROS stress. Permeability transition can proceed through several mechanisms. The most common mechanism of mPT is based on the opening of a cyclosporine A (CSA)-sensitive protein channel in the inner membrane. In addition to the CSA-sensitive pathway, mPT can occur through the transient opening of lipid pores, emerging in the process of formation of palmitate/Ca2+ complexes. This pathway is independent of CSA and likely plays a protective role against Ca2+ and ROS toxicity. The review considers molecular mechanisms of formation and regulation of the palmitate/Ca2+-induced pores, which we designate as PA-mPT to distinguish it from the classical CSA-sensitive mPT.
  • 1.1K
  • 24 Feb 2021
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
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
Better Antimicrobial Peptides Databases
With the accelerating growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents with low or no AMR. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been extensively studied as alternatives to antibiotics (ATAs). Coupled with the new generation of high-throughput technology for AMP mining, the number of derivatives has increased dramatically, but manual running is time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, it is necessary to establish databases that combine computer algorithms to summarize, analyze, and design new AMPs. A number of AMP databases have already been established, such as the Antimicrobial Peptides Database (APD), the Collection of Antimicrobial Peptides (CAMP), the Database of Antimicrobial Activity and Structure of Peptides (DBAASP), and the Database of Antimicrobial Peptides (dbAMPs). These four AMP databases are comprehensive and are widely used. 
  • 1.1K
  • 16 May 2023
Topic Review
MIF and D-DT/MIF-2 in Infections
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its homolog, D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT), are cytokines that play critical roles in the immune response to various infectious diseases. The role of MIF in different types of infections is controversial, as it has either a protective function or a host damage-enhancing function depending on the pathogen. Depending on the specific role of MIF, different therapeutic options for MIF-targeting drugs arise. Human MIF-neutralizing antibodies, anti-parasite MIF antibodies, small molecule MIF inhibitors or MIF-blocking peptides, as well as the administration of exogenous MIF or MIF activity-augmenting small molecules have potential therapeutic applications and need to be further explored in the future. In addition, MIF has been shown to be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in sepsis. Further research is needed to unravel the complexity of MIF and D-DT in infectious diseases and to develop personalized therapeutic approaches targeting these cytokines. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of the role of MIF and D-DT in infections could lead to new strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infectious diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Role microRNA in Prostate and Breast Cancer
Micro ribonucleic acids (microRNAs or miRNAs) form a distinct subtype of non-coding RNA and are widely recognized as one of the most significant gene expression regulators in mammalian cells. Mechanistically, the regulation occurs through microRNA binding with its response elements in the 3’-untranslated region of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), resulting in the post-transcriptional silencing of genes, expressing target mRNAs. Compared to small interfering RNAs, microRNAs have more complex regulatory patterns, making them suitable for fine-tuning gene expressions in different tissues. Dysregulation of microRNAs is well known as one of the causative factors in malignant cell growth. Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common cancer in women worldwide and seriously impairs patients’ physical health. Its incidence has been predicted to rise further. Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs play key roles in tumorigenesis and development. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Different microRNAs play an important role in PCa. Early diagnosis of BCa and PCa using microRNAs is very useful for improving individual outcomes in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized (3P) medicine, thereby reducing the economic burden.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Chitosan-Coated Gold Nanoparticles
Delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) provides one of the most powerful strategies for downregulation of therapeutic targets. Despite the widely explored capabilities of this strategy, intracellular delivery is hindered by a lack of carriers that have high stability, low toxicity and high transfection efficiency. Here we propose a layer by layer (LBL) self-assembly method to fabricate chitosan-coated gold nanoparticles (CS-AuNPs) as a more stable and efficient siRNA delivery system. 
  • 1.1K
  • 06 Apr 2021
Topic Review
COVID-19 and One-Carbon Metabolism
Dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism affects a wide range of biological processes and is associated with a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, neural tube defects, and cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that one-carbon metabolism plays an important role in COVID-19. The symptoms of long COVID-19 are similar to those presented by subjects suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). The metabolism of a cell infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is reshaped to fulfill the need for massive viral RNA synthesis, which requires de novo purine biosynthesis involving folate and one-carbon metabolism. Many aspects of host sulfur amino acid metabolism, particularly glutathione metabolism underlying antioxidant defenses, are also taken over by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Whole Blood Polyamine Levels in Age-Related Diseases
The relationship between polyamines and healthy longevity has received much attention. The most fundamental consideration in conducting polyamine studies is that bovine serum used for cell culture contains bovine serum amine oxidase. Bovine serum amine oxidase, which is not inactivated by heat treatment, breaks down spermine and spermidine to produce the highly toxic aldehyde acrolein, which causes cell damage and activates autophagy. Polyamine catabolism does not produce toxic aldehydes under normal conditions, but inflammation and some pathogens provoke an inducible enzyme, spermine oxidase, which only breaks down spermine to produce acrolein, resulting in cytotoxicity and the activation of autophagy. Therefore, spermine oxidase activation reduces spermine concentration and the ratio of spermine to spermidine, a feature reported in patients with age-related diseases. Spermine, which is increased by a long-term, continuous high polyamine diet, suppresses aberrant gene methylation and the pro-inflammatory status that progress with age and are strongly associated with the development of several age-related diseases and senescence. Changes in spermine concentration and the spermine/spermidine ratio should be considered as indicators of human health status.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Rejuvenate Aging Cells and Tissues
Rejuvenate aging cells and tissues is strategies to delay and potentially even reverse the aging process.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 May 2021
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
FAK Inhibition and Corneal Fibroblast Differentiation in vitro
Fibrosis is often known as a response of a tissue to injury, and since the three transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) isoforms (TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3) are the main regulators of cell migration, differentiation, proliferation, and gene expression, they were implicated in both reparative and fibrotic responses. All three TGF-β isoforms are homologues, sharing an extensive similarity in their amino acid sequences (80%), which may result in overlapping functions (i.e., SMAD-dependent signaling, modulating inflammatory responses); however, subtle differences in the sequences exist, thus potentially eliciting opposing effects. For example, several studies showed that TGF-β1 and -β2 are factors that drive the formation of fibrosis in corneal scarring models [8,9,10], whereas TGF-β3 was reported to downregulate fibrosis and promote scarless wound healing (healing without fibrosis).
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Mar 2022
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