Your browser does not fully support modern features. Please upgrade for a smoother experience.
Subject:
All Disciplines Arts & Humanities Biology & Life Sciences Business & Economics Chemistry & Materials Science Computer Science & Mathematics Engineering Environmental & Earth Sciences Medicine & Pharmacology Physical Sciences Public Health & Healthcare Social Sciences
Sort by:
Most Viewed Latest Alphabetical (A-Z) Alphabetical (Z-A)
Filter:
All Topic Review Biography Peer Reviewed Entry Video Entry
Topic Review
δ-Cells
Somatostatin-secreting δ-cells have aroused great attention due to their powerful roles in coordination of islet insulin and glucagon secretion and maintenance of glucose homeostasis. δ-cells exhibit neuron-like morphology with projections which enable pan-islet somatostatin paracrine regulation despite their scarcity in the islets. 
  • 1.0K
  • 06 Apr 2021
Topic Review
ABCG2
The ABCG2 (also named breast cancer resistance protein—BCRP, or mitoxantrone resistance protein—MXR) is an integral membrane protein belonging to the ABC (ATP-binding cassette) protein superfamily. ABCG2 is an active transporter utilizing the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to translocate various substrate molecules across the plasma membrane from the cells to the extracellular space. Its transported substrates include endobiotics (endogenous substances), such as uric acid, as well as xenobiotics, such as anti-cancer drugs. ABCG2 plays a pivotal role in uric acid clearance; thus, its malfunction may lead to hyperuricemia and gout. On the other hand, ABCG2 residing in various barrier tissues is involved in the innate defense mechanisms of the body, influencing the absorption, distribution, excretion of potentially toxic endo- and exogenous compounds.
  • 1.0K
  • 11 May 2021
Topic Review
Acid-Sensing Ion Channels and Mechanosensation
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are mainly proton-gated cation channels, which can be activated by a drop in extracellular pH below 7.0 and triggered by nonproton ligands during physiological pH levels.
  • 1.0K
  • 12 May 2021
Topic Review
Metals in Insects
Insects and microbial pathogens are ubiquitous and play significant roles in various biological processes, while microbial pathogens are microscopic organisms that can cause diseases in multiple hosts. Insects and microbial pathogens engage in diverse interactions, leveraging each other’s presence. Metals are crucial in shaping these interactions between insects and microbial pathogens.
  • 1.0K
  • 20 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are rRNA N-glycosylases from plants (EC 3.2.2.22) that inactivate ribosomes thus inhibiting protein synthesis.
  • 1.0K
  • 25 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Entamoeba histolytica and the Microbiome
In the gut, E. histolytica feeds on bacteria. Increasing evidences support the role of the gut microbiota in the development of the disease.
  • 1.0K
  • 18 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Metabolomics in Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema (AE) is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 20% of children worldwide and early onset can lead to asthma and allergies. Metabolomics, the analysis of small molecules in the skin produced by the host and microbes, opens a window to observe the mechanisms of the disease which then may lead to new drug targets for AE treatment. 
  • 1.0K
  • 27 Sep 2022
Topic Review
The Chloroplast Epitranscriptome
Here, we report about epitranscriptomic methods for the identification of RNA modifications, bioinformatic tools, and the potential physiological roles of RNA modifiers and interpreters in plant nuclear/cytoplasmic gene expression related to chloroplast functions and the post-transcriptional fate of chloroplast RNAs.
  • 1.0K
  • 03 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Principles of NMR and MRI
Depending on the appropriately tuned amplifiers and transceiver coils, in theory, any nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) active nucleus can be used for imaging by MRI. A nucleus with a spin quantum number of ½ (e.g., 1H, 3He, 13C, 14N, 15N, 19F, 19O, 31P, etc.) is designated to be in two spin states and the direction of spin alignment depends on the sign (+/−) of the gyromagnetic ratio, one of the two spin states will align along the magnetic field (ground state, lower energy), whereas the other one will align against it (excited state, higher energy). When an external magnetic field is applied, the spins in the ground state can be promoted to the excited state after absorbing the energy. Upon the termination of the external magnetic field, the spin returns to its equilibrium state (ground state) by a process called relaxation. There are two processes involved, each with an exponential time constant (Ti, i = 1,2): ‘T1’ (longitudinal or spin-lattice) or ‘T2’ (transverse or spin-spin) relaxation times. These parameters help in determining the signal/contrast-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the image resolution.
  • 1.0K
  • 18 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Multiplex Detection of Infectious Diseases on Microfluidic Platforms
Infectious diseases contribute significantly to the global disease burden. Sensitive and accurate screening methods are some of the most effective means of identifying sources of infection and controlling infectivity. Conventional detecting strategies such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), DNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry typically require bulky equipment and well-trained personnel. Therefore, mass screening of a large population using conventional strategies during pandemic periods often requires additional manpower, resources, and time, which cannot be guaranteed in resource-limited settings. Emerging microfluidic technologies have shown the potential to replace conventional methods in performing point-of-care detection because they are automated, miniaturized, and integrated. By exploiting the spatial separation of detection sites, microfluidic platforms can enable the multiplex detection of infectious diseases to reduce the possibility of misdiagnosis and incomplete diagnosis of infectious diseases with similar symptoms. 
  • 1.0K
  • 27 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Anti-Inflammatory Properties Anthocyanins in Edible Flowers
The word ‘anthocyanin’ derives from two Greek words: anthos, which means flowers, and kyanos, which means dark blue. Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites in land plants that contribute to the color of leaves and flowers. These pigments are primary blue, red, and purple. They are synthesized via the flavonoid pathway, which is part of the general phenylpropanoid pathway.
  • 1.0K
  • 01 Apr 2022
Topic Review
hIAPP Amyloidosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Cases of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are increasing at an alarming rate due to the rise in obesity, sedentary lifestyles, glucose-rich diets and other factors. Numerous studies have increasingly illustrated the pivotal role that human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) plays in the pathology of T2DM through damage and subsequent loss of pancreatic β-cell mass. Here researchers provide an up-to-date summary of recent progress in the field, highlighting factors that contribute to hIAPP misfolding and aggregation which have been linked to β-cell cytotoxicity. Understanding the structure of hIAPP and how these factors affect amyloid formation will help better understand how hIAPP misfolds and aggregates and, importantly, help identify potential therapeutic targets for inhibiting amyloidosis so alternate and more effective treatments for T2DM can be developed.
  • 1.0K
  • 29 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Structure Dynamics and Signaling of the Neurokinin-1 Receptor
Substance P (SP), the first isolated neuropeptide, belongs to the family of tachykinin peptides and is the natural ligand of neurokinin-1 receptors (NK-1R), also named SP receptors. The undecapeptide activates the receptor after specifically binding to the protein and triggers intracellular signals leading to different biochemical events and subsequent physiological responses. 
  • 1.0K
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Polyethyleneimine-Based Lipopolyplexes
Lipopolyplexes based on poliethylenimine are an interesting platform for future anti-cancer gene therapies. The carrier consists of nucleic acids condensed with poliethylenimine chains and enclosed in lipid vesicles. Lipopolyplexes could be very versatile, what enables tailoring the carrier for specific thereapeutic needs, however the preparation process is a multistage and fairly sensitive one, which additionally requires a specific balance to be maintained between its stability in the body, which would allow the appropriate dose of the preparation to reach the target site, and the ability to release nucleic acid at the right place and time.
  • 1.0K
  • 10 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Relationships between N-Glycosylation and Disulfide Bonds
N-Glycosylation (NG) and disulfide bonds (DBs) are two prevalent co/post-translational modifications (PTMs) that are often conserved and coexist in membrane and secreted proteins involved in a large number of diseases. Both in the past and in recent times, the enzymes and chaperones regulating these PTMs have been constantly discovered to directly interact with each other or colocalize in the ER. However, beyond a few model proteins, how such cooperation affects N-glycan modification and disulfide bonding at selective sites in individual proteins is largely unknown. More investigations should be encouraged to unveil the hidden relationships of NG and DBs in the majority of membranes and secreted proteins for pathophysiological understanding and biotherapeutic development. 
  • 1.0K
  • 08 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Characteristics of Pyroptosis
Pyroptosis is an active and ordered form of programmed cell death. The signaling pathways of pyroptosis are mainly divided into canonical pathways mediated by caspase-1 and noncanonical pathways mediated by caspase-11. Cell pyroptosis is characterized by the activation of inflammatory caspases (mainly caspase-1, 4, 5, 11) and cleavage of various members of the Gasdermin family to form membrane perforation components, leading to cell membrane rupture, inflammatory mediators release, and cell death. Moderate pyroptosis is an innate immune response that fights against infection and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of the normal function of the immune system.
  • 1.0K
  • 20 Jan 2023
Topic Review
mRNA-Based Cancer Immunotherapies
Significant technological innovations have led to messenger RNA (mRNA) becoming a promising option for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and genome engineering. The success of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has sparked new enthusiasm for other medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are structurally designed to resemble naturally occurring mature mRNA. Delivery of IVT mRNA via delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles allows host cells to produce many copies of encoded proteins, which can serve as antigens to stimulate immune responses or as additional beneficial proteins for supplements. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics include mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA encoding cytokines, chimeric antigen receptors, tumor suppressors, and other combination therapies.
  • 1.0K
  • 22 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Approaches in Gene Coexpression Analysis in Eukaryotes
Gene coexpression analysis refers to the en masse discovery of coexpressed genes from a large variety of transcriptomic experiments. The type of biological networks that studies gene coexpression, known as Gene Coexpression Networks, consist of an undirected graph depicting genes and their coexpression relationships. Coexpressed genes are clustered in smaller subnetworks, the predominant biological roles of which can be determined through enrichment analysis. By studying well-annotated gene partners, the attribution of new roles to genes of unknown function or assumption for participation in common metabolic pathways can be achieved, through a guilt-by-association approach. 
  • 1.0K
  • 22 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Key Metabolic Changes in Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental illness with a heavy social burden, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics is providing new insights into the heterogeneous pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MDD by revealing multi-parametric biomarker signatures at the metabolite level.
  • 1.0K
  • 10 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids can be classified as (1) endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG), (2) phytocannabinoids (THC, CBD), and (3) synthetic analogs (AJA)—. Phytocannabinoids constitute more than 110 chemical compounds, while synthetic analogs are even more numerous.
  • 1.0K
  • 05 Aug 2021
  • Page
  • of
  • 133
Featured Entry Collections
>>

Featured Reprints

>>
Encyclopedia of Digital Society, Industry 5.0 and Smart City
Encyclopedia of Engineering
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences
Encyclopedia of Medieval Royal Iconography
Academic Video Service
Feedback