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Topic Review
Cancer, Retrogenes, and Evolution
The retroposition, in which the processed mRNA from parental genes undergoes reverse transcription and the resulting cDNA is integrated back into the genome, results in additional copies of existing genes. Despite the initial misconception, retroposition-derived copies can become functional, and due to their role in the molecular evolution of genomes, they have been named the “seeds of evolution”. It is convincing that retrogenes, as important elements involved in the evolution of species, also take part in the evolution of neoplastic tumor at the cell and species levels. The occurrence of specific “resistance mechanisms” to neoplastic transformation in some species has been noted. This phenomenon in some cases has been related to additional gene copies, including retrogenes. In addition, retrogene expression correlates with the occurrence of specific cancer subtypes, their stages, and their response to therapy. Phylogenetic insights into retrogenes show that most cancer-related retrocopies arose in the lineage of primates, and the number of identified cancer-related retrogenes demonstrates that these duplicates are quite important players in human carcinogenesis.
  • 1.0K
  • 16 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Lateral Flow Technologies Detect COVID-19
Lateral flow technology (also known as lateral flow assay) plays a critical role in POC testing, as the technique is rapid, cost-effective, and can be operated by untrained personnel. Lateral flow technologies can be classified as follows: lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), nucleic acid lateral flow assay (NLFA), and nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (NALFIA). LFIA is able to detect antibodies/antigens, while NLFA uses a DNA or RNA probe to detect nucleic acid. Moreover, NALFIA uses both antibodies/antigens and nucleic acid as biomarkers for the detection of antigens/antibodies or amplicons.
  • 1.0K
  • 15 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Trends of Target-Integrins for Fibrosis
Liver fibrosis is an intractable disease with high morbidity by advancing into liver cirrhosis that often causes organ failure, where the parenchymal cells are replaced with collagen species and other matrix proteins. Integrins are receptors for matrix proteins that essentially consist of fibrosis tissues, and some integrins activate latent-TGFβ a central driver of fibrosis.
  • 1.0K
  • 03 Dec 2021
Topic Review
MicroRNAs
In the past decade, microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of noncoding small RNAs, have emerged as functionally significant regulatory molecules with the significant capability of fine-tuning biological processes. The important role of miRNAs in inflammation and immune responses is highlighted by studies in which the regulation of miRNAs in the host was shown to be related to infectious diseases and associated with the eradication or susceptibility of the infection.
  • 1.0K
  • 13 May 2022
Topic Review
Classification of Trinucleotides/Codons
Ariadne’s thread on the path of our discovery of DNA and genetic code symmetries was our trinucleotide classification. Trinucleotides of each DNA genome and codons of the genetic code consist of four nitrogenous bases: two purines (adenine (A) and guanine (G)) and two pyrimidines (cytosine (C) and thymine (T) or uracil (U)). Thus, three of the bases are found in both DNA and the genetic code, whereas thymine is unique to DNA, and uracil is unique to the genetic code. A nucleotide is formed in the cell when the base attaches itself to the 1′ carbon of the sugar and phosphate attaches itself to the 5′ carbon of the same sugar the nucleotide takes its name from.
  • 1.0K
  • 04 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Aromatase in Breast Cancer Treatment
The current therapeutic approach for the treatment of hormone dependent breast cancer includes interference with estrogen receptors via either selective modulators or estrogens deprivation, by preventing their biosynthesis with aromatase inhibitors. Severe side effects and acquired resistance are drawbacks of both drug classes, and the efforts to overcome these issues still allow for research in this field to be animated. This review reports on recent findings that have opened new avenues for reconsidering the role of aromatase enzyme (and estrogen receptors) leading to the possibility of looking at well-known targets in a new perspective.
  • 1.0K
  • 14 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Binding of Various Aminopolycarboxylates
Synthetic aminopolycarboxylates like ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) are common chelating agents. EDTA-degrading bacterium Chelativorans sp. BNC1 uses an ABC-type transporter for the uptake of free EDTA into its cells for biodegradation. The key component of the transporter is a periplasmic EDTA-binding protein, EppA, and the structural and functional analyses indicate that EppA is a general binding protein for the uptake of free aminopolycarboxylates, suggesting that stable metal-chelate complexes are not transported into the cells for biodegradation and explaining the persistence of stable metal-EDTA complexes in the environment.
  • 1.0K
  • 02 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Virus-Specific Immunity in TMEV-Induced Demyelination
The infection of susceptible mice with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) establishes persistent viral infections and induces chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease.
  • 1.0K
  • 31 May 2021
Topic Review
Mining the Immunopeptidome for Antigenic Peptides in Cancer
Harnessing the immune system for cancer therapy has shown success, however the response to immunotherapy has been limited. Deciphering the immunopeptidome repertoire of cancer cells is crucial for identifying neoantigens. To date the emphasis has been on mutations. However, there is more to neoantigens than mutations. Thus, there is a need to identify other types of neoantigens that are commonly expressed in a cancer type that are presented by MHC class I and class II, to induce a cytotoxic CD8+ T and CD4+ T response, respectively. The immunopeptidome encompasses protein post-translation modifications (PTMs), which are overlooked by genome or transcriptome profiling. This entry covers how the immunopeptidome can yield novel cancer-specific antigens, focusing on PTMs and their applications.
  • 1.0K
  • 26 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Nuclear P38
One of the hallmarks of MAPK signaling is the nuclear translocation of some of its components upon stimulation. This is important for the regulation of transcription, activation of enzymes and stabilisation of proteins that lead to the induced  processes involved in the response to the particular stimulation or pathologies. Here we describe the nuclear function regulation and mechanism of translocation of two central MAPKs, namely P38α/β that are involved in the regulation of a variety of processes including mainly stress response. 
  • 1.0K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Edible Mushrooms in Muscle Foods
Mushrooms are valued around the world as culinary delicacies and are popularly known as “vegetable meat” in many cultures. Botanically, they are the fruiting bodies of macroscopic filamentous saprophytic fungi that grow above ground. Mushrooms are considered as next-generation healthy food components. Owing to their low content of fat, high-quality proteins, dietary fibre, and the presence of nutraceuticals, they are ideally preferred in the formulation of low-caloric functional foods.
  • 999
  • 11 May 2021
Topic Review
Vimentin-Binding Aptamer Motifs for Ovarian Cancer
The application of aptamers in biomedicine is emerging as an essential technology in the field of cancer research. As small single-stranded DNA or RNA ligands with high specificity and low immunogenicity for their targets, aptamers provide many advantages in cancer therapeutics over protein-based molecules, such as antibodies. Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that is overexpressed in endothelial cells of cancerous tissue. High expression levels of vimentin have been associated with increased capacity for migration and invasion of the tumor cells. We have selected and identified thioated aptamers with high specificity for vimentin using human ovarian cancer tissues. Tentative binding motifs were chosen for two vimentin aptamers based on predicted secondary structures. Each of these shorter, tentative binding motifs was synthesized, purified, and characterized via cell binding assays. Two vimentin binding motifs with high fidelity binding were selected and further characterized via cell and tissue binding assays, as well as flow cytometric analysis. The equilibrium binding constants of these small thioated aptamer constructs were also determined. Future applications for the vimentin binding aptamer motifs include conjugation of the aptamers to synthetic dyes for use in targeted imaging and therapy, and ultimately more detailed and precise monitoring of treatment response and tumor progression in ovarian pathology. 
  • 999
  • 11 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Calcium- and Integrin-Binding Protein 2 (CIB2)
Calcium- and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) is a small EF-hand protein capable of binding Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. Its biological function remains largely unclear, an increasing number of studies have shown that CIB2 is an essential component of the mechano-transduction machinery that operates in cochlear hair cells. In addition, CIB2 has been implicated in a multitude of very different processes, ranging from integrin signaling in platelets and skeletal muscle to autophagy, suggesting extensive functional plasticity.
  • 999
  • 22 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Curcumin Targeting Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies, with high incidence rates, a low rate of early diagnosis, and complex pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been progress made in its diagnosis and treatment methods, but tumor malignant proliferation and metastasis after treatment still seriously affect the survival and prognosis of patients. Therefore, it is an extremely urgent task of current medicine to find new anti-tumor drugs with high efficiency and safety and low toxicity. Curcumin has shown potent anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects and is considered a hot spot in the research and development of anti-tumor drugs due to its advantages of precise efficacy, lower toxic side effects, and less drug resistance. Recent studies have revealed that curcumin has anti-tumor effects exerted on the epigenetic regulation of tumor-promoting/tumor-suppressing gene expression through the alteration of expression levels of non-coding RNAs (e.g., lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs). The interaction between curcumin and non-coding RNAs on the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer is summarized herein.
  • 999
  • 14 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Diacylglycerol Kinase in the Amelioration of Diabetic Nephropathy
The drastic increase in the number of patients with diabetes and its complications is a global issue. Diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, significantly affects patients’ quality of life and medical expenses. Furthermore, there are limited drugs for treating diabetic nephropathy patients. Impaired lipid signaling, especially abnormal protein kinase C (PKC) activation by de novo-synthesized diacylglycerol (DG) under high blood glucose, is one of the causes of diabetic nephropathy. DG kinase (DGK) is an enzyme that phosphorylates DG and generates phosphatidic acid, i.e., DGK can inhibit PKC activation under diabetic conditions. Indeed, it has been proven that DGK activation ameliorates diabetic nephropathy.
  • 999
  • 27 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Glycation-Associated Diabetic Nephropathy and Long Noncoding RNAs
The glycation of various biomolecules is the root cause of many pathological conditions associated with diabetic nephropathy and end-stage kidney disease. Glycation imbalances metabolism and increases renal cell injury. Numerous therapeutic measures have narrowed down the adverse effects of endogenous glycation, but efficient and potent measures are miles away. Recent advances in the identification and characterization of noncoding RNAs, especially the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), have opened a mammon of new biology to explore the mitigations for glycation-associated diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, tissue-specific distribution and condition-specific expression make lncRNA a promising key for second-generation therapeutic interventions.
  • 999
  • 03 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Microfluidics on Assisted Reproductive Technology
Infertility is a state of the male or female reproductive system that is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy even after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) plays a crucial role in addressing infertility. Various ART are now available for infertile couples. Fertilization in vitro (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are the most common techniques in this regard. Various microfluidic technologies can incorporate various ART procedures such as embryo and gamete (sperm and oocyte) analysis, sorting, manipulation, culture and monitoring.
  • 998
  • 09 Aug 2021
Topic Review
INK4a/ARF
Genetic alterations in the INK4a/ARF (or CDKN2A) locus have been reported in many cancer types, including melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, lung, breast and pancreatic cancers.  The CDKN2A locus encodes two critical tumor suppressor proteins, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4a and the p53 regulator p14ARF. The majority of CDKN2A alterations in melanoma selectively target p16INK4a or affect the coding sequence of both p16INK4a and p14ARF. There is also a subset of less common somatic and germline INK4a/ARF alterations that affect p14ARF, while not altering the syntenic p16INK4a coding regions. This review describes the frequency and types of somatic and germline alterations affecting the CDKN2A locus and their functional consequences in melanoma development. The clinical implications of CDKN2A inactivating alterations and their influence on treatment response and resistance are also described. 
  • 997
  • 21 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Nobiletin and Derivatives
The search for effective methods of cancer treatment and prevention has been a continuous effort since the disease was discovered. Recently, there has been increasing interest in exploring plants and fruits for molecules that may have potential as either adjuvants or as chemopreventive agents against cancer. One of the promising compounds under extensive research is nobiletin (NOB), a polymethoxyflavone (PMF) extracted exclusively from citrus peel. Not only does NOB itself exhibit anti-cancer properties, but its derivatives are also promising chemopreventive agents; examples of derivatives with anti-cancer activity include 3′-demethylnobiletin (3′-DMN), 4′-demethylnobiletin (4′-DMN), 3′,4′-didemethylnobiletin (3′,4′-DMN) and 5-demethylnobiletin (5-DMN). In vitro studies have demonstrated differential efficacies and mechanisms of NOB and its derivatives in inhibiting and killing of colon cancer cells. The chemopreventive potential of NOB has also been well demonstrated in several in vivo colon carcinogenesis animal models. NOB and its derivatives target multiple pathways in cancer progression and inhibit several of the hallmark features of colorectal cancer (CRC) pathophysiology, including arresting the cell cycle, inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, preventing tumour formation, reducing inflammatory effects and limiting angiogenesis. However, these substances have low oral bioavailability that limits their clinical utility, hence there have been numerous efforts exploring better drug delivery strategies for NOB and these are part of this review. We also reviewed data related to patents involving NOB to illustrate the extensiveness of each research area and its direction of commercialisation. Furthermore, this review also provides suggested directions for future research to advance NOB as the next promising candidate in CRC chemoprevention.
  • 997
  • 31 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Whole Genome Amplification and the appropriate DNA polymerases
In the same way that specialized DNA polymerases (DNAPs) replicate cellular and viral genomes, only a handful of dedicated proteins from various natural origins as well as engineered versions are appropriate for competent exponential amplification of whole genomes and metagenomes (WGA). Different applications have led to the development of diverse protocols, based on various DNAPs. Isothermal whole genomes and metagenomes (WGA) is currently widely used due to the high performance of Φ29 DNA polymerase, but polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods are also available and can provide competent amplification of certain samples. Replication fidelity and processivity must be considered when selecting a suitable enzyme for WGA. However, other properties, such as thermostability, capacity to couple replication, and double helix unwinding, or the ability to maintain DNA replication opposite to damaged bases, are also very relevant for some applications.
  • 997
  • 29 Jun 2023
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