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Topic Review
Oxidative Stress and Redox Enzymes in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a wide range of diseases with heterogeneous aetiologies and exhibit degenerative processes commonly accompanied by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major risk factor associated with aging and the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by irreversible, progressive loss of neuronal cells, formation of protein aggregates, and a decline in cognitive or motor functions. Neurodegenerative diseases are induced by imbalanced redox homeostasis and impaired energy metabolism, as hypothesised by several aging theories, including the free radical theory, the mitochondrial dysfunction theory, the genetic theory, and the telomere shortening theory.
  • 844
  • 19 Jan 2022
Topic Review
The Importance of Krüppel-Like Factors in Cardiovascular Diseases
Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are a set of DNA-binding proteins belonging to a family of zinc-finger transcription factors, which have been associated with many biological processes related to the activation or repression of genes, inducing cell growth, differentiation, and death, and the development and maintenance of tissues. In response to metabolic alterations caused by disease and stress, the heart will undergo cardiac remodeling, leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). KLFs are among the transcriptional factors that take control of many physiological and, in this case, pathophysiological processes of CVD. KLFs seem to be associated with congenital heart disease-linked syndromes, malformations because of autosomal diseases, mutations that relate to protein instability, and/or loss of functions such as atheroprotective activities. Ischemic damage also relates to KLF dysregulation because of the differentiation of cardiac myofibroblasts or a modified fatty acid oxidation related to the formation of a dilated cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarctions, left ventricular hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathies.
  • 844
  • 09 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Epidrugs in Therapy of Central Nervous System Disorders
The polygenic nature of neurological and psychiatric syndromes and the significant impact of environmental factors on the underlying developmental, homeostatic, and neuroplastic mechanisms suggest that an efficient therapy for these disorders should be a complex one. Pharmacological interventions with drugs selectively influencing the epigenetic landscape (epidrugs) allow one to hit multiple targets, therefore, assumably addressing a wide spectrum of genetic and environmental mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. 
  • 844
  • 28 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Transthyretin Misfolding
Transthyretin (TTR) is an essential transporter of a thyroid hormone and a holo-retinol binding protein, found abundantly in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, this protein is infamous for its amyloidogenic propensity, causing various amyloidoses in humans, such as senile systemic amyloidosis, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, and familial amyloid cardiomyopathy. Decreased stability of the native tetrameric conformation and subsequent misfolding of TTR is the main cause of these diseases.
  • 843
  • 18 May 2021
Topic Review
Human FoxP Transcription Factors
Although the Fox family of transcription factors has been described as monomers even in the presence of their cognate DNA, suggesting their full functionality without requiring oligomerization, members of the FoxP subfamily show both monomers and 3D-DS dimers (B). This novel ability in a well-known monomeric family has been largely attributed to a single replacement of a conserved proline by alanine (Pro39Ala) in the hinge region that connects helices H2 and H4 (B). Additionally, the ability to adopt intertwined dimers has been a focus of interest in terms of the possibility to bind different DNA loci within a given chromosome or even in physically mediating interchromosomal contacts, suggesting that the emergence of the 3D-DS could impact their mechanism of action and the complexity of the gene regulation networks in which they participate.
  • 843
  • 27 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Hsp70 in Redox Homeostasis
Hsp70 is a key chaperone in protein quality control and the central hub of the cellular proteostasis network, participating in numerous cellular processes by interacting with different clients. Hsp70 is tightly related to redox homeostasis in several ways, including functional regulation of Hsp70 caused by post-translational modifications (especially cysteine modifications), induced expression of Hsp70 caused by oxidative stress, Hsp70-dependent proteostasis under oxidative stress and redox-related signaling pathways involving Hsp70.
  • 843
  • 25 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Human Olfactory Receptor Sensor for Odor Reconstitution
Among the five human senses, light, sound, and force perceived by the eye, ear, and skin, respectively are physical phenomena, and therefore can be easily measured and expressed as objective, univocal, and simple digital data with physical quantity. However, as taste and odor molecules perceived by the tongue and nose are chemical phenomena, it has been difficult to express them as objective and univocal digital data, since no reference chemicals can be defined. Therefore, while the recording, saving, transmitting to remote locations, and replaying of human visual, auditory, and tactile information as digital data in digital devices have been realized (this series of data flow is defined as DX (digital transformation) herein), the DX of human taste and odor information is not yet in the realization stage. 
  • 843
  • 20 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Molecular Perspective on Sirtuin Activity
The protein acylation of either the α-amino groups of amino-terminal residues or of internal lysine or cysteine residues is one of the major posttranslational protein modifications that occur in the cell with repercussions at the protein as well as at the metabolome level. The lysine acylation status is determined by the opposing activities of lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and lysine deacetylases (KDACs), which add and remove acyl groups from proteins, respectively. A special group of KDACs, named sirtuins, that require NAD+ as a substrate has received particular attention in recent years. They play critical roles in metabolism, and their abnormal activity has been implicated in several diseases. Conversely, the modulation of their activity has been associated with protection from age-related cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and with increased longevity. The benefits of either activating or inhibiting these enzymes have turned sirtuins into attractive therapeutic targets, and considerable effort has been directed toward developing specific sirtuin modulators.
  • 842
  • 20 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Exosome-Regulated Oxidative Stress Responses
A thrombus in a coronary artery causes ischemia, which eventually leads to myocardial infarction (MI) if not removed. However, removal generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury that damages the tissue and exacerbates the resulting MI. The mechanism of I/R injury is currently extensively understood. However, supplementation of exogenous antioxidants is ineffective against oxidative stress (OS). Enhancing the ability of endogenous antioxidants may be a more effective way to treat OS, and exosomes may play a role as targeted carriers. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles wrapped in biofilms which contain various complex RNAs and proteins. They are important intermediate carriers of intercellular communication and material exchange.
  • 842
  • 30 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Regulatory miRNAs and Copper
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), are key regulators of differentiation and development. In the cell, transcription factors regulate the production of miRNA in response to different external stimuli. Copper (Cu) is a heavy metal and an essential micronutrient with widespread industrial applications. It is involved in a number of vital biological processes encompassing respiration, blood cell line maturation, and immune responses.
  • 842
  • 24 Mar 2022
Topic Review
ncRNA Subtypes, Biogenesis, and Turnover
Epigenetics investigates modifications in the expression of genes that do not depend on the underlying DNA sequence. Some studies have confirmed that environmental factors, such as toxicants, may promote a phenotype or a disease in an individual or even in the subsequent progeny through epigenetic alterations. Several epigenetic mechanisms, including modifications in DNA (e.g., methylation), histones, and non-protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can change genome expression under the exogenous influenc. The latent interest in epigenetics has resulted in breakthroughs in seminal concepts in diseases ranging from autoimmune conditions to cancer, congenital diseases, mental retardation, endocrine diseases, pediatric diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, and many others.
  • 841
  • 20 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Psychobiological Biomarkers of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The rapid spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), which led to a pandemic over the last two years, has also led to an increased focus on mental health disorders. This is because measures applied to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (such as quarantine and social isolation) may have contributed to the onset of long-term psychological distress, including high levels of depression, stress, and anxiety.
  • 841
  • 02 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Spiro-Flavonoids in Nature
The research collects 65 unique structures, including spiro-biflavonoids, spiro-triflavonoids, spiro-tetraflavonoids, spiro-flavostilbenoids, and scillascillin-type homoisoflavonoids. Scillascillin-type homoisoflavonoids comprise spiro[bicyclo[4.2.0]octane-7,3′-chromane]-1(6),2,4-trien-4′-one, while the other spiro-flavonoids contain either 2H,2′H-3,3′-spirobi[benzofuran]-2-one or 2′H,3H-2,3′-spirobi[benzofuran]-3-one in the core of their structures. Spiro-flavonoids have been described in more than 40 species of eight families, including Asparagaceae, Cistaceae, Cupressaceae, Fabaceae, Pentaphylacaceae, Pinaceae, Thymelaeaceae, and Vitaceae. The possible biosynthetic pathways for each group of spiro-flavonoids are summarized in detail. Anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities are the most important biological activities of spiro-flavonoids, both in vitro and in vivo.
  • 841
  • 25 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Plant-Derived Epi-Nutraceuticals as Potential Broad-Spectrum Anti-Viral Agents
Plant-derived products, which have been used in traditional medicine for treating pathological conditions, offer structurally novel therapeutic compounds, including those with anti-viral activity. In addition, plant-derived bioactive substances might serve as the ideal basis for developing sustainable/efficient/cost-effective anti-viral alternatives. Interest in herbal antiviral products has increased. More than 50% of approved drugs originate from herbal sources. Plant-derived compounds offer diverse structures and bioactive molecules that are candidates for new drug development. Combining these therapies with conventional drugs could improve patient outcomes. Epigenetics modifications in the genome can affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences. Host cells can use epigenetic gene regulation as a mechanism to silence incoming viral DNA molecules, while viruses recruit cellular epitranscriptomic (covalent modifications of RNAs) modifiers to increase the translational efficiency and transcript stability of viral transcripts to enhance viral gene expression and replication. 
  • 841
  • 21 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Seaweed-Based Molecules
Seaweeds are a novel source of potentially active compounds (proteins–lectins, phycobiliproteins, peptides, amino acids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides) to be exploited in human health benefits, such as antiviral, anticancer, anticoagulant, anti-obesity, and diabetes modulator. Shannon and Abu-Ghannam, suggested seaweed as nutraceuticals or functional foods with dietary benefits beyond their fundamental macronutrients, highlighting their significant effect on obesity and dietary related disease. This study also suggested recent developments of seaweed applications for human health from epidemiological and functional food perspectives.
  • 840
  • 15 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Ran GTPase and Its Importance in Malignant Phenotype
Ran is a member of the Ras superfamily of proteins, which primarily regulates nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and mediates mitosis by regulating spindle formation and nuclear envelope (NE) reassembly. Therefore, Ran is an integral cell fate determinant. It has been demonstrated that aberrant Ran expression in cancer is a result of upstream dysregulation of the expression of various factors, such as osteopontin (OPN), and aberrant activation of various signaling pathways, including the extracellular-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MEK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways.
  • 840
  • 20 Apr 2023
Topic Review
α-Synuclein Epigenetic Regulation
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases with common pathological lesions associated with the excessive accumulation and abnormal intracellular deposition of toxic species of α-synuclein. The shared clinical features are chronic progressive decline of motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. These disorders include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy body, and multiple system atrophy. Vigorous research in the mechanisms of pathology of these illnesses is currently under way to find disease-modifying treatment and molecular markers for early diagnosis. α-Synuclein is a prone-to-aggregate, small amyloidogenic protein with multiple roles in synaptic vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular signaling events. Its expression is controlled by several mechanisms, one of which is epigenetic regulation.
  • 840
  • 10 May 2023
Topic Review
Hybrid Polylactide Blends
Conformation of polylactide macromolecules can be adjusted by interactions with some specific additives (arylamides, hydrazides, 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene-d-sorbitol, orotic acid, humic acids, fulvic acids, nanocellulose, and cyclodextrins) due to the formation of hydrogen bonds or host-guest complexes. This “soft templating” may enhance nucleation of polymer crystals and influence the properties of polylactide blends.
  • 839
  • 11 Aug 2020
Topic Review
Regulation of COX Assembly
Complex IV, or cytochrome c oxidase (COX), is the terminal and probably rate-limiting enzyme of the electron transport chain, responsible for accepting electrons from cytochrome c, pumping protons to contribute to the gradient utilized by ATP synthase to produce ATP, and reducing oxygen to water. As such, COX is tightly regulated through numerous mechanisms including protein–protein interactions.
  • 839
  • 25 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Microglia and Hypothalamic Inflammation
Hypothalamic inflammation is a condition frequently observed in experimental models of diet-induced obesity (DIO) and obese humans. This inflammatory response is mainly triggered by excessive saturated fatty acids (SFAs) from the diet, which reach the neural tissue mainly through the median eminence (ME), where fenestrated vascular endothelium lacks a blood–brain barrier (BBB). Brain perivascular macrophages (PVMs) also react to excessive free fatty acids (FFAs) circulating in the blood vessels, with a consequent increase in BBB permeability. Glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, quickly sense and react to the presence of those SFAs in the hypothalamic parenchyma, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). If the stimulus persists, the hypothalamic neuronal network may be damaged, resulting in neuro-inflammation, which eventually leads to energy balance disruption, and finally, to neuronal dysfunction/apoptosis.
  • 839
  • 11 Mar 2021
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