Topic Review
Zinc Transport
Zinc is a micronutrient involved in many fundamental roles that are vital for routine bodily functions. A tight control of its concentration, however, is necessary to ensure balance inside the cells. Zinc transporters are thus essential to maintain cellular homeostasis.
  • 671
  • 25 Mar 2021
Topic Review
YAP and TAZ Mediators
Cell reprogramming can either refer to a direct conversion of a specialized cell into another or to a reversal of a somatic cell into an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC). It implies a peculiar modification of the epigenetic asset and gene regulatory networks needed for a new cell, to better fit the new phenotype of the incoming cell type. Cellular reprogramming also implies a metabolic rearrangement, similar to that observed upon tumorigenesis, with a transition from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. The induction of a reprogramming process requires a nexus of signaling pathways, mixing a range of local and systemic information, and accumulating evidence points to the crucial role exerted by the Hippo pathway components Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) and Transcriptional Co-activator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ).
  • 478
  • 28 May 2021
Topic Review
White Adipose Tissue
The immune and endocrine dysfunctions of white adipose tissue are a hallmark of metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In humans, white adipose tissue comprises distinct depots broadly distributed under the skin (hypodermis) and as internal depots (visceral). Depot-specific ASCs could account for visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue properties, by regulating adipogenesis and immunomodulation. More importantly, visceral and subcutaneous depots account for distinct contributions to obesity and its metabolic comorbidities. Distinct ASCs subpopulations were also described in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, the superficial layer closer to the dermis shows hyperplastic and angiogenic capacities, whereas the deep layer is considered as having inflammatory properties similar to visceral. 
  • 125
  • 29 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Vascularization in Bone Tissue Engineering
Bone is a highly vascularized tissue, and its development, maturation, remodeling, and regeneration are dependent on a tight regulation of blood vessel supply. This condition also has to be taken into consideration in the context of the development of artificial tissue substitutes. In classic tissue engineering, bone-forming cells such as primary osteoblasts or mesenchymal stem cells are introduced into suitable scaffolds and implanted in order to treat critical-size bone defects.
  • 638
  • 31 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Biomechanics
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of global death in developing countries. More than 80% of cardiovascular disease-associated mortality is attributable to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the vessel wall. During the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) continuously shift from a contractile state towards other phenotypes that differ substantially from differentiated SMCs.
  • 596
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived sEV
Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are a group of particles of nanometric size, released by virtually all cells. These vesicles function as biologic messengers, carrying proteins, lipids and nucleic acids as a form of paracrine cellular communication. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a priviledged source of sEV, due to its abundance in naïve cells with strong regenerative and immunomodulatory potential. Hence, UCB-derived sEV can be exploited for their therapeutic properties, taking advantage of nature's tools for achieving homeostasis.
  • 457
  • 29 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Types of Stem Cell for Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been a major causal factor for mortality among elders around the world. Stem cell therapy, compared to drug therapies and many other therapeutic options, has many advantages and is very promising in the future. Currently (up till 2023), there are four major types of stem cells used in AD therapy: neural stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Of course, there are many other types of stem cells at the stage of experimentation for potential usage in treating AD, but most research centered on the four major types of stem cells that are discussed in detail below.
  • 405
  • 09 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Types of Collagens
Collagen, a widely recognized extracellular matrix protein, has found extensive use in medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. This is due to its crucial role in tissue and organ formation, and its involvement in various cellular functions. Additionally, collagen serves as an effective surface-active agent and displays its capacity to permeate lipid-free interfaces. In comparison to other natural polymers like albumin and gelatin, collagen showcases exceptional biodegradability, minimal antigenicity, and remarkable biocompatibility.
  • 334
  • 16 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Tumour Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide. Currently, treatments available for advanced HCC provide dismal chances of survival, thus there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. While much of the focus of recent decades has been on targeting malignant cells, promising results have emerged from targeting the tumour microenvironment (TME). The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the main non-cellular component of the TME and it profoundly changes during tumorigenesis to promote the growth and survival of malignant cells.
  • 364
  • 26 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Tumor-Derived Exosomes in Preparing the Pre-metastatic Niche
Tumor-derived exosomes play a multifaceted role in preparing the pre-metastatic niche, promoting cancer dissemination, and regulating cancer cell dormancy. Tumor-derived exosomes are small vesicles that are released by tumor cells and contain a variety of molecules, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. They play a key role in cancer progression and metastasis by modulating the tumor microenvironment, promoting cancer cell survival and growth, and communicating with nearby cells. As such, these exosomes can act as vehicles for delivering pro-tumorigenic information and signals, helping to propagate cancer in the body.
  • 313
  • 14 Jun 2023
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