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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
AP-1 Transcription Factors in Myeloma
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow. Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors (TFs), comprised of the JUN, FOS, ATF and MAF multigene families, are implicated in a plethora of physiologic processes and tumorigenesis including plasma cell differentiation and MM pathogenesis. Depending on the genetic background, the tumor stage, and cues of the tumor microenvironment, specific dimeric AP-1 complexes are formed. For example, AP-1 complexes containing Fra-1, Fra-2 and B-ATF play central roles in the transcriptional control of B cell development and plasma cell differentiation, while dysregulation of AP-1 family members c-Maf, c-Jun, and JunB is associated with MM cell proliferation, survival, drug resistance, bone marrow angiogenesis, and bone disease. The present review article summarizes our up-to-date knowledge on the role of AP-1 family members in plasma cell differentiation and MM pathophysiology. Moreover, it discusses novel, rationally derived approaches to therapeutically target AP-1 TFs, including protein-protein and protein-DNA binding inhibitors, epigenetic modifiers and natural products.
1.6K
25 May 2021
Topic Review
Biofilm Formation
Biofilm is a complicated bacterial structure that was first recognized by the Dutch microscopist Anton Van Leeuwenhoek in dental plaque during the 1670s. Until around 50 years ago, very few studies had been performed on biofilm properties. Following the invention of the electron microscopy, it was revealed that biofilm is a microbial community composed of bacteria that is protected by the barrier of an exopolysaccharide matrix. Within this unique structure, microorganisms possess multicellular behavior that is distinct from that of simple planktonic cells, and they are typically at least 500 times more resistant to antibacterial agents. The enclosed environment is beneficial to bacterial survival for extended periods and is thus considered a self-defense measure to safeguard against unfavorable conditions. This drives chronic infection by opportunistic pathogens in which the bacterial community is resistant to antibacterial agents and to host immunity. For instance, the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in clinical specimens is closely associated with a potent ability to produce biofilm.
1.6K
06 Apr 2022
Topic Review
PTMs Role During Virus Infection
Viruses are opportunistic intracellular pathogens that are dependent on the host for their replication. They hijack host cellular machinery for their replication and survival by targeting crucial cellular physiological pathways, including transcription, translation, immune pathways, and apoptosis. Immediately after translation, the host and viral proteins undergo a process called post-translational modification (PTM). PTMs of proteins involves the attachment of small proteins, carbohydrates/lipids, or chemical groups to the proteins and are crucial for protein's functioning. During viral infection, host proteins utilize PTMs to control the virus replication, using strategies like activating immune response pathways, inhibiting viral protein synthesis, and ultimately eliminating the virus from the host. PTM of viral proteins increases solubility, enhances antigenicity and virulence properties. However, RNA viruses are devoid of enzymes capable of introducing PTMs to their proteins. Hence, they utilize the host PTM machinery to promote their survival. Proteins from viruses belonging to the family: Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Retroviridae, and Coronaviridae such as chikungunya, dengue, zika, HIV, and coronavirus are a few well-known to be modified. This review discusses various host and virus-mediated PTMs that play a role in the outcome during the infection.
1.6K
28 Jan 2021
Topic Review
m6A Demethylases Inhibitors
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a post-transcriptional RNA modification and one of the most abundant types of RNA chemical modifications. m6A functions as a molecular switch and is involved in a range of biomedical aspects, including cardiovascular diseases, the central nervous system, and cancers.
1.6K
06 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Prosopis Species in South Africa
The infestation of invasive plants such as Prosopis species does not only affect the groundwater levels but also threatens the grazing capacity and species richness of most of the semi-arid areas around South Africa. Though Prosopis is invasive, it is however of good nutritive value and can serve as an alternative source of protein and minerals for livestock during the dry season. Bush encroachment by browsable invasive species can be controlled through biological methods by using organisms such as livestock.
1.6K
30 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Negative-Sense Single-Stranded RNA Viral Factories
Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) represents a major physiochemical principle to organize intracellular membrane-less structures. Studies with non-segmented negative-sense (NNS) RNA viruses have uncovered a key role of LLPS in the formation of viral inclusion bodies (IBs), sites of viral protein concentration in the cytoplasm of infected cells. These studies further reveal the structural and functional complexity of viral IB factories as liquid-like organelles and sites of viral replication.
1.6K
29 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Rabbit Meat Production
Rabbit meat could play an important role in health, the rural economy, and sustainable development. Rabbit meat has excellent nutritional features, such as high protein content, low-fat content, and a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, low cholesterol and sodium levels. In addition, rabbit meat production contributes to maintaining economic activities in rural marginal areas.
1.6K
10 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Wheat Blast and Food Security
Wheat blast is a fearsome fungal disease caused by a filamentous fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum pathotype. It was first detected in Brazil in 1985, then it spread to some neighboring South American countries such as Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. The outbreak of wheat blast was spotted in Bangladesh for the first time in 2016, which devastated 15,000 hectares of wheat with yield losses up to 100%. Recently, it was detected in Zambia (an African country). The disease spreads through seeds and airborne conidia. There is no resistant variety against wheat blast disease. Once the disease symptoms are expressed as the bleached or partially bleached spikes, fungicide application is ineffective to control it. A convenient and rapid molecular diagnostic tool is developed for surveillance and monitoring of the wheat blast. However, our understanding the biology of wheat blast fungus and its interactions with the host plant is limited. A globally concerted effort is needed to develop durable blast-resistant varieties to combat this killer of wheat before the spread to major wheat growing countries in the world.
1.6K
23 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Avocado-Derived Biomass
The avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tree native to Mexico and Guatemala, and currently it is cultivated in more than 70 countries. Avocado consumption, fresh or in the form of processed products, is growing everywhere and it has caused a large number of countries to invest heavily in avocado production. The industrialization of avocado gives as a result a huge amount of waste: peel, stone, tree pruning, and oil extraction wastes. Although the industrial application of these biomasses is still limited, numerous studies suggest that they can serve as raw materials to obtain bioenergy and different types of bioproducts. To take full advantage of them, it would particularly interesting to develop biorefinery models.
1.6K
27 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Quantitative Disease Resistance
Quantitative disease resistance (QDR) is the ability of the plant to reduce pathogen multiplication and is expressed on a continuous scale caused by the simultaneous segregation of many genes affected by environment.
1.6K
19 Jan 2021
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