Topic Review
Cerebral Asymmetry
Human functions and traits are linked to cerebral networks serving different emotional and cognitive control systems, some of which rely on hemispheric specialization and integration to promote adaptive goal-directed behavior. Among the neural systems discussed in this context are those underlying pro- and antisocial behaviors. The diverse functions and traits governing our social behavior have been associated with lateralized neural activity. However, as with other complex behaviors, specific hemispheric roles are difficult to elucidate. This is due largely to environmental and contextual influences, which interact with neural substrates in the development and expression of pro and antisocial functions. This paper will discuss the reciprocal ties between environmental factors and hemispheric functioning in the context of antisocial behavior. The paper will attempt to familiarize readers with the prominent literature and primary questions to encourage further research and in-depth discussion in this field.
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  • 22 Oct 2020
Topic Review
MRNA Vaccine
An mRNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses a copy of a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce an immune response. The vaccine delivers molecules of antigen-encoding mRNA into immune cells, which use the designed mRNA as a blueprint to build foreign protein that would normally be produced by a pathogen (such as a virus) or by a cancer cell. These protein molecules stimulate an adaptive immune response that teaches the body to identify and destroy the corresponding pathogen or cancer cells. The mRNA is delivered by a co-formulation of the RNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles that protect the RNA strands and help their absorption into the cells. File:MRNA vaccines against the coronavirus.webm Reactogenicity, the tendency of a vaccine to produce adverse reactions, is similar to that of conventional non-RNA vaccines. People susceptible to an autoimmune response may have an adverse reaction to messenger RNA vaccines. The advantages of mRNA vaccines over traditional vaccines are ease of design, speed and lower cost of production, the induction of both cellular and humoral immunity, and lack of interaction with the genomic DNA. While some messenger RNA vaccines, such as the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, have the disadvantage of requiring ultracold storage before distribution, other mRNA vaccines, such as the Moderna, CureVac, and Walvax COVID-19 vaccines, do not have such requirements. In RNA therapeutics, messenger RNA vaccines have attracted considerable interest as COVID-19 vaccines. In December 2020, Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna obtained authorization for their mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. On 2 December, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) became the first medicines regulator to approve an mRNA vaccine, authorizing the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for widespread use. On 11 December, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine and a week later similarly authorized the Moderna vaccine.
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Thymic Epithelial Cells
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ derived from the endoderm of the 3rd pharyngeal pouch implicated in the maturation of thymocytes and, therefore, key for establishing the immune surveillance. This organ does not contain self-renewing lymphoid precursor cells and therefore, is colonized by lymphoid precursors coming either from the fetal liver through mesenchyme or from the adult bone marrow via the blood vessels [1]. Within the thymus, the developing thymocytes move throughout a 3D thymic epithelial (TE) network, interacting with the thymic epithelial cells (TECs) of two histologically different compartments: the cortex and the medulla [2].
  • 1.2K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Mitochondria and Ageing
Declining mitochondrial function, reflected in defects in ATP synthesis and increased generation of toxic reactive oxygen species is a universal feature of natural ageing. It accompanies the other hallmarks of ageing which include progressive loss of function in multiple organs, sarcopenia and increasing maladaptive low-grade inflammation. These end in death, which is a cumulative result of loss of function, leading to either increased vulnerability to environmental hazards such as predation and disease or to failure of critical organ systems such as the heart, liver or kidney. Several processes that may contribute mechanistically to age related degeneration have been identified, including oxidative damage, accumulation of toxic protein aggregates, autoinflammatory processes, loss of stem cell populations and an increasing load of malfunctional senescent cells.  Mitochondrial dysfunction has connections with each of these processes.  The following is a brief overview of some of these connections.
  • 1.2K
  • 02 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
The receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a large family of cell-surface receptors, which are essential components of signal transduction pathways. There are more than fifty human RTKs that can be grouped into multiple RTK subfamilies. RTKs mediate cellular signaling transduction, and they play important roles in the regulation of numerous cellular processes. The dysregulation of RTK signaling is related to various human diseases, including cancers. The proteolytic cleavage phenomenon has frequently been found among multiple receptor tyrosine kinases. More and more information about proteolytic cleavage in RTKs has been discovered, providing rich insight.
  • 1.2K
  • 16 May 2021
Topic Review
Endocytic Pathways
Endocytosis is a shared process by which molecules, proteins, lipids, and liquids are sorted inside the cell via formation of intermediate vesicles. Vesicle formation occurs at the plasma membrane, where ligand receptors, binding proteins, and structural proteins are localized. After their internalization, the vesicles containing protein receptors or soluble molecules undergo a round of recycling, eventually leading to the fusion of the vesicle with an intracellular organelle. Such a process is an essential hallmark in all cell types—it regulates major cellular functions such as antigen presentation, intracellular signaling cascades, cell polarity, and synaptic transmission. Moreover, it is required to remove aged and dead cells from the body and is part of the defense against microbes. Given its importance, it is not surprising that even subtle perturbations affecting the endocytic machinery often impair cell function and cause several pathological conditions, such as cancer, and neurological and storage diseases. Finally, endocytosis represents an important cellular route for targeted drug-delivery in many diseases.
  • 1.2K
  • 15 Apr 2022
Topic Review
The Microglia in Brain Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Microglia represent 10–15% of the total cells in the brain. These cells are considered as the resident macrophages and the first defense line in the central nervous system (CNS) against pathogens. Microglial activation is one of the earliest events after brain ischemia. 
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Gangliosides and Ganglioside GD3-Binding Proteins
Ganglioside GD3 is a major ganglioside in neuronal progenitor cells. Highly sialylated gangliosides, GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b are the main gangliosides in adult neurons. GD3 is implicated in cell attachment and cell-to-cell interaction during embryogenesis. Anti-ganglioside GD3 monoclonal antibody (clone:R24) coimmunoprecipitates heterotrimeric G protein Goα, GPI-anchored neuronal cell adhesion molecule TAG-1, Src-family kinase Lyn and Csk -binding protein Cbp from rat cerebellar granule cells. Ganglioside GD3 is involved in the migration of granule cells during the early stage of cerebellar development via these GD3-binding proteins.
  • 1.2K
  • 03 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Adenosine in inflammation and neoplasia
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside, resulting from the degradation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Under adverse conditions, including hypoxia, ischemia, inflammation, or cancer, the extracellular levels of adenosine increase significantly. Once released, adenosine activates cellular signaling pathways through the engagement of the four known G-protein-coupled receptors, adenosine A1 receptor subtype (A1), A2A, A2B, and A3. These receptors, expressed virtually on all immune cells, mitigate all aspects of immune/inflammatory responses. These immunosuppressive effects contribute to blunt the exuberant inflammatory responses, shielding cells, and tissues from an excessive immune response and immune-mediated damage.
  • 1.2K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor
The beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) is by far the least studied isotype of the beta-adrenergic sub-family. Despite its study being long hampered by the lack of suitable animal and cellular models and inter-species differences, a substantial body of literature on the subject has built up in the last three decades and the physiology of β3-AR is unraveling quickly. As will become evident in this work, β3-AR is emerging as an appealing target for novel pharmacological approaches in several clinical areas involving metabolic, cardiovascular, urinary, and ocular disease.
  • 1.2K
  • 05 May 2022
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