Topic Review
Insertion of Precursor Polypeptides into the ER Membrane
The protein import into the organelle termed the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the first step in the biogenesis of about one-third of the different soluble and membrane proteins (MPs) of human cells and, therefore, represents a central cell biological research topic.
  • 205
  • 28 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Neutrophils in Brief
Neutrophils, often referred to as the unsung heroes of the immune system, are a type of white blood cell that plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our health. These versatile immune warriors are the first responders to infections and inflammation, acting as the frontline defense against invading pathogens. With their characteristic multi-lobed nuclei and granulated appearance, neutrophils may appear unassuming, but their functions are anything but ordinary. Neutrophils employ an impressive arsenal of tactics to combat threats. They execute phagocytosis, engulfing and neutralizing pathogens within specialized compartments. They release potent antimicrobial proteins and enzymes, such as defensins and lysozyme, to directly attack invaders. Neutrophils can also form intricate structures called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to immobilize and trap microbes. Beyond their role in innate immunity, recent discoveries have unveiled their participation in adaptive immunity, influencing long-lasting immunological memory. Despite their humble appearance, neutrophils are essential components of our body's defense mechanisms, diligently working to maintain our overall health.
  • 181
  • 28 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Macrophages in Brief
Macrophages, the unsung heroes of our immune system, are multifunctional immune cells that play a pivotal role in defending our bodies against infections, promoting tissue repair, and maintaining overall health. Originating from circulating monocytes, macrophages are distributed throughout various tissues, adapting to their local environments and fulfilling specialized functions. These immune sentinels are recognized for their remarkable ability to engulf and digest pathogens, a process known as phagocytosis. Additionally, they serve as crucial antigen-presenting cells, initiating adaptive immune responses by presenting antigens to T cells. This bridging function between innate and adaptive immunity is a testament to their importance. Beyond immunity, macrophages are key players in tissue regeneration and homeostasis. They clear cellular debris, promote tissue repair, and modulate inflammation. Dysregulation of macrophage function is associated with a range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. As research in immunology advances, macrophages continue to unveil their complex roles, offering promising avenues for therapeutic interventions and a deeper understanding of immune responses and disease processes.
  • 188
  • 28 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Anti-Cancer Therapies
The infiltration of primary tumors and metastasis formation at distant sites strongly impact the prognosis and the quality of life of cancer patients. Current therapies including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are limited in targeting the complex cell migration mechanisms responsible for cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-enveloped particles involved in inter-tissue and inter-cell communication. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEVs) impact cancer cell migration. They can not only be considered as a target for cancer therapy but can also be used for the development of anti-tumor therapeutic strategies.
  • 144
  • 26 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Telocytes in Modulating Gut Motility Function and Development
Telocytes (TCs) are interstitial cells with distinct features. They have extensions that react to mechanical stimulation through calcium channels. The ability of TCs to communicate with surrounding cells, especially stem cells (SCs), through gap junctions and extracellular vesicles opens a wide range of questions. Moreover, the hypothesis that TCs are capable of carrying out the cellular niche for stem cell regulation and support suggests that TCs could play an important part in the response to major changes in homeostasis. It also suggests that TCs have a significant functional role in tissues that have an increased turnover.
  • 238
  • 25 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Collagen in Cartilage Damage
Collagens serve essential mechanical functions throughout the body, particularly in the connective tissues. In articular cartilage, collagens provide most of the biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix essential for its function. Collagen plays a very important role in maintaining the mechanical properties of articular cartilage and the stability of the ECM. Noteworthily, many pathogenic factors in the course of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, such as mechanical injury, inflammation, and senescence, are involved in the irreversible degradation of collagen, leading to the progressive destruction of cartilage. 
  • 180
  • 25 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Altered Glucose Dependency in Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells
A chemotherapeutic approach is crucial in malignancy management, which is often challenging due to the development of chemoresistance. Over time, chemo-resistant cancer cells rapidly repopulate and metastasize, increasing the recurrence rate in cancer patients. Targeting these destined cancer cells is more troublesome for clinicians, as they share biology and molecular cross-talks with normal cells. 
  • 133
  • 22 Sep 2023
Topic Review
L-Arginine Metabolism in Cancer
L-Arginine plays a crucial role in detoxification of ammonia—a protein breakdown product acts as a secretagogue and serves as a substrate for the synthesis of NO, an important signaling molecule that regulates vascular tone and cytotoxic functions of macrophages. L-Arg is also a precursor in the synthesis of L-ornithine and agmatine, creatine and polyamines. Metabolism of L-Arg is involved in immune cell regulation. It is now clear that L-Arg metabolism is engaged in the pathogenesis of tumor growth, inflammation, infectious diseases, and fibrotic processes, as well as physiological immunodeficiencies in newborns and pregnant women. 
  • 167
  • 21 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Cilia Distal Domain
Eukaryotic cilia are microtubule-based organelles that protrude from the cell surface to fulfill sensory and motility functions. Their basic structure consists of an axoneme templated by a centriole/basal body. Striking differences in ciliary ultra-structures can be found at the ciliary base, the axoneme and the tip, not only throughout the eukaryotic tree of life, but within a single organism. Defects in cilia biogenesis and function are at the origin of human ciliopathies. This structural/functional diversity and its relationship with the etiology of these diseases is poorly understood. Some of the important events in cilia function occur at their distal domain, including cilia assembly/disassembly, IFT (intraflagellar transport) complexes’ remodeling, and signal detection/transduction. How axonemal microtubules end at this domain varies with distinct cilia types, originating different tip architectures. Additionally, they show a high degree of dynamic behavior and are able to respond to different stimuli. The existence of microtubule-capping structures (caps) in certain types of cilia contributes to this diversity. 
  • 280
  • 20 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Sarcopenia Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of sarcopenia has multifactorial causes. Some cellular and molecular mechanisms have been suggested to be involved that include protein homeostasis imbalance, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and satellite cell dysfunction. These factors do not independently cause sarcopenia but interact with each other to cause sarcopenia.
  • 199
  • 19 Sep 2023
  • Page
  • of
  • 161
Video Production Service