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Topic Review
Basophils in Brief
Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play a multifaceted role in the immune system. These enigmatic cells, constituting a mere 0.5% or less of the total white blood cell population, originate in the bone marrow and mature under the influence of various growth factors and cytokines. Traditionally known for their involvement in allergic reactions, basophils are equipped with high-affinity IgE receptors (FcεRI) that bind to allergens. Upon allergen exposure, basophils release histamine and other inflammatory mediators, triggering the hallmark symptoms of allergies. Beyond allergies, basophils are integral in the body's defense against parasitic infections. When they encounter parasitic antigens, they release cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, promoting a Th2 immune response that helps eliminate parasites. Basophils also have a less explored role as regulators of the immune system, potentially influencing T cell differentiation and acting as antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Additionally, they contribute to tissue repair and wound healing by releasing factors that stimulate angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. In clinical settings, basophils serve as valuable biomarkers for allergic diseases, parasitic infections, and certain hematological disorders. Ongoing research continues to unveil the diverse functions of basophils, highlighting their importance in immunology and beyond.
  • 338
  • 07 Oct 2023
Topic Review
LncRNAs in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
lncRNAs are a novel class of functional RNA; the landscape of their mutations and variations is small as compared with other ncRNAs, not to mention mRNAs. However, the variability of lncRNA-encoding genes in the pathogenesis of human diseases, especially in cancer, is emerging (reviewed in the work of), but we have not found any association of lncRNA we described in this review with AMD. On the other hand, AMD is reported to associate with mutations in hundreds of genes, often in the form of polymorphisms, which should be considered in experimental studies and projection of therapeutic interventions (reviewed in the work of).
  • 337
  • 06 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Cardiac Neural Crest and Cardiac Regeneration
Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a vertebrate-specific, multipotent stem cell population that have the ability to migrate and differentiate into various cell populations throughout the embryo during embryogenesis. Based on the initial axial position and site of contribution, NCCs are divided into specific subpopulations, such as the cardiac neural crest (NC), which mainly contributes to the cardiac valves, interventricular septum, and both the aorta and pulmonary vessel. The heart is a muscular and complex organ whose primary function is to pump blood and nutrients throughout the body. Mammalian hearts, such as those of humans, lose their regenerative ability shortly after birth. However, a few vertebrate species, such as zebrafish, have the ability to self-repair/regenerate after cardiac damage. Recent research has discovered the potential functional ability and contribution of cardiac NCCs to cardiac regeneration through the use of various vertebrate species and pluripotent stem cell-derived NCCs. This potential regenerative capacity to cardiac tissue poses interesting avenues to advance the treatment of various cardiac diseases. Heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States, results in death or severe damage to the function and/or structural integrity of the heart. Determining the contribution and regenerative capacity of the cardiac NC in mammalian systems is of high clinical significance. Here, the focus is on the NC’s regenerative capacity in various tissues and systems, and in particular, the characteristics of cardiac NCCs between species and their roles in cardiac regeneration are summarized. Emerging and future work to determine the potential contributions of NCCs for disease treatment will be further discussed.
  • 336
  • 29 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Plasma Membrane Ion Channels on Bone Remodeling
The extracellular milieu is a rich source of different stimuli and stressors. Some of them depend on the chemical–physical features of the matrix, while others may come from the ‘outer’ environment, as in the case of mechanical loading applied on the bones. In addition to these forces, a plethora of chemical signals drives cell physiology and fate, possibly leading to dysfunctions when the homeostasis is disrupted. This variety of stimuli triggers different responses among the tissues: bones represent a particular milieu in which a fragile balance between mechanical and metabolic demands should be tuned and maintained by the concerted activity of cell biomolecules located at the interface between external and internal environments. Plasma membrane ion channels can be viewed as multifunctional protein machines that act as rapid and selective dual-nature hubs, sensors, and transducers.
  • 337
  • 24 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Role of NSD3 in Cancer
Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 3 (NSD3) is a member of the NSD histone methyltransferase family of proteins. In recent years, it has been identified as a potential oncogene in certain types of cancer. The NSD3 gene encodes three isoforms, the long version (NSD3L), a short version (NSD3S) and the WHISTLE isoforms. Importantly, the NSD3S isoform corresponds to the N-terminal region of the full-length protein, lacking the methyltransferase domain. The chromosomal location of NSD3 is frequently amplified across cancer types, such as breast, lung, and colon, among others. This amplification has been correlated to a chromothripsis event, that could explain the different NSD3 alterations found in cancer. The fusion proteins containing NSD3 have also been reported in leukemia (NSD3-NUP98), and in NUT (nuclear protein of the testis) midline carcinoma (NSD3-NUT). Its role as an oncogene has been described by modulating different cancer pathways through its methyltransferase activity, or the short isoform of the protein, through protein interactions. 
  • 336
  • 19 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Similarities and Differences of NAFLD and AATD
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a type of steatosis commonly associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Other diseases such as inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) have also been related to the development of liver steatosis. The primary reasons leading to hepatic lipid deposits can be genetic and epigenetic, and the outcomes range from benign steatosis to liver failure, as well as to extrahepatic diseases. Progressive hepatocellular damage and dysregulated systemic immune responses can affect extrahepatic organs, specifically the heart and lungs. 
  • 336
  • 25 Jul 2023
Topic Review
MOB in Cytokinesis, Cell Architecture and Tissue Homeostasis
The Monopolar spindle One Binder protein (MOB) family proteins are constituted by highly conserved eukaryote kinase signal adaptors that are often essential both for cell and organism survival. Historically, MOB family proteins have been described as kinase activators participating in Hippo and Mitotic Exit Network/Septation Initiation Network (MEN/SIN) signaling pathways that have central roles in regulating cytokinesis, cell polarity, cell proliferation and cell fate to control organ growth and regeneration. In metazoans, MOB proteins act as central signal adaptors of the core kinase module MST1/2, LATS1/2, and NDR1/2 kinases that phosphorylate the YAP/TAZ transcriptional co-activators, effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway. MOBs have been shown to also have non-kinase partners and to be involved in cilia biology, indicating that its activity and regulation is more diverse than expected.
  • 334
  • 18 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Alternative Splicing Mechanisms in Tumors
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a process that allows for the generation of an extremely diverse proteome from a much smaller number of genes. In this process, non-coding introns are excised from primary mRNA and coding exons are joined together. Different combinations of exons give rise to alternative versions of a protein.
  • 333
  • 06 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Aquaporin 4
Aquaporin-4, also known as AQP4, is a water channel protein encoded by the AQP4 gene in humans. AQP4 belongs to the aquaporin family of integral membrane proteins that conduct water through the cell membrane. A limited number of aquaporins are found within the central nervous system (CNS): AQP1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, but more exclusive representation of AQP1, 4, and 9 are found in the brain and spinal cord. AQP4 shows the largest presence in the cerebellum and spinal cord grey matter. In the CNS, AQP4 is the most prevalent aquaporin channel, specifically located at the perimicrovessel astrocyte foot processes, glia limitans, and ependyma. In addition, this channel is commonly found facilitating water movement near cerebrospinal fluid and vasculature. Aquaporin-4 was first identified in 1986. It was the first evidence of the existence of water transport channels. The method that was used to discover the existence of the transport channels was through knockout experiments. With this technique they were able to show the significant role of AQP4 in CNS injuries and brain water imbalances. In 1994 the channel was successfully cloned and initially named Mercury-Insensitive Water Channel.
  • 333
  • 12 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Localisation of the Ca2+ Signal for Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis is one of the most polarised of all cellular activities. Both the stimulus (the target for phagocytosis) and the response (its internalisation) are focussed at just one part of the cell. At the locus, and this locus alone, pseudopodia form a phagocytic cup around the particle, the cytoskeleton is rearranged, the plasma membrane is reorganised, and a new internal organelle, the phagosome, is formed. The effect of signals from the stimulus must, thus, both be complex and yet be restricted in space and time to enable an effective focussed response. While many aspects of phagocytosis are being uncovered, the mechanism for the restriction of signalling or the effects of signalling remains obscure.
  • 332
  • 14 Feb 2023
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