Topic Review
Ions and Ion Channels
Life depends upon the ability of cells to evaluate and adapt to a constantly changing environment and to maintain internal stability to allow essential biochemical reactions to occur. Ions and ion channels play a crucial role in this process and are essential for survival. Alterations in the expression of the transmembrane proteins responsible for maintaining ion balance that occur as a result of mutations in the genetic code or in response to iatrogenically induced changes in the extracellular environment is a characteristic feature of oncogenesis and identifies cancer as one of a constellation of diseases known as channelopathies.
  • 290
  • 08 Oct 2022
Topic Review
IPSC Preparation and Epigenetic Memory
The derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic human cells by Takahashi and Yamanaka in 2007 represented a turning point for the field. For the first time, they provided isogenic pluripotent cells with the potential for personalized cell replacement therapies; no ethical issues would be created by using the somatic cells. This opportunity marks a decisive step compared to the generation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) arranged by Thomson et al. in 1998. The production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a breakthrough in regenerative medicine, providing new opportunities for understanding basic molecular mechanisms of human development and molecular aspects of degenerative diseases.
  • 681
  • 22 Jun 2021
Topic Review
IPSC-Based PDAC Models and Immunotherapies
Advances in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy have had minimal impact on the overall survival of patients. A general lack of immunogenic features and a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) are likely culprits for therapy refractoriness in PDAC. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) should be explored as a means to advance the treatment options for PDAC, by providing representative in vitro models of pancreatic cancer development. In addition, iPSCs could be used for tailor-made cellular immunotherapies or as a source of tumor-associated antigens in the context of vaccination.
  • 479
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Iron and Anti-Cancer Immune Response
New insights into the field of iron metabolism within the tumor microenvironment have been uncovered in recent years. Iron promotes the production of reactive oxygen species, which may either trigger ferroptosis cell death or contribute to malignant transformation. Once transformed, cancer cells divert tumor-infiltrating immune cells to satisfy their iron demand, thus affecting the tumor immunosurveillance. In this review, we highlight how the bioavailability of this metal shapes complex metabolic pathways within the tumor microenvironment and how this affects both tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes functions. Furthermore, we discuss the potentials as well as the current clinical controversies surrounding the use of iron metabolism as a target for new anticancer treatments in two opposed conditions: (i) the “hot” tumors, which are usually enriched in immune cells infiltration and are extremely rich in iron availability within the microenvironment, and (ii) the “cold” tumors, which are often very poor in immune cells, mainly due to immune exclusion.
  • 619
  • 06 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Iron Metabolism and Mechanisms of Ferroptosis
Ferroptosis is a newly discovered iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by phospholipid peroxidation and associated with processes including iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and dysfunction of cellular antioxidant systems. Ferroptosis is found to be closely related to many diseases, including cancer at every stage. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in malignant tumors that originate from epithelia promotes cancer-cell migration, invasion, and metastasis by disrupting cell–cell and cell–cell matrix junctions, cell polarity, etc.
  • 205
  • 31 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Iron, Ferroptosis, and Head and Neck Cancer
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulatory form of cell death characterized by the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. It plays a critical role not only in promoting drug resistance in tumors, but also in shaping therapeutic approaches for various malignancies. 
  • 249
  • 20 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Iron's Altered Metabolism in Cancer
Iron is the most abundant transition metal in the human body and a vital micronutrient that is a critical component of many crucial enzymes. Therefore, it is essential to various biological processes, such as DNA synthesis and repair, cell cycle regulation, transport of oxygen, and energy production. Consequently, it is of no surprise that iron levels elevated in cancer and can lead to further tumour development and metastasis 
  • 519
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Islet β-Cell Death
The loss of β-cells is considered a key to the pathogenesis of both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D.
  • 303
  • 31 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Islets of Langerhans
Islets of Langerhan are a crucial group of cells that enable the metabolization, physiologic control, and utilization of glucose, the primary energy source for cells. In situ physiologic intraportal hormone delivery from the pancreatic islets of Langerhans maintains basal normoglycemia with insulin and counterbalances hypoglycemia with glucagon. Insulin output can increase up ten-fold after a meal, and return rapidly to basal levels with no hysteresis. Type 1 diabetes represents an increasing and growingly financially unsustainable disease occurring due to the destruction of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Current injectable insulin technologies fail to recreate physiologic glycemic control that is managed by islet cells resulting in a tight 1–2 mmol/L glycemic variance. In our opinion, exogenous subcutaneous insulin delivery, even when provided by the most ideal closed loop systems, cannot recreate this degree of dynamic control. Current therapies fail to adequately achieve euglycemia, leading to significant diabetes complications and a risk of mortality. Thus, developing a cell-based cure for type 1 diabetes through islet cell generation and transplantation remains an ideal to strive for. Achieving this goal, especially with stem cell therapies, as demonstrated by the Edmonton protocol (Shapiro 2000), demands complete understanding of embryological differentiation and physiology of the islets of Langerhans.
  • 917
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Isolation and Purification of EVs
Extracellular vesicles are sacs that are secreted by almost all types of cells and are responsible for intracellular communication. They inherit their content and characteristics from their donor cells. Pathological and physiological characteristics of donor cells are reflected in the appearance of specific nucleotide and proteins (on the EV surface or in their content).
  • 998
  • 11 Jan 2022
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