Topic Review
-Omics Approaches in Studies of Polystyrene MNP Toxicity
The investigation of the toxicity mechanism of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is a topic of major concern for the scientific community. The use of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics has suggested that the main pathways affected by polystyrene (PS) MNPs are related to energy metabolism, oxidative stress, immune response, and the nervous system, both in fishes and aquatic invertebrates. 
  • 73
  • 22 Mar 2024
Topic Review
(BEN)-Domain Containing Protein 3
(BEN)-Domain containing protein 3 (BEND3) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression in mammals. While there is limited research on the role of BEND3 as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene and its potential role in cancer therapy is still emerging, several studies suggest that it may be involved in both the processes. Its interaction and regulation with multiple other factors via p21 have already been reported to play a significant role in cancer development, which serves as an indication of its potential role in oncogenesis. Its interaction with chromatin modifiers such as NuRD and NoRC and its role in the recruitment of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are some of the additional events indicative of its potential role in cancer development.
  • 240
  • 07 Aug 2023
Topic Review
BCR::ABL1-Negative MPN
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell-derived disorders characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of differentiated myeloid cells. Two main groups of MPN, BCR::ABL1-positive (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) and BCR::ABL1-negative (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocytosis, Primary Myelofibrosis) are distinguished. For many years, cytomorphologic and histologic features were the only proof of MPN and attempted to distinguish the different entities of the subgroup BCR::ABL1-negative MPN. World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms evolves over the years and increasingly considers molecular abnormalities to prove the clonal hematopoiesis.
  • 282
  • 31 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Caenorhabditis elegans Models in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mechanism
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Despite extensive research in various model animals, the cellular signal mechanisms of ALS remain elusive, impeding the development of efficacious treatments. Among these models, a well-characterized and diminutive organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), has emerged as a potent tool for investigating the molecular and cellular dimensions of ALS pathogenesis. 
  • 88
  • 10 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Dlx Genes in Skeletal Development and Maintenance
Skeletal shape and mechanical properties define, to a large extent, vertebrate morphology and physical capacities. During development, skeletal morphogenesis results from dynamic communications between chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and other cellular components of the skeleton. Later in life, skeletal integrity depends from the regulatory cascades that assure the equilibrium between bone formation and resorption. Finally, during aging, skeletal catabolism prevails over anabolism resulting in progressive skeletal degradation. These cellular processes depend on the transcriptional cascades that control cell division and differentiation in each cell type. Most Distal-less (Dlx) homeobox transcription factors are directly involved in determining the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts and, indirectly, of osteoclasts. The role of these genes in the maintenance of bone integrity has been only partially studied. Dlx genes appear to be involved in several bone pathologies including, for example, osteoporosis. Indeed, at least five large-scale GWAS studies aimed to detect loci associated to human bone mineral density (BMD) have identified a known DLX5/6 regulatory region within chromosome 7q21.3 in proximity of SEM1/FLJ42280/DSS1 coding sequences, suggesting that DLX5/6 expression is critical in determining healthy BMD. 
  • 383
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Trichomonas vaginalis
In Trichomonas, the hydrogenosome, a double membrane-bounded organelle that produces ATP, also can be a good target. Other structures include mitosomes, ribosomes, and proteasomes. Metronidazole is the most frequent compound used to kill many anaerobic organisms, including Giardia and Trichomonas. It enters the cell by passive diffusion and needs to find a highly reductive environment to be reduced to the nitro radicals to be active. However, it provokes several side effects, and some strains present metronidazole resistance. Therefore, to improve the quality of the chemotherapy against parasitic protozoa is important to invest in the development of highly specific compounds that interfere with key steps of essential metabolic pathways or in the functional macromolecular complexes which are most often associated with cell structures and organelles. 
  • 419
  • 15 Nov 2022
Topic Review
1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Synthase and 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Oxidase in Abiotic Stress
Ethylene is an essential plant hormone, critical in various physiological processes. These processes include seed germination, leaf senescence, fruit ripening, and the plant’s response to environmental stressors. Ethylene biosynthesis is tightly regulated by two key enzymes, namely 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO). Under normal developmental processes, ACS and ACO collaborate to maintain balanced ethylene production, ensuring proper plant growth and physiology. However, under abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, or pathogen attack, the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis becomes critical for plants’ survival.
  • 66
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
12-Lipoxygenases
Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are lipid metabolizing enzymes that catalyze the di-oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids to generate active eicosanoid products. 12-lipoxygenases (12-LOXs) primarily oxygenate the 12th carbon of its substrates. 
  • 597
  • 26 Aug 2021
Topic Review
3C Protease as Ferroptosis Inducer
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a fundamental process common to nearly all living beings and essential for the development and tissue homeostasis in animals and humans. A wide range of molecules can induce RCD including a number of viral proteolytic enzymes. To date, numerous data indicate that picornaviral 3C proteases can induce RCD. In most reported cases, these proteases induce classical caspase-dependent apoptosis. In contrast, the human hepatitis A virus 3C protease (3Cpro) has recently been shown to cause caspase-independent cell death accompanied by previously undescribed features. In the current topic the results of the study where 3Cpro-induced cell death was characterized morphologically and biochemically are presented. It was found that dead cells demonstrated necrosis-like morphological changes including permeabilization of plasma membrane, loss of mitochondrial potential, as well as mitochondria and nuclei swelling. Additionally, it was shown that 3Cpro-induced cell death was efficiently blocked by ferroptosis inhibitors and was accompanied by intense lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these results indicate that 3Cpro induces ferroptosis upon its individual expression in human cells. This is the first demonstration that a proteolytic enzyme can induce ferroptosis, the recently discovered and actively studied type of RCD.
  • 728
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
3D Cell Culture in Brief
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture represents a paradigm shift in cellular research. Unlike traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures, it offers a more physiologically relevant environment for studying cells and tissues. In 3D culture, cells grow within complex three-dimensional structures that mimic the architecture of living organs and tissues. This approach allows researchers to explore cell behavior, disease mechanisms, and drug responses with greater accuracy. Methods like hydrogels, spheroids, and bioprinting enable the creation of 3D models that faithfully replicate in vivo conditions. These models find applications in diverse fields, including cancer research, neuroscience, infectious diseases, drug development, and tissue engineering. By improving disease modeling, drug screening, and tissue regeneration, 3D cell culture is driving advancements in biomedical research and offering new avenues for understanding and treating diseases. While challenges remain, ongoing innovations in 3D culture techniques are poised to reshape the landscape of cellular research.
  • 135
  • 11 Oct 2023
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