scholarly journals Advances in chemical probing of protein O-GlcNAc glycosylation: structural role and molecular mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhijit Saha ◽  
Davide Bello ◽  
Alberto Fernández-Tejada
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Structural Role ◽  
Chemical Probing ◽  
Recent Developments

This review describes the recent developments in chemical probing of O-GlcNAcylation with a special focus on its molecular, structural and mechanistic implications.

How do histone modifications contribute to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in C. elegans?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Woodhouse ◽  
Alyson Ashe
Keyword(s):  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Histone Methyltransferases ◽  
Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Gene Regulatory

Gene regulatory information can be inherited between generations in a phenomenon termed transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). While examples of TEI in many animals accumulate, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proven particularly useful in investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon. In C. elegans and other animals, the modification of histone proteins has emerged as a potential carrier and effector of transgenerational epigenetic information. In this review, we explore the contribution of histone modifications to TEI in C. elegans. We describe the role of repressive histone marks, histone methyltransferases, and associated chromatin factors in heritable gene silencing, and discuss recent developments and unanswered questions in how these factors integrate with other known TEI mechanisms. We also review the transgenerational effects of the manipulation of histone modifications on germline health and longevity.

scholarly journals The TGFβ Family in Human Placental Development at the Fetal-Maternal Interface

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes ◽  
Marta S. Alexdottir ◽  
Gudrun Valdimarsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Placental Development

Emerging data suggest that a trophoblast stem cell (TSC) population exists in the early human placenta. However, in vitro stem cell culture models are still in development and it remains under debate how well they reflect primary trophoblast (TB) cells. The absence of robust protocols to generate TSCs from humans has resulted in limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human placental development and TB lineage specification when compared to other human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). As placentation in mouse and human differ considerably, it is only with the development of human-based disease models using TSCs that we will be able to understand the various diseases caused by abnormal placentation in humans, such as preeclampsia. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on normal human placental development, the placental disease preeclampsia, and current stem cell model systems used to mimic TB differentiation. A special focus is given to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) family as it has been shown that the TGFβ family has an important role in human placental development and disease.

scholarly journals MicroRNAs and Stem-like Properties: The Complex Regulation Underlying Stemness Maintenance and Cancer Development

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1074
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Divisato ◽  
Silvia Piscitelli ◽  
Mariantonietta Elia ◽  
Emanuela Cascone ◽  
Silvia Parisi
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Different Cell Types

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the extraordinary properties to indefinitely proliferate and self-renew in culture to produce different cell progeny through differentiation. This latter process recapitulates embryonic development and requires rounds of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is characterized by the loss of the epithelial features and the acquisition of the typical phenotype of the mesenchymal cells. In pathological conditions, EMT can confer stemness or stem-like phenotypes, playing a role in the tumorigenic process. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation, found in the tumor tissues, with stem-like properties such as uncontrolled proliferation, self-renewal, and ability to differentiate into different cell types. ESCs and CSCs share numerous features (pluripotency, self-renewal, expression of stemness genes, and acquisition of epithelial–mesenchymal features), and most of them are under the control of microRNAs (miRNAs). These small molecules have relevant roles during both embryogenesis and cancer development. The aim of this review was to recapitulate molecular mechanisms shared by ESCs and CSCs, with a special focus on the recently identified classes of microRNAs (noncanonical miRNAs, mirtrons, isomiRs, and competitive endogenous miRNAs) and their complex functions during embryogenesis and cancer development.

scholarly journals The Prion-Like Spreading of Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease: Update on Models and Hypotheses

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8338
Author(s):  
Asad Jan ◽  
Nádia Pereira Gonçalves ◽  
Christian Bjerggaard Vaegter ◽  
Poul Henning Jensen ◽  
Nelson Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Alpha Synuclein ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Cellular Factors ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Novel Targets ◽  
Presynaptic Protein

The pathological aggregation of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) and propagation through synaptically coupled neuroanatomical tracts is increasingly thought to underlie the pathophysiological progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Although the precise molecular mechanisms responsible for the spreading of pathological α-syn accumulation in the CNS are not fully understood, growing evidence suggests that de novo α-syn misfolding and/or neuronal internalization of aggregated α-syn facilitates conformational templating of endogenous α-syn monomers in a mechanism reminiscent of prions. A refined understanding of the biochemical and cellular factors mediating the pathological neuron-to-neuron propagation of misfolded α-syn will potentially elucidate the etiology of PD and unravel novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss recent developments on the hypothesis regarding trans-synaptic propagation of α-syn pathology in the context of neuronal vulnerability and highlight the potential utility of novel experimental models of synucleinopathies.

New horizons in mitochondrial contact site research

2020 ◽  
Vol 401 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 793-809
Author(s):  
Naama Zung ◽  
Maya Schuldiner
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Contact Site ◽  
New Horizons ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Future Goals ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Site Field ◽  
First Contact

AbstractContact sites, areas where two organelles are held in close proximity through the action of molecular tethers, enable non-vesicular communication between compartments. Mitochondria have been center stage in the contact site field since the discovery of the first contact between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) over 60 years ago. However, only now, in the last decade, has there been a burst of discoveries regarding contact site biology in general and mitochondrial contacts specifically. The number and types of characterized contacts increased dramatically, new molecular mechanisms enabling contact formation were discovered, additional unexpected functions for contacts were shown, and their roles in cellular and organismal physiology were emphasized. Here, we focus on mitochondria as we highlight the most recent developments, future goals and unresolved questions in the field.

scholarly journals Proopiomelanocortin, a polypeptide precursor with multiple functions: from physiology to pathological conditions

2003 ◽  
Vol 149 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Raffin-Sanson ◽  
Y de Keyzer ◽  
X Bertagna
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Local Production ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Multiple Functions ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Brain

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is the polypeptide precursor of ACTH. First discovered in anterior pituitary corticotroph cells, it has more recently been revealed to have many other physiological aspects. The fine molecular mechanisms of ACTH biosynthesis show that ACTH is but one piece of a puzzle which contains many other peptides. Present in various tIssues, among which are pituitary, hypothalamus, central nervous system and skin, POMC undergoes extensive post-translational processing. This processing is tIssue-specific and generates, depending on the case, various sets of peptides involved in completely diverse biological functions. POMC expressed in corticotroph cells of the pituitary is necessary for adrenal function. Recent developments have shown that POMC-expressing neurons in the brain play a major role in the control of pain and energy homeostasis. Local production of POMC-derived peptides in skin may influence melanogenesis. A still unknown function in the placenta is likely.POMC has become a paradigmatic polypeptide precursor model illustrating the variable roles of a single gene and its various products in different localities.

scholarly journals Advances in Single-Cell Printing

Micromachines ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Xiaohu Zhou ◽  
Han Wu ◽  
Haotian Wen ◽  
Bo Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Single Cell Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cell Isolation ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Cell Analysis ◽  
Cell Array ◽  
Cell Printing ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Single Cell Isolation

Single-cell analysis is becoming an indispensable tool in modern biological and medical research. Single-cell isolation is the key step for single-cell analysis. Single-cell printing shows several distinct advantages among the single-cell isolation techniques, such as precise deposition, high encapsulation efficiency, and easy recovery. Therefore, recent developments in single-cell printing have attracted extensive attention. We review herein the recently developed bioprinting strategies with single-cell resolution, with a special focus on inkjet-like single-cell printing. First, we discuss the common cell printing strategies and introduce several typical and advanced printing strategies. Then, we introduce several typical applications based on single-cell printing, from single-cell array screening and mass spectrometry-based single-cell analysis to three-dimensional tissue formation. In the last part, we discuss the pros and cons of the single-cell strategies and provide a brief outlook for single-cell printing.

Polyphenols: Novel Signaling Pathways

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Louise Ricketts ◽  
Bradley S. Ferguson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the leading cause of death globally. The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors including hypertension, hyperglycemia, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increased visceral adiposity, is a significant risk factor for the development of CVD. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often referred to as the hepatic manifestation of MetS, is a constellation of progressive liver disorders closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. NAFLD initially presents as relatively benign, non-progressive hepatic steatosis, but it may, in certain individuals, progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no validated treatments for NAFLD. Polyphenols are important bioactive dietary compounds and may represent a natural complementary and integrative therapy for the treatment of CVDassociated risk factors, including elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as NAFLD. Understanding their molecular mechanisms of action is important in the design of future human intervention studies. Methods: Several studies utilizing in vitro and in vivo models have helped to identify underlying molecular mechanisms of action of polyphenols. Results: This review will highlight recent advances regarding the molecular actions of dietary procyanidins, with a special focus on those originating from procyanidin-rich grape seed extracts, with a focus on the signaling pathways utilized to exert beneficial metabolic effects. Conclusion: Modulation of nuclear receptor activity and histone deacetylase inhibition has been identified as underlying mechanisms contributing to procyanidin-mediated amelioration of dyslipidemia and steatosis.

Recent Developments of Micropattern Detectors

2014 ◽  
pp. 156-194
Keyword(s):  
Large Hadron Collider ◽  
Visible Light ◽  
Parallel Plate ◽  
Hadron Collider ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Special Place ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Detector Technology

In this chapter, the exciting developments in micropattern detectors in recent years are described. This includes GEM and MICROMEGAS detectors combined with micropixel readout, some peculiar designs of GEM and GEM-like detectors sensitive to UV and visible light, large area (>1m2) GEM and MICROMEGAS prototypes developed for the upgrades of the experiments at the large hadron collider, etc. A special focus is put on a new generation of spark-proof micropattern detectors, using resistive electrodes instead of traditional metallic ones. These detectors operate as ordinary micropattern detectors. However, in the case of occasional sparks, their current is limited by the resistivity of the electrodes so that the energy of the discharge is reduced by several orders of magnitude. Various designs of such detectors have been developed and successfully tested, including resistive GEM, resistive MICROMEGAS, resistive MSGC, etc. Among this family of detectors, a special place belongs to resistive parallel-plate micropattern detectors allowing one to achieve at the same time excellent spatial (38 µm) and time (77 ps) resolutions. Finally, the potential of multilayer detector technology for further optimization of the detector operation is discussed.

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