scholarly journals The Emerging Role of Galectins and O-GlcNAc Homeostasis in Processes of Cellular Differentiation

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rada Tazhitdinova ◽  
Alexander V. Timoshenko
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
Independent Functions

Galectins are a family of soluble β-galactoside-binding proteins with diverse glycan-dependent and glycan-independent functions outside and inside the cell. Human cells express twelve out of sixteen recognized mammalian galectin genes and their expression profiles are very different between cell types and tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the changes in the expression of individual galectins at mRNA and protein levels in different types of differentiating cells and the effects of recombinant galectins on cellular differentiation. A new model of galectin regulation is proposed considering the change in O-GlcNAc homeostasis between progenitor/stem cells and mature differentiated cells. The recognition of galectins as regulatory factors controlling cell differentiation and self-renewal is essential for developmental and cancer biology to develop innovative strategies for prevention and targeted treatment of proliferative diseases, tissue regeneration, and stem-cell therapy.

scholarly journals Hypoxia, Acidification and Inflammation: Partners in Crime in Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis?

Immuno ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Johannes Burtscher ◽  
Grégoire P. Millet
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Brain Cell ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Research Fields

Like in other neurodegenerative diseases, protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Differentiating characteristics of PD include the central role of α-synuclein in the aggregation pathology, a distinct vulnerability of the striato-nigral system with the related motor symptoms, as well as specific mitochondrial deficits. Which molecular alterations cause neurodegeneration and drive PD pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we summarize evidence of the involvement of three interdependent factors in PD and suggest that their interplay is likely a trigger and/or aggravator of PD-related neurodegeneration: hypoxia, acidification and inflammation. We aim to integrate the existing knowledge on the well-established role of inflammation and immunity, the emerging interest in the contribution of hypoxic insults and the rather neglected effects of brain acidification in PD pathogenesis. Their tight association as an important aspect of the disease merits detailed investigation. Consequences of related injuries are discussed in the context of aging and the interaction of different brain cell types, in particular with regard to potential consequences on the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. A special focus is put on the identification of current knowledge gaps and we emphasize the importance of related insights from other research fields, such as cancer research and immunometabolism, for neurodegeneration research. The highlighted interplay of hypoxia, acidification and inflammation is likely also of relevance for other neurodegenerative diseases, despite disease-specific biochemical and metabolic alterations.

The Developmental Capacity of Nuclei taken from Intestinal Epithelium Cells of Feeding Tadpoles

Development ◽  
1962 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Gurdon
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Information ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Nuclear Transplantation ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
Developmental Capacity ◽  
Nuclear Changes ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Epithelium Cells ◽  
Saline Medium

An important problem in embryology is whether the differentiation of cells depends upon a stable restriction of the genetic information contained in their nuclei. The technique of nuclear transplantation has shown to what extent the nuclei of differentiating cells can promote the formation of different cell types (e.g. King & Briggs, 1956; Gurdon, 1960c). Yet no experiments have so far been published on the transplantation of nuclei from fully differentiated normal cells. This is partly because it is difficult to obtain meaningful results from such experiments. The small amount of cytoplasm in differentiated cells renders their nuclei susceptible to damage through exposure to the saline medium, and this makes it difficult to assess the significance of the abnormalities resulting from their transplantation. It is, however, very desirable to know the developmental capacity of such nuclei, since any nuclear changes which are necessarily involved in cellular differentiation must have already taken place in cells of this kind.

scholarly journals Chemokines—What Is Their Role in Colorectal Cancer?

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327482090338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Pączek ◽  
Marta Łukaszewicz-Zając ◽  
Barbara Mroczko
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Distant Metastases ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Novel Biomarkers ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Common Malignancy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. It is the second most frequently diagnosed malignancy in Europe and third worldwide. Colorectal malignancies diagnosed at an early stage offer a promising survival rate. However, advanced tumors often present distant metastases even after the complete resection of a primary tumor. Therefore, novel biomarkers of CRC are sorely needed in the diagnosis and prognosis of this common malignancy. A family of chemokines are composed of small, secreted proteins. They are best known for their ability to stimulate the migration of several cell types. Some investigations have indicated that chemokines are involved in cancer development, including CRC. This article presents current knowledge regarding chemokines and their specific receptors in CRC progression. Moreover, the prime aim of this review is to summarize the potential role of these proteins as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.

scholarly journals The Role of RUNX2 in Osteosarcoma Oncogenesis

Sarcoma ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Martin ◽  
M. Zielenska ◽  
G. S. Stein ◽  
A. J. van Wijnen ◽  
J. A. Squire
Keyword(s):  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Biological Heterogeneity ◽  
Runx Proteins ◽  
Osteoblast Maturation

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive but ill-understood cancer of bone that predominantly affects adolescents. Its rarity and biological heterogeneity have limited studies of its molecular basis. In recent years, an important role has emerged for the RUNX2 “platform protein” in osteosarcoma oncogenesis. RUNX proteins are DNA-binding transcription factors that regulate the expression of multiple genes involved in cellular differentiation and cell-cycle progression. RUNX2 is genetically essential for developing bone and osteoblast maturation. Studies of osteosarcoma tumours have revealed that the RUNX2 DNA copy number together with RNA and protein levels are highly elevated in osteosarcoma tumors. The protein is also important for metastatic bone disease of prostate and breast cancers, while RUNX2 may have both tumor suppressive and oncogenic roles in bone morphogenesis. This paper provides a synopsis of the current understanding of the functions of RUNX2 and its potential role in osteosarcoma and suggests directions for future study.

scholarly journals Emerging Role of Podocalyxin in the Progression of Mature B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 396
Author(s):  
Estíbaliz Tamayo-Orbegozo ◽  
Laura Amo ◽  
Javier Díez-García ◽  
Elena Amutio ◽  
Marta Riñón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
New Evidence

Mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) constitutes a group of heterogeneous malignant lymphoproliferative diseases ranging from indolent to highly aggressive forms. Although the survival after chemo-immunotherapy treatment of mature B-NHL has increased over the last years, many patients relapse or remain refractory due to drug resistance, presenting an unfavorable prognosis. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Podocalyxin (PODXL), a sialomucin overexpressed in a variety of tumor cell types and associated with their aggressiveness, has been implicated in multiple aspects of cancer progression, although its participation in hematological malignancies remains unexplored. New evidence points to a role for PODXL in mature B-NHL cell proliferation, survival, migration, drug resistance, and metabolic reprogramming, as well as enhanced levels of PODXL in mature B-NHL. Here, we review the current knowledge on the contribution of PODXL to tumorigenesis, highlighting and discussing its role in mature B-NHL progression.

scholarly journals The Role of Microglia and Macrophages in CNS Homeostasis, Autoimmunity, and Cancer

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Yin ◽  
Katherine L. Valin ◽  
Michael L. Dixon ◽  
Jianmei W. Leavenworth
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Complex Function ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
First Line ◽  
Cns Disorders ◽  
Cns Autoimmunity ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Macrophage Subsets

Macrophages are major cell types of the immune system, and they comprise both tissue-resident populations and circulating monocyte-derived subsets. Here, we discuss microglia, the resident macrophage within the central nervous system (CNS), and CNS-infiltrating macrophages. Under steady state, microglia play important roles in the regulation of CNS homeostasis through the removal of damaged or unnecessary neurons and synapses. In the face of inflammatory or pathological insults, microglia and CNS-infiltrating macrophages not only constitute the first line of defense against pathogens by regulating components of innate immunity, but they also regulate the adaptive arms of immune responses. Dysregulation of these responses contributes to many CNS disorders. In this overview, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the highly diverse and complex function of microglia and macrophages during CNS autoimmunity—multiple sclerosis and cancer—malignant glioma. We emphasize how the crosstalk between natural killer (NK) cells or glioma cells or glioma stem cells and CNS macrophages impacts on the pathological processes. Given the essential role of CNS microglia and macrophages in the regulation of all types of CNS disorders, agents targeting these subsets are currently applied in preclinical and clinical trials. We believe that a better understanding of the biology of these macrophage subsets offers new exciting paths for therapeutic intervention.

scholarly journals Expression and role of specificity protein 1 and collagen I in recurrent pterygial tissues

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-227
Author(s):  
Chun-Sheng Shi ◽  
◽  
Na Shu ◽  
Li-Li Jiang ◽  
Bo Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Collagen I ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Specificity Protein 1 ◽  
Recurrent Pterygium ◽  
Factor Specificity ◽  
Specificity Protein

AIM: To investigate the expression profiles of the transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and collagen I in recurrent pterygial tissues. What is more, to compare the changes of Sp1 and collagen I among primary pterygial tissue, recurrent pterygial tissue and conjunctival tissue. METHODS: In the prospective study, we collected the pterygial tissues of 40 patients who underwent resection of primary pterygial tissue and recurrent pterygial tissue, and the conjunctival tissues of 10 patients with enucleation due to trauma. The relative expression levels of Sp1 and collagen I were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Paired t-test was performed to compare the Sp1 and collagen I of recurrent pterygial tissues, as well as the primary pterygial tissues and conjunctival tissues. In further, Pearson’s hypothesis testing of correlation coefficients was used to compare the correlations of Sp1 and Collagen I. RESULTS: The content of Sp1 and collagen I mRNA and protein was significantly greater in recurrent pterygial tissue than that was in primary and conjunctival tissue (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the mRNA and protein levels of Sp1 and collagen I in recurrent pterygial tissues (protein: r=0.913, P<0.05; mRNA: r=0.945, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sp1 and collagen I are expressed in normal conjunctival, primary, and recurrent pterygial tissues, but expression is significantly greater in the latter. Sp1 and collagen I may be involved in the regulation of the development of recurrent pterygium.

scholarly journals Prion Protein in Stem Cells: A Lipid Raft Component Involved in the Cellular Differentiation Process

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 4168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Martellucci ◽  
Costantino Santacroce ◽  
Francesca Santilli ◽  
Valeria Manganelli ◽  
Maurizio Sorice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Prion Protein ◽  
Lipid Raft ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Pleiotropic Effect ◽  
Cellular Prion Protein ◽  
Differentiation Process ◽  
Differentiation Degree

The prion protein (PrP) is an enigmatic molecule with a pleiotropic effect on different cell types; it is localized stably in lipid raft microdomains and it is able to recruit downstream signal transduction pathways by its interaction with various biochemical partners. Since its discovery, this lipid raft component has been involved in several functions, although most of the publications focused on the pathological role of the protein. Recent studies report a key role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in physiological processes, including cellular differentiation. Indeed, the PrPC, whose expression is modulated according to the cell differentiation degree, appears to be part of the multimolecular signaling pathways of the neuronal differentiation process. In this review, we aim to summarize the main findings that report the link between PrPC and stem cells.

scholarly journals Y RNA: An Overview of Their Role as Potential Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Human Cancers

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Gulìa ◽  
Fabrizio Signore ◽  
Marco Gaffi ◽  
Silvia Gigli ◽  
Raffaella Votino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Bodily Fluids ◽  
Oncological Patients ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Tumor Types ◽  
Established Role ◽  
Inhibit Cell Proliferation

Y RNA are a class of small non-coding RNA that are largely conserved. Although their discovery was almost 40 years ago, their function is still under investigation. This is evident in cancer biology, where their role was first studied just a dozen years ago. Since then, only a few contributions were published, mostly scattered across different tumor types and, in some cases, also suffering from methodological limitations. Nonetheless, these sparse data may be used to make some estimations and suggest routes to better understand the role of Y RNA in cancer formation and characterization. Here we summarize the current knowledge about Y RNA in multiple types of cancer, also including a paragraph about tumors that might be included in this list in the future, if more evidence becomes available. The picture arising indicates that Y RNA might be useful in tumor characterization, also relying on non-invasive methods, such as the analysis of the content of extracellular vesicles (EV) that are retrieved from blood plasma and other bodily fluids. Due to the established role of Y RNA in DNA replication, it is possible to hypothesize their therapeutic targeting to inhibit cell proliferation in oncological patients.

scholarly journals Emerging RNA-binding roles in the TRIM family of ubiquitin ligases

2019 ◽  
Vol 400 (11) ◽  
pp. 1443-1464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Preston Williams ◽  
Kevin Haubrich ◽  
Cecilia Perez-Borrajero ◽  
Janosch Hennig
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
Tumour Suppression ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase Activity ◽  
Trim Proteins

Abstract TRIM proteins constitute a large, diverse and ancient protein family which play a key role in processes including cellular differentiation, autophagy, apoptosis, DNA repair, and tumour suppression. Mostly known and studied through the lens of their ubiquitination activity as E3 ligases, it has recently emerged that many of these proteins are involved in direct RNA binding through their NHL or PRY/SPRY domains. We summarise the current knowledge concerning the mechanism of RNA binding by TRIM proteins and its biological role. We discuss how RNA-binding relates to their previously described functions such as E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and we will consider the potential role of enrichment in membrane-less organelles.

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