scholarly journals MicroRNA-Mediated Health-Promoting Effects of Phytochemicals

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hara Kang
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Target Mrnas ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Apoptosis And Inflammation ◽  
Potential Use

Phytochemicals are known to benefit human health by modulating various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Due to the potential use of phytochemicals as therapeutic agents against human diseases such as cancer, studies are ongoing to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals affect cellular functions. It has recently been shown that phytochemicals may regulate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are responsible for the fine-tuning of gene expression by controlling the expression of their target mRNAs in both normal and pathological cells. This review summarizes the recent findings regarding phytochemicals that modulate miRNA expression and promote human health by exerting anticancer, photoprotective, and anti-hepatosteatosis effects. Identifying miRNAs modulated by phytochemicals and understanding the regulatory mechanisms mediated by their target mRNAs will facilitate the efforts to maximize the therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals.

scholarly journals Competing Endogenous RNAs in Cervical Carcinogenesis: A New Layer of Complexity

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 991
Author(s):  
Fernanda Costa Brandão Berti ◽  
Sara Cristina Lobo-Alves ◽  
Camila de Freitas Oliveira-Toré ◽  
Amanda Salviano-Silva ◽  
Karen Brajão de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Molecular Networks ◽  
Cervical Carcinogenesis ◽  
Molecular Changes ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Target Mrnas ◽  
Competing Endogenous Rnas ◽  
Cervical Cells ◽  
Post Transcriptional Regulation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences within target mRNAs. Apart from working ‘solo’, miRNAs may interact in important molecular networks such as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) axes. By competing for a limited pool of miRNAs, transcripts such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs can regulate each other, fine-tuning gene expression. Several ceRNA networks led by different lncRNAs—described here as lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs—seem to play essential roles in cervical cancer (CC). By conducting an extensive search, we summarized networks involved in CC, highlighting the major impacts of such dynamic molecular changes over multiple cellular processes. Through the sponging of distinct miRNAs, some lncRNAs as HOTAIR, MALAT1, NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and XIST trigger crucial molecular changes, ultimately increasing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibiting apoptosis. Likewise, several lncRNAs seem to be a sponge for important tumor-suppressive miRNAs (as miR-140-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-148a-3p, and miR-206), impairing such molecules from exerting a negative post-transcriptional regulation over target mRNAs. Curiously, some of the involved mRNAs code for important proteins such as PTEN, ROCK1, and MAPK1, known to modulate cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion in CC. Overall, we highlight important lncRNA-mediated functional interactions occurring in cervical cells and their closely related impact on cervical carcinogenesis.

scholarly journals Ubiquitin-Like Modifiers: Emerging Regulators of Protozoan Parasites

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1403
Author(s):  
Maryia Karpiyevich ◽  
Katerina Artavanis-Tsakonas
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Parasitic Protozoa ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Enzymatic Machinery

Post-translational protein regulation allows for fine-tuning of cellular functions and involves a wide range of modifications, including ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifiers (Ubls). The dynamic balance of Ubl conjugation and removal shapes the fates of target substrates, in turn modulating various cellular processes. The mechanistic aspects of Ubl pathways and their biological roles have been largely established in yeast, plants, and mammalian cells. However, these modifiers may be utilised differently in highly specialised and divergent organisms, such as parasitic protozoa. In this review, we explore how these parasites employ Ubls, in particular SUMO, NEDD8, ATG8, ATG12, URM1, and UFM1, to regulate their unconventional cellular physiology. We discuss emerging data that provide evidence of Ubl-mediated regulation of unique parasite-specific processes, as well as the distinctive features of Ubl pathways in parasitic protozoa. We also highlight the potential to leverage these essential regulators and their cognate enzymatic machinery for development of therapeutics to protect against the diseases caused by protozoan parasites.

c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Possible Target for the Modulation of the Earliest Alterations

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Oriol Busquets ◽  
Antoni Parcerisas ◽  
Ester Verdaguer ◽  
Miren Ettcheto ◽  
Antoni Camins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Synaptic Loss ◽  
Master Regulators ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cholinergic Synapses ◽  
Neuronal Transport

Given the highly multifactorial origin of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology, disentangling and orderly knowing mechanisms involved in sporadic onset are arduous. Nevertheless, when the elements involved are dissected into smaller pieces, the task becomes more accessible. This review aimed to describe the link between c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs), master regulators of many cellular functions, and the early alterations of AD: synaptic loss and dysregulation of neuronal transport. Both processes have a role in the posterior cognitive decline observed in AD. The manuscript focuses on the molecular mechanisms of glutamatergic, GABA, and cholinergic synapses altered by the presence of amyloid-β aggregates and hyperphosphorylated tau, as well as on several consequences of the disruption of cellular processes linked to neuronal transport that is controlled by the JNK-JIP (c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)–interacting proteins (JIPs) complex, including the transport of AβPP or autophagosomes.

scholarly journals A Novel Promising Frontier for Human Health: The Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8706
Author(s):  
Albino Carrizzo ◽  
Carmine Izzo ◽  
Maurizio Forte ◽  
Eduardo Sommella ◽  
Paola Di Pietro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
The Individual

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetes are a significant public health problem worldwide. Although several novel pharmacological treatments to reduce the progression of CVDs have been discovered during the last 20 years, the better way to contain the onset of CVDs remains prevention. In this regard, nutraceuticals seem to own a great potential in maintaining human health, exerting important protective cardiovascular effects. In the last years, there has been increased focus on identifying natural compounds with cardiovascular health-promoting effects and also to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved. Although many review articles have focused on the individual natural compound impact on cardiovascular diseases, the aim of this manuscript was to examine the role of the most studied nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, cocoa, quercetin, curcumin, brassica, berberine and Spirulina platensis, on different CVDs.

scholarly journals Theaflavin Chemistry and Its Health Benefits

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Zhiguo Shan ◽  
Muhammad Farrukh Nisar ◽  
Mingxi Li ◽  
Chunhua Zhang ◽  
Chunpeng (Craig) Wan
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Black Tea ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Health Lifestyle ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Health Promoting

Huge epidemiological and clinical studies have confirmed that black tea is a rich source of health-promoting ingredients, such as catechins and theaflavins (TFs). Furthermore, TF derivatives mainly include theaflavin (TF1), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF2A), theaflavin-3 ′ -gallate (TF2B), and theaflavin-3,3 ′ -digallate (TF3). All of these TFs exhibit extensive usages in pharmaceutics, foods, and traditional medication systems. Various indepth studies reported that how TFs modulates health effects in cellular and molecular mechanisms. The available literature regarding the pharmacological activities of TFs has revealed that TF3 has remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, antiosteoporotic, and antimicrobial properties, thus posing significant effects on human health. The current manuscript summarizes both the chemistry and various pharmacological effects of TFs on human health, lifestyle or aging associated diseases, and populations of gut microbiota. Furthermore, the biological potential of TFs has also been focused to provide a deeper understanding of its mechanism of action.

scholarly journals Structure and Function of Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes (MAMs) and Their Role in Cardiovascular Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Yi Luan ◽  
Ying Luan ◽  
Rui-Xia Yuan ◽  
Qi Feng ◽  
Xing Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Apoptosis And Inflammation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Protein Response

Abnormal function of suborganelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum often leads to abnormal function of cardiomyocytes or vascular endothelial cells and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) is involved in several important cellular functions. Increasing evidence shows that MAM is involved in the pathogenesis of CVD. MAM mediates multiple cellular processes, including calcium homeostasis regulation, lipid metabolism, unfolded protein response, ROS, mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammation, which are key risk factors for CVD. In this review, we discuss the structure of MAM and MAM-associated proteins, their role in CVD progression, and the potential use of MAM as the therapeutic targets for CVD treatment.

scholarly journals Emerging role of hydrogen sulfide-microRNA crosstalk in cardiovascular diseases

2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (7) ◽  
pp. H802-H812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan T. Hackfort ◽  
Paras K. Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Hydrogen Sulfide ◽  
Cardiac Remodeling ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Physiological Level ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Regulatory Rnas ◽  
Apoptosis And Inflammation

Despite an obnoxious smell and toxicity at a high dose, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is emerging as a cardioprotective gasotransmitter. H2S mitigates pathological cardiac remodeling by regulating several cellular processes including fibrosis, hypertrophy, apoptosis, and inflammation. These encouraging findings in rodents led to initiation of a clinical trial using a H2S donor in heart failure patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which H2S mitigates cardiac remodeling are not completely understood. Empirical evidence suggest that H2S may regulate signaling pathways either by directly influencing a gene in the cascade or interacting with nitric oxide (another cardioprotective gasotransmitter) or both. Recent studies revealed that H2S may ameliorate cardiac dysfunction by up- or downregulating specific microRNAs. MicroRNAs are noncoding, conserved, regulatory RNAs that modulate gene expression mostly by translational inhibition and are emerging as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Few microRNAs also regulate H2S biosynthesis. The inter-regulation of microRNAs and H2S opens a new avenue for exploring the H2S-microRNA crosstalk in CVD. This review embodies regulatory mechanisms that maintain the physiological level of H2S, exogenous H2S donors used for increasing the tissue levels of H2S, H2S-mediated regulation of CVD, H2S-microRNAs crosstalk in relation to the pathophysiology of heart disease, clinical trials on H2S, and future perspectives for H2S as a therapeutic agent for heart failure.

scholarly journals Low Dose Ionising Radiation-Induced Hormesis: Therapeutic Implications to Human Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 8909
Author(s):  
Yeh Siang Lau ◽  
Ming Tsuey Chew ◽  
Amal Alqahtani ◽  
Bleddyn Jones ◽  
Mark A. Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Ionising Radiation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Biological Phenomena ◽  
Radiation Induced

The concept of radiation-induced hormesis, whereby a low dose is beneficial and a high dose is detrimental, has been gaining attention in the fields of molecular biology, environmental toxicology and radiation biology. There is a growing body of literature that recognises the importance of hormetic dose response not only in the radiation field, but also with molecular agents. However, there is continuing debate on the magnitude and mechanism of radiation hormetic dose response, which could make further contributions, as a research tool, to science and perhaps eventually to public health due to potential therapeutic benefits for society. The biological phenomena of low dose ionising radiation (LDIR) includes bystander effects, adaptive response, hypersensitivity, radioresistance and genomic instability. In this review, the beneficial and the detrimental effects of LDIR-induced hormesis are explored, together with an overview of its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that may potentially provide an insight to the therapeutic implications to human health in the future.

scholarly journals Using Yeast to Define the Regulatory Role of Protein Lysine Methylation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 690-698
Author(s):  
Yogita Jethmalani ◽  
Erin M. Green
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Methylation ◽  
Lysine Methylation ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Histone Protein ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Current State ◽  
Broad Array

The post-translational modifications (PTM) of proteins are crucial for cells to survive under diverse environmental conditions and to respond to stimuli. PTMs are known to govern a broad array of cellular processes including signal transduction and chromatin regulation. The PTM lysine methylation has been extensively studied within the context of chromatin and the epigenetic regulation of the genome. However, it has also emerged as a critical regulator of non-histone proteins important for signal transduction pathways. While the number of known non-histone protein methylation events is increasing, the molecular functions of many of these modifications are not yet known. Proteomic studies of the model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggest lysine methylation may regulate a diversity of pathways including transcription, RNA processing, translation, and signal transduction cascades. However, there has still been relatively little investigation of lysine methylation as a broad cellular regulator beyond chromatin and transcription. Here, we outline our current state of understanding of non-histone protein methylation in yeast and propose ways in which the yeast system can be leveraged to develop a much more complete picture of molecular mechanisms through which lysine methylation regulates cellular functions.

scholarly journals Cadherin Signaling in Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13358
Author(s):  
Margherita Sisto ◽  
Domenico Ribatti ◽  
Sabrina Lisi
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Trafficking ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cytoskeletal Organization ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cellular Context ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Mediate Cell

Cadherins mediate cell–cell adhesion through a dynamic process that is strongly dependent on the cellular context and signaling. Cadherin regulation reflects the interplay between fundamental cellular processes, including morphogenesis, proliferation, programmed cell death, surface organization of receptors, cytoskeletal organization, and cell trafficking. The variety of molecular mechanisms and cellular functions regulated by cadherins suggests that we have only scratched the surface in terms of clarifying the functions mediated by these versatile proteins. Altered cadherins expression is closely connected with tumorigenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-dependent fibrosis, and autoimmunity. We review the current understanding of how cadherins contribute to human health and disease, considering the mechanisms of cadherin involvement in diseases progression, as well as the clinical significance of cadherins as therapeutic targets.

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