SALT/WATER RELATIONSHIPS IN MANGROVES

Mangroves form extensive, unique communities in tropical coastal areas and tidal lowlands, dominating 60–75% of tropical shorelines. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge concerning the mechanisms underlying the most striking feature of these plants—their unique ability to obtain water from the surrounding sea. Mangroves are thought to accomplish this by rejecting potentially harmful salts. Some species actively excrete those salts leaking into the plant by means of specialized salt glands in their leaves. Mangroves are rooted in anaerobic soils, a condition giving rise to the spectacular aerial roots, such as pneumatophores and stilt roots, characteristic of mangroves, that provide oxygen to submerged tissues.We shall also discuss recent studies that have focused on physiological issues in mangroves, such as oscillatory behavior of their stomata, the structure and function of salt glands, and the compatible solutes in their leaves, which balance the osmotic pressure of the seawater. Salinity effects on their germination, distribution, CO2assimilation, respiration, and the functioning of some of their enzymes have also been examined.Finally, we shall draw attention to open questions related to the salt and water regime of mangroves and the underlying mechanisms responsible for their remarkable success in a hostile environment.

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The Role of the Molecular Clock in Promoting Skeletal Muscle Growth and Protecting against Sarcopenia

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms20174318 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (17) ◽

pp. 4318 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jacopo Vitale ◽

Matteo Bonato ◽

Antonio La Torre ◽

Giuseppe Banfi

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Circadian Rhythms ◽

Molecular Clock ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Critical Role ◽

Muscle Growth ◽

Circadian Expression ◽

Complex Interactions ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

And Function

The circadian clock has a critical role in many physiological functions of skeletal muscle and is essential to fully understand the precise underlying mechanisms involved in these complex interactions. The importance of circadian expression for structure, function and metabolism of skeletal muscle is clear when observing the muscle phenotype in models of molecular clock disruption. Presently, the maintenance of circadian rhythms is emerging as an important new factor in human health, with disruptions linked to ageing, as well as to the development of many chronic diseases, including sarcopenia. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the latest findings demonstrating how circadian rhythms in skeletal muscle are important for maintenance of the cellular physiology, metabolism and function of skeletal muscle. Moreover, we will present the current knowledge about the tissue-specific functions of the molecular clock in skeletal muscle.

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Ion Channel Remodelling in Atrial Fibrillation

European Cardiology Review ◽

10.15420/ecr.2011.7.2.97 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 97 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Niels Voigt ◽

Dobromir Dobrev ◽

◽

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Ion Channel ◽

Antiarrhythmic Drugs ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Large Size ◽

Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with stroke being the most critical complication. Present drugs used for the therapy of AF (antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants) have major limitations, including incomplete efficacy, risks of life-threatening proarrhythmic events and bleeding complications. Non-pharmacological ablation procedures are efficient and apparently safe, but the very large size of the patient population allows ablation treatment of only a small number of patients. These limitations largely result from limited knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of AF and there is a hope that a better understanding of the molecular basis of AF may lead to the discovery of safer and more effective therapeutic targets. This article reviews the current knowledge about AF-related ion-channel remodelling and discusses how these alterations might affect the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs.

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Effects of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Placenta: Current Knowledge and Targets for Therapeutic Interventions

Current Vascular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1570161118666200616144512 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 176-192

Author(s):

Samantha Bedell ◽

Janine Hutson ◽

Barbra de Vrijer ◽

Genevieve Eastabrook

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Maternal Obesity ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Placental Development ◽

Exchange Site ◽

And Function

: Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development as well as metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in the offspring. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of obesity and GDM on placental development and function. Understanding these processes is key in developing therapeutic interventions with the goal of mitigating these effects and preventing future cardiovascular and metabolic pathology in subsequent generations.

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The Oxford Handbook of the Auditory Brainstem

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190849061.001.0001 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Auditory Pathway ◽

Auditory Brainstem ◽

Auditory Midbrain ◽

Current State ◽

Neuronal Mechanisms ◽

Maladaptive Plasticity ◽

And Function ◽

Auditory Field

The Oxford Handbook of the Auditory Brainstem provides an in-depth reference to the organization and function of ascending and descending auditory pathways in the mammalian brainstem. Individual chapters are organized along the auditory pathway, beginning with the cochlea and ending with the auditory midbrain. Each chapter provides an introduction to the respective area and summarizes our current knowledge before discussing the disputes and challenges that the field currently faces.The handbook emphasizes the numerous forms of plasticity that are increasingly observed in many areas of the auditory brainstem. Several chapters focus on neuronal modulation of function and plasticity on the synaptic, neuronal, and circuit level, especially during development, aging, and following peripheral hearing loss. In addition, the book addresses the role of trauma-induced maladaptive plasticity with respect to its contribution in generating central hearing dysfunction, such as hyperacusis and tinnitus.The book is intended for students and postdoctoral fellows starting in the auditory field and for researchers of related fields who wish to get an authoritative and up-to-date summary of the current state of auditory brainstem research. For clinical practitioners in audiology, otolaryngology, and neurology, the book is a valuable resource of information about the neuronal mechanisms that are currently discussed as major candidates for the generation of central hearing dysfunction.

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Targeting Pin1 for Modulation of Cell Motility and Cancer Therapy

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines9040359 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 359

Author(s):

Hsiang-Hao Chuang ◽

Yen-Yi Zhen ◽

Yu-Chen Tsai ◽

Cheng-Hao Chuang ◽

Ming-Shyan Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Therapy ◽

Tumor Suppressors ◽

Protein Conformation ◽

Genome Stability ◽

Recent Progress ◽

Multiple Roles ◽

Cancer Development ◽

Cancer Hallmarks ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

And Function

Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1) specifically binds and isomerizes the phosphorylated serine/threonine-proline (pSer/Thr-Pro) motif, which leads to changes in protein conformation and function. Pin1 is widely overexpressed in cancers and plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Mounting evidence has revealed that targeting Pin1 is a potential therapeutic approach for various cancers by inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing metastasis, and maintaining genome stability. In this review, we summarize the underlying mechanisms of Pin1-mediated upregulation of oncogenes and downregulation of tumor suppressors in cancer development. Furthermore, we also discuss the multiple roles of Pin1 in cancer hallmarks and examine Pin1 as a desirable pharmaceutical target for cancer therapy. We also summarize the recent progress of Pin1-targeted small-molecule compounds for anticancer activity.

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The Cross-Talk between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immune Cells in Tissue Repair and Regeneration

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052472 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 2472

Author(s):

Carl Randall Harrell ◽

Valentin Djonov ◽

Vladislav Volarevic

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Tissue Repair ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Multipotent Stem Cells ◽

Tissue Repair And Regeneration ◽

Almost All ◽

And Function

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, rapidly proliferating, multipotent stem cells which reside in almost all post-natal tissues. MSCs possess potent immunoregulatory properties and, in juxtacrine and paracrine manner, modulate phenotype and function of all immune cells that participate in tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, MSCs produce various pro-angiogenic factors and promote neo-vascularization in healing tissues, contributing to their enhanced repair and regeneration. In this review article, we summarized current knowledge about molecular mechanisms that regulate the crosstalk between MSCs and immune cells in tissue repair and regeneration.

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Antioxidant and Signaling Role of Plastid-Derived Isoprenoid Quinones and Chromanols

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22062950 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 2950

Author(s):

Beatrycze Nowicka ◽

Agnieszka Trela-Makowej ◽

Dariusz Latowski ◽

Kazimierz Strzalka ◽

Renata Szymańska

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Oxygenic Photosynthesis ◽

Ros Generation ◽

Main Site ◽

Storage Lipids ◽

Abiotic Stress Factors ◽

Cell Components ◽

And Function

Plant prenyllipids, especially isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, are very efficient low-molecular-weight lipophilic antioxidants, protecting membranes and storage lipids from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are byproducts of aerobic metabolism that can damage cell components, they are also known to play a role in signaling. Plants are particularly prone to oxidative damage because oxygenic photosynthesis results in O2 formation in their green tissues. In addition, the photosynthetic electron transfer chain is an important source of ROS. Therefore, chloroplasts are the main site of ROS generation in plant cells during the light reactions of photosynthesis, and plastidic antioxidants are crucial to prevent oxidative stress, which occurs when plants are exposed to various types of stress factors, both biotic and abiotic. The increase in antioxidant content during stress acclimation is a common phenomenon. In the present review, we describe the mechanisms of ROS (singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical) production in chloroplasts in general and during exposure to abiotic stress factors, such as high light, low temperature, drought and salinity. We highlight the dual role of their presence: negative (i.e., lipid peroxidation, pigment and protein oxidation) and positive (i.e., contribution in redox-based physiological processes). Then we provide a summary of current knowledge concerning plastidic prenyllipid antioxidants belonging to isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, as well as their structure, occurrence, biosynthesis and function both in ROS detoxification and signaling.

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Neurons interact with the microbiome: an evolutionary-informed perspective

Neuroforum ◽

10.1515/nf-2021-0003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Christoph Giez ◽

Alexander Klimovich ◽

Thomas C. G. Bosch

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Neural Circuits ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

System Development ◽

Nervous System Development ◽

Comprehensive Understanding ◽

Strategic Model ◽

Microbe Interactions ◽

Host Microbe Interactions ◽

And Function

Abstract Animals have evolved within the framework of microbes and are constantly exposed to diverse microbiota. Microbes colonize most, if not all, animal epithelia and influence the activity of many organs, including the nervous system. Therefore, any consideration on nervous system development and function in the absence of the recognition of microbes will be incomplete. Here, we review the current knowledge on the nervous systems of Hydra and its role in the host–microbiome communication. We show that recent advances in molecular and imaging methods are allowing a comprehensive understanding of the capacity of such a seemingly simple nervous system in the context of the metaorganism. We propose that the development, function and evolution of neural circuits must be considered in the context of host–microbe interactions and present Hydra as a strategic model system with great basic and translational relevance for neuroscience.

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Structure and Function of the CFTR Chloride Channel

Physiological Reviews ◽

10.1152/physrev.1999.79.1.s23 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

pp. S23-S45 ◽

Cited By ~ 647

Author(s):

DAVID N. SHEPPARD ◽

MICHAEL J. WELSH

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Chloride Channel ◽

Atp Hydrolysis ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Structure And Function ◽

Binding Domains ◽

Transporter Family ◽

Membrane Spanning ◽

And Function ◽

R Domain

Sheppard, David N., and Michael J. Welsh. Structure and Function of the CFTR Chloride Channel. Physiol. Rev. 79 , Suppl.: S23–S45, 1999. — The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a unique member of the ABC transporter family that forms a novel Cl− channel. It is located predominantly in the apical membrane of epithelia where it mediates transepithelial salt and liquid movement. Dysfunction of CFTR causes the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. The CFTR is composed of five domains: two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs), and a regulatory (R) domain. Here we review the structure and function of this unique channel, with a focus on how the various domains contribute to channel function. The MSDs form the channel pore, phosphorylation of the R domain determines channel activity, and ATP hydrolysis by the NBDs controls channel gating. Current knowledge of CFTR structure and function may help us understand better its mechanism of action, its role in electrolyte transport, its dysfunction in cystic fibrosis, and its relationship to other ABC transporters.

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Stage-specific Localization and Expression of c-kit in the Adult Human Testis

Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry ◽

10.1369/jhc.2009.953737 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 57 (9) ◽

pp. 861-869 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Sreepoorna K. Unni ◽

Deepak N. Modi ◽

Shilpa G. Pathak ◽

Jayesh V. Dhabalia ◽

Deepa Bhartiya

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Protein Localization ◽

Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽

Human Testis ◽

Specific Expression ◽

Adult Human ◽

Kit Receptor ◽

Specific Localization ◽

Human Spermatogenesis ◽

And Function

The c-kit receptor (KIT) and its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), represent one of the key regulators of testicular formation, development, and function and have been extensively studied in various animal models. The present study was undertaken to characterize the pattern of localization and expression of c-kit in normal adult human testis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that KIT is expressed in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia, acrosomal granules of spermatids, and Leydig cells. Interestingly, a rather heterogenous pattern of expression of the protein along the basement membrane was observed. Intense protein localization in spermatogonia was detected in stages I–III, whereas low expression was observed in stages IV–VI of the seminiferous epithelium, indicating that the expression of the molecule was stage specific. In situ hybridization studies revealed that the transcripts of the gene were also localized in a similar non-uniform pattern. To the best of our knowledge, such a stage-specific expression of KIT has not been reported previously in the human testis. The results of the present study may expand current knowledge about the c-kit/SCF system in human spermatogenesis.

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