Chiral Induced Spin Selectivity and Its Implications for Biological Functions

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Naaman ◽  
Yossi Paltiel ◽  
David H. Waldeck
Keyword(s):  
Structural Effect ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Chiral Molecule ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Chiral Molecules ◽  
The Past ◽  
Pass Through ◽  
Do So

Chirality in life has been preserved throughout evolution. It has been assumed that the main function of chirality is its contribution to structural properties. In the past two decades, however, it has been established that chiral molecules possess unique electronic properties. Electrons that pass through chiral molecules, or even charge displacements within a chiral molecule, do so in a manner that depends on the electron's spin and the molecule's enantiomeric form. This effect, referred to as chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS), has several important implications for the properties of biosystems. Among these implications, CISS facilitates long-range electron transfer, enhances bio-affinities and enantioselectivity, and enables efficient and selective multi-electron redox processes. In this article, we review the CISS effect and some of its manifestations in biological systems. We argue that chirality is preserved so persistently in biology not only because of its structural effect, but also because of its important function in spin polarizing electrons. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biophysics, Volume 51 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Understanding the Function of Mammalian Sirtuins and Protein Lysine Acylation

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miao Wang ◽  
Hening Lin
Keyword(s):  
Posttranslational Modification ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Lysine Acetylation ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Fatty Acylation ◽  
Protein Lysine Acetylation

Protein lysine acetylation is an important posttranslational modification that regulates numerous biological processes. Targeting lysine acetylation regulatory factors, such as acetyltransferases, deacetylases, and acetyl-lysine recognition domains, has been shown to have potential for treating human diseases, including cancer and neurological diseases. Over the past decade, many other acyl-lysine modifications, such as succinylation, crotonylation, and long-chain fatty acylation, have also been investigated and shown to have interesting biological functions. Here, we provide an overview of the functions of different acyl-lysine modifications in mammals. We focus on lysine acetylation as it is well characterized, and principles learned from acetylation are useful for understanding the functions of other lysine acylations. We pay special attention to the sirtuins, given that the study of sirtuins has provided a great deal of information about the functions of lysine acylation. We emphasize the regulation of sirtuins to illustrate that their regulation enables cells to respond to various signals and stresses. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 90 is June 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Endogenous Retroviruses Drive Resistance and Promotion of Exogenous Retroviral Homologs

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliott S. Chiu ◽  
Sue VandeWoude
Keyword(s):  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Viral Evolution ◽  
Endogenous Retroviruses ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Self Tolerance ◽  
Vertebrate Hosts ◽  
Insight Into

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) serve as markers of ancient viral infections and provide invaluable insight into host and viral evolution. ERVs have been exapted to assist in performing basic biological functions, including placentation, immune modulation, and oncogenesis. A subset of ERVs share high nucleotide similarity to circulating horizontally transmitted exogenous retrovirus (XRV) progenitors. In these cases, ERV–XRV interactions have been documented and include ( a) recombination to result in ERV–XRV chimeras, ( b) ERV induction of immune self-tolerance to XRV antigens, ( c) ERV antigen interference with XRV receptor binding, and ( d) interactions resulting in both enhancement and restriction of XRV infections. Whereas the mechanisms governing recombination and immune self-tolerance have been partially determined, enhancement and restriction of XRV infection are virus specific and only partially understood. This review summarizes interactions between six unique ERV–XRV pairs, highlighting important ERV biological functions and potential evolutionary histories in vertebrate hosts. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 9 is February 16, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Modeling of Ferroelectric Oxide Perovskites: From First to Second Principles

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Ghosez ◽  
Javier Junquera
Keyword(s):  
Condensed Matter ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Modern Theory ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Energy Derivatives ◽  
The Past ◽  
Fundamental Understanding ◽  
Work Done ◽  
Ferroelectric Perovskite

Taking a historical perspective, we provide a brief overview of the first-principles modeling of ferroelectric perovskite oxides over the past 30 years. We emphasize how the work done by a relatively small community on the fundamental understanding of ferroelectricity and related phenomena has been at the origin of consecutive theoretical breakthroughs, with an impact going often well beyond the limit of the ferroelectric community. In this context, we first review key theoretical advances such as the modern theory of polarization, the computation of functional properties as energy derivatives, the explicit treatment of finite fields, or the advent of second-principles methods to extend the length and timescale of the simulations. We then discuss how these have revolutionized our understanding of ferroelectricity and related phenomena in this technologically important class of compounds. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics, Volume 13 is March 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Brain-Protective Mechanisms of Transcription Factor NRF2: Toward a Common Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Cuadrado
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Brain Cell ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Protective Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Pass Through

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the loss of homeostatic functions that control redox and energy metabolism, neuroinflammation, and proteostasis. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master controller of these functions, and its overall activity is compromised during aging and in these diseases. However, NRF2 can be activated pharmacologically and is now being considered a common therapeutic target. Many gaps still exist in our knowledge of the specific role that NRF2 plays in specialized brain cell functions or how these cells respond to the hallmarks of these diseases. This review discusses the relevance of NRF2 to several hallmark features of neurodegenerative diseases and the current status of pharmacological activators that might pass through the blood-brain barrier and provide a disease-modifying effect. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Recent Research on the Archaeology of War and Violence

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew K. Scherer
Keyword(s):  
State Formation ◽  
Online Publication ◽  
General Trend ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Modern Times ◽  
The Past ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Consequences Of Violence

The mid-1990s through the first decade of the new millennium marked an increase in publications pertaining to war and violence in the ancient past. This review considers how scholars of the past decade have responded to that work. The emerging consensus is that war and violence were endemic to all societies studied by archaeologists, and yet the frequency, intensity, causes, and consequences of violence were highly variable for reasons that defy simplistic explanation. The general trend has been toward archaeologies of war and violence that focus on understanding the nuances of particular places and historical moments. Nevertheless, archaeologists continue to grapple with grand narratives of war, such as the proposition that violence has decreased from ancient to modern times and the role of war and violence in state formation and collapse. Recent research also draws attention to a more expansive definition of violence. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Anthropology, Volume 50 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

PI(4,5)P2 Clustering and Its Impact on Biological Functions

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wen ◽  
Volker M. Vogt ◽  
Gerald W. Feigenson
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cellular Proteins ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Dynamic Distribution ◽  
Multivalent Cation ◽  
Lipid Environment

Located at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] comprises only 1–2 mol% of total PM lipids. With its synthesis and turnover both spatially and temporally regulated, PI(4,5)P2 recruits and interacts with hundreds of cellular proteins to support a broad spectrum of cellular functions. Several factors contribute to the versatile and dynamic distribution of PI(4,5)P2 in membranes. Physiological multivalent cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ can bridge between PI(4,5)P2 headgroups, forming nanoscopic PI(4,5)P2–cation clusters. The distinct lipid environment surrounding PI(4,5)P2 affects the degree of PI(4,5)P2 clustering. In addition, diverse cellular proteins interacting with PI(4,5)P2 can further regulate PI(4,5)P2 lateral distribution and accessibility. This review summarizes the current understanding of PI(4,5)P2 behavior in both cells and model membranes, with emphasis on both multivalent cation– and protein-induced PI(4,5)P2 clustering. Understanding the nature of spatially separated pools of PI(4,5)P2 is fundamental to cell biology. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 90 is June 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Biological Phase Separation and Biomolecular Condensates in Plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J. Emenecker ◽  
Alex S. Holehouse ◽  
Lucia C. Strader
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Condensed Matter ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Nuclear Speckles ◽  
The Past ◽  
Shared Property ◽  
And Function ◽  
Physical Principles

A surge in research focused on understanding the physical principles governing the formation, properties, and function of membraneless compartments has occurred over the past decade. Compartments such as the nucleolus, stress granules, and nuclear speckles have been designated as biomolecular condensates to describe their shared property of spatially concentrating biomolecules. Although this research has historically been carried out in animal and fungal systems, recent work has begun to explore whether these same principles are relevant in plants. Effectively understanding and studying biomolecular condensates require interdisciplinary expertise that spans cell biology, biochemistry, and condensed matter physics and biophysics. As such, some involved concepts may be unfamiliar to any given individual. This review focuses on introducing concepts essential to the study of biomolecular condensates and phase separation for biologists seeking to carry out research in this area and further examines aspects of biomolecular condensates that are relevant to plant systems. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Plant Biology, Volume 72 is May 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Plant-Based Proteins: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William R. Aimutis
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Food Science ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
The Past ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Consumption Enjoyment ◽  
Global Population ◽  
Made In

Our global population is growing at a pace to exceed 10 billion people by the year 2050. This growth will place pressure on the agricultural production of food to feed the hungry masses. One category that will be strained is protein. Per capita protein consumption is rising in virtually every country for both nutritional reasons and consumption enjoyment. The United Nations estimates protein demand will double by 2050, and this will result in a critical overall protein shortage if drastic changes are not made in the years preceding these changes. Therefore, the world is in the midst of identifying technological breakthroughs to make protein more readily available and sustainable for future generations. One protein sourcing category that has grown in the past decade is plant-based proteins, which seem to fit criteria established by discerning consumers, including healthy, sustainable, ethical, and relatively inexpensive. Although demand for plant-based protein continues to increase, these proteins are challenging to utilize in novel food formulations. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Volume 13 is March 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

The Spectrum of Helicobacter-Mediated Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Robinson ◽  
John C. Atherton
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Deficiency Anemia ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Ulcer Disease ◽  
Human Carcinogen ◽  
The Past ◽  
H Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is the leading cause of peptic ulcer disease. The infection has been implicated in more than 75% of duodenal ulcer cases and 17% of gastric ulcer cases. H. pylori has been classified as a human carcinogen, since it is the main cause of distal gastric adenocarcinoma and B cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Evidence also links H. pylori with extragastric conditions including iron deficiency anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Studies indicate that H. pylori may be protective against other conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., reflux esophagitis and related pathologies) and elsewhere in the body (e.g., asthma). The infection is asymptomatic in the vast majority of cases; more serious outcomes occur in only 10–15% of infected individuals. Despite extensive research over the past 3 decades, there is no effective vaccine, and the circumstances leading to disease development remain unclear. In addition, there is now a growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in H. pylori. This review discusses these important issues. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, Volume 16 is January 25, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Firearm Instrumentality: Do Guns Make Violent Situations More Lethal?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony A. Braga ◽  
Elizabeth Griffiths ◽  
Keller Sheppard ◽  
Stephen Douglas
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Online Publication ◽  
Gun Violence ◽  
Gun Control ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Considerable Evidence ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Firearm Availability ◽  
Do So

One of the central debates animating the interpretation of gun research for public policy is the question of whether the presence of firearms independently makes violent situations more lethal, known as an instrumentality effect, or whether determined offenders will simply substitute other weapons to affect fatalities in the absence of guns. The latter position assumes sufficient intentionality among homicide assailants to kill their victims, irrespective of the tools available to do so. Studies on the lethality of guns, the likelihood of injury by weapon type, offender intent, and firearm availability provide considerable evidence that guns contribute to fatalities that would otherwise have been nonfatal assaults. The increasing lethality of guns, based on size and technology, and identifiable gaps in existing gun control policies mean that new and innovative policy interventions are required to reduce firearm fatalities and to alleviate the substantial economic and social costs associated with gun violence. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Criminology, Volume 4 is January 13, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

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