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

Author(s):  
Antonio Cuadrado

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongli Qiao ◽  
Rui Xia ◽  
Jixian Zhai ◽  
Yingnan Hou ◽  
Li Feng ◽  
...  

Gene silencing guided by small RNAs governs a broad range of cellular processes in eukaryotes. Small RNAs are important components of plant immunity because they contribute to pathogen-triggered transcription reprogramming and directly target pathogen RNAs. Recent research suggests that silencing of pathogen genes by plant small RNAs occurs not only during viral infection but also in nonviral pathogens through a process termed host-induced gene silencing, which involves trans-species small RNA trafficking. Similarly, small RNAs are also produced by eukaryotic pathogens and regulate virulence. This review summarizes the small RNA pathways in both plants and filamentous pathogens, including fungi and oomycetes, and discusses their role in host–pathogen interactions. We highlight secondary small interfering RNAs of plants as regulators of immune receptor gene expression and executors of host-induced gene silencing in invading pathogens. The current status and prospects of small RNAs trafficking at the host–pathogen interface are discussed. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Phytopathology, Volume 59 is August 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


Author(s):  
Seung-Oh Seo ◽  
Yong-Su Jin

A growing human population is a significant issue in food security owing to the limited land and resources available for agricultural food production. To solve these problems, sustainable food manufacturing processes and the development of alternative foods and ingredients are needed. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology can help solve the food security issue and satisfy the demand for alternative food production. Bioproduction of food ingredients by microbial fermentation is a promising method to replace current manufacturing processes, such as extraction from natural materials and chemical synthesis, with more ecofriendly and sustainable operations. This review highlights successful examples of bioproduction for food additives by engineered microorganisms, with an emphasis on colorants and flavors that are extensively used in the food industry. Recent strain engineering developments and fermentation strategies for producing selected food colorants and flavors are introduced with discussions on the current status and future perspectives. 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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Volker Vallon ◽  
Subodh Verma

SGLT2 inhibitors are antihyperglycemic drugs that protect kidneys and the heart of patients with or without type 2 diabetes and preserved or reduced kidney function from failing. The involved protective mechanisms include blood glucose–dependent and –independent mechanisms: SGLT2 inhibitors prevent both hyper- and hypoglycemia, with expectedly little net effect on HbA1C. Metabolic adaptations to induced urinary glucose loss include reduced fat mass and more ketone bodies as additional fuel. SGLT2 inhibitors lower glomerular capillary hypertension and hyperfiltration, thereby reducing the physical stress on the filtration barrier, albuminuria, and the oxygen demand for tubular reabsorption. This improves cortical oxygenation, which, together with lesser tubular gluco-toxicity, may preserve tubular function and glomerular filtration rate in the long term. SGLT2 inhibitors may mimic systemic hypoxia and stimulate erythropoiesis, which improves organ oxygen delivery. SGLT2 inhibitors are proximal tubule and osmotic diuretics that reduce volume retention and blood pressure and preserve heart function, potentially in part by overcoming the resistance to diuretics and atrial-natriuretic-peptide and inhibiting Na-H exchangers and sympathetic tone. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Physiology, Volume 83 is February 10, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger D. Peng ◽  
Stephanie C. Hicks

Advances in computing technology have spurred two extraordinary phenomena in science: large-scale and high-throughput data collection coupled with the creation and implementation of complex statistical algorithms for data analysis. These two phenomena have brought about tremendous advances in scientific discovery but have raised two serious concerns. The complexity of modern data analyses raises questions about the reproducibility of the analyses, meaning the ability of independent analysts to recreate the results claimed by the original authors using the original data and analysis techniques. Reproducibility is typically thwarted by a lack of availability of the original data and computer code. A more general concern is the replicability of scientific findings, which concerns the frequency with which scientific claims are confirmed by completely independent investigations. Although reproducibility and replicability are related, they focus on different aspects of scientific progress. In this review, we discuss the origins of reproducible research, characterize the current status of reproducibility in public health research, and connect reproducibility to current concerns about replicability of scientific findings. Finally, we describe a path forward for improving both the reproducibility and replicability of public health research in the future. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health, Volume 42 is April 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


Author(s):  
Hideyuki Okano

The common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus), a small New World primate, is receiving substantial attention in the neuroscience and biomedical science fields because its anatomical features, functional and behavioral characteristics, and reproductive features and its amenability to available genetic modification technologies make it an attractive experimental subject. In this review, I outline the progress of marmoset neuroscience research and summarize both the current status (opportunities and limitations) of and the future perspectives on the application of marmosets in neuroscience and disease modeling. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 44 is July 8, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


Author(s):  
Alexander Lenz ◽  
Guy Wilkinson

In recent years charm physics has undergone a renaissance, which has been catalyzed by an unexpected and impressive set of experimental results from the B factories, the Tevatron, and LHCb. The existence of [Formula: see text] oscillations is now well established, and the recent discovery of CP violation in D0 decays has further renewed interest in the charm sector. In this article, we review the current status of charm-mixing and CP-violation measurements and assess their agreement with theoretical predictions within the Standard Model and beyond. We look forward to the great improvements in experimental precision that can be expected over the coming two decades and to the prospects for corresponding advances in theoretical understanding. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science, Volume 71 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


Author(s):  
Yabin Dong ◽  
Marney Coleman ◽  
Shelie A. Miller

Air conditioning and refrigeration services are increasing rapidly in developing countries due to improved living standards. The cooling services industry is currently responsible for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, so it is critical to investigate how the expansion of cooling services will impact future GHG emissions. In this article, we first examine the current status and expected expansion of cooling services worldwide and the associated GHG emissions. Then, we review potential improvements and innovations that could reduce future GHG emissions. Three approaches to reduce GHG emissions within the cooling sector include converting to alternative refrigerants, improving energy efficiency, and moving toward a lower-carbon electricity grid. In addition, we identify eight interventions that apply to the built environment or the food supply chain that would lead to additional GHG reductions in the cooling sector. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Volume 46 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


Author(s):  
Katie Jo Black ◽  
Andrew J. Boslett ◽  
Elaine L. Hill ◽  
Lala Ma ◽  
Shawn J. McCoy

The shale gas boom revolutionized the energy sector through hydraulic fracturing (fracking). High levels of energy production force communities, states, and nations to consider the externalities and potential risks associated with this unconventional oil and natural gas development (UOGD). In this review, we systematically outline the environmental, economic, and anthropogenic impacts of UOGD, while also considering the diverse methodological approaches to these topics. We summarize the current status and conclusions of the academic literature, in both economic and related fields, while also providing suggested avenues for future research. Causal inference will continue to be important for the evaluation of UOGD costs and benefits. We conclude that current economic, global, and health forces may require researchers to revisit outcomes in the face of a potential shale bust. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Resource Economics, Volume 13 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Babb ◽  
Alexander Kentikelenis

The dominance of free markets around the world is the defining feature of contemporary globalization. This current state of affairs is historically linked to the Washington Consensus, a coordinated campaign for the global diffusion of market-oriented policies that started more than 30 years ago. In this article, we review scholarship from multiple fields to assess the origins, evolution, and current status of the Washington Consensus: Where did it come from, how did it become dominant, and what happened to it? After laying out historical background, we present three alternative perspectives on the Washington Consensus: its organizational dimension, its ideational aspects, and its relationship to a historical moment of American dominance in world affairs. We then consider current debates on what has happened to the Washington Consensus. Finally, we lay out three directions for future sociological research on global institutional change, before making our concluding observations. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Sociology, Volume 47 is July 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


2016 ◽  
Vol 397 (5) ◽  
pp. 383-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noemí Esteras ◽  
Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova ◽  
Andrey Y. Abramov

Abstract The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor well-known for its function in controlling the basal and inducible expression of a variety of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. As part of its cytoprotective activity, increasing evidence supports its role in metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics and function. Neurodegenerative diseases are excellent candidates for Nrf2-targeted treatments. Most neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and Friedreich’s ataxia are characterized by oxidative stress, misfolded protein aggregates, and chronic inflammation, the common targets of Nrf2 therapeutic strategies. Together with them, mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative disorders. The recently recognized ability of Nrf2 to regulate intermediary metabolism and mitochondrial function makes Nrf2 activation an attractive and comprehensive strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This review aims to focus on the potential therapeutic role of Nrf2 activation in neurodegeneration, with special emphasis on mitochondrial bioenergetics and function, metabolism and the role of transporters, all of which collectively contribute to the cytoprotective activity of this transcription factor.


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