scholarly journals What is the physiological role of hypothalamic tanycytes in metabolism?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matei Bolborea ◽  
Fanny Langlet
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Optimal Conditions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
New Research ◽  
Opening Up

In vertebrates, the energy balance process is tightly controlled by complex neural circuits that sense metabolic signals and adjust food intake and energy expenditure in line with the physiological requirements of optimal conditions. Within neural networks controlling energy balance, tanycytes are peculiar ependymoglial cells that are nowadays recognized as multifunctional players in the metabolic hypothalamus. However, the physiological function of hypothalamic tanycytes remains unclear, creating a number of ambiguities in the field. Here, we review data accumulated over the years that demonstrate the physiological function of tanycytes in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, opening up new research avenues. The presumed involvement of tanycytes in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders and age-related neurodegenerative diseases will be finally discussed.

scholarly journals The Lipocalin Apolipoprotein D Functional Portrait: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Sanchez ◽  
Maria D. Ganfornina
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lipid Management ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Apolipoprotein D ◽  
Extracellular Structures ◽  
Cellular Compartments

Apolipoprotein D is a chordate gene early originated in the Lipocalin protein family. Among other features, regulation of its expression in a wide variety of disease conditions in humans, as apparently unrelated as neurodegeneration or breast cancer, have called for attention on this gene. Also, its presence in different tissues, from blood to brain, and different subcellular locations, from HDL lipoparticles to the interior of lysosomes or the surface of extracellular vesicles, poses an interesting challenge in deciphering its physiological function: Is ApoD a moonlighting protein, serving different roles in different cellular compartments, tissues, or organisms? Or does it have a unique biochemical mechanism of action that accounts for such apparently diverse roles in different physiological situations? To answer these questions, we have performed a systematic review of all primary publications where ApoD properties have been investigated in chordates. We conclude that ApoD ligand binding in the Lipocalin pocket, combined with an antioxidant activity performed at the rim of the pocket are properties sufficient to explain ApoD association with different lipid-based structures, where its physiological function is better described as lipid-management than by long-range lipid-transport. Controlling the redox state of these lipid structures in particular subcellular locations or extracellular structures, ApoD is able to modulate an enormous array of apparently diverse processes in the organism, both in health and disease. The new picture emerging from these data should help to put the physiological role of ApoD in new contexts and to inspire well-focused future research.

Oxygen control of nitrogen oxide respiration, focusing on α-proteobacteria

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
James P. Shapleigh
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Reductase ◽  
Nitrogen Oxide ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Oxygen Control ◽  
Anoxic Conditions ◽  
Periplasmic Nitrate Reductase

Denitrification is generally considered to occur under micro-oxic or anoxic conditions. With this in mind, the physiological function and regulation of several steps in the denitrification of model α-proteobacteria are compared in the present review. Expression of the periplasmic nitrate reductase is quite variable, with this enzyme being maximally expressed under oxic conditions in some bacteria, but under micro-oxic conditions in others. Expression of nitrite and NO reductases in most denitrifiers is more tightly controlled, with expression only occurring under micro-oxic conditions. A possible exception to this may be Roseobacter denitrificans, but the physiological role of these enzymes under oxic conditions is uncertain.

scholarly journals Role of the Undergraduate Student Research Assistant in the New Millennium

2004 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 235-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thais Dutra Nascimento Silva ◽  
Lúcia Cristina da Cunha Aguiar ◽  
Jaqueline Leta ◽  
Dilvani Oliveira Santos ◽  
Fernanda Serpa Cardoso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Student ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Research Assistant ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Research Careers ◽  
New Research

In this study, we analyze the contribution of the undergraduate student who participates in the process of generating scientific data and developing a research project using Brazilian research as an example. Historically, undergraduate students have performed the critical role of research assistants in developing countries. This aspect has been underappreciated as a means of generating scientific data in Brazilian research facilities. Brazilian educational institutions are facing major age-related generational changes among the science faculty within the next 5–10 yr. A lack of adequate support for graduate students leads to a concern that undergraduates will not be interested in choosing research assistant programs and, subsequently, academic research careers. To remedy this situation it is important to focus on ways to encourage new research careers and enhance university–industry collaborations.

scholarly journals Loss of Wwox Causes Defective Development of Cerebral Cortex with Hypomyelination in a Rat Model of Lethal Dwarfism with Epilepsy

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Tochigi ◽  
Yutaka Takamatsu ◽  
Jun Nakane ◽  
Rika Nakai ◽  
Kentaro Katayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Early Death ◽  
Neurite Growth ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Putative Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Severe Reduction

WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (Wwox) is a putative tumor suppressor. Several germline mutations of Wwox have been associated with infant neurological disorders characterized by epilepsy, growth retardation, and early death. Less is known, however, about the pathological link between Wwox mutations and these disorders or the physiological role of Wwox in brain development. In this study, we examined age-related expression and histological localization of Wwox in forebrains as well as the effects of loss of function mutations in the Wwox gene in the immature cortex of a rat model of lethal dwarfism with epilepsy (lde/lde). Immunostaining revealed that Wwox is expressed in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. lde/lde cortices were characterized by a reduction in neurite growth without a reduced number of neurons, severe reduction in myelination with a reduced number of mature oligodendrocytes, and a reduction in cell populations of astrocytes and microglia. These results indicate that Wwox is essential for normal development of neurons and glial cells in the cerebral cortex.

scholarly journals miR-21 blocks obesity in mice: a potential therapy for humans

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Said Lhamyani ◽  
Adriana-Mariel Gentile ◽  
Rosa M. Giráldez-Pérez ◽  
Mónica Feijóo-Cuaresma ◽  
Silvana Yanina Romero-Zerbo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Obesity In Mice ◽  
Metabolically Healthy

AbstractmicroRNAs are promising drug targets in obesity and metabolic disorders. miR-21 expression is upregulated in obese white adipose tissue (WAT); however, its physiological role in WAT has not been fully explored. We aimed to dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-21 in treating obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. We demonstrated, in human and mice, that elevated miR-21 expression is associated with metabolically healthy obesity. miR-21 mimic affected the expression of genes associated with adipogenesis, thermogenesis, and browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, it blocked high fat diet-induced weight gain in obese mice, without modifying food intake or physical activity. This was associated with metabolic enhancements, WAT browning and thermogenic programming, and brown AT induction through VEGF-A, p53, and TGFβ1 signaling pathways. Our findings add a novel role of miR-21 in the regulation of obesity and a potential therapy for both obesity and T2D without altering caloric intake and physical activities.

scholarly journals Epigenetics of aging and disease: a brief overview

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Pagiatakis ◽  
Elettra Musolino ◽  
Rosalba Gornati ◽  
Giovanni Bernardini ◽  
Roberto Papait
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Different Tissues

AbstractAging is an important risk factor for several human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders, resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors (e.g., diet, smoking, obesity and stress), which, at molecular level, cause changes in gene expression underlying the decline of physiological function. Epigenetics, which include mechanisms regulating gene expression independently of changes to DNA sequence, regulate gene expression by modulating the structure of chromatin or by regulating the binding of transcriptional machinery to DNA. Several studies showed that an impairment of epigenetic mechanisms promotes alteration of gene expression underlying several aging-related diseases. Alteration of these mechanisms is also linked with changes of gene expression that occurs during aging processes of different tissues. In this review, we will outline the potential role of epigenetics in the onset of two age-related pathologies, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Mutations of Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genomes as Potential Targets for the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (15) ◽  
pp. 1711-1716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena V. Galitsyna ◽  
Andrey V. Zhelankin ◽  
Igor A. Sobenin ◽  
Alexander N. Orekhov
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Mitochondrial Genomes ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Individual

In addition to external factors, such as exercise, food and the environment, genetic predisposition makes great contribution to the development of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. This review is aimed to examine the genetic basis of complex metabolic disorders conventionally described as "metabolic syndrome" (MetS), with the special focus on currently known mutations in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, which are associated with both the individual components of MetS and combinations thereof, and also on the studies of the relationship of MetS phenotype as a binary trait. The defects in the mitochondrial genome should be considered as one of the possible genetic reasons leading to MetS. It is known that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with metabolic disorders, as mitochondria are the center of energy metabolism. Consequently, the changes in mitochondrial genes and their functions affect regulation of metabolism. Until now, the role of mitochondrial DNA damage in the development of cardiovascular diseases, age-related and metabolic disorders is still poorly understood. The results of performed studies would help assessing the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in susceptibility to metabolic syndrome and related metabolic diseases.

Old Rats Are More Susceptible to Induction of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) at Comparative to Young Mature

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir G. Bespalov ◽  
Valerij A. Alexandrov ◽  
Alexander L. Semenov ◽  
Grigory V. Tochilnikov ◽  
Elena D. Ermakova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
The Body ◽  
Prostate Hyperplasia ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Old Rats ◽  
Intact Rats

Aims: The aim of the experiments was to find out the factors on which age-related sensitivity to the occurrence of BPH depends. Methods: 45 male Wistar rats aged 3 and 24 months were used. In each age group there were intact rats and animals with induced BPH (by surgical castration + testosterone injections, 25 mg/kg x 7). On the 36th day of the experiment, blood was taken from rats to determine serum testosterone, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose; then the animals were autopsied, their prostates were weighed, and their morphology was studied. Results: Young mature intact rats had much higher testosterone levels (6.2±0.93 nmol/l) than old intact (3.8±0.55 nmol/l), while the ratio of prostate weight was inverse. The weight of the prostate and prostatic index in old rats with induced BPH was significantly higher not only in comparison with the old intact rats but also with young animals after BPH induction. Morphologically, the inflammatory foci were determined not only in the prostates of old rats, which induced BPH, but also in intact animals. Besides in old intact rats, the foci of prostate hyperplasia were often noted. Conclusions: Our experimental model indicates the important role of non-bacterial prostatitis in the pathogenesis of BPH. No metabolic disorders in BPH induction were revealed. The sensitivity of the prostate of old rats to BPH development is increasing despite the low concentrations of testosterone in the body. Age sensitivity to BPH is probably determined by a higher expression of androgen receptors in old animals.

NG2-Glia, a New Player in Energy Balance

2018 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah C. Robins ◽  
Maia V. Kokoeva
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Clinical Implication ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells ◽  
Oligodendrocyte Progenitor ◽  
Physiological Outcomes

There is increasing evidence that glia act not only as neuronal support cells, but that they can also influence physiological outcomes via effects on neural signalling. The role of NG2-glia in this regard is especially enigmatic, as they are known to interact with neural circuits but their precise functions other than as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells remain elusive. Here, we summarise recent evidence suggesting that NG2-glia play a role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis, most notably via the support of leptin-sensing neural circuits. We also discuss the potential clinical implication of these findings specifically in the context of cranial radiation therapy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document