scholarly journals Towards a Better Understanding of the Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Sunlight-Induced Melanoma

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Williams ◽  
Allal Ouhtit
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Environmental Carcinogen ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Significant Gene ◽  
Recent Developments

Although much less prevalent than its nonmelanoma skin cancer counterparts, cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is the most lethal human skin cancer. Epidemiological and biological studies have established a strong link between lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, particularly sunburn in childhood, and the development of melanoma. However, the specific molecular targets of this environmental carcinogen are not known. Data obtained from genetic and molecular studies over the last few years have identified the INK4a/ARF locus as the “gatekeeper” melanoma suppressor, encoding two tumour suppressor proteins in human, p16INK4aand p14ARF. Recent developments in molecular biotechnology and research using laboratory animals have made a significant gene breakthrough identifying the components of the p16p16INK4a/Rb pathway as the principal and rate-limiting targets of UV radiation actions in melanoma formation. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in melanoma development and its relationship to sunlight UV radiation.

Skin Cancer

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adèle C. Green ◽  
Catherine M. Olsen ◽  
David J. Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Uv Exposure ◽  
Skin Cancers ◽  
Cells Of Origin ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet

Skin cancer is one of the few types of cancer for which exposure to the major carcinogen, solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is strongly implicated on the basis of descriptive epidemiologic data alone. There are three major forms of skin cancer considered in this chapter—melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—and each appears to have different causal relations to the pattern and total amount of sun exposure. High-intensity UV exposure and long-term UV exposure appear to be involved differentially in the various skin cancers and their subtypes. Underlying molecular mechanisms are becoming better understood, though many aspects like the cells of origin and the exact roles of intermediate lesions like actinic keratoses and nevi remain unclear. Because exposure of skin to UV radiation is modifiable, skin cancers are substantially preventable.

scholarly journals Focus on UV-Induced DNA Damage and Repair—Disease Relevance and Protective Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 7264
Author(s):  
Mateusz Kciuk ◽  
Beata Marciniak ◽  
Mariusz Mojzych ◽  
Renata Kontek
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Ozone Layer ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Dna Damage And Repair ◽  
Protective Strategies

The protective ozone layer is continually depleting due to the release of deteriorating environmental pollutants. The diminished ozone layer contributes to excessive exposure of cells to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This leads to various cellular responses utilized to restore the homeostasis of exposed cells. DNA is the primary chromophore of the cells that absorbs sunlight energy. Exposure of genomic DNA to UV light leads to the formation of multitude of types of damage (depending on wavelength and exposure time) that are removed by effectively working repair pathways. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge considering cellular response to UV radiation with special focus on DNA damage and repair and to give a comprehensive insight for new researchers in this field. We also highlight most important future prospects considering application of the progressing knowledge of UV response for the clinical control of diverse pathologies.

Molecular mechanisms regulating the catabolic and electrochemical activities of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Kouzuma
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Shewanella Oneidensis ◽  
Extracellular Electron Transfer ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Regulatory Systems ◽  
Electrochemically Active ◽  
Recent Developments

Abstract Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) interact electrochemically with electrodes via extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways. These bacteria have attracted significant attention due to their utility in environment-friendly bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), e.g. microbial fuel cells and electrofermentation systems. The electrochemical activity of EAB is dependent on their carbon catabolism and respiration; thus, understanding how these processes are regulated will provide insights into the development of a more efficient BES. The process of biofilm formation by EAB on BES electrodes is also important for electric current generation, because it facilitates physical and electrochemical interactions between EAB cells and electrodes. This article summarizes the current knowledge on EET-related metabolic and cellular functions of a model EAB, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, focusing specifically on regulatory systems for carbon catabolism, EET pathways, and biofilm formation. Based on recent developments, the author also discusses potential uses of engineered S. oneidensis strains for various biotechnological applications.

scholarly journals Using iPSC Models to Understand the Role of Estrogen in Neuron–Glia Interactions in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
Denis Reis de Assis ◽  
Attila Szabo ◽  
Jordi Requena Osete ◽  
Francesca Puppo ◽  
Kevin S. O’Connell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Induced Pluripotent

Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BIP) are severe mental disorders with a considerable disease burden worldwide due to early age of onset, chronicity, and lack of efficient treatments or prevention strategies. Whilst our current knowledge is that SCZ and BIP are highly heritable and share common pathophysiological mechanisms associated with cellular signaling, neurotransmission, energy metabolism, and neuroinflammation, the development of novel therapies has been hampered by the unavailability of appropriate models to identify novel targetable pathomechanisms. Recent data suggest that neuron–glia interactions are disturbed in SCZ and BIP, and are modulated by estrogen (E2). However, most of the knowledge we have so far on the neuromodulatory effects of E2 came from studies on animal models and human cell lines, and may not accurately reflect many processes occurring exclusively in the human brain. Thus, here we highlight the advantages of using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models to revisit studies of mechanisms underlying beneficial effects of E2 in human brain cells. A better understanding of these mechanisms opens the opportunity to identify putative targets of novel therapeutic agents for SCZ and BIP. In this review, we first summarize the literature on the molecular mechanisms involved in SCZ and BIP pathology and the beneficial effects of E2 on neuron–glia interactions. Then, we briefly present the most recent developments in the iPSC field, emphasizing the potential of using patient-derived iPSCs as more relevant models to study the effects of E2 on neuron–glia interactions.

How do histone modifications contribute to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in C. elegans?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Woodhouse ◽  
Alyson Ashe
Keyword(s):  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Histone Methyltransferases ◽  
Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Gene Regulatory

Gene regulatory information can be inherited between generations in a phenomenon termed transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). While examples of TEI in many animals accumulate, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proven particularly useful in investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon. In C. elegans and other animals, the modification of histone proteins has emerged as a potential carrier and effector of transgenerational epigenetic information. In this review, we explore the contribution of histone modifications to TEI in C. elegans. We describe the role of repressive histone marks, histone methyltransferases, and associated chromatin factors in heritable gene silencing, and discuss recent developments and unanswered questions in how these factors integrate with other known TEI mechanisms. We also review the transgenerational effects of the manipulation of histone modifications on germline health and longevity.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Recent Developments on Synthesis of Indole Derivatives Through Green Approaches and Their Pharmaceutical Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (22) ◽  
pp. 2665-2693
Author(s):  
Dipayan Mondal ◽  
Pankaj Lal Kalar ◽  
Shivam Kori ◽  
Shovanlal Gayen ◽  
Kalpataru Das
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Synthetic Methods ◽  
Pharmaceutical Chemistry ◽  
Indole Derivatives ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries ◽  
Green Methodology ◽  
Conventional Methods ◽  
High Yields

Indole moiety is often found in different classes of pharmaceutically active molecules having various biological activities including anticancer, anti-viral, anti-psychotic, antihypertensive, anti-migraine, anti-arthritis and analgesic activities. Due to enormous applications of indole derivatives in pharmaceutical chemistry, a number of conventional synthetic methods as well as green methodology have been developed for their synthesis. Green methodology has many advantages including high yields, short reaction time, and inexpensive reagents, highly efficient and environmentally benign over conventional methods. Currently, the researchers in academia as well as in pharmaceutical industries have been developing various methods for the chemical synthesis of indole based compounds via green approaches to overcome the drawbacks of conventional methods. This review reflects the last ten years developments of the various greener methods for the synthesis of indole derivatives by using microwave, ionic liquids, water, ultrasound, nanocatalyst, green catalyst, multicomponent reaction and solvent-free reactions etc. (please see the scheme below). Furthermore, the applications of green chemistry towards developments of indole containing pharmaceuticals and their biological studies have been represented in this review.

Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Uterine Fibroids

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 247-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajra Takala ◽  
Qiwei Yang ◽  
Ahmed M. Abd El Razek ◽  
Mohamed Ali ◽  
Ayman Al-Hendy
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Uterine Fibroids ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Working Adults ◽  
The Us ◽  
Alcohol Related Problems

Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol intake, have placed a substantial burden on public health. Alcohol consumption is increasing globally due to several factors including easy accessibility of this addictive substance besides its legal status and social acceptability. In the US, alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death (after tobacco, poor diet and physical inactivity) with an estimated 88,000 people dying from alcohol-related causes annually, representing 1 in 10 deaths among working adults. Furthermore, the economic burden of excess drinking costs the US around $249 billion ($191.1 billion related to binge drinking). Although men likely drink more than women do, women are at much higher risk for alcohol-related problems. Alcohol use is also considered to be one of the most common non-communicable diseases, which affects reproductive health. This review article summarizes the current knowledge about alcohol-related pathogenesis of uterine fibroids (UFs) and highlights the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of UFs in response to alcohol consumption. Additionally, the effect of alcohol on the levels of various factors that are involved in UFs pathogenesis, such as steroid hormones, growth factors and cytokines, are summarized in this review. Animal studies of deleterious alcohol effect and future directions are discussed as well.

Novel Nanolipoidal Systems for the Management of Skin Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-125
Author(s):  
Apoorva Singh ◽  
Nimisha
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Cancer Therapeutics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Skin Cancers ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Abnormal Cells ◽  
The Stability

: Skin cancer, among the various kinds of cancers, is a type that emerges from skin due to the growth of abnormal cells. These cells are capable of spreading and invading the other parts of the body. The occurrence of non-melanoma and melanoma, which are the major types of skin cancers, has increased over the past decades. Exposure to ultraviolet radiations (UV) is the main associative cause of skin cancer. UV exposure can inactivate tumor suppressor genes while activating various oncogenes. The conventional techniques like surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiation therapy lack the potential for targeting cancer cells and harm the normal cells. However, the novel therapeutics show promising improvements in the effectiveness of treatment, survival rates and better quality of life for patients. Different methodologies are involved in the skin cancer therapeutics for delivering the active ingredients to the target sites. Nano carriers are very efficient as they have the ability to improve the stability of drugs and further enhance their penetration into the tumor cells. The recent developments and research in nanotechnology have entitled several targeting and therapeutic agents to be incorporated into nanoparticles for an enhancive treatment of skin cancer. To protect the research works in the field of nanolipoidal systems various patents have been introduced. Some of the patents acknowledge responsive liposomes for specific targeting, nanocarriers for the delivery or co-delivery of chemotherapeutics, nucleic acids as well as photosensitizers. Further recent patents on the novel delivery systems have also been included here.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Unraveling the Conundrum in Skeletal Muscle?

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 5372-5381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel K Stepto ◽  
Alba Moreno-Asso ◽  
Luke C McIlvenna ◽  
Kirsty A Walters ◽  
Raymond J Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting 8% to 13% of women across the lifespan. PCOS affects reproductive, metabolic, and mental health, generating a considerable health burden. Advances in treatment of women with PCOS has been hampered by evolving diagnostic criteria and poor recognition by clinicians. This has resulted in limited clinical and basic research. In this study, we provide insights into the current and future research on the metabolic features of PCOS, specifically as they relate to PCOS-specific insulin resistance (IR), that may affect the most metabolically active tissue, skeletal muscle. Current Knowledge PCOS is a highly heritable condition, yet it is phenotypically heterogeneous in both reproductive and metabolic features. Human studies thus far have not identified molecular mechanisms of PCOS-specific IR in skeletal muscle. However, recent research has provided new insights that implicate energy-sensing pathways regulated via epigenomic and resultant transcriptomic changes. Animal models, while in existence, have been underused in exploring molecular mechanisms of IR in PCOS and specifically in skeletal muscle. Future Directions Based on the latest evidence synthesis and technologies, researchers exploring molecular mechanisms of IR in PCOS, specifically in muscle, will likely need to generate new hypothesis to be tested in human and animal studies. Conclusion Investigations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving IR in PCOS are in their early stages, yet remarkable advances have been made in skeletal muscle. Overall, investigations have thus far created more questions than answers, which provide new opportunities to study complex endocrine conditions.

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