SUMO proteins in the cardiovascular system: friend or foe?

Abstract Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial for the adaptation of various signalling pathways to ensure cellular homeostasis and proper adaptation to stress. PTM is a covalent addition of a small chemical functional group such as a phosphate group (phosphorylation), methyl group (methylation), or acetyl group (acetylation); lipids like hydrophobic isoprene polymers (isoprenylation); sugars such as a glycosyl group (glycosylation); or even small peptides such as ubiquitin (ubiquitination), SUMO (SUMOylation), NEDD8 (neddylation), etc. SUMO modification changes the function and/or fate of the protein especially under stress conditions, and the consequences of this conjugation can be appreciated from development to diverse disease processes. The impact of SUMOylation in disease has not been monotonous, rather SUMO is found playing a role on both sides of the coin either facilitating or impeding disease progression. Several recent studies have implicated SUMO proteins as key regulators in various cardiovascular disorders. The focus of this review is thus to summarize the current knowledge on the role of the SUMO family in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.

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Role of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 in Cancer: Genetic Basis, Impact on Disease Development/Progression, and Potential as Therapeutic Targets

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13040909 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 909

Author(s):

Krzysztof Kotowski ◽

Jakub Rosik ◽

Filip Machaj ◽

Stanisław Supplitt ◽

Daniel Wiczew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Protein Structures ◽

New Drugs ◽

Proliferating Cells ◽

Cancer Tissues ◽

The Impact ◽

Rate Limiting ◽

Synthesis And Degradation

Glycolysis is a crucial metabolic process in rapidly proliferating cells such as cancer cells. Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) is a key rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis. Its efficiency is allosterically regulated by numerous substances occurring in the cytoplasm. However, the most potent regulator of PFK-1 is fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F-2,6-BP), the level of which is strongly associated with 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase activity (PFK-2/FBPase-2, PFKFB). PFK-2/FBPase-2 is a bifunctional enzyme responsible for F-2,6-BP synthesis and degradation. Four isozymes of PFKFB (PFKFB1, PFKFB2, PFKFB3, and PFKFB4) have been identified. Alterations in the levels of all PFK-2/FBPase-2 isozymes have been reported in different diseases. However, most recent studies have focused on an increased expression of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 in cancer tissues and their role in carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on all PFKFB genes and protein structures, and emphasize important differences between the isoenzymes, which likely affect their kinase/phosphatase activities. The main focus is on the latest reports in this field of cancer research, and in particular the impact of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 on tumor progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. We also present the most recent achievements in the development of new drugs targeting these isozymes. Finally, we discuss potential combination therapies using PFKFB3 inhibitors, which may represent important future cancer treatment options.

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Inflammatory Mediators and Insulin Resistance in Obesity: Role of Nuclear Receptor Signaling in Macrophages

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2010/219583 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2010 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Lucía Fuentes ◽

Tamás Rőszer ◽

Mercedes Ricote

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Nuclear Receptor ◽

Cytokine Production ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Liver Steatosis ◽

Visceral Obesity ◽

M2 Macrophage ◽

Low Grade ◽

The Impact

Visceral obesity is coupled to a general low-grade chronic inflammatory state characterized by macrophage activation and inflammatory cytokine production, leading to insulin resistance (IR). The balance between proinflammatory M1 and antiinflammatory M2 macrophage phenotypes within visceral adipose tissue appears to be crucially involved in the development of obesity-associated IR and consequent metabolic abnormalities. The ligand-dependent transcription factors peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) have recently been implicated in the determination of the M1/M2 phenotype. Liver X receptors (LXRs), which form another subgroup of the nuclear receptor superfamily, are also important regulators of proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. Disregulation of macrophage-mediated inflammation by PPARs and LXRs therefore underlies the development of IR. This review summarizes the role of PPAR and LXR signaling in macrophages and current knowledge about the impact of these actions in the manifestation of IR and obesity comorbidities such as liver steatosis and diabetic osteopenia.

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Social capital in the theory and research of LIS professionals in the light of the literature on the subject. Review of current knowledge

Global Knowledge Memory and Communication ◽

10.1108/gkmc-08-2020-0108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Maja Dorota Wojciechowska

Keyword(s):

Social Capital ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Future Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Individual Social Capital ◽

Rural Libraries ◽

The Subject ◽

The Moment ◽

The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to present the latest scholarly trends in the field of social capital in libraries, to review research concepts published by LIS professionals and to suggest further research possibilities in this area. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a review and critical analysis of literature associated with research on social capital in libraries to highlight its importance for the development of LIS and its impact on the functioning of environments linked with various types of libraries. The goal of literature analysis was to determine the current condition of research on social capital in libraries. The main trends were identified and the need for further qualitative analyses, which are missing at the moment, was confirmed. Findings It was determined that, so far, LIS professionals have focussed mainly on the role of municipal libraries in developing social capital, the problem of building trust, especially in immigrant circles and the impact of libraries on promoting a civil society. Academic libraries, rural libraries, organisational capital in libraries and individual social capital of librarians were a much less frequent subject of research. The role of libraries in developing social capital in educational (primary and secondary education) and professional (non-university professionals) circles is practically non-existent in research, and it will require in-depth studies and analyses in the coming years. Originality/value This paper constitutes a synthetic review of the latest research concepts concerning social capital in libraries. It identifies the most important research trends and areas that so far have not been explored and suggests research methods to help LIS professionals design future research in this area more effectively.

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HYPOXIA AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: The presence and role of hypoxia in the endometrium

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-20-0268 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 161 (1) ◽

pp. F1-F17

Author(s):

Rocío Martínez-Aguilar ◽

Lucy E Kershaw ◽

Jane J Reavey ◽

Hilary O D Critchley ◽

Jacqueline A Maybin

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽

Future Research ◽

Hypoxic Episode ◽

Optimal Function ◽

Pros And Cons ◽

The Impact ◽

Review Current

The endometrium is a multicellular tissue that is exquisitely responsive to the ovarian hormones. The local mechanisms of endometrial regulation to ensure optimal function are less well characterised. Transient physiological hypoxia has been proposed as a critical regulator of endometrial function. Herein, we review the literature on hypoxia in the non-pregnant endometrium. We discuss the pros and cons of animal models, human laboratory studies and novel in vivo imaging for the study of endometrial hypoxia. These research tools provide mounting evidence of a transient hypoxic episode in the menstrual endometrium and suggest that endometrial hypoxia may be present at the time of implantation. This local hypoxia may modify the inflammatory environment, influence vascular remodelling and modulate endometrial proliferation to optimise endometrial function. Finally, we review current knowledge of the impact of this hypoxia on endometrial pathologies, with a focus on abnormal uterine bleeding. Throughout the manuscript areas for future research are highlighted with the aim of concentrating research efforts to maximise future benefits for women and society.

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Post-translational modifications and stress adaptation: the paradigm of FKBP51

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst20190332 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 441-449

Author(s):

Theo Rein

Keyword(s):

Stress Protein ◽

Adaptation To Stress ◽

Post Translational Modifications ◽

Fk506 Binding Protein ◽

Ubiquitin E3 Ligase ◽

Signal Transduction Proteins ◽

The Impact ◽

Fundamental Requirement ◽

Functional Versatility

Adaptation to stress is a fundamental requirement to cope with changing environmental conditions that pose a threat to the homeostasis of cells and organisms. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins represent a possibility to quickly produce proteins with new features demanding relatively little cellular resources. FK506 binding protein (FKBP) 51 is a pivotal stress protein that is involved in the regulation of several executers of PTMs. This mini-review discusses the role of FKBP51 in the function of proteins responsible for setting the phosphorylation, ubiquitination and lipidation of other proteins. Examples include the kinases Akt1, CDK5 and GSK3β, the phosphatases calcineurin, PP2A and PHLPP, and the ubiquitin E3-ligase SKP2. The impact of FKBP51 on PTMs of signal transduction proteins significantly extends the functional versatility of this protein. As a stress-induced protein, FKBP51 uses re-setting of PTMs to relay the effect of stress on various signaling pathways.

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Role of the gut microbiota in airway immunity and host defense against respiratory infections

Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1515/hsz-2021-0281 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Maike Willers ◽

Dorothee Viemann

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Host Defense ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Viral Pathogens ◽

Commensal Microbiota ◽

Enhanced Resistance ◽

The Impact

Abstract Colonization of the intestine with commensal bacteria is known to play a major role in the maintenance of human health. An altered gut microbiome is associated with various ensuing diseases including respiratory diseases. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the impact of the gut microbiota on airway immunity with a focus on consequences for the host defense against respiratory infections. Specific gut commensal microbiota compositions and functions are depicted that mediate protection against respiratory infections with bacterial and viral pathogens. Lastly, we highlight factors that have imprinting effects on the establishment of the gut microbiota early in life and are potentially relevant in the context of respiratory infections. Deepening our understanding of these relationships will allow to exploit the knowledge on how gut microbiome maturation needs to be modulated to ensure lifelong enhanced resistance towards respiratory infections.

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The Emerging Role of Microbiota and Microbiome in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines8120565 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 565

Author(s):

Sona Ciernikova ◽

Maria Novisedlakova ◽

Danka Cholujova ◽

Viola Stevurkova ◽

Michal Mego

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Early Stage ◽

Poor Response ◽

Response To Therapy ◽

Oral Microbiome ◽

Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽

The Impact

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors due to the absence of biomarkers for early-stage detection and poor response to therapy. Since mounting evidence supports the role of microbiota composition in tumorigenesis and cancer treatment, the link between microbiome and PDAC has been described. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the impact of the gut and oral microbiome on the risk of PDAC development. Microenvironment-driven therapy and immune system interactions are also discussed. More importantly, we provide an overview of the clinical trials evaluating the microbiota role in the risk, prognosis, and treatment of patients suffering from PDAC and solid tumors. According to the research findings, immune tolerance might result from the microbiota-derived remodeling of pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Thus, microbiome profiling and targeting represent the potential trend to enhance antitumor immunity and improve the efficacy of PDAC treatment.

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Atypical Chemokine Receptors in Cardiovascular Disease

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1676988 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 119 (04) ◽

pp. 534-541 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Selin Gencer ◽

Emiel van der Vorst ◽

Maria Aslani ◽

Christian Weber ◽

Yvonne Döring ◽

...

Keyword(s):

G Protein ◽

Chemokine Receptors ◽

Cellular Response ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽

Signalling Pathways ◽

Atherosclerosis Development ◽

G Protein Coupled ◽

Precise Role

AbstractInflammation has been well recognized as one of the main drivers of atherosclerosis development and therefore cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has been shown that several chemokines, small 8 to 12 kDa cytokines with chemotactic properties, play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Chemokines classically mediate their effects by binding to G-protein-coupled receptors called chemokine receptors. In addition, chemokines can also bind to atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs). ACKRs fail to induce G-protein-dependent signalling pathways and thus subsequent cellular response, but instead are able to internalize, scavenge or transport chemokines. In this review, we will give an overview of the current knowledge about the involvement of ACKR1–4 in CVDs and especially in atherosclerosis development. In the recent years, several studies have highlighted the importance of ACKRs in CVDs, although there are still several controversies and unexplored aspects that have to be further elucidated. A better understanding of the precise role of these atypical receptors may pave the way towards novel and improved therapeutic strategies.

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Determining the impact of knowledge sharing initiatives in international organizations: Case studies

IFLA Journal ◽

10.1177/0340035219870198 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 64-71

Author(s):

Linda Stoddart

Keyword(s):

United Nations ◽

Knowledge Sharing ◽

International Organizations ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Senior Management ◽

The United Nations ◽

United Nations System ◽

The Impact ◽

Nations System

No one disputes that knowledge is the lifeblood of international organizations and especially specialized agencies of the United Nations. However, there has been little consensus on the best methods to share knowledge, leverage the extensive international expertise and make it available to the constituents and partners of these organizations. What is their strategy for managing knowledge? Do they have one? What impact does it have? What is the role of senior management in championing knowledge sharing in these international organizations? These are the questions this paper addresses through the lenses of the evaluations of current knowledge sharing practices in two institutions located in Geneva, Switzerland, both part of the United Nations system.

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Beverages in Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Prefer or to Avoid

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12103155 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 3155 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mrinalini Dey ◽

Maurizio Cutolo ◽

Elena Nikiphorou

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Patient Management ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Signalling Pathways ◽

Main Body ◽

Future Studies ◽

Downstream Effects ◽

Controversial Topic ◽

Diet And Lifestyle

Background: The role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has gained increasing attention in recent years. A growing number of studies have focussed on the diverse nutritional contents of beverages, and their possible role in the development and progression of RA. Main body: We aimed to summarise the current knowledge on the role of a range of beverages in the context of RA. Beverages have a key role within the mosaic of autoimmunity in RA and potential to alter the microbiome, leading to downstream effects on inflammatory pathways. The molecular contents of beverages, including coffee, tea, and wine, have similarly been found to interfere with immune signalling pathways, some beneficial for disease progression and others less so. Finally, we consider beverages in the context of wider dietary patterns, and how this growing body of evidence may be harnessed by the multidisciplinary team in patient management. Conclusions: While there is increasing work focussing on the role of beverages in RA, integration of discussions around diet and lifestyle in our management of patients remains sparse. Nutrition in RA remains a controversial topic, but future studies, especially on the role of beverages, are likely to shed further light on this in coming years.

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