scholarly journals A missing piece: the spiny mouse and the puzzle of menstruating species

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. R25-R41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Bellofiore ◽  
Fiona Cousins ◽  
Peter Temple-Smith ◽  
Hayley Dickinson ◽  
Jemma Evans
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Spiny Mouse ◽  
Biological Phenomenon ◽  
Elephant Shrew ◽  
Clinical Models ◽  
The Common

We recently discovered the first known menstruating rodent. With the exception of four bats and the elephant shrew, the common spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) is the only species outside the primate order to exhibit menses. There are few widely accepted theories on why menstruation developed as the preferred reproductive strategy of these select mammals, all of which reference the evolution of spontaneous decidualisation prior to menstrual shedding. Though menstruating species share several reproductive traits, there has been no identifiable feature unique to menstruating species. Such a feature might suggest why spontaneous decidualisation, and thus menstruation, evolved in these species. We propose that a ≥3-fold increase in progesterone during the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle is a unique characteristic linking menstruating species. We discuss spontaneous decidualisation as a consequence of high progesterone, and the potential role of prolactin in screening for defective embryos in these species to aid in minimising implantation of abnormal embryos. We further explore the possible impact of nutrition in selecting species to undergo spontaneous decidualisation and subsequent menstruation. We summarise the current knowledge of menstruation, discuss current pre-clinical models of menstruation and how the spiny mouse may benefit advancing our understanding of this rare biological phenomenon.

Neurotoxic and Neuroprotective Role of Exosomes in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (42) ◽  
pp. 4510-4522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biancamaria Longoni ◽  
Irene Fasciani ◽  
Shivakumar Kolachalam ◽  
Ilaria Pietrantoni ◽  
Francesco Marampon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Fluids ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Cellular Debris ◽  
The Brain

: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles produced by eukaryotic cells that are also found in most biological fluids and tissues. While they were initially thought to act as compartments for removal of cellular debris, they are now recognized as important tools for cell-to-cell communication and for the transfer of pathogens between the cells. They have attracted particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases for their potential role in transferring prion-like proteins between neurons, and in Parkinson’s disease (PD), they have been shown to spread oligomers of α-synuclein in the brain accelerating the progression of this pathology. A potential neuroprotective role of exosomes has also been equally proposed in PD as they could limit the toxicity of α-synuclein by clearing them out of the cells. Exosomes have also attracted considerable attention for use as drug vehicles. Being nonimmunogenic in nature, they provide an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the delivery of incorporated drugs to target cells. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the potential neurotoxic and neuroprotective role of exosomes and their potential application as drug delivery systems in PD.

scholarly journals Current Knowledge of Endolysosomal and Autophagy Defects in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1678
Author(s):  
Liriopé Toupenet Marchesi ◽  
Marion Leblanc ◽  
Giovanni Stevanin
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Spastic Paraplegia ◽  
Functional Convergence ◽  
The Common ◽  
Hsp Genes

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) refers to a group of neurological disorders involving the degeneration of motor neurons. Due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity, finding common effective therapeutics is difficult. Therefore, a better understanding of the common pathological mechanisms is necessary. The role of several HSP genes/proteins is linked to the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways, suggesting a functional convergence. Furthermore, impairment of these pathways is particularly interesting since it has been linked to other neurodegenerative diseases, which would suggest that the nervous system is particularly sensitive to the disruption of the endolysosomal and autophagic systems. In this review, we will summarize the involvement of HSP proteins in the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways in order to clarify their functioning and decipher some of the pathological mechanisms leading to HSP.

scholarly journals Evidence for a Potential Role of Metallothioneins in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anouk Waeytens ◽  
Martine De Vos ◽  
Debby Laukens
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Zinc Homeostasis ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Small Proteins ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Bowel Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic, relapsing, immune-mediated disorders of the intestine, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Recent studies underscore the importance of the damaged epithelial barrier and the dysregulated innate immune system in their pathogenesis. Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of small proteins with a high and conserved cysteine content that are rapidly upregulated in response to an inflammatory stimulus. Herein, we review the current knowledge regarding the expression and potential role of MTs in IBD. MTs exert a central position in zinc homeostasis, modulate the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-B, and serve as antioxidants. In addition, MTs could be involved in IBD through their antiapoptotic effects or through specific immunomodulating extracellular effects. Reports on MT expression in IBD are contradictory but clearly demonstrate a deviant MT expression supporting the idea that these aberrations in IBD require further clarification.

scholarly journals Endocrine regulation of circadian physiology

2016 ◽  
Vol 230 (1) ◽  
pp. R1-R11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony H Tsang ◽  
Mariana Astiz ◽  
Maureen Friedrichs ◽  
Henrik Oster
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Endogenous Rhythmicity ◽  
Circadian Physiology ◽  
External Time ◽  
High Calorie

Endogenous circadian clocks regulate 24-h rhythms of behavior and physiology to align with external time. The endocrine system serves as a major clock output to regulate various biological processes. Recent findings suggest that some of the rhythmic hormones can also provide feedback to the circadian system at various levels, thus contributing to maintaining the robustness of endogenous rhythmicity. This delicate balance of clock–hormone interaction is vulnerable to modern lifestyle factors such as shiftwork or high-calorie diets, altering physiological set points. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the communication between the circadian timing and endocrine systems, with a focus on adrenal glucocorticoids and metabolic peptide hormones. We explore the potential role of hormones as systemic feedback signals to adjust clock function and their relevance for the maintenance of physiological and metabolic circadian homeostasis.

scholarly journals The emerging role of C/EBPs in glucocorticoid signaling: lessons from the lung

2011 ◽  
Vol 212 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham B Roos ◽  
Magnus Nord
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Steroid Resistance ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Glucocorticoid Signaling ◽  
Enhancer Binding Protein

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been successfully used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases for decades. However, there is a relative GC resistance in several inflammatory lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but still the mechanism(s) behind this unresponsiveness remains unknown. Interaction between transcription factors and the GC receptor contribute to GC effects but may also provide mechanisms explaining steroid resistance. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factors are important regulators of pulmonary gene expression and have been implicated in inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and COPD. In addition, several studies have indicated a role for C/EBPs in mediating GC effects. In this review, we discuss the different mechanisms of GC action as well as the function of the lung-enriched members of the C/EBP transcription factor family. We also summarize the current knowledge of the role of C/EBP transcription factors in mediating the effects of GCs, with emphasis on pulmonary effects, and their potential role in mediating GC resistance.

An Assessment of the Institutional Mechanisms for Water Negotiations in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna System

2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Watershed Management ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Third Party ◽  
The Common ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Ganges ◽  
Theoretical Issues ◽  
Complete Account

AbstractThis article begins with the historical perspective of the Indo-Bangladesh negotiations over common water-related issues in the GBM system. It presents a complete account of the common waters-related issues that exist between India and Bangladesh. It critically examines the genesis and performance of the institutional mechanisms that have evolved over time, particularly the scope and limitations of the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC). The role of JRC is examined in the context of the treaties and MOUs signed between India and Bangladesh for sharing the Ganges at various times. Lessons learned from these and other international negotiations are compiled to make the JRC more effective and efficient. The potential role of third party mediation in the GBM system is discussed along with the role of multi-track diplomacy. Some pertinent theoretical issues are raised regarding the narrow and ambiguous definitions of ``benefit'' and ``equity'' as mentioned in the statues of the JRC. The difficulty of setting a baseline for water sharing is discussed. Finally, it is recommended that the JRC should be expanded into the JWC (Joint Waters Commission) to allow for incorporation of other water-related issues such as watershed management, water quality and coastal ecosystem management. It is emphasized that political willingness has been the single most important factor in determining the success of bilateral negotiations in the GBM system.

scholarly journals CD1-The Pathology Perspective

2001 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 611-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Rhind
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Major Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Major Histocompatibility Complex Class ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Complex Class ◽  
Potential Significance ◽  
Histocompatibility Complex

CD1 molecules are a family of cell surface-associated glycoproteins now recognized as having a role in antigen presentation. These glycoproteins are distinct from yet have some similarities to classical major histocompatibility complex class I and class II molecules. The role of these molecules has been studied in detail over recent years, with an explosion of interest following the demonstration that they can present nonprotein antigens to certain subpopulations of T cells. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of current knowledge of the function of the CD1 family with specific emphasis on the potential role in the pathogenesis of certain diseases. Although much of the current research in this field has inevitably concentrated on mice and humans, this work also has potential significance for veterinary species.

scholarly journals Very Severe and Refractory Noninfectious Cystitis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Potential Role of Rituximab Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Vanessa Ocampo-Piraquive ◽  
Inés Mondragón-Lenis ◽  
Juan G. De los Rios ◽  
Carlos A. Cañas
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Interstitial Cystitis ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
The Common ◽  
Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with various clinical manifestations, including, rarely, a form of interstitial cystitis (lupus cystitis, LC). LC can be asymptomatic and usually has discrete symptoms that improve with conventional therapies available for SLE and/or typical interstitial cystitis. A very severe and refractory form is rarely described. In this study, we present four patients with SLE and a very severe form of noninfectious cystitis refractory to the different forms of treatment described. The clinical descriptions of the cases, demographic factors, manifestations associated with SLE, and clinical and paraclinical manifestations related to cystitis, treatments, and outcomes are provided. A proposal for the pathogenesis of this condition is based on the common findings of these patients, including the fact that three were in SLE remission and all four receiving rituximab as induction and/or maintenance therapy.

PtdIns5P: a little phosphoinositide with big functions?

2007 ◽  
Vol 74 ◽  
pp. 117-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Coronas ◽  
Damien Ramel ◽  
Caroline Pendaries ◽  
Frédérique Gaits-Iacovoni ◽  
Hélène Tronchère ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Regulation ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Minor Constituents ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
Synthesis And Degradation

Phosphoinositides are minor constituents of cell membranes playing a critical role in the regulation of many cellular functions. Recent discoveries indicate that mutations in several phosphoinositide kinases and phosphatases generate imbalances in the levels of phosphoinositides, thereby leading to the development of human diseases. Although the roles of phosphoinositide 3-kinase products and PtdIns(4,5)P2 were largely studied these last years, the potential role of phosphatidylinositol monophosphates as direct signalling molecules is just emerging. PtdIns5P, the least characterized phosphoinositide, appears to be a new player in cell regulation. This review will summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms of synthesis and degradation of PtdIns5P as well as its potential roles.

scholarly journals Emerging RNA-binding roles in the TRIM family of ubiquitin ligases

2019 ◽  
Vol 400 (11) ◽  
pp. 1443-1464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Preston Williams ◽  
Kevin Haubrich ◽  
Cecilia Perez-Borrajero ◽  
Janosch Hennig
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
Tumour Suppression ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase Activity ◽  
Trim Proteins

Abstract TRIM proteins constitute a large, diverse and ancient protein family which play a key role in processes including cellular differentiation, autophagy, apoptosis, DNA repair, and tumour suppression. Mostly known and studied through the lens of their ubiquitination activity as E3 ligases, it has recently emerged that many of these proteins are involved in direct RNA binding through their NHL or PRY/SPRY domains. We summarise the current knowledge concerning the mechanism of RNA binding by TRIM proteins and its biological role. We discuss how RNA-binding relates to their previously described functions such as E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and we will consider the potential role of enrichment in membrane-less organelles.

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