scholarly journals Fetal–maternal communication: the role of Notch signalling in embryo implantation

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (3) ◽  
pp. R75-R86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly Cuman ◽  
Ellen Menkhorst ◽  
Amy Winship ◽  
Michelle Van Sinderen ◽  
Tiki Osianlis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Receptor Ligand ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Maternal Communication

The establishment of a successful pregnancy requires the implantation of a competent blastocyst into a ‘receptive’ endometrium, facilitating the formation of a functional placenta. Inadequate or inappropriate implantation and placentation is a major reason for infertility and is thought to lead to first-trimester miscarriage, placental insufficiency and other obstetric complications. Blastocyst–endometrial interactions are critical for implantation and placental formation. The Notch signalling family is a receptor–ligand family that regulates cellular processes as diverse as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, invasion and adhesion. Notch signalling is achieved via cell–cell interaction; thus, via Notch, cells can have direct effects on the fate of their neighbours. Recently, a number of studies have identified Notch receptors and ligands in the endometrium, blastocyst and placenta. This review collates current knowledge of this large receptor–ligand family and explores the role of Notch signalling during implantation and placentation, drawing on information from both human and animal studies. Overall, the evidence suggests that Notch signalling is a critical component of fetal–maternal communication during implantation and placentation and that abnormal Notch expression is associated with impaired placentation and pre-eclampsia.

The role of hypoxia in endometrial cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yarely M. Salinas-Vera ◽  
Dolores Gallardo-Rincón ◽  
Erika Ruíz-García ◽  
Macrina B. Silva-Cázares ◽  
Carmen Sol de la Peña-Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endometrial Cancer ◽  
Cell Survival ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Targeted Therapies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vasculogenic Mimicry ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Corpus Uteri

: Endometrial cancer represents the most frequent neoplasia from the corpus uteri, and comprises the 14th leading cause of death in women worldwide. Risk factors that contribute to the disease include early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, and menopausal hormone use, as well as hypertension and obesity comorbidities. The clinical effectiveness of chemotherapy is variable, suggesting that novel molecular targeted therapies against specific cellular processes associated with the maintenance of cancer cell survival and therapy resistance urged to ameliorate the rates of success in endometrial cancer treatment. In the course of tumor growth, cancer cells must adapt to decreased oxygen availability in the microenvironment by upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factors, which orchestrate the activation of a transcriptional program leading to cell survival. During this adaptative process, the hypoxic cancer cells may acquire invasive and metastatic properties as well as increased cell proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy, enhanced angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, and maintenance of cancer cell stemness, which contribute to more aggressive cancer phenotypes. Several studies have shown that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) protein is aberrantly overexpressed in many solid tumors from breast, prostate, ovarian, bladder, colon, brain, and pancreas. Thus, it has been considered an important therapeutic target. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge of the relevant roles of cellular hypoxia mechanisms and HIF-1α functions in diverse processes associated with endometrial cancer progression. In addition, we also summarize the role of microRNAs in the posttranscriptional regulation of protein-encoding genes involved in the hypoxia response in endometrial cancer. Finally, we pointed out the need for urgent targeted therapies to impair the cellular processes activated by hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment.

scholarly journals Role of the PE/PPE Family in Host–Pathogen Interactions and Prospects for Anti-Tuberculosis Vaccine and Diagnostic Tool Design

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianing Qian ◽  
Run Chen ◽  
Honghai Wang ◽  
Xuelian Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Host Pathogen Interactions ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Host Pathogen ◽  
Protein Research ◽  
Slow Growing

The pe/ppe genes are found in pathogenic, slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) species. These genes are considered key factors in host-pathogen interactions. Although the function of most PE/PPE family proteins remains unclear, accumulating evidence suggests that this family is involved in M. tuberculosis infection. Here, we review the role of PE/PPE proteins, which are believed to be linked to the ESX system function. Further, we highlight the reported functions of PE/PPE proteins, including their roles in host cell interaction, immune response regulation, and cell fate determination during complex host-pathogen processes. Finally, we propose future directions for PE/PPE protein research and consider how the current knowledge might be applied to design more specific diagnostics and effective vaccines for global tuberculosis control.

scholarly journals Galectin-3 in Inflammasome Activation and Primary Biliary Cholangitis Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 5097
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Arsenijevic ◽  
Bojana Stojanovic ◽  
Jelena Milovanovic ◽  
Dragana Arsenijevic ◽  
Nebojsa Arsenijevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Primary Biliary Cholangitis ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Multimeric Complex ◽  
Galectin 3 ◽  
Binding Lectin

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune liver disease characterized by inflammation and damage of small bile ducts. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multimeric complex of proteins that after activation with various stimuli initiates an inflammatory process. Increasing data obtained from animal studies implicate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that plays important roles in various biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, transformation and apoptosis, pre-mRNA splicing, inflammation, fibrosis and host defense. The multilineage immune response at various stages of PBC development includes the involvement of Gal-3 in the pathogenesis of this disease. The role of Galectin-3 in the specific binding to NLRP3, and inflammasome activation in models of primary biliary cholangitis has been recently described. This review provides a brief pathogenesis of PBC and discusses the current knowledge about the role of Gal-3 in NLRP3 activation and PBC development.

scholarly journals MiRNAs in the Peri-Implantation Period: Contribution to Embryo–Maternal Communication in Pigs

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika M. Kaczmarek ◽  
Joanna Najmula ◽  
Maria M. Guzewska ◽  
Emilia Przygrodzka
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
The Past ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Implantation Period

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a large family of noncoding RNAs, approximately 22 nucleotides long, which function as guide molecules in RNA silencing. Targeting most protein-coding transcripts, miRNAs are involved in nearly all developmental and pathophysiological processes in animals. To date, the regulatory roles of miRNAs in reproduction, such as fertilization, embryo development, implantation, and placenta formation, among others, have been demonstrated in numerous mammalian species, including domestic livestock such as pigs. Over the past years, it appeared that understanding the functions of miRNAs in mammalian reproduction can substantially improve our understanding of the biological challenges of successful reproductive performance. This review describes the current knowledge on miRNAs, specifically in relation to the peri-implantation period when the majority of embryonic mortality occurs in pigs. To present a broader picture of crucial peri-implantation events, we focus on the role of miRNA-processing machinery and miRNA–mRNA infarctions during the maternal recognition of pregnancy, leading to maintenance of the corpus luteum function and further embryo implantation. Furthermore, we summarize the current knowledge on cell-to-cell communication involving extracellular vesicles at the embryo–maternal interface in pigs. Finally, we discuss the potential of circulating miRNAs to serve as indicators of ongoing embryo–maternal crosstalk.

scholarly journals MicroRNAs as Novel Regulators of Neuroinflammation

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominika Justyna Ksiazek-Winiarek ◽  
Magdalena Justyna Kacperska ◽  
Andrzej Glabinski
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Small Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Ms Pathogenesis ◽  
Fine Tune

MicroRNAs are relatively recently discovered class of small noncoding RNAs, which function as important regulators of gene expression. They fine-tune protein expression either by translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. MicroRNAs act as regulators of diverse cellular processes, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Their defective biogenesis or function has been identified in various pathological conditions, like inflammation, neurodegeneration, or autoimmunity. Multiple sclerosis is one of the predominated debilitating neurological diseases affecting mainly young adults. It is a multifactorial disorder of as yet unknown aetiology. As far, it is suggested that interplay between genetic and environmental factors is responsible for MS pathogenesis. The role of microRNAs in this pathology is now extensively studied. Here, we want to review the current knowledge of microRNAs role in multiple sclerosis.

scholarly journals Yeast Colonies: A Model for Studies of Aging, Environmental Adaptation, and Longevity

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Libuše Váchová ◽  
Michal Čáp ◽  
Zdena Palková
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Solid Surfaces ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Chronological Aging ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
Colony Cell ◽  
Natural Settings

When growing on solid surfaces, yeast, like other microorganisms, develops organized multicellular populations (colonies and biofilms) that are composed of differentiated cells with specialized functions. Life within these populations is a prevalent form of microbial existence in natural settings that provides the cells with capabilities to effectively defend against environmental attacks as well as efficiently adapt and survive long periods of starvation and other stresses. Under such circumstances, the fate of an individual yeast cell is subordinated to the profit of the whole population. In the past decade, yeast colonies, with their complicated structure and high complexity that are also developed under laboratory conditions, have become an excellent model for studies of various basic cellular processes such as cell interaction, signaling, and differentiation. In this paper, we summarize current knowledge on the processes related to chronological aging, adaptation, and longevity of a colony cell population and of its differentiated cell constituents. These processes contribute to the colony ability to survive long periods of starvation and mostly differ from the survival strategies of individual yeast cells.

scholarly journals Tribbles Pseudokinases in Colorectal Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2825
Author(s):  
Bibiana I. Ferreira ◽  
Bruno Santos ◽  
Wolfgang Link ◽  
Ana Luísa De Sousa-Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Genes ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Pharmacological Modulation ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

The Tribbles family of pseudokinases controls a wide number of processes during cancer on-set and progression. However, the exact contribution of each of the three family members is still to be defined. Their function appears to be context-dependent as they can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. They act as scaffolds modulating the activity of several signaling pathways involved in different cellular processes. In this review, we discuss the state-of-knowledge for TRIB1, TRIB2 and TRIB3 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. We take a perspective look at the role of Tribbles proteins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Specifically, we chronologically systematized all available articles since 2003 until 2020, for which Tribbles were associated with colorectal cancer human samples or cell lines. Herein, we discuss: (1) Tribbles amplification and overexpression; (2) the clinical significance of Tribbles overexpression; (3) upstream Tribbles gene and protein expression regulation; (4) Tribbles pharmacological modulation; (5) genetic modulation of Tribbles; and (6) downstream mechanisms regulated by Tribbles; establishing a comprehensive timeline, essential to better consolidate the current knowledge of Tribbles’ role in colorectal cancer.

scholarly journals The JAK/STAT signaling pathway: from bench to clinic

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyi Hu ◽  
Jing li ◽  
Maorong Fu ◽  
Xia Zhao ◽  
Wei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Janus Kinase ◽  
Signal Transducer ◽  
Quarter Century ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Stat Signaling ◽  
Cancer And Inflammation ◽  
Stat Pathway

AbstractThe Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway was discovered more than a quarter-century ago. As a fulcrum of many vital cellular processes, the JAK/STAT pathway constitutes a rapid membrane-to-nucleus signaling module and induces the expression of various critical mediators of cancer and inflammation. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway is associated with various cancers and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about the composition, activation, and regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Moreover, we highlight the role of the JAK/STAT pathway and its inhibitors in various diseases.

scholarly journals Endogenous Mobilization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Pathway for Interorgan Communication?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amandine Girousse ◽  
Maxime Mathieu ◽  
Quentin Sastourné-Arrey ◽  
Sylvie Monferran ◽  
Louis Casteilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Network ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Adipose Stromal Cells ◽  
Maintenance And Repair ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Pathological Conditions

To coordinate specialized organs, inter-tissue communication appeared during evolution. Consequently, individual organs communicate their states via a vast interorgan communication network (ICN) made up of peptides, proteins, and metabolites that act between organs to coordinate cellular processes under homeostasis and stress. However, the nature of the interorgan signaling could be even more complex and involve mobilization mechanisms of unconventional cells that are still poorly described. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) virtually reside in all tissues, though the biggest reservoir discovered so far is adipose tissue where they are named adipose stromal cells (ASCs). MSCs are thought to participate in tissue maintenance and repair since the administration of exogenous MSCs is well known to exert beneficial effects under several pathological conditions. However, the role of endogenous MSCs is barely understood. Though largely debated, the presence of circulating endogenous MSCs has been reported in multiple pathophysiological conditions, but the significance of such cell circulation is not known and therapeutically untapped. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on the circulation of native MSCs, and we highlight recent findings describing MSCs as putative key components of the ICN.

Exploiting S-nitrosylation for cancer therapy: facts and perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 477 (19) ◽  
pp. 3649-3672
Author(s):  
Salvatore Rizza ◽  
Giuseppe Filomeni
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Synthetic Lethality ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Tissue Homeostasis ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Insight Into

S-nitrosylation, the post-translational modification of cysteines by nitric oxide, has been implicated in several cellular processes and tissue homeostasis. As a result, alterations in the mechanisms controlling the levels of S-nitrosylated proteins have been found in pathological states. In the last few years, a role in cancer has been proposed, supported by the evidence that various oncoproteins undergo gain- or loss-of-function modifications upon S-nitrosylation. Here, we aim at providing insight into the current knowledge about the role of S-nitrosylation in different aspects of cancer biology and report the main anticancer strategies based on: (i) reducing S-nitrosylation-mediated oncogenic effects, (ii) boosting S-nitrosylation to stimulate cell death, (iii) exploiting S-nitrosylation through synthetic lethality.

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