scholarly journals Putative Receptors for Gravity Sensing in Mammalian Cells: The Effects of Microgravity

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 2028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Aventaggiato ◽  
Federica Barreca ◽  
Enza Vernucci ◽  
Mariano Bizzarri ◽  
Elisabetta Ferretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Molecular Conformation ◽  
Free Fall ◽  
Mechanical Stretch ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Lim Protein ◽  
Muscle Lim Protein ◽  
Life On Earth

Gravity is a constitutive force that influences life on Earth. It is sensed and translated into biochemical stimuli through the so called “mechanosensors”, proteins able to change their molecular conformation in order to amplify external cues causing several intracellular responses. Mechanosensors are widely represented in the human body with important structures such as otholiths in hair cells of vestibular system and statoliths in plants. Moreover, they are also present in the bone, where mechanical cues can cause bone resorption or formation and in muscle in which mechanical stimuli can increase the sensibility for mechanical stretch. In this review, we discuss the role of mechanosensors in two different conditions: normogravity and microgravity, emphasizing their emerging role in microgravity. Microgravity is a singular condition in which many molecular changes occur, strictly connected with the modified gravity force and free fall of bodies. Here, we first summarize the most important mechanosensors involved in normogravity and microgravity. Subsequently, we propose muscle LIM protein (MLP) and sirtuins as new actors in mechanosensing and signaling transduction under microgravity.

scholarly journals The role of muscle LIM protein in the nervous system

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 1907
Author(s):  
Dietmar Fischer ◽  
Daniel Terheyden-Keighley
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Lim Protein ◽  
Muscle Lim Protein

Autophagy Modulators and Neuroinflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Sang Cho ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Jeiwon Cho ◽  
Guang-Ho Cha ◽  
Gyun Jee Song
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of various neurological disorders. Therefore, various studies have focused on the development of neuroinflammation inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools. Recently, the involvement of autophagy in the regulation of neuroinflammation has drawn substantial scientific interest, and a growing number of studies support the role of impaired autophagy in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review recent research on the role of autophagy in controlling neuroinflammation. We focus on studies employing both mammalian cells and animal models to evaluate the ability of different autophagic modulators to regulate neuroinflammation. Methods: We have mostly reviewed recent studies reporting anti-neuroinflammatory properties of autophagy. We also briefly discussed a few studies showing that autophagy modulators activate neuroinflammation in certain conditions. Results: Recent studies report neuroprotective as well as anti-neuroinflammatory effects of autophagic modulators. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of action of these drugs and their potential limitations as therapeutic agents against neurological disorders. Conclusion: Autophagy activators are promising compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

Magnesium and Hearing

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
pp. 202-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Cevette ◽  
Jürgen Vormann ◽  
Kay Franz
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Auditory Nerve ◽  
Mg Deficiency ◽  
Noise Damage ◽  
Susceptibility To Noise ◽  
Major Progress ◽  
A Current ◽  
Putative Mechanism ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

The last several decades have revealed clinical and experimental data regarding the importance of magnesium (Mg) in hearing. Increased susceptibility to noise damage, ototoxicity, and auditory hyperexcitibility are linked to states of Mg deficiency. Evidence for these processes has come slowly and direct effects have remained elusive because plasma Mg levels do not always correlate with its deficiency. Despite the major progress in the understanding of cochlear mechanical and auditory nerve function, the neurochemical and pharmacologic role of Mg is not clear. The putative mechanism suggests that Mg deficiency may contribute to a metabolic cellular cascade of events. Mg deficiency leads to an increased permeability of the calcium channel in the hair cells with a consequent over influx of calcium, an increased release of glutamate via exocytosis, and over stimulation of NMDA receptors on the auditory nerve. This paper provides a current overview of relevant Mg metabolism and deficiency and its influence on hearing.

A new functional role of mitochondria‐anchored protein ligase in peroxisome morphology in mammalian cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishek Mohanty ◽  
Rodolfo Zunino ◽  
Vincent Soubannier ◽  
Shilpa Dilipkumar
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Functional Role

scholarly journals Inevitable future: space colonization beyond Earth with microbes first

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose V Lopez ◽  
Raquel S Peixoto ◽  
Alexandre S Rosado
Keyword(s):  
Potential Space ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Planetary Protection ◽  
Overwhelming Evidence ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Private Research ◽  
Life On Earth ◽  
Space Colonization ◽  
Future Plans

ABSTRACT Based on modern microbiology, we propose a major revision in current space exploration philosophy and planetary protection policy, especially regarding microorganisms in space. Mainly, microbial introduction should not be considered accidental but inevitable. We hypothesize the near impossibility of exploring new planets without carrying and/or delivering any microbial travelers. In addition, although we highlight the importance of controlling and tracking such contaminations—to explore the existence of extraterrestrial microorganisms—we also believe that we must discuss the role of microbes as primary colonists and assets, rather than serendipitous accidents, for future plans of extraterrestrial colonization. This paradigm shift stems partly from the overwhelming evidence of microorganisms’ diverse roles in sustaining life on Earth, such as symbioses and ecosystem services (decomposition, atmosphere effects, nitrogen fixation, etc.). Therefore, we propose a framework for new discussion based on the scientific implications of future colonization and terraforming: (i) focus on methods to track and avoid accidental delivery of Earth's harmful microorganisms and genes to extraterrestrial areas; (ii) begin a rigorous program to develop and explore ‘Proactive Inoculation Protocols’. We outline a rationale and solicit feedback to drive a public and private research agenda that optimizes diverse organisms for potential space colonization.

Reactive oxygen species in cell responses to toxic agents

2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
L E Feinendegen
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Low Dose Radiation ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
Toxic Agents ◽  
Particle Tracks ◽  
Dose Radiation

This review first summarizes experimental data on biological effects of different concentrations of ROS in mammalian cells and on their potential role in modifying cell responses to toxic agents. It then attempts to link the role of steadily produced metabolic ROS at various concentrations in mammalian cells to that of environmentally derived ROS bursts from exposure to ionizing radiation. The ROS from both sources are known to both cause biological damage and change cellular signaling, depending on their concentration at a given time. At low concentrations signaling effects of ROS appear to protect cellular survival and dominate over damage, and the reverse occurs at high ROS concentrations. Background radiation generates suprabasal ROS bursts along charged particle tracks several times a year in each nanogram of tissue, i.e., average mass of a mammalian cell. For instance, a burst of about 200 ROS occurs within less than a microsecond from low-LET irradiation such as X-rays along the track of a Compton electron (about 6 keV, ranging about 1 μm). One such track per nanogram tissue gives about 1 mGy to this mass. The number of instantaneous ROS per burst along the track of a 4-meV ¬-particle in 1 ng tissue reaches some 70000. The sizes, types and sites of these bursts, and the time intervals between them directly in and around cells appear essential for understanding low-dose and low dose-rate effects on top of effects from endogenous ROS. At background and low-dose radiation exposure, a major role of ROS bursts along particle tracks focuses on ROS-induced apoptosis of damage-carrying cells, and also on prevention and removal of DNA damage from endogenous sources by way of temporarily protective, i.e., adaptive, cellular responses. A conclusion is to consider low-dose radiation exposure as a provider of physiological mechanisms for tissue homoeostasis.

STRETCHABLE Lab-on-Chip Device With Impedance Spectroscopy Capability for Mammalian Cell Studies

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xudong Zhang ◽  
Anis Nurashikin Nordin ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
Ioana Voiculescu
Keyword(s):  
Impedance Spectroscopy ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Cyclic Strain ◽  
Cyclic Stretch ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Aortic Endothelial Cells ◽  
Lab On Chip

This paper presents the fabrication and testing of electric cell-substrate impedance spectroscopy (ECIS) electrodes on a stretchable membrane. This is the first time when ECIS electrodes were fabricated on a stretchable substrate and ECIS measurements on mammalian cells exposed to cyclic strain of 10% were successfully demonstrated. A chemical was used to form strong chemical bond between gold electrodes of ECIS sensor and polymer membrane, which enable the electrodes keep good conductive ability during cyclic stretch. The stretchable membrane integrated with the ECIS sensor can simulate and replicate the dynamic environment of organism and enable the analysis of the cells activity involved in cells attachment and proliferation in vitro. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were used to evaluate the endothelial function influenced by mechanical stimuli in this research because they undergo in vivo cyclic physiologic elongation produced by the blood circulation in the arteries.

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