scholarly journals Radiation Tolerance in Tardigrades: Current Knowledge and Potential Applications in Medicine

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ingemar Jönsson
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Radiation Tolerance ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Radiation Sources ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Dose Responses ◽  
Radiation Tolerant

Tardigrades represent a phylum of very small aquatic animals in which many species have evolved adaptations to survive under extreme environmental conditions, such as desiccation and freezing. Studies on several species have documented that tardigrades also belong to the most radiation-tolerant animals on Earth. This paper gives an overview of our current knowledge on radiation tolerance of tardigrades, with respect to dose-responses, developmental stages, and different radiation sources. The molecular mechanisms behind radiation tolerance in tardigrades are still largely unknown, but omics studies suggest that both mechanisms related to the avoidance of DNA damage and mechanisms of DNA repair are involved. The potential of tardigrades to provide knowledge of importance for medical sciences has long been recognized, but it is not until recently that more apparent evidence of such potential has appeared. Recent studies show that stress-related tardigrade genes may be transfected to human cells and provide increased tolerance to osmotic stress and ionizing radiation. With the recent sequencing of the tardigrade genome, more studies applying tardigrade omics to relevant aspects of human medicine are expected. In particular, the cancer research field has potential to learn from studies on tardigrades about molecular mechanisms evolved to maintain genome integrity.

scholarly journals The Chinese Medicinal Formulation Guzhi Zengsheng Zhitongwan Modulates Chondrocyte Structure, Dynamics, and Metabolism by Controlling Multiple Functional Proteins

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Baojin Yao ◽  
Bocheng Lu ◽  
Mei Zhang ◽  
Hongwei Gao ◽  
Xiangyang Leng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Structure Dynamics ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Medicinal Formulation

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest medical systems in the world and has its unique principles and theories in the prevention and treatment of human diseases, which are achieved through the interactions of different types of materia medica in the form of Chinese medicinal formulations. GZZSZTW, a classical and effective Chinese medicinal formulation, was designed and created by professor Bailing Liu who is the only national medical master professor in the clinical research field of traditional Chinese medicine and skeletal diseases. GZZSZTW has been widely used in clinical settings for several decades for the treatment of joint diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. In the present study, we performed quantitative proteomic analysis to investigate the effects of GZZSZTW on mouse primary chondrocytes using state-of-the-art iTRAQ technology. We demonstrated that the Chinese medicinal formulation GZZSZTW modulates chondrocyte structure, dynamics, and metabolism by controlling multiple functional proteins that are involved in the cellular processes of DNA replication and transcription, protein synthesis and degradation, cytoskeleton dynamics, and signal transduction. Thus, this study has expanded the current knowledge of the molecular mechanism of GZZSZTW treatment on chondrocytes. It has also shed new light on possible strategies to further prevent and treat cartilage-related diseases using traditional Chinese medicinal formulations.

scholarly journals Revealing the bovine embryo transcript profiles during early in vivo embryonic development

Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maud Vallée ◽  
Isabelle Dufort ◽  
Stéphanie Desrosiers ◽  
Aurélie Labbe ◽  
Catherine Gravel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Early Embryonic Development ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Rna Content

Gene expression profiling is proving to be a powerful approach for the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying complex cellular functions such as the dynamic early embryonic development. The objective of this study was to perform a transcript abundance profiling analysis of bovine early embryonic development in vivo using a bovine developmental array. The molecular description of the first week of life at the mRNA level is particularly challenging when considering the important fluctuations in RNA content that occur between developmental stages. Accounting for the different intrinsic RNA content between developmental stages was achieved by restricting the reaction time during the global amplification steps and by using spiked controls and reference samples. Analysis based on intensity values revealed that most of the transcripts on the array were present at some point during in vivo bovine early embryonic development, while the varying number of genes detected in each developmental stage confirmed the dynamic profile of gene expression occurring during embryonic development. Pair-wise comparison of gene expression showed a marked difference between oocytes and blastocysts profiles, and principal component analysis revealed that the majority of the transcripts could be regrouped into three main clusters representing distinct RNA abundance profiles. Overall, these data provide a detailed temporal profile of the abundance of mRNAs revealing the richness of signaling processes in early mammalian development. Results presented here provide better knowledge of bovine in vivo embryonic development and contribute to the progression of our current knowledge regarding the first week of life in mammals.

scholarly journals Central auditory deficits associated with genetic forms of peripheral deafness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Michalski ◽  
Christine Petit
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Hearing Disorders ◽  
Causal Genes ◽  
Expected Benefits ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Near Future

AbstractSince the 1990s, the study of inherited hearing disorders, mostly those detected at birth, in the prelingual period or in young adults, has led to the identification of their causal genes. The genes responsible for more than 140 isolated (non-syndromic) and about 400 syndromic forms of deafness have already been discovered. Studies of mouse models of these monogenic forms of deafness have provided considerable insight into the molecular mechanisms of hearing, particularly those involved in the development and/or physiology of the auditory sensory organ, the cochlea. In parallel, studies of these models have also made it possible to decipher the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hearing impairment. This has led a number of laboratories to investigate the potential of gene therapy for curing these forms of deafness. Proof-of-concept has now been obtained for the treatment of several forms of deafness in mouse models, paving the way for clinical trials of cochlear gene therapy in patients in the near future. Nevertheless, peripheral deafness may also be associated with central auditory dysfunctions and may extend well beyond the auditory system itself, as a consequence of alterations to the encoded sensory inputs or involvement of the causal deafness genes in the development and/or functioning of central auditory circuits. Investigating the diversity, causes and underlying mechanisms of these central dysfunctions, the ways in which they could impede the expected benefits of hearing restoration by peripheral gene therapy, and determining how these problems could be remedied is becoming a research field in its own right. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the central deficits associated with genetic forms of deafness.

Flavonoids and saponins in plant rhizospheres: roles, dynamics, and the potential for agriculture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akifumi Sugiyama
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Soil Microorganisms ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Plant Roots ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Specialized Metabolites ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
And Function

Abstract Plants are in constant interaction with a myriad of soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere, an area of soil in close contact with plant roots. Recent research has highlighted the importance of plant specialized metabolites (PSMs) in shaping and modulating the rhizosphere microbiota; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment and function of the microbiota mostly remain unaddressed. Flavonoids and saponins are a group of PSMs whose biosynthetic pathways have largely been revealed. Although these PSMs are abundantly secreted into the rhizosphere and exert various functions, the secretion mechanisms have not been clarified. This review summarizes the roles of flavonoids and saponins in the rhizosphere with a special focus on interactions between plants and the rhizosphere microbiota. Furthermore, this review introduces recent advancements in the dynamics of these metabolites in the rhizosphere and indicates potential applications of PSMs for crop production and discusses perspectives in this emerging research field.

Significance of silicon uptake, transport, and deposition in plants

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (21) ◽  
pp. 6703-6718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rushil Mandlik ◽  
Vandana Thakral ◽  
Gaurav Raturi ◽  
Suhas Shinde ◽  
Miroslav Nikolić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Silicon Uptake ◽  
Different Tissues

Abstract Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of silicon (Si) for plant growth, particularly under stress conditions, and hence a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of its uptake, subsequent transport, and accumulation in different tissues is important. Here, we provide a thorough review of our current knowledge of how plants benefit from Si supplementation. The molecular mechanisms involved in Si transport are discussed and we highlight gaps in our knowledge, particularly with regards to xylem unloading and transport into heavily silicified cells. Silicification of tissues such as sclerenchyma, fibers, storage tissues, the epidermis, and vascular tissues are described. Silicon deposition in different cell types, tissues, and intercellular spaces that affect morphological and physiological properties associated with enhanced plant resilience under various biotic and abiotic stresses are addressed in detail. Most Si-derived benefits are the result of interference in physiological processes, modulation of stress responses, and biochemical interactions. A better understanding of the versatile roles of Si in plants requires more detailed knowledge of the specific mechanisms involved in its deposition in different tissues, at different developmental stages, and under different environmental conditions.

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.

Noncoding RNAs in Medicinal Plants and Their Regulatory Roles in Bioactive Compound Production

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caili Li ◽  
Meizhen Wang ◽  
Xiaoxiao Qiu ◽  
Hong Zhou ◽  
Shanfa Lu
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽  
Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Bioactive Compound ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Regulatory Modules

Background: Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), play significant regulatory roles in plant development and secondary metabolism and are involved in plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses. They have been intensively studied in model systems and crops for approximately two decades and massive amount of information have been obtained. However, for medicinal plants, ncRNAs, particularly their regulatory roles in bioactive compound biosynthesis, are just emerging as a hot research field. Objective: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on herbal ncRNAs and their regulatory roles in bioactive compound production. Results and Conclusion: So far, scientists have identified thousands of miRNA candidates from over 50 medicinal plant species and 11794 lncRNAs from Salvia miltiorrhiza, Panax ginseng, and Digitalis purpurea. Among them, more than 30 miRNAs and five lncRNAs have been predicted to regulate bioactive compound production. The regulation may achieve through various regulatory modules and pathways, such as the miR397-LAC module, the miR12112-PPO module, the miR156-SPL module, the miR828-MYB module, the miR858-MYB module, and other siRNA and lncRNA regulatory pathways. Further functional analysis of herbal ncRNAs will provide useful information for quality and quantity improvement of medicinal plants.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Immune Actions on the Peripheral Nervous System in Pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1448
Author(s):  
Jessica Aijia Liu ◽  
Jing Yu ◽  
Chi Wai Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Peripheral Nervous System ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Process Integration ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Lipid Mediators ◽  
Cellular Changes

Pain can be induced by tissue injuries, diseases and infections. The interactions between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune system are primary actions in pain sensitizations. In response to stimuli, nociceptors release various mediators from their terminals that potently activate and recruit immune cells, whereas infiltrated immune cells further promote sensitization of nociceptors and the transition from acute to chronic pain by producing cytokines, chemokines, lipid mediators and growth factors. Immune cells not only play roles in pain production but also contribute to PNS repair and pain resolution by secreting anti-inflammatory or analgesic effectors. Here, we discuss the distinct roles of four major types of immune cells (monocyte/macrophage, neutrophil, mast cell, and T cell) acting on the PNS during pain process. Integration of this current knowledge will enhance our understanding of cellular changes and molecular mechanisms underlying pain pathogenies, providing insights for developing new therapeutic strategies.

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