scholarly journals The MAMs Structure and Its Role in Cell Death

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 657
Author(s):  
Nan Wang ◽  
Chong Wang ◽  
Hongyang Zhao ◽  
Yichun He ◽  
Beiwu Lan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Lipid Synthesis ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
And Function ◽  
Death Signals

The maintenance of cellular homeostasis involves the participation of multiple organelles. These organelles are associated in space and time, and either cooperate or antagonize each other with regards to cell function. Crosstalk between organelles has become a significant topic in research over recent decades. We believe that signal transduction between organelles, especially the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, is a factor that can influence the cell fate. As the cellular center for protein folding and modification, the endoplasmic reticulum can influence a range of physiological processes by regulating the quantity and quality of proteins. Mitochondria, as the cellular “energy factory,” are also involved in cell death processes. Some researchers regard the ER as the sensor of cellular stress and the mitochondria as an important actuator of the stress response. The scientific community now believe that bidirectional communication between the ER and the mitochondria can influence cell death. Recent studies revealed that the death signals can shuttle between the two organelles. Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) play a vital role in the complex crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria. MAMs are known to play an important role in lipid synthesis, the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, the coordination of ER-mitochondrial function, and the transduction of death signals between the ER and the mitochondria. Clarifying the structure and function of MAMs will provide new concepts for studying the pathological mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and cancers. Here, we review the recent studies of the structure and function of MAMs and its roles involved in cell death, especially in apoptosis.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Invertebrates

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1068-1081
Author(s):  
Xi Liu ◽  
Dongwu Liu ◽  
Yangyang Shen ◽  
Mujie Huang ◽  
Lili Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Regulatory Mechanism ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Catalytic Domains ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Disease Occurrence ◽  
Complex Functions ◽  
And Function

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to a family of metal-dependent endopeptidases which contain a series of conserved pro-peptide domains and catalytic domains. MMPs have been widely found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. MMPs are involved in regulating numerous physiological processes, pathological processes, and immune responses. In addition, MMPs play a key role in disease occurrence, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases. Compared with invertebrate MMPs, vertebrate MMPs have diverse subtypes and complex functions. Therefore, it is difficult to study the function of MMPs in vertebrates. However, it is relatively easy to study invertebrate MMPs because there are fewer subtypes of MMPs in invertebrates. In the present review, the structure and function of MMPs in invertebrates were summarized, which will provide a theoretical basis for investigating the regulatory mechanism of MMPs in invertebrates.

Oxidative protein folding in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 655-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.E. Jessop ◽  
S. Chakravarthi ◽  
R.H. Watkins ◽  
N.J. Bulleid
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Redox State ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Reduced Form ◽  
Secretory Proteins ◽  
Oxidative Protein Folding ◽  
Disulphide Bonds ◽  
And Function ◽  
Substrate Proteins

Native disulphide bonds are essential for the structure and function of many membrane and secretory proteins. Disulphide bonds are formed, reduced and isomerized in the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells by a family of oxidoreductases, which includes protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), ERp57, ERp72, P5 and PDIR. This review will discuss how these enzymes are maintained in either an oxidized redox state that allows them to form disulphide bonds in substrate proteins or a reduced form that allows them to perform isomerization and reduction reactions, how these opposing pathways may co-exist within the same compartment and why so many oxidoreductases exist when PDI alone can perform all three of these functions.

scholarly journals The Relationship between the Community Structure and Function of Bacterioplankton and the Environmental Response in Qingcaosha Reservoir

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 3155
Author(s):  
Shumin Liu ◽  
Fengbin Zhao ◽  
Xin Fang
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Community Structure ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Environmental Response ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
Density And Biomass ◽  
And Function

Phytoplankton and bacterioplankton play a vital role in the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, and their activity is closely linked to water eutrophication. However, few researchers have considered the temporal and spatial succession of phytoplankton and bacterioplankton, and their responses to environmental factors. The temporal and spatial succession of bacterioplankton and their ecological interaction with phytoplankton and water quality were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing for their identification, and the functions of bacterioplankton were predicted. The results showed that the dominant classes of bacterioplankton in the Qingcaosha Reservoir were Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Actinomycetes, Acidimicrobiia, and Cyanobacteria. In addition, the Shannon diversity indexes were compared, and the results showed significant temporal differences based on monthly averaged value, although no significant spatial difference. The community structure was found to be mainly influenced by phytoplankton density and biomass, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity. The presence of Pseudomonas and Legionella was positively correlated with that of Pseudanabaena sp., and Sphingomonas and Paragonimus with Melosira granulata. On the contrary, the presence of Planctomycetes was negatively correlated with Melosira granulata, as was Deinococcus-Thermus with Cyclotella sp. The relative abundance of denitrifying bacteria decreased from April to December, while the abundance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria increased. This study provides a scientific basis for understanding the ecological interactions between bacteria, algae, and water quality in reservoir ecosystems.

scholarly journals Integrin β4 as a Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tumor Marker

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Haoyu Yang ◽  
Zixuan Xu ◽  
Yuqian Peng ◽  
Jiali Wang ◽  
Yang Xiang
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Tumor Marker ◽  
Tumor Invasion ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tumor Tissues ◽  
Integrin Β4 ◽  
And Function

Integrin β4 (ITGβ4) is a class of transmembrane adhesion molecules composed of hemidesmosomes (HDs). Its unique long intracellular domain provides intricate signal transduction functions. These signal transduction effects are especially prominent in tumors. Many recent studies have shown that integrin β4 is differentially expressed in various tumors, and it plays a vital role in tumor invasion, proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. Therefore, we categorize the research related to integrin β4, starting from its structure and function in tumor tissues, and provide a basic description. Based on its structure and function, we believe that integrin β4 can be used as a tumor marker. In clinical practice, it is described as a diagnostic marker for the targeted treatment of cancer and will be helpful in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

scholarly journals The Modern Western Diet Rich in Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs): An Overview of Its Impact on Obesity and Early Progression of Renal Pathology

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arianna Bettiga ◽  
Francesco Fiorio ◽  
Federico Di Marco ◽  
Francesco Trevisani ◽  
Annalisa Romani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Advanced Glycation End Products ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Advanced Glycation ◽  
Covalent Bonds ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Glycation End Products ◽  
End Products ◽  
And Function

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are an assorted group of molecules formed through covalent bonds between a reduced sugar and a free amino group of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Glycation alters their structure and function, leading to impaired cell function. They can be originated by physiological processes, when not counterbalanced by detoxification mechanisms, or derive from exogenous sources such as food, cigarette smoke, and air pollution. Their accumulation increases inflammation and oxidative stress through the activation of various mechanisms mainly triggered by binding to their receptors (RAGE). So far, the pathogenic role of AGEs has been evidenced in inflammatory and chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic nephropathy. This review focuses on the AGE-induced kidney damage, by describing the molecular players involved and investigating its link to the excess of body weight and visceral fat, hallmarks of obesity. Research regarding interventions to reduce AGE accumulation has been of great interest and a nutraceutical approach that would help fighting chronic diseases could be a very useful tool for patients’ everyday lives.

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