scholarly journals The Duality of Caspases in Cancer, as Told through the Fly

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8927
Author(s):  
Caitlin Hounsell ◽  
Yun Fan
Keyword(s):  
Tumour Progression ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Dual Role ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Aspartic Proteases ◽  
Critical Components ◽  
Established Role

Caspases, a family of cysteine-aspartic proteases, have an established role as critical components in the activation and initiation of apoptosis. Alongside this a variety of non-apoptotic caspase functions in proliferation, differentiation, cellular plasticity and cell migration have been reported. The activity level and context are important factors in determining caspase function. As a consequence of their critical role in apoptosis and beyond, caspases are uniquely situated to have pathological roles, including in cancer. Altered caspase function is a common trait in a variety of cancers, with apoptotic evasion defined as a “hallmark of cancer”. However, the role that caspases play in cancer is much more complex, acting both to prevent and to promote tumourigenesis. This review focuses on the major findings in Drosophila on the dual role of caspases in tumourigenesis. This has major implications for cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with the activation of apoptosis being the end goal. However, such treatments may inadvertently have adverse effects on promoting tumour progression and acerbating the cancer. A comprehensive understanding of the dual role of caspases will aid in the development of successful cancer therapeutic approaches.

The Role of the SLP in Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Assessment

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Philofsky
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Notable Increase ◽  
Screening Assessment ◽  
Critical Components

AbstractRecent prevalence estimates for autism have been alarming as a function of the notable increase. Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in screening, assessment and intervention for children with autism. This article reviews signs that may be indicative of autism at different stages of language development, and discusses the importance of several psychometric properties—sensitivity and specificity—in utilizing screening measures for children with autism. Critical components of assessment for children with autism are reviewed. This article concludes with examples of intervention targets for children with ASD at various levels of language development.

scholarly journals Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators in Neonatal Cardiovascular Physiology and Diseases

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Andrea Gila-Diaz ◽  
Gloria Herranz Carrillo ◽  
Pratibha Singh ◽  
David Ramiro-Cortijo
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Repair ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Lipid Mediators ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Long Chain

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Unresolved inflammation plays a critical role in cardiovascular diseases development. Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs), derived from long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), enhances the host defense, by resolving the inflammation and tissue repair. In addition, SPMs also have anti-inflammatory properties. These physiological effects depend on the availability of LCPUFAs precursors and cellular metabolic balance. Most of the studies have focused on the impact of SPMs in adult cardiovascular health and diseases. In this review, we discuss LCPUFAs metabolism, SPMs, and their potential effect on cardiovascular health and diseases primarily focusing in neonates. A better understanding of the role of these SPMs in cardiovascular health and diseases in neonates could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular dysfunction.

scholarly journals Development of cancer metabolism as a therapeutic target: new pathways, patient studies, stratification and combination therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian L. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Trial Design ◽  
Cancer Metabolism ◽  
Aerobic Glycolysis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Preclinical Models ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Patient Studies

AbstractCancer metabolism has undergone a resurgence in the last decade, 70 years after Warburg described aerobic glycolysis as a feature of cancer cells. A wide range of techniques have elucidated the complexity and heterogeneity in preclinical models and clinical studies. What emerges are the large differences between tissues, tumour types and intratumour heterogeneity. However, synergies with inhibition of metabolic pathways have been found for many drugs and therapeutic approaches, and a critical role of window studies and translational trial design is key to success.

scholarly journals Biological bases of cancer immunotherapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryanne M. Gonzales Carazas ◽  
Joseph A. Pinto ◽  
Fanny L. Casado
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Cancer Types

Abstract Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of cancer treatment and has significantly improved the outcome of several cancer types including breast, lung, colorectal and prostate. Neoantigen recognition and immune checkpoint inhibitors are nowadays the milestones of different immunotherapeutic regimes; however, high cost, primary and acquired resistance and the high variability of responses make their extensive use difficult. The development of better predictive biomarkers that represent tumour diversity shows promise because there is a significant body of clinical data showing a spectrum of immunotherapeutic responses that might be related back to their specific characteristics. This article makes a conceptual and historical review to summarise the main advances in our understanding of the role of the immune system in cancer, while describing the methodological details that have been successfully implemented on cancer treatments and that may hold the key to improved therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals Heme oxygenase: the key to renal function regulation

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (5) ◽  
pp. F1137-F1152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader G. Abraham ◽  
Jian Cao ◽  
David Sacerdoti ◽  
Xiaoying Li ◽  
George Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Renal Tissue ◽  
Renal Physiology ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Clinical Potential

Heme oxygenase (HO) plays a critical role in attenuating the production of reactive oxygen species through its ability to degrade heme in an enzymatic process that leads to the production of equimolar amounts of carbon monoxide and biliverdin/bilirubin and the release of free iron. The present review examines the beneficial role of HO-1 (inducible form of HO) that is achieved by increased expression of this enzyme in renal tissue. The influence of the HO system on renal physiology, obesity, vascular dysfunction, and blood pressure regulation is reviewed, and the clinical potential of increased levels of HO-1 protein, HO activity, and HO-derived end products of heme degradation is discussed relative to renal disease. The use of pharmacological and genetic approaches to investigate the role of the HO system in the kidney is key to the development of therapeutic approaches to prevent the adverse effects that accrue due to an impairment in renal function.

scholarly journals EPC1/TIP60-Mediated Histone Acetylation Facilitates Spermiogenesis in Mice

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yixin Dong ◽  
Kyo-ichi Isono ◽  
Kazuyuki Ohbo ◽  
Takaho A. Endo ◽  
Osamu Ohara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Histone Acetylation ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Genetic Ablation ◽  
Histone Hyperacetylation ◽  
Critical Components ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Global histone hyperacetylation is suggested to play a critical role for replacement of histones by transition proteins and protamines to compact the genome during spermiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms for hyperacetylation-mediated histone replacement remains poorly understood. Here, we report that EPC1 and TIP60, two critical components of the mammalian nucleosome acetyltransferase of H4 (NuA4) complexes, are coexpressed in male germ cells. Strikingly, genetic ablation of either Epc1 or Tip60 disrupts hyperacetylation and impairs histone replacement, in turn causing aberrant spermatid development. Taking these observations together, we reveal an essential role of the NuA4 complexes for histone hyperacetylation and subsequent compaction of the spermatid genome.

scholarly journals Role of PD-L1 in Gut Mucosa Tolerance and Chronic Inflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9165
Author(s):  
Marina Chulkina ◽  
Ellen J. Beswick ◽  
Irina V. Pinchuk
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The Body ◽  
Regulatory Cells ◽  
Gi Tract ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Gut Mucosa ◽  
Mucosal Homeostasis ◽  
Gi Mucosa

The gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa is among the most complex systems in the body. It has a diverse commensal microbiome challenged continuously by food and microbial components while delivering essential nutrients and defending against pathogens. For these reasons, regulatory cells and receptors are likely to play a central role in maintaining the gut mucosal homeostasis. Recent lessons from cancer immunotherapy point out the critical role of the B7 negative co-stimulator PD-L1 in mucosal homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge supporting the critical role of PD-L1 in gastrointestinal mucosal tolerance and how abnormalities in its expression and signaling contribute to gut inflammation and cancers. Abnormal expression of PD-L1 and/or the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways have been observed in the pathology of the GI tract. We also discuss the current gap in our knowledge with regards to PD-L1 signaling in the GI tract under homeostasis and pathology. Finally, we summarize the current understanding of how this pathway is currently targeted to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Stem Cells in Tumour Microenvironment Aid in Prolonged Survival Rate of Cancer Cells and Developed Drug Resistance: Major Challenge in Osteosarcoma Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-52
Author(s):  
Bhaskar Birru ◽  
ChandraSai Potla Durthi ◽  
Santhosh Kacham ◽  
Madhuri Pola ◽  
Satish Babu Rajulapati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Tumour Progression ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Bone Cancer ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Hypoxic Environment

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer found in children and adolescents. The combined treatment strategy includes the surgical removal of tumour and subsequent chemotherapy to prevent the reoccurrence has been a widely accepted approach. However, the drug resistance developed by tumour cells causes recurrence of cancer. It is imperative to understand the molecular mechanism involved in the development of drug resistance and tumour progression for developing potential therapy. Tumour microenvironment and cellular cross-talk via activation of various signalling pathways are responsible for tumour progression and metastasis. The comprehensive reviews are already available on the tumour microenvironment, signalling cascades responsible for tumour progression, and cellular crosstalk between malignant cells and immune cells. Therefore, we intend to provide comprehend review postulating the importance of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in osteosarcoma progression and metastasis. This paper is aimed to provide information sequentially includes: tumour microenvironment, MSCs role in osteosarcoma progression, the hypoxic environment in MSCs recruitment at the tumour site and the importance of exosomes in tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis. Overall, this review may enlighten the research on the role of MSCs and MSCs derived exosome in osteosarcoma progression and drug resistance. This possibly may result in developing novel therapeutic approaches to combat the osteosarcoma effectively and contributes for the development of prognosis tools for early diagnosis.

scholarly journals The Dual Role of Microglia in ALS: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Concetta Geloso ◽  
Valentina Corvino ◽  
Elisa Marchese ◽  
Alessia Serrano ◽  
Fabrizio Michetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dual Role ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches

scholarly journals Contrast effects of autophagy in the treatment of bladder cancer

2020 ◽  
pp. 153537022095933
Author(s):  
Ece Konac ◽  
Yener Kurman ◽  
Sümer Baltaci
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Dual Role ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Chemotherapy Drugs ◽  
Anti Cancer

Bladder cancer is a disease that negatively affects patients’ quality of life, but treatment options have remained unchanged for a long time. Although promising results have been achieved with current bladder cancer treatments, cancer recurrence, progression, and therapy resistance are the most severe problems preventing the efficiency of bladder cancer treatments. Autophagy refers to an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process in which proteins, damaged organelles, and cytoplasmic components are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. Autophagy regulates the therapeutic response to the chemotherapy drugs, thus determining the effect of therapy on cancer cells. Autophagy is a stress-induced cell survival mechanism and its excessive stimulation can cause resistance of tumor cells to therapeutic agents. Depending on the conditions, an increase in autophagy may cause treatment resistance or autophagic cell death, and it is related to important anti-cancer mechanisms, such as apoptosis. Therefore, understanding the roles of autophagy under different conditions is important for designing effective anti-cancer agents. The dual role of autophagy in cancer has attracted considerable attention in respect of bladder cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the basic characteristics of autophagy, including its mechanisms, regulation, and functions, and we present examples from current studies concerning the dual role of autophagy in bladder cancer progression and therapy. Impact statement Autophagy acts as an intracellular recycling system. Infection and mitochondrial damage, maintaining cellular homeostasis, orchestrating nutrient stress, hypoxia, and oxidative stress are some of the physiological roles associated with autophagy. Autophagy has also context-dependent roles in cancer. Autophagy has a significant impact on tumor initiation and promotion, with both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting roles. Unfortunately, conventional systemic chemotherapy for cancer therapy has been reported to have primary limitations such as chemo-resistance of targeted cells. The cytoprotective role of autophagy has been postulated as one of the causes of this resistance. Hence, combination therapy using autophagy inhibitors has recently started to emerge as a noteworthy strategy in the treatment of cancer. Therefore, targeting the autophagy pathways may be a potential therapeutic strategy for addressing cancer progression or therapy resistance in the near future. This review will provide a novel insight to understanding the paradoxical roles of autophagy in tumor suppression and tumor promotion.

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