scholarly journals Science Forum: Vision, challenges and opportunities for a Plant Cell Atlas

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Suryatapa Ghosh Jha ◽  
Alexander T Borowsky ◽  
Benjamin J Cole ◽  
Noah Fahlgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Cell ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Environmental Stewardship ◽  
Plant Science ◽  
Energy Technology ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Engineering Plant ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Environmental Responses

With growing populations and pressing environmental problems, future economies will be increasingly plant-based. Now is the time to reimagine plant science as a critical component of fundamental science, agriculture, environmental stewardship, energy, technology and healthcare. This effort requires a conceptual and technological framework to identify and map all cell types, and to comprehensively annotate the localization and organization of molecules at cellular and tissue levels. This framework, called the Plant Cell Atlas (PCA), will be critical for understanding and engineering plant development, physiology and environmental responses. A workshop was convened to discuss the purpose and utility of such an initiative, resulting in a roadmap that acknowledges the current knowledge gaps and technical challenges, but also underscores how the PCA initiative can help to overcome them.

scholarly journals Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cancer: Clinical Challenges and Opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiping Lin ◽  
Linfeng Huang ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Bin Fang ◽  
Gang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Inhibit Tumor Growth ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Promising Source ◽  
Target Cancer

Stem cell-based therapies exhibit profound therapeutic potential for treating various human diseases, including cancer. Among the cell types that can be used for this purpose, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as promising source of stem cells in personalized cell-based therapies. The inherent tumor-tropic property of MSCs can be used to target cancer cells. Although the impacts of MSCs on tumor progression remain elusive, they have been genetically modified or engineered as targeted anticancer agents which could inhibit tumor growth by blocking different processes of tumor. In addition, there are close interactions between MSCs and cancer stem cells (CSCs). MSCs can regulate the growth of CSCs through paracrine mechanisms. This review aims to focus on the current knowledge about MSCs-based tumor therapies, the opportunities and challenges, as well as the prospective of its further clinical implications.

scholarly journals Hypoxia, Acidification and Inflammation: Partners in Crime in Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis?

Immuno ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Johannes Burtscher ◽  
Grégoire P. Millet
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Brain Cell ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Research Fields

Like in other neurodegenerative diseases, protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Differentiating characteristics of PD include the central role of α-synuclein in the aggregation pathology, a distinct vulnerability of the striato-nigral system with the related motor symptoms, as well as specific mitochondrial deficits. Which molecular alterations cause neurodegeneration and drive PD pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we summarize evidence of the involvement of three interdependent factors in PD and suggest that their interplay is likely a trigger and/or aggravator of PD-related neurodegeneration: hypoxia, acidification and inflammation. We aim to integrate the existing knowledge on the well-established role of inflammation and immunity, the emerging interest in the contribution of hypoxic insults and the rather neglected effects of brain acidification in PD pathogenesis. Their tight association as an important aspect of the disease merits detailed investigation. Consequences of related injuries are discussed in the context of aging and the interaction of different brain cell types, in particular with regard to potential consequences on the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. A special focus is put on the identification of current knowledge gaps and we emphasize the importance of related insights from other research fields, such as cancer research and immunometabolism, for neurodegeneration research. The highlighted interplay of hypoxia, acidification and inflammation is likely also of relevance for other neurodegenerative diseases, despite disease-specific biochemical and metabolic alterations.

scholarly journals Glucocorticoid Receptor β (GRβ): Beyond Its Dominant-Negative Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3649
Author(s):  
Patricia Ramos-Ramírez ◽  
Omar Tliba
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Distinct Cell ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Glucocorticoids (GCs) act via the GC receptor (GR), a receptor ubiquitously expressed in the body where it drives a broad spectrum of responses within distinct cell types and tissues, which vary in strength and specificity. The variability of GR-mediated cell responses is further extended by the existence of GR isoforms, such as GRα and GRβ, generated through alternative splicing mechanisms. While GRα is the classic receptor responsible for GC actions, GRβ has been implicated in the impairment of GRα-mediated activities. Interestingly, in contrast to the popular belief that GRβ actions are restricted to its dominant-negative effects on GRα-mediated responses, GRβ has been shown to have intrinsic activities and “directly” regulates a plethora of genes related to inflammatory process, cell communication, migration, and malignancy, each in a GRα-independent manner. Furthermore, GRβ has been associated with increased cell migration, growth, and reduced sensitivity to GC-induced apoptosis. We will summarize the current knowledge of GRβ-mediated responses, with a focus on the GRα-independent/intrinsic effects of GRβ and the associated non-canonical signaling pathways. Where appropriate, potential links to airway inflammatory diseases will be highlighted.

scholarly journals Rho GTPases as Key Molecular Players within Intestinal Mucosa and GI Diseases

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Rashmita Pradhan ◽  
Phuong A. Ngo ◽  
Luz d. C. Martínez-Sánchez ◽  
Markus F. Neurath ◽  
Rocío López-Posadas
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Mucosa ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Rho Proteins

Rho proteins operate as key regulators of the cytoskeleton, cell morphology and trafficking. Acting as molecular switches, the function of Rho GTPases is determined by guanosine triphosphate (GTP)/guanosine diphosphate (GDP) exchange and their lipidation via prenylation, allowing their binding to cellular membranes and the interaction with downstream effector proteins in close proximity to the membrane. A plethora of in vitro studies demonstrate the indispensable function of Rho proteins for cytoskeleton dynamics within different cell types. However, only in the last decades we have got access to genetically modified mouse models to decipher the intricate regulation between members of the Rho family within specific cell types in the complex in vivo situation. Translationally, alterations of the expression and/or function of Rho GTPases have been associated with several pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. In the context of the GI tract, the continuous crosstalk between the host and the intestinal microbiota requires a tight regulation of the complex interaction between cellular components within the intestinal tissue. Recent studies demonstrate that Rho GTPases play important roles for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in the gut. We will summarize the current knowledge on Rho protein function within individual cell types in the intestinal mucosa in vivo, with special focus on intestinal epithelial cells and T cells.

scholarly journals Glycosylation of matrix metalloproteases and tissue inhibitors: present state, challenges and opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 473 (11) ◽  
pp. 1471-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lise Boon ◽  
Estefania Ugarte-Berzal ◽  
Jennifer Vandooren ◽  
Ghislain Opdenakker
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽  
Present State ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteases ◽  
Inhibitor Binding ◽  
Attachment Sites ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Functional Implications ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Current knowledge about the glycosylation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is reviewed. Whereas structural and functional aspects of the glycobiology of many MMPs is unknown, research on MMP-9 and MMP-14 glycosylation reveals important functional implications, such as altered inhibitor binding and cellular localization. This, together with the fact that MMPs contain conserved and many potential attachment sites for N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides, proves the need for further studies on MMP glycobiology.

scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities in NUT Carcinoma Research

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 235
Author(s):  
Bin Gu ◽  
Maxwell C. Hakun
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Cell Of Origin ◽  
Chromosome Translocations ◽  
Very Young Children ◽  
Aggressive Cancer ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Nut Carcinoma

NUT carcinoma (NC) is a type of aggressive cancer driven by chromosome translocations. Fusion genes between a DNA-binding protein, such as bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, and the testis-specific protein NUTM1 generated by these translocations drive the formation of NC. NC can develop in very young children without significant accumulation of somatic mutations, presenting a relatively clean model to study the genetic etiology of oncogenesis. However, after 20 years of research, a few challenging questions still remain for understanding the mechanism and developing therapeutics for NC. In this short review, we first briefly summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism and targeted therapy development of NC. We then raise three challenging questions: (1) What is the cell of origin of NC? (2) How does the germline analogous epigenetic reprogramming process driven by the BET-NUTM1 fusion proteins cause NC? and (3) How will BET-NUTM1 targeted therapies be developed? We propose that with the unprecedented technological advancements in genome editing, animal models, stem cell biology, organoids, and chemical biology, we have unique opportunities to address these challenges.

Nuclear receptor Nur77: its role in chronic inflammatory diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanne C. Lith ◽  
Carlie J.M. de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Alternative Mechanism ◽  
Signaling Complex

Abstract Nur77 is a nuclear receptor that has been implicated as a regulator of inflammatory disease. The expression of Nur77 increases upon stimulation of immune cells and is differentially expressed in chronically inflamed organs in human and experimental models. Furthermore, in a variety of animal models dedicated to study inflammatory diseases, changes in Nur77 expression alter disease outcome. The available studies comprise a wealth of information on the function of Nur77 in diverse cell types and tissues. Negative cross-talk of Nur77 with the NFκB signaling complex is an example of Nur77 effector function. An alternative mechanism of action has been established, involving Nur77-mediated modulation of metabolism in macrophages as well as in T cells. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the role of Nur77 in atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis. Detailed insight in the control of inflammatory responses will be essential in order to advance Nur77-targeted therapeutic interventions in inflammatory disease.

scholarly journals Neuroinflammation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia and the Interest of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Study Immune Cells Interactions With Neurons

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Liu ◽  
Léa Karpf ◽  
Delphine Bohl
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Induced Pluripotent ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Inflammation is a shared hallmark between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). For long, studies were conducted on tissues of post-mortem patients and neuroinflammation was thought to be only bystander result of the disease with the immune system reacting to dying neurons. In the last two decades, thanks to improving technologies, the identification of causal genes and the development of new tools and models, the involvement of inflammation has emerged as a potential driver of the diseases and evolved as a new area of intense research. In this review, we present the current knowledge about neuroinflammation in ALS, ALS-FTD, and FTD patients and animal models and we discuss reasons of failures linked to therapeutic trials with immunomodulator drugs. Then we present the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and its interest as a new tool to have a better immunopathological comprehension of both diseases in a human context. The iPSC technology giving the unique opportunity to study cells across differentiation and maturation times, brings the hope to shed light on the different mechanisms linking neurodegeneration and activation of the immune system. Protocols available to differentiate iPSC into different immune cell types are presented. Finally, we discuss the interest in studying monocultures of iPS-derived immune cells, co-cultures with neurons and 3D cultures with different cell types, as more integrated cellular approaches. The hope is that the future work with human iPS-derived cells helps not only to identify disease-specific defects in the different cell types but also to decipher the synergistic effects between neurons and immune cells. These new cellular tools could help to find new therapeutic approaches for all patients with ALS, ALS-FTD, and FTD.

scholarly journals Plant cell wall chemistry: implications for ruminant utilisation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
X. Li
Keyword(s):  
Plant Cell ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Plant Cell Walls ◽  
Rumen Microorganisms ◽  
Cell Wall Chemistry ◽  
Fibre Degradation ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Composition Structure

Ruminants have adapted to cope with bulky, fibrous forage diets by accommodating a large, diverse microbial population in the reticulo-rumen. Ruminants are dependent on forages as their main sources of energy and other nutrients. Forages are comprised of a complex matrix of cellulose, hemicellulose, protein, minerals and phenolic compounds (including lignin and tannins) with various linkages; many of which are poorly defined. The composition and characteristics of polysaccharides vary greatly among forages and plant cell walls. Plant cell walls are linked and packed together in tight configurations to resist degradation, and hence their nutritional value to animals varies considerably, depending on composition, structure and degradability. An understanding of the inter-relationship between the chemical composition and the degradation of plant cell walls by rumen microorganisms is of major economic importance to ruminant production. Increasing the efficiency of fibre degradation in the rumen has been the subject of extensive research for many decades. This review summarises current knowledge of forage chemistry in order to develop strategies to increase efficiency of forage utilisation by ruminants.

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