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Frontiers in Cell and Developmental... 2022Cells have evolved mechanisms that allow them to respond to DNA damage to preserve genomic integrity and maintain tissue homeostasis. These responses include the... (Review)
Review
Cells have evolved mechanisms that allow them to respond to DNA damage to preserve genomic integrity and maintain tissue homeostasis. These responses include the activation of the cell cycle checkpoints and the repair mechanisms or the induction of apoptosis that eventually will eliminate damaged cells. These "life" vs. "death" decisions differ depending on the cell type, stages of development, and the proliferation status of the cell. The apoptotic response after DNA damage is of special interest as defects in its induction could contribute to tumorigenesis or the resistance of cancer cells to therapeutic agents such as radiotherapy. Multiples studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms that mediate the activation of the DNA damage response pathway (DDR) and specifically the role of p53. However, much less is known about how the different cellular responses such as cell proliferation control and apoptosis are coordinated to maintain tissue homeostasis. Another interesting question is how the differential apoptotic response to DNA damage is regulated in distinct cell types. The use of as a model organism has been fundamental to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms triggered by genotoxic stress. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the cellular responses to ionizing radiation as the cause of DNA damage with special attention to apoptosis in : how these responses are regulated and coordinated in different cellular contexts and in different tissues. The existence of intrinsic mechanisms that might attenuate the apoptotic pathway in response to this sort of DNA damage may well be informative for the differences in the clinical responsiveness of tumor cells after radiation therapy.
PubMed: 36147740
DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.993257 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2022Due to their hydrophilic, biocompatible and adjustability properties, hydrogels have received a lot of attention. The introduction of nucleic acids has made hydrogels... (Review)
Review
Due to their hydrophilic, biocompatible and adjustability properties, hydrogels have received a lot of attention. The introduction of nucleic acids has made hydrogels highly stimuli-responsiveness and they have become a new generation of intelligent biomaterials. In this review, the development and utilization of smart nucleic acid hydrogels (NAHs) with a high stimulation responsiveness were elaborated systematically. We discussed NAHs with a high stimuli-responsiveness, including pure NAHs and hybrid NAHs. In particular, four stimulation factors of NAHs were described in details, including pH, ions, small molecular substances, and temperature. The research progress of nucleic acid hydrogels in biomedical applications in recent years is comprehensively discussed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges facing the future development of nucleic acid hydrogels are also discussed.
Topics: Hydrogels; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nucleic Acids; Temperature
PubMed: 35162990
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031068 -
Trends in Biochemical Sciences Nov 2023Biomembranes are complex materials composed of lipids and proteins that compartmentalize biochemistry. They are actively remodeled in response to physical and metabolic... (Review)
Review
Biomembranes are complex materials composed of lipids and proteins that compartmentalize biochemistry. They are actively remodeled in response to physical and metabolic cues, as well as during cell differentiation and stress. The concept of homeoviscous adaptation has become a textbook example of membrane responsiveness. Here, we discuss limitations and common misconceptions revolving around it. By highlighting key moments in the life cycle of a transmembrane protein, we illustrate that membrane thickness and a finely regulated membrane compressibility are crucial to facilitate proper membrane protein insertion, function, sorting, and inheritance. We propose that the unfolded protein response (UPR) provides a mechanism for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane homeostasis by sensing aberrant transverse membrane stiffening and triggering adaptive responses that re-establish membrane compressibility.
Topics: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Unfolded Protein Response; Homeostasis; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 37652754
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.08.004 -
Chemical Science Feb 2021Cancer immunotherapy is a revolutionary treatment method in oncology, which uses a human's own immune system against cancer. Many immunomodulators that trigger an immune... (Review)
Review
Cancer immunotherapy is a revolutionary treatment method in oncology, which uses a human's own immune system against cancer. Many immunomodulators that trigger an immune response have been developed and applied in cancer immunotherapy. However, there is the risk of causing an excessive immune response upon directly injecting common immunomodulators into the human body to trigger an immune response. Therefore, the development of intelligent stimuli-responsive immunomodulators to elicit controlled immune responses in cancer immunotherapy is of great significance. Nanotechnology offers the possibility of designing smart nanomedicine to amplify the antitumor response in a safe and effective manner. Progress relating to intelligent stimuli-responsive nano immunomodulators for cancer immunotherapy is highlighted as a new creative direction in the field. Considering the clinical demand for cancer immunotherapy, we put forward some suggestions for constructing new intelligent stimuli-responsive nano immunomodulators, which will advance the development of cancer immunotherapy.
PubMed: 34164080
DOI: 10.1039/d0sc06557a -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2021Macronutrient elements including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) are required in relatively large and steady... (Review)
Review
Macronutrient elements including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) are required in relatively large and steady amounts for plant growth and development. Deficient or excessive supply of macronutrients from external environments may trigger a series of plant responses at phenotypic and molecular levels during the entire life cycle. Among the intertwined molecular networks underlying plant responses to macronutrient stress, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), mainly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), may serve as pivotal regulators for the coordination between nutrient supply and plant demand, while the responsive ncRNA-target module and the interactive mechanism vary among elements and species. Towards a comprehensive identification and functional characterization of nutrient-responsive ncRNAs and their downstream molecules, high-throughput sequencing has produced massive omics data for comparative expression profiling as a first step. In this review, we highlight the recent findings of ncRNA-mediated regulation in response to macronutrient stress, with special emphasis on the large-scale sequencing efforts for screening out candidate nutrient-responsive ncRNAs in plants, and discuss potential improvements in theoretical study to provide better guidance for crop breeding practices.
Topics: Calcium; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Magnesium; MicroRNAs; Phosphorus; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants; Potassium; RNA, Plant; RNA, Untranslated; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 34681864
DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011205 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Mar 2011In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed that the forces that cause the random Brownian motion of a particle also underlie the resistance to macroscopic motion when a force is... (Review)
Review
In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed that the forces that cause the random Brownian motion of a particle also underlie the resistance to macroscopic motion when a force is applied. This insight, of a coupling between fluctuation (stochastic behavior) and responsiveness (non-stochastic behavior), founded an important branch of physics. Here we argue that his insight may also be relevant for understanding evolved biological systems, and we present a 'fluctuation-response relationship' for biology. The relationship is consistent with the idea that biological systems are similarly canalized to stochastic, environmental, and genetic perturbations. It is also supported by in silico evolution experiments, and by the observation that 'noisy' gene expression is often both more responsive and more 'evolvable'. More generally, we argue that in biology there is (and always has been) an important role for macroscopic theory that considers the general behavior of systems without concern for their intimate molecular details.
Topics: Bacteria; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Expression; Models, Biological; Stochastic Processes; Systems Biology; Yeasts
PubMed: 21116679
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0589-y -
Frontiers in Physiology 2022Honeybees () need their fine sense of taste to evaluate nectar and pollen sources. Gustatory receptors (Grs) translate taste signals into electrical responses....
Honeybees () need their fine sense of taste to evaluate nectar and pollen sources. Gustatory receptors (Grs) translate taste signals into electrical responses. experiments have demonstrated collective responses of the whole Gr-set. We here disentangle the contributions of all three honeybee sugar receptors (AmGr1-3), combining CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic knock-out, electrophysiology and behaviour. We show an expanded sugar spectrum of the AmGr1 receptor. Mutants lacking AmGr1 have a reduced response to sucrose and glucose but not to fructose. AmGr2 solely acts as co-receptor of AmGr1 but not of AmGr3, as we show by electrophysiology and using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Our results show for the first time that AmGr2 is indeed a functional receptor on its own. Intriguingly, AmGr2 mutants still display a wildtype-like sugar taste. AmGr3 is a specific fructose receptor and is not modulated by a co-receptor. Eliminating AmGr3 while preserving AmGr1 and AmGr2 abolishes the perception of fructose but not of sucrose. Our comprehensive study on the functions of AmGr1, AmGr2 and AmGr3 in honeybees is the first to combine investigations on sugar perception at the receptor level and simultaneously . We show that honeybees rely on two gustatory receptors to sense all relevant sugars.
PubMed: 36714315
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1089669 -
Chemical Science Nov 2023Ultrasound (US) is routinely used for diagnostic imaging and increasingly employed for therapeutic applications. Materials that act as cavitation nuclei can improve the... (Review)
Review
Ultrasound (US) is routinely used for diagnostic imaging and increasingly employed for therapeutic applications. Materials that act as cavitation nuclei can improve the resolution of US imaging, and facilitate therapeutic US procedures by promoting local drug delivery or allowing temporary biological barrier opening at moderate acoustic powers. Polymeric materials offer a high degree of control over physicochemical features concerning responsiveness to US, tuning chain composition, length and rigidity. This level of control cannot be achieved by materials made of lipids or proteins. In this perspective, we present key engineered polymeric materials that respond to US, including microbubbles, gas-stabilizing nanocups, microcapsules and gas-releasing nanoparticles, and discuss their formulation aspects as well as their principles of US responsiveness. Focusing on microbubbles as the most common US-responsive polymeric materials, we further evaluate the available chemical toolbox to engineer polymer shell properties and enhance their performance in US imaging and US-mediated drug delivery. Additionally, we summarize emerging applications of polymeric microbubbles in molecular imaging, sonopermeation, and gas and drug delivery, based on refinement of MB shell properties. Altogether, this manuscript provides new perspectives on US-responsive polymeric designs, envisaging their current and future applications in US imaging and therapy.
PubMed: 37969594
DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04339h -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Cold stress is a major factor influencing the geographical distribution of soybean growth and causes immense losses in productivity. Understanding the molecular... (Review)
Review
Cold stress is a major factor influencing the geographical distribution of soybean growth and causes immense losses in productivity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that the soybean has undergone to survive cold temperatures will have immense value in improving soybean cold tolerance. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in soybean response to cold. We summarized the recent studies on soybean cold-tolerant quantitative trait loci (QTLs), transcription factors, associated cold-regulated () genes, and the regulatory pathways in response to cold stress. Cold-tolerant QTLs were found to be overlapped with the genomic region of maturity loci of , , , pubescence color locus of , stem growth habit gene locus of , and leaf shape locus of , indicating that pleiotropic loci may control multiple traits, including cold tolerance. The C-repeat responsive element binding factors (CBFs) are evolutionarily conserved across species. The expression of most was upregulated by cold stress and overexpression of in soybean protoplast, and transgenic Arabidopsis plants can increase the expression of genes with the DRE core motif in their promoter regions under cold stress. Other soybean cold-responsive regulators, such as , , , , and so on, enhance cold tolerance by regulating the expression of genes in transgenic Arabidopsis. CBF-dependent and CBF-independent pathways are cross-talking and work together to activate cold stress gene expression. Even though it requires further dissection for precise understanding, the function of soybean cold-responsive transcription factors and associated genes studied in Arabidopsis shed light on the molecular mechanism of cold responses in soybeans and other crops. Furthermore, the findings may also provide practical applications for breeding cold-tolerant soybean varieties in high-latitude and high-altitude regions.
PubMed: 36771543
DOI: 10.3390/plants12030459 -
Plant, Cell & Environment Apr 2010Plants respond and adapt to drought, cold and high-salinity stress in order to survive. Molecular and genomic studies have revealed that many stress-inducible genes with... (Review)
Review
Plants respond and adapt to drought, cold and high-salinity stress in order to survive. Molecular and genomic studies have revealed that many stress-inducible genes with various functions and signalling factors, such as transcription factors, protein kinases and protein phosphatases, are involved in the stress responses. Recent studies have revealed the coordination of the gene expression and chromatin regulation in response to the environmental stresses. Several histone modifications are dramatically altered on the stress-responsive gene regions under drought stress conditions. Several chromatin-related proteins such as histone modification enzymes, linker histone H1 and components of chromatin remodeling complex influence the gene regulation in the stress responses. This review briefly describes chromatin regulation in response to drought, cold and high-salinity stress.
Topics: Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; Cold Temperature; DNA Methylation; Droughts; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Histones; Plants; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Salinity; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 19930132
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2009.02076.x