Neuronostatin is a peptide hormone encoded by the somatostatin gene. Neuronostatin was discovered in 2008 using bioinformatics methods. Studies in rodents have shown that it exerts a widespread effects in the central ner...Neuronostatin is a peptide hormone encoded by the somatostatin gene. Neuronostatin was discovered in 2008 using bioinformatics methods. Studies in rodents have shown that it exerts a widespread effects in the central nervous system, as well as in peripheral tissues. It was demonstrated that neuronostatin reduces food and water intake, delays gastrointestinal transit, and may have important role in adipogenesis. It also increases glucagon secretion from pancreatic islet alpha cells. In addition, it has been proven that neuronostatin can affect cardiac contractility and blood pressure, and may be involved in processes related to memory, pain sensation and anxiety. In addition neuronostatin can induce a depression-like effect. In this article we review the literature addressing the biological role of neuronostatin in the organism.
It has been known for years that diet impacts human health, including the risk of cancer development. Food components can both increase and reduce the risk of carcinogenesis. Thereby, a wisely composed diet can extend li...It has been known for years that diet impacts human health, including the risk of cancer development. Food components can both increase and reduce the risk of carcinogenesis. Thereby, a wisely composed diet can extend life span and improve life quality. The favourable effect on health exert glucosinolates (GSLs), a group of secondary plant metabolites found in vegetables of the Brassicaceae family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kohlrabi. Hydrolysis of GSLs results in the formation of compounds, like sulforaphane (SFN), phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), which are known for versatile anti-cancer activity. This review highlights advances on the role of the chosen GSLs on selected epigenetic mechanisms, i.e. DNA methylation, histone acetylation and microRNAs expression in cancer treatment.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is a group of chronic digestive tract diseases of characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. The pathophysiology of IBD is multifactorial and includes microbiological, immun...Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is a group of chronic digestive tract diseases of characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. The pathophysiology of IBD is multifactorial and includes microbiological, immunological, genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, the significant role of the intestinal microbiome in the development of these entities has been emphasized. In the article we discussed the impact of selected factors: antimicrobial peptides, vitamin D and iron on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and their role in the immune response and pathogenesis of IBD.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a genetic, incurable neurodegenerative disease which etiology is linked to mutations in almost hundred different genes. The disease affects peripheral nerves which control muscle work and the...Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a genetic, incurable neurodegenerative disease which etiology is linked to mutations in almost hundred different genes. The disease affects peripheral nerves which control muscle work and their myelin sheath resulting in progressive muscular dystrophy. The most remarkable genes which mutations are associated with CMT phenotype, are genes encoding aminoacyl-tRNA synthases (aaRS). These proteins are enzymes which common role is to catalyze the reaction of amino acids transfer into tRNA molecules and thereby, to participate in translation of genetic code into the language of proteins. aaRS have been gaining new functions resulting from the mutations acquired in the course of evolution. These functions remain unidentified, despite unraveling the binding partners of aaRS. However, the ongoing molecular studies, which focus on mutations carried by CMT patients and model organisms, bring the researchers closer to unravel the novel functions of aaRS and their potential key role in CMT pathogenesis.
The skin aging process is affected by multiple different factors (including sun exposure, smoking, poor diet) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under their influence, the skin becomes weaker, mainly elastin and collagen...The skin aging process is affected by multiple different factors (including sun exposure, smoking, poor diet) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under their influence, the skin becomes weaker, mainly elastin and collagen fibers are damaged. The amount of lipids is also reduced, leading to the death of the skin cells. The presence of free radicals also blocks the natural ability of the epidermis to regenerate. Each of these factors determines the acceleration of the signs of aging. To some extent, our body is able to deal with the free radicals by producing antioxidants. Regular supplementation is also a beneficial solution. Lycopene is a red pigment naturally found in tomatoes and is a known antioxidant. Among the carotenoids, it is the strongest singlet oxygen quencher and scavenger of peroxygen radicals, making it an important defense mechanism in the human body. The aim of this paper is to present the biological properties of lycopene in relation to its beneficial effect on the aging process of the skin.
The wax coating is an element of the lipid protective layer, the cuticle, which covers the above-ground organs of plants and is the main barrier that prevents non-stomatal water loss. The cuticle helps protect plant surf...The wax coating is an element of the lipid protective layer, the cuticle, which covers the above-ground organs of plants and is the main barrier that prevents non-stomatal water loss. The cuticle helps protect plant surfaces from pathogens and ultraviolet radiation and influences interactions between plants and insects. The accumulation of cuticular wax is one of the mechanisms of adaptation to drought stress. As a result, there are more and more reports on the relationship between cuticular wax and plant resistance to drought. This article deals with the relationship between cuticular waxes and drought resistance in cereals. The paper presents the achievements to date on (i) the relationship between wax biosynthesis and plant response to drought stress using glaucous and nonglaucous near-isogenic lines and on (ii) investigating the role of genes for cuticular wax biosynthesis and transport and the transcription factors that regulate them using mutants with disrupted wax coat formation.
Antibiotic resistance among bacteria is an ever-growing problem in both human and veterinary medicine. Livestock and meat from their slaughter are often sources of drug-resistant bacteria. The ability to produce extended...Antibiotic resistance among bacteria is an ever-growing problem in both human and veterinary medicine. Livestock and meat from their slaughter are often sources of drug-resistant bacteria. The ability to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) is common among Enterobacteriales, including commensal bacteria. These bacteria represent a largely ignored reservoir of ESBL genes. The aim of this study was to assess the drug susceptibility of non-pathogenic Enterobacteriales isolates obtained from meat used in food production. Among the strains tested, ESBL-type resistance was demonstrated - 13 of 18 (72%) isolates tested were found to be ESBL-producing strains. Of these, eight possessed the CTX-M gene, three the TEM gene and one the SHV gene.
The emergence of mitochondria was one of the most important events in the history of life on Earth. The engulfed bacterial cell, transformed into a mitochondrion, retained its genome, which then underwent numerous modifi...The emergence of mitochondria was one of the most important events in the history of life on Earth. The engulfed bacterial cell, transformed into a mitochondrion, retained its genome, which then underwent numerous modifications. Through massive loss and numerous gene transfers into the nuclear genome, the autonomous bacterium eventually evolved into the organelle we know today. As a result of changes taking place independently in different evolutionary lineages, we observe a great diversity of mitochondrial genomes with respect to structure and gene content. In most cases, mitochondrial DNA has a circular shape, but linear molecules of mitochondrial DNA are also observed in some eukaryotes. In extreme cases, such as in reduced mitochondrial-derived organelles, the genome has been completely lost. In this article, we discuss the diversity of mitochondrial genome structures within the largest groups of Eukarya.
Apoptosis is an orderly, active process with the activation of certain genes that allows the cell to follow the path of programmed death. During embryogenesis, programmed cell death templates are essential for the proper...Apoptosis is an orderly, active process with the activation of certain genes that allows the cell to follow the path of programmed death. During embryogenesis, programmed cell death templates are essential for the proper formation of organs and the functioning of the nervous system in the regression of primary or abnormal structures. Increased cell mortality in the mature nervous system can lead to various neurodegenerative diseases. For these reasons, the Bcl-2 protein family is being studied intensively in connection with the function of the nervous system. Programmed cell death (PCD) makes it possible to eliminate superfluous cells and thus contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in the body. Malregulation of apoptosis is characteristic of tumour processes, degenerative changes and autoimmune diseases. Research into gene expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins using knock-out technology is currently raising great hopes for the treatment of patients affected by neurodegenerative changes.
Cryopreservation (banking) techniques have been known to nature for centuries. Many species of insects, amphibians, fish and even reptiles use natural cryopreservation methods to survive the harsh conditions of winter or...Cryopreservation (banking) techniques have been known to nature for centuries. Many species of insects, amphibians, fish and even reptiles use natural cryopreservation methods to survive the harsh conditions of winter or to live in extremely cold temperatures. Cryopreservation and dreams of immortality have intrigued humanity for years. The first reports of observing the effects of freezing sperm (stored in snow) date back to 1776. In 1866, Montegazza was the first to suggest a vision completely unimaginable for the time: "a man dying on the battlefield can conceive an heir from sperm frozen and stored at home". The first, at that time still unsuccessful, reports of laboratory freezing of human sperm date back to the 1930s [1]. Finally, mankind "learned" cryopreservation in the middle of the twentieth century, when on October 15, 1949, the article "Revival of spermatozoa after vitrification and dehydration at low temperatures" appeared in print in the Nature journal, summarising the pioneering research of scientists from the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London [2]. This concerned the freezing of fowl sperm in the presence of glycerol, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in such a way that after thawing it was able to fertilise eggs effectively. The subsequent use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) revolutionised modern cryobiology [3-5]. Thus began the era of cryopreservation, without which today it is difficult to imagine the work of cell biology laboratories, modern animal breeding, or the development of modern medicine.
Cerebral glucose metabolism is an issue of researchers’ interest for a long time. Disturbed transport and metabolism of glucose in the brain lead to development of numerous neurological pathologies. Recently, a significa...Cerebral glucose metabolism is an issue of researchers’ interest for a long time. Disturbed transport and metabolism of glucose in the brain lead to development of numerous neurological pathologies. Recently, a significant correlation between perturbed cerebral glucose metabolism and development of neurodegenerative diseases has been shown. Glucose, a monosaccharide, is the main source of energy for brain cells. Brain is the organ which is the most sensitive to changes in blood glucose level. Perturbed glucose transport leads to disorders of the central glucose metabolism. Neurodegenerative diseases are defined in the literature as progressive and irreversible degeneration of nerve tissue, causing cell death as a result of degenerative processes. The aim of this article is to discuss the physiology and the role of selected glucose transporters in the development of neurodegenerative diseases: expression of selected GLUT1 and GLUT3 transporters in Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. Understanding of the cerebral glucose metabolism may be a crucial factor in fight with central nervous system diseases.
Advances in biochemistry have helped to understand the structure and function of enzymes, which in turn has led to an increase in their stability, activity and substrate specificity. Today, biocatalysis provides more sus...Advances in biochemistry have helped to understand the structure and function of enzymes, which in turn has led to an increase in their stability, activity and substrate specificity. Today, biocatalysis provides more sustainable, efficient and less polluting methods for the production of fine chemicals and advanced pharmaceutical intermediates. This paper presents the structure and the mechanism of action of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and their use in the effective synthesis of biologically active compounds, which is more ecological, less time-consuming and cheaper compared to chemical synthesis. The pharmaceutical industry should take advantage of the advances in biochemistry to obtain biocatalysts for the production of fine chemicals on an industrial scale, improving the quality of end products while saving costs.
Light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis takes place in the thylakoids of chloroplasts where light energy harvested from the sun drives the synthesis of ATP and NADPH. The major pathway of photosynthetic chain is the...Light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis takes place in the thylakoids of chloroplasts where light energy harvested from the sun drives the synthesis of ATP and NADPH. The major pathway of photosynthetic chain is the linear electron transport (LET), in which both photosystems (PSI and PSII) are involved, and ATP and NADPH are produced. However, ratio in production of those components is insufficient to cover the Calvin cycle energy requirements, depending on the metabolism of the cell. Moreover, disturbance in metabolism homeostasis, caused by environmental stress conditions, increases ATP demand, which cannot be covered by LET. Thus, in photosynthetic apparatus must exist alternative electron transport pathways, these include: cyclic electron transport (CET) mediated by NDH complex or PGR5/PGRL1 proteins, water-water cycle and PTOX enzyme. Activity of alternative pathways can optimize ratio in production of ATP/NADPH, appropriately to requirements, which allows to achieve redox balance and ATP contents.
An increasing number of elders in a general population and longer life expectancy have a negative outcome in the growth of dissemination of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The NDs like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkins...An increasing number of elders in a general population and longer life expectancy have a negative outcome in the growth of dissemination of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The NDs like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show sex-dependent prevalence. It is considered that sex steroids could influence on the NDs occurrence. Epidemiological studies indicate that women suffer more frequently from AD, whereas men from PD and ALS. Research suggest neuroprotective effects of estrogens and confirm that factors reducing their level may have a contribution to a higher morbidity rate to NDs. Adverse effects of androgens on NDs have been noticed, however some data suggest their beneficial actions. Therefore, the understanding of the potential role of sex steroids and their receptors in the pathogenesis and course of NDs would contribute to broadening the knowledge of molecular mechanisms leading to NDs. Moreover effective prevention and treatment could be assessed in the future.
All living cells depend on the fine-tuning of gene expression and protein biosynthesis. Ribosomes, the molecular machines at the center of translation, have been previously considered the invariable driving force of prot...All living cells depend on the fine-tuning of gene expression and protein biosynthesis. Ribosomes, the molecular machines at the center of translation, have been previously considered the invariable driving force of protein production. However, recent studies indicated that the ribosomes are actively involved in the regulation of translation, influencing the control of translation initiation, the elongation speed, and the mRNA translation selectivity. This is due to the presence of subpopulations of the ribosomes, which differ in rRNAs and protein composition, their modifications and protein stoichiometry. In this publication, we focused our attention on the ribosomal heterogeneity in eukaryotes, which results from the changes in the stoichiometry of the ribosomal proteins and the existence of protein paralogs.
Linker histones (H1) are proteins found in the nuclei of the vast majority of Eucaryota, playing important roles in their life and development. H1 takes part in processes such as chromatin condensation, transcriptional r...Linker histones (H1) are proteins found in the nuclei of the vast majority of Eucaryota, playing important roles in their life and development. H1 takes part in processes such as chromatin condensation, transcriptional regulation of gene expression, apoptosis induction and many more. Despite its common presence and essential function, many questions remain unanswered. Experiments conducted to date don’t provide unambiguous information on such crucial issues as e.g. the way linker histones bind to nucleosome. There is also much surprising information about H1 participating in physiological processes not connected directly to its widely known function – e.g. providing a microtubule organization center in plants or contributing to the defense against pathogens in fish. The objective of the present work is to provide insights into many aspects of linker histone structure and function, collect and systematize current knowledge and to outline questions worth answering in the future.
In recent years non-coding RNAs have received increasing attention as an important epigenetic mechanism, with particular role of micro RNAs. As the regulation of miRNA expression is highly dynamic and complex, growing ev...In recent years non-coding RNAs have received increasing attention as an important epigenetic mechanism, with particular role of micro RNAs. As the regulation of miRNA expression is highly dynamic and complex, growing evidence suggests the existence of another higher level of regulatory mechanism involved in miRNA activity – circular RNAs (circRNAs). circRNAs represent novel, unique class of endogenous ncRNAs controlling the expression and function of miRNA. They are called natural miRNA “sponges”. Accumulating evidence reveals circRNAs role in physiological and pathological processes including CNS and immune regulation. Previous studies implicated miRNAs in regulation of autoimmune demyelination in MS. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. While the etiology of MS is still not fully understood, accumulating evidence suggests that it is a multifactorial entity with significant involvement of autoimmune processes.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes. Among NAFLD patients, in 25% of them this disease progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which is characte...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes. Among NAFLD patients, in 25% of them this disease progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which is characterized additionally by the development of inflammation and fibrosis of liver. Currently, it is estimated that 24% of the world’s population suffers from NAFLD. MCPIP1 protein is an RNase described as a negative regulator of inflammation. Also, MCPIP1 plays a role in lipid metabolism because it inhibits the process of adipogenesis and mice with a deletion of Zc3h12a gene are characterized by dyslipidemia and reduced body fat content. In the case of ischemia-reperfusion injury in liver, MCPIP1 is protective against the inflammation and damage of this organ. Lipid accumulation by hepatocytes is associated with a decrease of Mcpip1 level. In addition, MCPIP1 may influence the PPARγ-mediated lipogenesis process. Presence of Mcpip1 in both myeloid leukocytes and liver epithelial cells is crucial for the maintenance of liver homeostasis.
Secondary metabolites produced by plants are a rich group of bioactive compounds with many health-promoting properties, which can be used in various sectors of industry including pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. O...Secondary metabolites produced by plants are a rich group of bioactive compounds with many health-promoting properties, which can be used in various sectors of industry including pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. One of the problems with application of plant derived compounds are their low levels in plant tissues. Thus, new methods aiming at stimulation of the biosynthesis of plant metabolites are being investigated. In recent years several articles on the use of metals as elicitors have been published. Present review presents the examples of the application of copper (Cu), zin (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and selected nanoparticles as elicitors.