S100 is a broad subfamily of low-molecular weight calcium-binding proteins (9–14 kDa) with structural similarity and functional discrepancy. It is required for inflammation and cellular homeostasis, ...and can work extracellularly, intracellularly, or both. S100 members participate in a variety of activities in a healthy cell, including calcium storage and transport (calcium homeostasis). S100 isoforms that have previously been shown to play important roles in the immune system as alarmins (DAMPs), antimicrobial peptides, pro-inflammation stimulators, chemo-attractants, and metal scavengers during an innate immune response. Currently, during the pandemic, it was found that several members of the S100 family are implicated in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Further, S100 family protein members were proposed to be used as a prognostic marker for COVID-19 infection identification using a nasal swab. In the present review, we compiled the vast majority of recent studies that focused on the multifunctionality of S100 proteins in the complex immune system and its associated activities. Furthermore, we shed light on the numerous molecular approaches and signaling cascades regulated by S100 proteins during immune response. In addition, we discussed the involvement of S100 protein members in abnormal defense systems during the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
This paper is an attempt to examine critical ways of displacing the meaning of journey – as minor rhythms and motions of everyday life. The everyday and its cyclical nature embedded in a productive ...life within the capitalist social regime is seen as an unexotic site of quotidian struggle. It warrants our attention only when the body asserts its presence at the site of rebellion or resistance. This is frequently reported as an exception to the given norm. The concrete reality of our given material conditions is always fermenting and churning towards the “not yet”. Patterns of the everyday are seen as an extraordinary event or rupture only when the body rebels. My contention is that this journey of the body-politic is not embedded in a certain moment of its arrival or departure, from point A to B, but marked by dynamic, shifting vectors that are capable of a “leap”. In, against and beyond the spectre of capital, this paper will try to outline and discuss these minor perforations in time through the Shaheen Bagh protests and the migrant exodus during the pandemic in India.
•Pregnancy accompanies a series of changes that increase the susceptibility of the woman to various infections including periodontal disease.•Chronic periodontal infections can cause local and ...systemic inflammatory response.•Chronic periodontal infections are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.•A bidirectional relationship is proposed between the oral microbiota and pregnancy.•The combination of personal and professional care for oral health during pregnancy could be crucial to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The oral cavity contains the second most complex microbial population within the human body, with more than 700 bacterial organisms. Recent advances in Next Generation Sequencing technology have unraveled the complexities of the oral microbiome and provided valuable insights into its role in health and disease. The human oral microbiome varies dramatically during the different stages of life, including pregnancy. The total viable microbial counts in pregnant women are known to be higher compared to non-pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. A balanced oral microbiome is vital for a healthy pregnancy, as perturbations in the oral microbiome composition can contribute to pregnancy complications. On the other hand, physiological changes and differences in hormonal levels during pregnancy, increase susceptibility to various oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. A growing body of evidence supports the link between the composition of the oral microbiome and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, low birth weight among others. This review aims to summarize the dynamics of oral microbiome during pregnancy and to discuss the relationship between a dysbiotic oral microbiome and pregnancy complications.
Vitamin D deficiency affects approximately 80% of individuals in some countries and has been linked with gut dysbiosis and inflammation. While the benefits of vitamin D supplementation on the gut ...microbiota have been studied in patients with chronic diseases, its effects on the microbiota of otherwise healthy individuals is unclear. Moreover, whether effects on the microbiota can explain some of the marked inter-individual variation in responsiveness to vitamin D supplementation is unknown. Here, we administered vitamin D to 80 otherwise healthy vitamin D-deficient women, measuring serum 25(OH) D levels in blood and characterizing their gut microbiota pre- and post- supplementation using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased gut microbial diversity. Specifically, the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio increased, along with the abundance of the health-promoting probiotic taxa Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium. Significant variations in the two-dominant genera, Bacteroides and Prevotella, indicated a variation in enterotypes following supplementation. Comparing supplementation responders and non-responders we found more pronounced changes in abundance of major phyla in responders, and a significant decrease in Bacteroides acidifaciens in non-responders. Altogether, our study highlights the positive impact of vitamin D supplementation on the gut microbiota and the potential for the microbial gut signature to affect vitamin D response.
Differentiation of neural stem cells (NSC’s) to mature and functional neurons requires coordinated expression of mRNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) and regulatory proteins. Our earlier unbiased miRNA profiling ...studies have identified miR-200, miR-34 and miR-221/222 as maximally up-regulated miRNA families in differentiating PC12 cells and demonstrated the capability of miR-200 family in inducing neuronal differentiation (
J. Neurochem
, 2015, 133, 640–652). In present study, we have investigated role of miR-34 family in neuronal differentiation and identified P53 as mediator of nerve growth factor (NGF) induced miR-34a expression in differentiating PC12 cells. Our studies have shown that NGF induced miR-34a, arrests proliferating PC12 cells to G1 phase, which is pre-requisite for neuronal differentiation. Our studies have also shown that increased expression of miR-34a controls the P53 level in differentiated PC12 cells in feedback inhibition manner, which probably prevents differentiated cells from P53 induced apoptosis. Expression profiling of miR-34 family in different neuronal, non-neuronal and developing cells have identified differentiated and aged brain cells as richest source of miR-34, which also indicates that higher expression of miR-34 family helps in maintaining the mature neurons in non-proliferative stage. In conclusion, our studies have shown that miR-34 is brain enriched miRNA family, which up-regulates with neuronal maturation and brain ageing and co-operative regulation of P53 and miR-34a helps in neuronal differentiation by arresting cells in G1 phase.
Humans are sorely over-dependent on livestock for their daily basic need of food in the form of meat, milk, and eggs. Therefore, genetic engineering and transgenesis provide the opportunity for more ...significant gains and production in a short span of time. One of the best strategies is the genetic alteration of livestock to enhance the efficiency of food production (e.g., meat and milk), animal health, and welfare (animal population and disease). Moreover, genome engineering in the bovine is majorly focused on subjects such as disease resistance (e.g., tuberculosis), eradicate allergens (e.g., beta-lactoglobulin knock-out), products generation (e.g., meat from male and milk from female), male or female birth specifically (animal sexing), the introduction of valuable traits (e.g., stress tolerance and disease resistance) and their wellbeing (e.g., hornlessness). This review addressed the impressive genome engineering method CRISPR, its fundamental principle for generating highly efficient target-specific guide RNA, and the accompanying web-based tools. However, we have covered the remarkable roadmap of the CRISPR method from its conception to its use in cattle. Additionally, we have updated the comprehensive information on CRISPR-based gene editing in cattle.
The generation of differentiated and functional neurons is a complex process, which requires coordinated expression of several proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs). The present study using nerve growth ...factor (NGF)‐differentiated PC12 cells led to the identification of miR‐200, miR‐221/222 and miR‐34 families as major up‐regulated miRNAs in fully differentiated neurons. Similar to PC12 cells, induction of miR‐200 family was observed in differentiating neural stem cells, demonstrating a direct role of miR‐200 family in neuronal differentiation. Over‐expression of miR‐200 induced neurite formation in PC12 cells and regulated neuronal markers in favour of differentiation. However, inhibition of miR‐200 induced proliferation of PC12 cells. In differentiating PC12 cells and neural stem cells, an inverse relationship was observed between expression of reprogramming transcription factors (SOX2, KLF4, NANOG, OCT4 and PAX6) and miR‐200. Over‐expression of miR‐200 in PC12 cells significantly down‐regulated mRNA and protein levels of SOX2 and KLF4. Moreover, we observed two phases of dramatic down‐regulation of miR‐200 expression in developing rat brains correlating with periods of neuronal proliferation. In conclusion, our results indicate that increased expression of the miR‐200 family promotes neuronal differentiation, while decreased expression of the miR‐200 family promotes neuronal proliferation by targeting SOX2 and KLF4.
Nerve growth factor‐induced differentiation of PC12 cells produced maximum induction in the miR‐200 family. Over‐expression of miR‐200 initiated differentiation in PC12 cells and downregulated SOX2 and KLF4 genes. Moreover, similarities observed in expression patterns of miR‐200 and their targets between differentiating PC12 and neural stem cells (NSCs) suggest that PC12 cells can be used in place of NSCs.
S100 proteins have emerged as key regulators in the mammary gland and have been implicated in breast cancer development and metastasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the roles of ...S100 proteins in mammary gland regulation and their impact on breast cancer progression. The mammary gland, a complex organ involved in lactation and tissue homeostasis, undergoes dynamic changes during different physiological stages. S100 proteins play crucial roles in mammary gland development, differentiation, and function, participating in cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. However, dysregulation of S100 proteins can contribute to breast cancer initiation and metastasis. These proteins are involved in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, promoting aggressive behavior in breast cancer cells. Understanding the intricate mechanisms by which S100 proteins exert their effects in the mammary gland and breast cancer is crucial for the development of targeted therapies and identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Further research in this field will provide valuable insights and potential advancements in breast cancer management. This review highlights the significance of unraveling the role of S100 proteins in mammary gland regulation and their impact on breast cancer metastasis.
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Mammary gland growth and differentiation predominantly rely on stromal-epithelial cellular communication. Specifically, mammary adipocytes play a crucial role in ductal morphogenesis, as well as in ...the proliferation and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells. The process of lactation entails a reduction in the levels of white adipose tissue associated with the MG, allowing for the expansion of milk-producing epithelial cells. Subsequently, during involution and the regression of the milk-producing unit, adipocyte layers resurface, occupying the vacated space. This dynamic phenomenon underscores the remarkable plasticity and expansion of adipose tissue. Traditionally considered terminally differentiated, adipocytes have recently been found to exhibit plasticity in certain contexts. Unraveling the significance of this cell type within the MG could pave the way for novel approaches to reduce the risk of breast cancer and enhance lactation performance. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of adipocyte trans- and de-differentiation processes holds promise for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions targeting cancer, fibrosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other related diseases. Additionally, adipocytes may find utility in the realm of regenerative medicine. This review article provides a comprehensive examination of recent advancements in our understanding of MG remodelling, with a specific focus on the tissue-specific functions of adipocytes and their role in the development of cancer. By synthesizing current knowledge in this field, it aims to consolidate our understanding of adipocyte biology within the context of mammary gland biology, thereby fostering further research and discovery in this vital area.
Saliva of blood sucking arthropods contains compounds that antagonize their hosts' hemostasis, which include platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction and blood clotting; saliva of these organisms also ...has anti-inflammatory and immunomodullatory properties. Perhaps because hosts mount an active immune response against these compounds, the diversity of these compounds is large even among related blood sucking species. Because of these properties, saliva helps blood feeding as well as help the establishment of pathogens that can be transmitted during blood feeding.
We have obtained 1,626,969 reads by pyrosequencing a salivary gland cDNA library from adult females Amblyomma maculatum ticks at different times of feeding. Assembly of this data produced 72,441 sequences larger than 149 nucleotides from which 15,914 coding sequences were extracted. Of these, 5,353 had >75% coverage to their best match in the non-redundant database from the National Center for Biotechnology information, allowing for the deposition of 4,850 sequences to GenBank. The annotated data sets are available as hyperlinked spreadsheets. Putative secreted proteins were classified in 133 families, most of which have no known function.
This data set of proteins constitutes a mining platform for novel pharmacologically active proteins and for uncovering vaccine targets against A. maculatum and the diseases they carry.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK