TGF-β is a potent apoptosis inducer. However, cancer cells – for instance in certain types of breast cancer- are resistant to its influence.
Now the researchers are beginning to understand why. It was found that breast cancer cells express a protein called forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) that interferes with TGF-β – induced cascade. FOXA1 prevents binding of the transcription factor Smad3 to the nuclear receptor importin 7, thus preventing the initiation of pro-apoptotic genes transcription. This discovery makes FOXA1 a potential drug target in breast cancer treatment. Reference :
“Forkhead box protein A1 confers resistance to transforming growth factor‐β‐induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells through inhibition of Smad3 nuclear translocation” – Kensuke Hirata, Yuki Takakura, Misato Shibazaki, Mariko Morii, Takuya Honda, Motohiko Oshima, Kazumasa Aoyama, Atsushi Iwama, Yuji Nakayama, Hiroyuki Takano, Naoto Yamaguchi, Noritaka Yamaguchi. Accessed March 03, 2019.
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10. The RNA that promotes cancer
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs ) are powerful epigenetic regulators. One of the lncRNAs, XIST , is known to promote cancer growth.
It was established that in osteosarcoma cells, XIST competes with another regulating RNA, miR‐195‐5p, an RNA that suppresses an anti-apoptotic YAP protein. Thus, XIST promotes proliferation of osteosarcoma cells through interfering with this pathway. This discovery has not only elucidated the mechanism through which XIST is promoting osteosarcoma development but also has proven that XIST can be a promising target for cancer therapy. Reference :
“Long non‐coding RNA XIST promotes osteosarcoma progression by targeting YAP via miR‐195‐5p” – Chao Yang, Ke Wu, Shan Wang, and Guanghui Wei. Accessed March 03, 2019.
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11. Eucalyptus leaves as a natural herbicide
This solution contains a mix of substances that have herbicidal properties. Based on experimental results, eucalyptus leaves extract is recommended as natural herbicide and can be useful as such if put in the soil before the actual planting. Reference :
“Unravelling the bioherbicide potential of Eucalyptus globulus Labill: Biochemistry and effects of its aqueous extract” . Accessed March 03, 2019.
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12. Mimicking nature: a class of nanoparticles with wonderful properties Glycolipids cellular membranes
These molecules are amphiphilic, can self-assemble in certain circumstances, and can form liposomes and gels. These properties make this class of molecules an essential tool for biotechnology At present, there is a multitude of synthetic amphiphilic nanoparticles similar in structure and organization to natural glycolipids that are used as scaffolds, gels and liposome components crucial in drug delivery and other areas. Reference :
“Molecules | Free Full-Text | Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Glycoconjugate Amphiphiles” . Accessed March 03, 2019.
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13. The dual role of mucins in plant parasites.
Previously, only mucins of animal nematodes were studied. Now it was established that the mucin-like protein of plant nematodes is crucial for their development as well. By cloning Mi-Muc-1 , it was established that this mucin is crucial for the parasite reproduction: the worms with knocked out Mi-muc-1 gene produced fewer eggs compared to control. On the other hand, the mucin was also a target for nematode’s own parasites – Pasteuria penetrans bacteria. Fewer bacterial endospores attached to the surface of parasites with knocked out Mi-muc-1 gene compared to the control. Reference :
“Knockdown of a mucin‐like gene in Meloidogyne incognita (Nematoda) decreases attachment of endospores of Pasteuria penetrans to the infective juveniles and reduces nematode fecundity “ – Victor Phani, Tagginahalli N., hivakumara, Keith G Davies, and Uma Rao. Accessed March 03, 2019.
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14. An intricate mechanism to keep the muscles fed: how exercise leads to glycogen super-compensation.
Under the control of AMPK (5′ AMP-activated protein kinase ) and glucose synthase, the uptake of glucose and production of glycogen is significantly increased, leading to glycogen super-compensation. Though glycogen supercompensation in muscles was known before, the overall mechanism and critical regulators of this process were described for the first time. Reference :
“Exercise-induced molecular mechanisms promoting glycogen supercompensation in human skeletal muscle – ScienceDirect” . Accessed March 03, 2019.
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15. Carbohydrates as poison: certain sugars are officially deemed toxic
Multiple reports have shown that increase uptake of carbohydrates, especially increased the content of refined sugars in the diet, can lead to toxicity. The overuse of certain types of carbohydrates speeds up aging, leads to obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, while a decrease in carbohydrate content in the diet has multiple beneficial effects. Reference :
“Carbotoxicity: Noxious Effects of Carbohydrates – ScienceDirect” . Accessed March 03, 2019.
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As we can see, the year 2018 was mostly devoted to the properties of carbohydrates and glycoproteins. The researchers slowly understand the complex networks of proteins that are the basis in health and disease, especially cancer.
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