Current Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 14, Issue 25, 2007

Discrete chemical modifications of the chromatin (DNA and primarily histones) can regulate gene expression or repression and can be transmitted to the descent (cells or organisms) thanks to an epigenetic memory. These modifications involve histone posttranslational modifications, DNA methylation at CpG islands and small nuclear RNAs processes. They play fundamental roles in cell proliferation and differentiation. Thes Read More

Epigenetics is a postmeiotic modification of gene expression that is independent of the primary DNA sequence. DNA methylation, methylated DNA binding proteins, and histone modification-related enzymes are associated with epigenetics. Abnormalities in DNA methylation of CpG islands which are important for gene expression control, affect gene expression, which may influence carcinogenesis, aging, and other diseases. Aber Read More

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) which is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. It is characterized by the deficits in the cholinergic system and presence of characteristic hallmarks: neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques. Since the cholinergic system plays an important role in the regulation of learning and memory processes it becam Read More

The γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors are the major inhibitory neuronal receptors in the mammalian brain. Their activation by GABA opens the intrinsic ion channel, enabling chloride flux into the cell with subsequent hyperpolarization. Several GABAA receptor subunit isoforms have been cloned, the major isoform containing α, β, and γ subunits, and a regional heterogeneity associated with distinct physiological Read More

Endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol bind and activate type-1 (CB1R) and type-2 (CB2R) cannabinoid receptors, two inhibitory G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are localized in the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues. The biological actions of these lipids are controlled through not yet fully characterized cellular mechanisms that regulate the release of endocannabinoids from Read More

Several lines of defense maintain the surface integrity of the delicate airway epithelium which is regularly subjected to severe trauma. These defense mechanisms include protection by the mucus layer, rapid repair by restitution (cell migration) and regeneration via proliferation and differentiation. Luminal surveillance peptides such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides support syne Read More

Carbon monoxide (CO), which is classically thought of as a toxic molecule and cellular asphyxiate, has become increasingly recognized as an important molecule in the physiological regulation of multiple organ systems and in the restoration of homeostasis in pathophysiological states. CO has long been utilized as a tool in chemistry and physiology secondary to its ability to bind to heme proteins. Additionally, CO is produced Read More

Apatite-related calcium phosphate, the main component of biological hard tissue, has good biocompatibility and is an economical material. Methods for the synthesis of apatite materials including hydroxyapatite (HAp) have previously been established. Therefore, for many years, apatite materials have been utilized as substitute materials for bone in orthopedic and dental fields. Such types of conventional substitute mater Read More