Current Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 18, Issue 2, 2011

RET (Rearranged during Transfection) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase expressed in central and peripheral nervous system and neural crest-derived cells and acts as a co-receptor of GDNF family neurotrophic factor in complex with GRFα family proteins. RET protein comprises an extracellular portion with four cadherine-like domains and a cysteine- rich region important for intermolecular interactions; a hydrophob Read More

As proteomics technologies develop, increasing number of membrane-associated proteins specific for cancer cells are being discovered. These proteins are of great interest, particularly because they are rich in targets for antibodies. Amongst them candidate biomarkers for early tumor diagnosis, prognosis and treatment have been detected. The suitability of several membrane-associated proteins as targets for drugs or Read More

Alterations in the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, like the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family, display a pivotal pathway by which cancer cells acquire resistance to therapeutic treatment. Among this family, survivin, the smallest and structural unique member, deserves growing attention due to its universal over-expression in human tumors, and its prominent role in disparate networks of cellular division, intracell Read More

Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic effector lymphocytes with the ability to lyse target cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-independent manner and without the need for prior antigen exposure. Data strongly suggested that NK cells play an important role in human reproduction and disturbance in their function can favor development of the gynecological disorders. In our study the role of NK cells in Read More

The most important factor limiting the success of an antiretroviral therapy regimes is toxicity. Toxicity can depend on a number of factors; some of these are intrinsic to the host and may not only affect the latter's outward appearance, but also determine the intensity these toxic effects may reach. The former is exemplified by idiosyncratic or hypersensitivity reactions, whereas the latter is usually appreciated in metabolic dist Read More

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the most widely used and effective treatment for osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Non-nitrogen containing BPs (non-N-BPs), namely etidronate, clodronate, tiludronate, as well as nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs), namely pamidronate, alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronate and minodronate have been launched on the market to date. N-BPs act by inhibiting the enzyme farnesyl pyrop Read More

After injury to the central nervous system intrinsic factors such as myelin associated inhibitory factors inhibit cellular and axonal regeneration resulting in permanent disability. Three of these factors (Nogo-A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, myelin-associated glycoprotein) bind to a common receptor: the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR1). NgR1 is expressed mainly on neurons and is usually associated in a trimolecular compl Read More

The latest advancement in neurobiological research provided an increasing evidence that inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathways play a relevant role in depression. Preclinical and clinical studies on depression highlighted an increased production of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon- αand γ. On the other hand, acute and chronic administration of cytokines Read More

The formation of surface-attached cellular agglomerates, the so-called biofilms, contributes significantly to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and innate host defenses. Bacterial biofilms are associated to various pathological conditions in humans such as cystic fibrosis, colonization of indwelling medical devices and dental plaque formation involved in caries and periodontitis. Over the last years, natural antimicrobial peptides (AM Read More

Since its discovery, peroxynitrite has been known as a potent oxidant in biological systems, and a rapidly growing body of literature has characterized its biochemistry and role in the pathophysiology of various conditions. Either directly or by inducing free radical pathways, peroxynitrite damages vital biomolecules such as DNA, proteins including enzymes with important functions, and lipids. It also initiates di Read More

Anthocyanins, abundant in deep-colored fruits and vegetables, have received considerable attention due to their potential health benefits. However, the bioavailability of anthocyanins is relatively low compared to that of other flavonoids. While previous reviews focused on the absorption, metabolism and excretion of anthocyanins, little information is available on the effects of food matrix on anthocyanin bioava Read More

Calcineurin (protein phosphatase 3, Cn) is best known for its central position in Ca2+-dependent T-cell signaling. Interest in calcineurin has, however, conserved its momentum as new Ca2+-dependent pathways have been steadily surfacing in several other cell types, such as brain, heart, skin cells and beta pancreatic cells, and Cn appears to serve as a central controller of stress, immune response, and cellular prolif Read More