Current Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 23, Issue 27, 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells are spindle-like plastic adherent multipotent cells that can differentiate into multiple specialized cell types including osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. They were isolated from many tissues and organs and they contribute to the maintenance and regeneration of several tissues. Besides their ability of self-renewal, they have recently been shown to have a clinical/therapeutic potenti Read More

Disruption of binding of two or more molecules to a protein surface is a common basis of inhibition of many biological activities. Smallmolecule inhibitors, antibodies, proteins, and peptidomimetics have been examined as ways to antagonize receptor activity. The peptide α-helix plays a crucial role in the function of many proteins. Hence, much effort has been invested in mimicking α-helices at the binding interface of tw Read More

Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance are the main characteristics of type 2 diabetes. Chronic exposure of β-cells to hyperglycemia leads to the deterioration of β-cell function. Such phenomena are well known as pancreatic β-cell glucose toxicity. MafA, a strong transactivator of insulin gene, is particularly important for the maintenance of mature β-cell function, but its expression level is significantly reduced unde Read More

During the last years, non-invasive or minimally invasive diagnostic tools in cancer diagnostics have become more important. Many fluorescence spectroscopic methodologies have been established for nearly all different kinds of cancer. The reason therefore is its high sensitivity, low amount of sample required, short testing time, and the suitability for in situ testing. The potential influence factors for cancer diagnostics and th Read More

Pyranoflavonoids are mainly distributed in Leguminosae, Moraceae. As a potent drug candidate, pyranoflavonoids have attracted much attention in late years due to their impressive pharmaceutical activities. The structure characteristics, plant resources and pharmaceutical activities of pyranoflavonoids are reviewed in this paper. The fragmentation in mass spectrometry is also discussed for quick identification of these c Read More