Current Protein and Peptide Science - Volume 19, Issue 12, 2018

The ability to differentiate into cells of different lineage, such as muscle, bone, cartilage and fat, is the chief value of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which can be used with the final aim to regenerate damaged tissue. Due to potential use, as well as importance in tissue development, a number of questions have been raised regarding the molecular mechanisms of MSC differentiation. As one of the crucial mediators in or Read More

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is well recognized as playing a double role in tumor progression. Its antitumor role takes place in the early stages of cancer development, when TGF-β acts as a repressor of epithelial tumor growth. In advanced stages of cancer development, TGF-β has a tumor stimulating role, acting concomitantly with the increase of cancer cell migration and metastasis. One of the critical features of ca Read More

This review includes a comprehensive, but succinct, summary on the essentials of TGF- β structure, family members, receptors, and intracellular mediators. Also provided is a select list of original publications that report novel roles and facets of TGF-β in vascular function and signaling in the contexts of health and disease.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide accounting for more than 700 thousand deaths per year. Most of the HCC develops in a cirrhotic liver, a microenvironment where fibrotic tissue replaces parenchymal cells. Thus, there is a close connection between fibrosis and HCC development. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this process is a c Read More

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Alzheimer's symptoms include memory loss and cognitive decline. Pathologically, the hallmarks of Alzheimer´s are the presence of Amyloid beta-plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Unfortunately, no cure is presently available and current treatments are only symptomatic. Transforming growth factor beta type I (TGF Read More

Among the soluble factors that regulate skeletal muscle function, Transforming Growth Factor type Beta 1 (TGF-β1) is one of the most studied. This factor inhibits myogenesis and regeneration by regulating the activity and function of satellite cells (SCs). Indeed, TGF-β has a central role in muscle pathologies in which there is development of fibrosis and/or atrophy of skeletal muscle. Thus, in this review we present the critical and r Read More

Despite much research on the insect immune system, hormonal regulation of its activity is not well-understood. Previous research on insect neuroendocrinology suggests that neuropeptides may play an important role in the regulation of the insect immune system. Especially recent studies dealing for example with adipokinetic hormones, bursicon or insulin-like peptides provided deeper insights on this issue showing t Read More

The majority of tRNA studies has focused on tRNA molecules as pivotal player in the fundamental process of protein synthesis. Mounting studies have unveiled further functions for tRNA beyond protein synthesis, including non-ribosomal amino acid transfer, and regulation of targeted proteolysis. Post-translational N-terminal arginylation of protein fragments, a non-ribosomal amino acid transfer, is one of the crucial wa Read More

β-galactosidases (EC.3.2.1.23), which hydrolyze lactose to glucose and galactose, have two main applications in the food industry: the production of low-lactose milk and dairy goods for lactose intolerant people, and the generation of galacto-oligosaccharides by transgalactosylation reactions. Due to their thermostability, β-galactosidases from thermophilic microorganisms are very interesting for industrial processes, as high te Read More