Featured Pathways
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) organisms are small Gram-negative bacteria that colonize the upper respiratory tract of humans beginning at a very early age. NTHi is also a leading cause of otitis media (OM), sinusitis, and community-acquired pneumonia, often following viral respiratory infection. A rising proportion of otitis media caused by NTHi has been[..]
The stable propagation of genetic information requires that the entire genome of an organism be faithfully replicated only once in each cell cycle. In eukaryotes, this replication is initiated at hundreds to thousands of replication origins distributed over the genome, each of which must be prohibited from re-initiating DNA replication within every cell cycle (Ref.1). Initiation of DNA[..]
TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) and TNFR (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor) family proteins play important roles in the control of cell death, proliferation, autoimmunity, the function of immune cells, or the organogenesis of lymphoid organs. Recently, novel members of this large family have been identified that have critical functions in immunity and that couple lymphoid cells with other organ systems[..]
The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) plays a fundamental role in the innate antiviral response, acting as a hub network in signal transduction that connects cellular sensors of viral invasion with effector mechanisms of antiviral defence (Ref.1). NF-kappaB pathway appears to be an attractive target for common human viral pathogens. Many viruses, including several human[..]
MPs (Metalloproteinases) play a key role in the responses of cells to their microenvironment. By effecting proteolytic degradation or activation of cell surface and ECM (Extracellular Matrix) proteins they can modulate both cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, which influence cell differentiation, migration, proliferation and survival. Both secreted and membrane bound forms of[..]
The maintenance of genomic integrity is important for the survival of eukaryotic cells. Checkpoint mechanisms prevent cell cycle transitions until previous events have been completed or damaged DNA has been repaired. Various forms of DNA damage and various treatments that block replication trigger these checkpoints. Checkpoint pathways and proteins are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to[..]
Endotoxin LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that potently promotes the activation of macrophages and microglia cells, which are important sensors of infection by bacteria, fungi, and viruses, in both the periphery and the CNS (Central Nervous System). There are several known LBP (LPS-Binding Proteins) present on macrophage membranes, including[..]
Most aging individuals die from atherosclerosis, cancer, or dementia; but in the oldest old, loss of muscle strength resulting in frailty is the limiting factor for an individual's chances of living an independent life until death. Three hormonal systems show decreasing circulating hormone concentrations during normal aging: (i) estrogen (in menopause) and testosterone (in andropause), (ii)[..]
One of the ultimate frontiers for mankind is the elucidation of the function of the mind. Dopaminergic and Glutamergic are two primary neurotransmitter systems in the brain, which are crucially important for the control of the body musculature and the Dopamine-induced signaling pathways. Dopamine, a derivative of the amino acid Tyrosine, is a monoamine neurotransmitter that serves as a[..]
p70S6K is a protein Ser-Thr kinase that phosphorylates the ribosomal S6 subunit, a component of the 40S subunit of eukaryotic ribosomes. It plays a role in protein synthesis and in cell growth control during G1 phase in vivo to enhance translation of certain mRNA species (Ref.1). In the living cell, ribosomal p70S6K is activated through a complex network of[..]
