Progress in molecular biology and translational science最新文献

Epigenetics having sundry ambiences which are robustly linked to non-coding RNAs, precisely small RNAs that are generally imputated in gene expression regulation and helps in directing cytosine methylation and histone modifications of complex organisms. A pivotal peculiarity of epigenetics is that the same genome shows unwonted phenotypes which are situated in different epigenetics states. In last decade, the majority tangled epigenetic phenomena studied encompasses transposon activity and silencing which are directly or indirectly associated in RNA component and are currently epitomize by piRNAs (piwi-interacting RNAs), position effect variegation, X-chromosome inactivation, parental imprinting, and paramutation. Envisagly, there are certain non - coding RNAs are players in epigenetics gene regulation but their mechanism is still underlying. In yeast, plants, and mice, ncRNAs facilitate the inheritance of epigenetic states, effectively transmitting information across generations. This transgenerational epigenetic inheritance underscores the potential of ncRNAs to act as carriers of heritable information, bridging the gap between environmental cues and genetic responses. In conclusion, ncRNAs play a central role in epigenetic regulation and the transfer of genetic information, highlighting their importance in the evolution and complexity of higher organisms. In this review article, ongoing research continues to uncover the multifaceted functions of these molecules, offering deeper insights into the regulatory architectures that underpin life.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a major fraction of the genome earlier considered as transcriptomic noise has now been uncovered as functional regulators over the past decade. NcRNAs are recognized for their structural and regulatory role in intricate network of plant development and stress response, offering novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying plant resilience. Advanced sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of ncRNAs, highlighting their significance in plant growth, development, and stress responses. This review comprehensively addresses the varied roles of ncRNAs in orchestrating stress perception and response with a brief introduction of various classes of ncRNAs. Further, mode of action and mechanistic role of ncRNAs in modulating genetic regulation of stress response are discussed, along with the role of various ncRNA involved in regulating plant architectural changes. The ncRNA are currently exploited for developing stress-resilient crop varieties with improved yield, especially in the context of global climate change and food security. By integrating molecular perspectives with practical implications, this review offers a thorough understanding of how ncRNAs contribute to plant stress responses, paving the way for innovative strategies in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture.

Insulin resistance, characterized by an impaired biological response to insulin stimulation in target tissues, primarily affects the muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. This dysfunction impairs glucose disposal, triggering compensatory β-cell insulin overproduction and resulting in hyperinsulinemia. Its metabolic consequences include hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, elevated inflammatory markers, prothrombotic state, and endothelial dysfunction. One of the most significant issues is type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is preceded by insulin resistance (IR) for an estimated 10-15 years. Addressing the challenges of insulin detection requires a multidisciplinary approach, including advancements in wearable electrochemical biosensors for real-time insulin monitoring. This chapter explores the physiological role of insulin, the history and challenges of insulin detection, and the latest developments in sensing technologies. We discuss emerging innovations with significant healthcare applications, particularly in point-of-care testing (POCT) and telemedicine. Additionally, we highlight translational gaps and the barriers to integrating novel detection technologies into clinical practice. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation are crucial for enhancing insulin detection, improving long-term outcomes, and advancing personalized healthcare. Wearable biosensors, as cutting-edge analytical tools, offer transformative opportunities for biomedical and translational research, fostering proactive lifestyle, nutrition, and medical interventions.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a pervasive disorder characterized by recurrent airway obstructions during sleep. OSA carries serious health risks, such as cardiovascular and cognitive impairments, and imposes a significant economic burden. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of various biosensors currently employed for OSA detection, including in-lab polysomnography and flow-based home sleep apnea testing. It also explores cutting-edge OSA-detecting technologies that often leverage advanced, artificial intelligence-powered sensing modalities, encompassing photoplethysmography/peripheral arterial tonometry-based, sound-based, and respiratory effort-based wearables. Moreover, this chapter examines promising diagnostic and screening solutions, including airables, bed/mattress sensors, and smartphone sensors. It also delves into emerging sensing technologies currently under active investigation, including earables/hearables and remote PPG. This review serves as a practical guide to understanding the mechanisms, capabilities, limitations, and clinical evidence surrounding both modern and future sensors poised to revolutionize the landscape of OSA detection.

Nano-electronics based neural implants represent a rapidly advancing interdisciplinary domain at the intersection of bioelectronics, nanotechnology, and neuro-engineering. These implantable systems are engineered to restore, modulate, or augment neural functions by establishing high-fidelity, long-term interfaces with neural tissues. The design of such implants necessitates careful consideration of both materials and structural configurations to ensure biocompatibility, mechanical compliance, electrical functionality, and chronic stability. Recent innovations in nanomaterials including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and conductive polymers have significantly enhanced the bio-integration and functional longevity of these devices. Furthermore, the incorporation of soft hydrogels, nanostructured coatings, and stretchable electronic platforms mitigates immune responses and supports intimate neural contact. On the system level, design strategies prioritize miniaturization, wireless communication, and energy-efficient architectures, enabling real-time monitoring and closed-loop neuromodulation. Multimodal capabilities-combining sensing, stimulation, and drug delivery-further augment the therapeutic potential of these implants for managing complex neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and spinal cord injuries. This review outlines the critical materials and engineering principles underpinning the development of bio-nano-electronic neural implants, emphasizing their role in advancing personalized neurotherapeutics and improving patient outcomes. The integration of smart materials with neural interface technologies holds substantial promise for enhancing the quality of life in individuals affected by neurological dysfunction.

Biosensors are rapidly emerging as a key tool in animal health management, therefore, gaining a significant recognition in the global market. Wearable sensors, integrated with advanced biosensing technologies, provide highly specialized devices for measuring both individual and multiple physiological parameters of animals, as well as monitoring their environment. These sensors are not only precise and sensitive but also reliable, user-friendly, and capable of accelerating the monitoring process. In livestock management, novel biosensors offer significant benefits in various areas, including disease detection, health monitoring, detection of reproductive cycles, and assessment of the overall physiological well-being of animals through environmental analysis. A wide range of advanced technologies are being applied in the development of wearable sensors, including microfluidics, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, surface plasmon resonance, image detection techniques, electrochemical sensing, cantilever-based sensing, and many others. The data generated from these integrated monitoring systems provides crucial insights into the biochemical, emotional, and physiological functions of farm animals. This not only helps identify the most productive animals but also enables farmers to predict which animals may be more resilient to common diseases. This chapter explores the various technological advancements used in wearable sensor development, digital animal health, and the different types of wearable sensors and their applications in livestock management.

Surface modification of proteins and peptides has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and target specificity. This chapter delves into the various techniques employed to modify the surface properties of these biomolecules, including chemical conjugation, site-specific mutagenesis, and peptide synthesis. The focus is on strategies that improve drug delivery to specific target sites, such as tumor cells or inflamed tissues. By modifying surface properties, it is possible to enhance drug stability, reduce immunogenicity, and prolong circulation time. This chapter explores the latest advancements in this field and discusses the potential applications of surface-modified proteins and peptides in the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Epigenetic drug discovery has become an integral part of medicinal chemistry in the past two decades. Targeting epigenetic proteins-enzymes that modify histone proteins and DNA (writers and erasers) and proteins that recognize such modifications (readers)-has been firmly established as a medicinal strategy for treatment of many human diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. In this chapter, we systematically describe peptide-based inhibitors of structurally and functionally diverse classes of epigenetic proteins. We show that epigenetic writers, such as DNA methyltransferases, histone methyltransferases and histone acetyltransferases, can be efficiently inhibited by peptides possessing nonproteinogenic amino acids. Moreover, the activity of epigenetic erasers, including TET enzymes, histone demethylases, and histone deacetylases, can be selectively modulated by diverse linear and cyclic peptides. Furthermore, we discuss chromatin-binding epigenetic reader proteins that can be inhibited by histone-mimicking peptides. Overall, this chapter highlights that peptides provide an important molecular platform for epigenetic drug discovery programmes in academia and industry.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial public health issue, with few treatment choices and a high social cost. This review investigates the possibility of peptide pharmacology as a new treatment for AUD. Peptides, or short chains of amino acids, provide specific manipulation of neuronal pathways involved in addiction, such as the opioid, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and glutamate systems. Preclinical research has shown that peptide-based therapies can reduce alcohol intake, demand, and relapse in animal models of AUD. Opioid peptides like β-endorphin and enkephalins affect alcohol reward processing by interacting with µ, ∂, and κ opioid receptors. CRF peptides reduce stress-induced alcohol-seeking behavior by targeting the dysregulated CRF system. NPY and associated peptides reduce cravings and anxiety by regulating stress and emotional processing. Peptide-based therapies have strong translational potential, as evidenced by early clinical trial results. There are also challenges in converting preclinical discoveries into clinical practice, such as establishing the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of peptide therapies in humans. Future initiatives include identifying new peptide targets, optimizing pharmacokinetics, and incorporating peptide-based therapies into established therapy methods. Overall, peptide pharmacology represents a potential prospect in AUD therapy, as it provides tailored therapies that address the complex neurobiological pathways that underpin addiction.