Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
George A. Pantelopulos, Daisuke Matsuoka, James M. Hutchison, Charles R. Sanders, Yuji Sugita, John E. Straub, D. Thirumalai
Summary: This study reveals that the C-terminal domain of amyloid precursor protein (APP-C99) has thousands of structural states. The C99 monomer tends to form 13-strands in its C-terminal extramembrane domain, and homodimerization of C99 reduces the number of states and stabilizes extramembrane a-helices. The study also shows that the extramembrane domain structure affects the homodimerization motif and modifies the TM domain conformations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yuanyuan Li, Qianwen Peng, Jia Shang, Wanglin Dong, Sijia Wu, Xiajun Guo, Zhenxing Xie, Chaoran Chen
Summary: Taurine has a wide range of biological effects and has been proved to have a potential protective effect on reproductive function of male animals. It can promote the endocrine function of the HPT axis, delay testicular aging, maintain testicular homeostasis, and protect against toxic damage to the male reproductive system. This article reviews the protective effect of taurine on male reproductive function and its detailed mechanism.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maoliang Su, Youling Zhong, Jiazhi Xiang, Yuru Chen, Nanxi Liu, Junbin Zhang
Summary: The study investigated the effects of environmental exposure to betamethasone on male reproduction in Japanese medaka. It was found that the synthesis and release of LH/FSH in the pituitary gland were inhibited, and the production of sex hormones and their signaling pathways in the gonads were greatly influenced. Betamethasone exposure led to male feminization and abnormal spermatogenesis, which could potentially impact fishery productivity and population dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yanjun Guo, Qinqiu Wang, Shenghui Chen, Chengfu Xu
Summary: This article summarizes the regulatory effects of APP and its cleavage peptides on metabolism in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, indicating that peptides generated by non-amyloidogenic processing can have positive effects on metabolism, while those produced by amyloidogenic processing may have negative impacts. Abnormal expression of APP is associated with metabolic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, etc.) and cancer.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Basdeo Kushwaha, Neha Srivastava, Murali S. Kumar, Ravindra Kumar
Summary: This study aimed to understand the interaction of the brain-gonad system in Clarias magur reproduction by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEG). Thirteen key genes in female brain & ovary and twelve key genes in male brain & testis were identified based on network analysis. Functional annotation revealed their involvement in important reproduction-related pathways. This study provides insights into the interaction between the brain and gonads in the regulation of Clarias magur reproduction through a protein-protein interaction network.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maingredy Rodrigues Souza, Renata Mazaro-Costa, Thiago Lopes Rocha
Summary: A bibliometric and systematic review on the toxic effects of different types of NMs on the male reproductive system in mammalian models revealed that NMs have the ability to cross the blood-testis barrier and bioaccumulate in several organs. The reproductive toxicity of NMs is mainly related to ROS production, oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jiang Chen, Jun-Sheng Chen, Song Li, Fengning Zhang, Jie Deng, Ling-Hui Zeng, Jun Tan
Summary: Decades of research have shown that amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays an undeniable role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the focus on the pathological effects of Aβ may overshadow the significance of its metabolic precursor, amyloid precursor protein (APP), in the occurrence and progression of AD. This review explores the various roles of APP in AD, including its structure, functions, enzymatic processing, and potential therapeutic approaches to targeting APP to ameliorate AD pathologies and halt disease progression.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kseniia S. Orobets, Andrey L. Karamyshev
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder associated with age or inherited mutations. It is characterized by severe dementia that affects memory, cognitive functions, and daily life. The disease is linked to the accumulation of cytotoxic amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated tau protein, as well as other pathological features. Various treatment options, such as antibody-based therapy and stem cell transplantation, are being investigated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Satoshi Hiroyoshi, Takayuki Mitsunaga, Tomoko Ganaha-Kikumura, Gadi V. P. Reddy
Summary: Our study investigated male sperm storage in the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. We found that phase variation, age, and pheromones all had an impact on sperm distribution and accumulation in the seminal vesicle. While phase did not affect sperm distribution in the vas deferens, it did affect the level of sperm storage in the seminal vesicle. Pheromones from mature adults promoted more sperm accumulation in the seminal vesicle than those from nymphs, particularly seven days after adult emergence. Older sperm were found to be stored in the distal part of the seminal vesicle, while younger sperm near the proximal part were more likely used for mating.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Parsa Rostamzadeh, Vahid Shokri-Asl, Fatemeh Mansouri Torghabeh, Samira Davoudi, Ahmad Haghzadeh, Shima Moradi
Summary: The study found that diabetes disrupts cellular antioxidant levels in the male reproductive system, leading to cellular damage and apoptosis. However, Aubergine stems, with their antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties, can prevent these detrimental changes. Administration of Aubergine stem extract in diabetic animals restored sperm parameters, hormone levels, and decreased apoptosis. This suggests that diabetes-induced oxidative stress can be alleviated by Aubergine stems.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rhett J. Britton, James M. Hutchison, Charles R. Sanders
Summary: In Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, the proteins of interest are amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau, which play crucial roles in the disease mechanism. The relationship between A beta and tau pathologies remains unclear, with studies suggesting that A beta may induce or enhance tau protein formation in neurofibrillary tangles.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Corey Bunce, Lindsey Barske, Gloria Zhang, Blanche Capel
Summary: During mammalian development, the commitment of bipotential supporting cells to Sertoli or granulosa cell fates plays a crucial role in gonadal sex determination. In XY mice, failure of unified commitment leads to the formation of an ovotestis, where central supporting cells develop as Sertoli cells while pole supporting cells develop as granulosa cells. However, contrary to previous beliefs, the expression of SRY and SOX9, the drivers of Sertoli cell fate, is not limited to the central domain and Sertoli cell fate is not spread through paracrine relay among supporting cells. Instead, there is a center-biased pattern of supporting cell precursor ingression, resulting in increased supporting cell density in the central domain.
Review
Neurosciences
M. Mahafuzur Rahman, Christofer Lendel
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is pathologically defined by the presence of A beta in extracellular senile plaques and tau in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Besides A beta, other constituents are accumulated in the plaques, mainly focusing on extracellular proteins, which may contribute to disruptions in the protein network and lead to AD and copathology. This review provides an overview of extracellular proteins interacting with A beta and their potential roles in AD pathology, as well as methods to analyze the incorporation of proteins in plaques.
MOLECULAR NEURODEGENERATION
(2021)
Review
Reproductive Biology
Mariana Feijo, Roberta V. L. Martins, Silvia Socorro, Luisa Pereira, Sara Correia
Summary: Endocrine-disrupting chemical Vinclozolin was found to decrease sperm quality parameters and testicular/epididymal weight in exposed animals. Exposure length, dose, and time point influenced the results, with overall robustness observed in sensitivity analysis despite moderate/high heterogeneity. Studies included were of good quality, with data supporting the disruption of spermatogenic output and male fertility by Vinclozolin exposure.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vladimir Rudajev, Jiri Novotny
Summary: This article discusses the relationship between cholesterol and the development of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the influence of cholesterol on the production of amyloid beta (Aβ).
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Diogo Trigo, Andre Nadais, Ana Carvalho, Barbara Morgado, Francisco Santos, Sandrina Nobrega-Pereira, Odete A. B. da Cruz e Silva
Summary: The plastic architecture and dynamic structure of the mitochondrial network play crucial roles in meeting varying energetic demands. Ageing leads to mitochondrial loss of efficiency, which can cause and be caused by ageing. Cellular events such as oxidative stress and disruption of metabolism can contribute to neuropathology in relation to mitochondria dysfunction. The degradation of mitochondria oxidative stress-response mechanisms and its effect on proteostasis in ageing human cells were investigated in this study.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tania Lima, Joao Eduardo Rodrigues, Bruno Manadas, Rui Henrique, Margarida Fardilha, Rui Vitorino
Summary: This study reanalyzed a urine proteome dataset from prostate cancer patients and controls using a peptide-centric approach. Compared to the conventional protein-centric approach, the peptide analysis revealed more relevant information related to prostate cancer, highlighting the importance of peptide analysis in proteomics research.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Diogo Trigo, Jose Joao Vitoria, Odete A. B. da Cruz e Silva
Summary: Mitochondrial biology plays a crucial role in adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders, and the dysfunction of mitochondria can contribute to the progression of neuronal dysfunction and cellular death. Conversely, neurodegeneration can also affect mitochondrial health and function. Current research focuses on understanding the relationship between mitochondrial health and neuroregeneration, as well as developing therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial homeostasis.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Noemia A. P. Mariani, Joana Silva, Margarida Fardilha, Erick J. R. Silva
Summary: The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the growing world population pose significant challenges to countries. Expanding male contraceptive options is urgently needed to address these global challenges. Understanding the molecules involved in sperm motility can lead to the development of safe and effective male contraceptives. However, there are challenges in translating preclinical findings into clinical candidates.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maria J. Cardoso Ferreira, Tania Soares Martins, Steven R. Alves, Ilka Martins Rosa, Jonathan Vogelgsang, Niels Hansen, Jens Wiltfang, Odete A. B. da Cruz e Silva, Rui Vitorino, Ana Gabriela Henriques
Summary: Aging is the main risk factor for age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by the presence of senile plaques (SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). This study conducted a literature review to identify the proteomes of SPs and NFTs, followed by a bioinformatic analysis and validation of potential biomarkers.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sarah Jones, Barbara Matos, Sarah Dennison, Margarida Fardilha, John Howl
Summary: The objective of this study was to bioengineer analogues of Djeya1 that can reduce the ability of stem cells to regenerate in decapitated planarian. Aib-substituted Djeya1 analogues showed delay in planarian head regeneration, indicating the potential use of bioportide technologies to manipulate stem cells in situ.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magda Carvalho Henriques, Joana Santiago, Antonio Patricio, Maria Teresa Herdeiro, Susana Loureiro, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: Lifestyle choices significantly affect male fertility, as evidenced by the association between tobacco consumption, decreased semen quality, and increased levels of stress-related proteins in sperm cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana Santiago, Joana V. Silva, Manuel A. S. Santos, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: The trend of delaying parenthood is increasing, which has an impact on fertility and reproductive outcomes. Advanced paternal age (APA) has been linked to impaired testicular function, abnormal semen parameters, and poor reproductive and birth outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of men's age on semen parameters and sperm microRNA profiles. The results suggest that although conventional semen parameters were not affected by men's age, alterations in microRNA regulation may occur and be responsible for poor fertility and reproductive outcomes associated with APA.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Patricia Pinto-Pinho, Ana F. Ferreira, Rosario Pinto-Leite, Margarida Fardilha, Bruno Colaco, Inmaculada Parrilla Riera, Athina Basioura, Junwei Li
Summary: This review article provides an overview of current and future developments in rabbit sperm sexing technologies, as well as the implications and challenges of implementing these methods in the cuniculture industry.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Patricia Pinto-Pinho, Maria de Lurdes Pinto, Jose Monteiro, Margarida Fardilha, Rosario Pinto-Leite, Bruno Colaco
Summary: Rabbit production is important in modern agriculture due to its potential as a sustainable source of high-quality protein. However, studies on feto-maternal monitoring in rabbits are uncommon. This review gathers research on factors affecting rabbit gestation and provides insights into the potential impacts on reproduction and maternal and fetal health.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Patricia Pinto-Pinho, Ana Ferreira, Barbara Matos, Joana Santiago, Magda Carvalho Henriques, Pedro Oliveira Corda, Tania Lima, Mario Rodrigues, Maria de Lourdes Pereira, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: The World Cafe method can enhance student engagement, foster knowledge-sharing, and improve collaborative work skills in biomedical education. Students prefer this method over traditional lectures, and the availability of modern facilities can increase their motivation to learn.
INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATION AND TEACHING INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Andrology
Pedro O. Corda, Jessica Moreira, John Howl, Pedro F. Oliveira, Margarida Fardilha, Joana Vieira Silva
Summary: Proteomics provides new opportunities for investigating the molecular mechanisms of male infertility. This study systematically compared the sperm proteome of normozoospermic and infertile men to identify potential protein markers for evaluating sperm quality. Several proteins related to male reproductive tissues, infertility phenotypes, or specific sperm functions were highlighted as potential targets for further research.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Tania Lima, Catarina Macedo-Silva, Diana Felizardo, Joao Fraga, Isa Carneiro, Carmen Jeronimo, Rui Henrique, Margarida Fardilha, Rui Vitorino
Summary: Gal-3 plays an important role in cell survival, mRNA splicing, and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Depending on its cellular localization and cancer type, Gal-3 may have tumour-suppressive or tumour-promoting activities. This study evaluated Gal-3 protein expression in tumor and normal prostate tissues and found decreased staining in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. Furthermore, Gal-3 had no significant effect on survival and relapse in these PCa patients. This work confirms Gal-3 as a promising marker for PCa diagnosis.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
G. Timar, S. N. Dorogovtsev, J. F. F. Mendes
Summary: The nonbacktracking matrix and its centrality measure play a significant role in percolation-type processes on networks. This study investigates the localization of nonbacktracking centrality in infinite sparse networks containing a finite subgraph. The results show that the largest eigenvalue of the nonbacktracking matrix of the composite network is determined by the larger of the two largest eigenvalues of the subgraph and the enclosing network. In the localized state, the nonbacktracking centrality is concentrated on the subgraph and its immediate neighborhood in the enclosing network.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniela Patricio, Joana Santiago, Joao F. Mano, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: This article provides an overview of organoid technology and its applications in healthcare and research, with a focus on male reproductive system organoids and other biomaterials. The article also discusses current applications and highlights the research gaps, challenges, and opportunities in the field.
WIRES MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
(2023)
