Fellow explorer! We are currently migrating content published before 2024. Archives of our old website are available at Wayback Machine.

Cell Biology

Theoretical experimental design of a novel Streptococcus aureus vesicle vaccine manufactured using a Streptomyces coelicolor cell chassis

The resistome is the totality of the ancient genetic base of antibiotic-resistant genes among bacterial species. In the past, the resistome was wholly the subject of the natural world and the antibiotics that developed within it. However, ever since the use and misuse of antibiotics by humans began, the balance between the resistome and antibiotics has turned into a race between the emergence of highly antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” and the development of novel antibiotic compounds and antibiotic techniques. Among those superbugs that have become of human concern in recent years, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important. This paper aims to outline a possible novel vesicle vaccine that is effective against MRSA, and additionally, the process by which the vaccine might be experimentally created.

Current Limitations of Photodynamic Therapy for Oncological Applications and their Solutions

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered a relatively new, but effective treatment for cancer attributed to its minimal invasiveness and versatility for a wide variety of existing cancers. However, PDT is underapplied in clinical settings due to various limitations. Despite the restriction of PDT for cancer treatment, there is increasing research that aims to find solutions to its limitations. This review analyzes the limitations of PDT for oncological use and report current solutions to them.

A Review in Regenerative Medicine: Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC) have been a recent area of interest within regenerative medicine. In association with hUC-MSC, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) is a secretory pathway responsible for regulating a variety of cell functions. The processes between the hUC-MSCs and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR are commonly interdependent, but due to their novelty, most of the mechanisms in this relationship are still unknown. This review will discuss the potential of using hUC-MSCs in conjunction with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR for future regenerative treatment.

The Efficacy of LHRH Analog Treatments on Prostate Cancer

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs are a promising androgen deprivation treatment option for patients suffering from prostate cancer. However, there has been no survey of LHRH analog treatment efficacy that considers potential side effects and compatibility with other therapies, such as external beam radiotherapy. This review aims to discover how different types of LHRH drugs can be used to treat prostate cancer, by exploring their efficacies, cardiovascular side effects, and combinatory effects with external beam radiotherapy.

The Quiet Truth of Circadian Rhythm: Light and Phosphorylation

Jay is a college student at UC Davis studying Biology, but like most college students, he lacks a consistent sleep schedule due to his late-night bouts of studying on his computer. There are many factors that impact his sleep, such as caffeine intake, room temperature, noisy roommates... and the list continues. But surprisingly, light generates the largest impact on our sleep. And from light, phosphorylation occurs, driving cell signaling within the body. Light drives circadian rhythm as it causes phosphate groups to activate many of the necessary proteins within the sleep mechanism.

Intracellular, Extracellular, and Cytotoxic Effects Of Abrus Agglutinin On Tumor Cells: A Comprehensive Review

The plant molecule Abrus agglutinin (AGG) is a promising anti-tumor molecule that has been shown to increase pro-apoptotic—or pro-death—biomolecules and decrease proliferative ones in multiple different cancer cell lines. Another main benefit to AGG in potential cancer treatment is its selectiveness. In mice, AGG did not show any toxic side effects at 1mg/kg and below, and at this dose, AGG still successfully targeted cancerous cells without harming normal cells. This review confirms the potential of AGG as a chemotherapeutic agent through intracellular and extracellular methods and selective cytotoxicity.

Hydra vulgaris: The Wnt Signaling Pathway and Preventing Ectopic Head Formation

One important aspect of stem cells is their high activity of the Wnt signaling pathway. In the animal Hydra vulgaris this pathway is active in some capacity at all times and is very active during regeneration. It is also active during the growth of ectopic heads, which are heads that grow on the wrong part of the Hydra or in addition to an already established head. Hydra is a model organism for studying countless molecular processes due to its structural simplicity and incredible regenerative abilities making it an ideal tool for studying the Wnt signaling pathway. This review will describe new research on the activity of β-catenin, GSK-3β, and general Wnt signaling during regeneration and ectopic head formation and prevention in Hydra.

Effects of Psychological Stress on Insulin Resistance

Psychological stress is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance, and therefore Type II diabetes. Understanding how stress plays a role in insulin resistance would be valuable in gaining more insight into diabetes and feasible preventative and therapeutic approaches. This review will examine the known mechanisms of insulin resistance, shed light on the factors contributing to it, and specifically discuss how psychological stress influences the risks associated with insulin resistance.

A Prospective Outlook on Tackling Acute Kidney Injury: from Diagnosis to Treatment

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication found in hospitals and the third leading cause of death among trauma patients. While there exists a wide variety of causes for AKI, they can be attributed to few pathophysiologies that studies are exploring medications to target. In conjunction with improving treatments, however, there is also a need to improve AKI diagnosis to prevent late-stage complications. This review will explore developments of new diagnostic biomarkers and medications that address these concerns.