Obesity is a prevalent metabolic disorder,which seriously affects human health and has become the world's public health problem. Kinase S6K1, an important downstream effector of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), influences specific pathological responses, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Presently, S6K1 has become an attractive therapeutic target in the treatment of these disorders. Here, the functions of kinase S6K1, its molecular regulation mechanisms, related pathogenesis of disease and relevant small molecular inhibitors are reviewed. Finally, the prospect of research toward S6K1 is expected as well.
PNAS-4 is a novel pro-apoptosis gene identified latetly. In recent years, there has been a large number of research reports on the basic studies about PNAS-4 in cancer gene therapy and gene therapy of PNAS-4 alone or combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy manifested a good application prospect, but its molecular mechanisms to promote apoptosis is not clear yet. In this paper, recent research about PNAS-4 in cancer gene therapy is briefly reviewed, and recent hypotheses on its molecular mechanisms to promote apoptosis are especially elucidated. Based on its newly identified characteristics of structural domain, we made a point that PNAS-4 might regulate functions of some target protein related to apoptosis by deSumoylation as a new deSumoylating isopeptidase, and consequently promote apoptosis.
Endogenous adult neural stem cells are closely related to the normal physiological functions of the brain and many neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons are affected by factors such as extracellular microenvironment and intracellular signaling. In recent years, some specific signaling pathways have been found that affect the occurrence of neural stem cells in adult neural networks, including proliferation, differentiation, maturation, migration, and integration with host functions. In this paper, we summarize the signals and their molecular mechanisms, including the related signaling pathways, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, intracellular transcription factors and epigenetic regulation of neuronal differentiation from both the extracellular and intracellular aspects, providing basic theoretical support for the treatment of central nervous system diseases through neural stem cells approach.
At present, the potential hazards of infrasound on heart health have been identified in previous studies, but a comprehensive review of its mechanisms is still lacking. Therefore, this paper reviews the direct and indirect effects of infrasound on cardiac function and explores the mechanisms by which it may induce cardiac abnormalities. Additionally, in order to further study infrasound waves and take effective preventive measures, this paper reviews the mechanisms of cardiac cell damage caused by infrasound exposure, including alterations in cell membrane structure, modulation of electrophysiological properties, and the biological effects triggered by neuroendocrine pathways, and assesses the impact of infrasound exposure on public health.