By Andres Hernandez Maduro The process of cell specialisation is intricate and dynamic, varying across cell types. Pathways for stem cell differentiation are dependent on both their surrounding extracellular matrix and mitotic parent. However, the exact process of controlling cell fate is less certain – so how does a fertilised egg know to become aContinue reading “The protein memory: how keratins control embryonic cell fate“
Category Archives: Molecular Biology
Targeting complement pathways in Immunoglobulin: a nephropathy therapeutic treatment
By Clarice Tse Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger’s disease, is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide and a vital cause of renal failure, especially in southeast asian countries. Characterised by the deposition of galactose-deficient Immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) on the kidney glomerulus, IgAN was found to be in association with a life expectancy reductionContinue reading “Targeting complement pathways in Immunoglobulin: a nephropathy therapeutic treatment “
Gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease: a way forward?
By Elisa Botting Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with no current cure. The disease results in the loss of neurons responsible for the release of dopamine (termed dopaminergic neurons) in the substantia nigra – a region of the brain’s basal ganglia which is important for movement¹ . Its progressive nature means that symptoms likeContinue reading “Gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease: a way forward?“
The “Immortality Enzyme”: Human Telomerase Holoenzyme as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target
By Alice Barocco Human Telomerase Holoenzyme, most known as Telomerase and often regarded as the “Immortality enzyme”, is a cellular reverse transcriptase comprised of protein subunits and RNA.1 The enzyme can be pictured as a molecular motor: its role is to add new stretches of DNA, more specifically a “TTAGGG” sequence, onto the ends ofContinue reading “The “Immortality Enzyme”: Human Telomerase Holoenzyme as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target“
Manipulating the Genetic Alphabet – Molecular Biology
By Easha Vigneswaran Biology is governed by one of the key laws that illustrate the idea that the genetic code consists of four nucleotide bases where adenine bonds with thymine and guanine with cytosine. For years, synthetic biologists have theorised and tested the possibility of increasing the number of DNA bases. In the last fewContinue reading “Manipulating the Genetic Alphabet – Molecular Biology“
Coronin-1B and Its Role in Cell Migration Within Glioblastoma Multiforme Metastasis
By Daniella Gimbosh Cancer is a destructive disease that has been devastating humankind since time immemorial. Cancer exists in a myriad of different forms within almost any tissue type, thus proving to be even more difficult to research. Importantly, cancer cells have specific properties that allow them to spread, or metastasize, to secondary locations. TheContinue reading “Coronin-1B and Its Role in Cell Migration Within Glioblastoma Multiforme Metastasis”
The promising action of DHA as a tumour killer
By Lucia Friscioni Essential fats, such as dietary omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), have considerable health benefits and are much pursued by the nutritiously conscious. However, the human body cannot produce these fats naturally and is reliant on an appropriate diet. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for example, is a well-studied omega-3 that is essential for brainContinue reading “The promising action of DHA as a tumour killer“
Polyploidy in Hepatocytes
By Jessica Lu Hepatocytes are the major cell type in the human liver, making up 70% of all liver cells. They are main contributors to liver functions such as metabolic homeostasis, synthesis, storage, distribution, and detoxification of xenobiotic compounds (Wang et al., 2017). Unlike typical cells which are diploid, mature mammalian hepatocytes are polyploid (WangContinue reading “Polyploidy in Hepatocytes”
IMMUNE BOOSTING: Fact or fiction
By Pia Skok “Boost your immune system today, Shield your body from infections, Strengthen your immune system to fight disease, …” These are only a few of the headlines circling the internet with companies claiming their products can boost our immune system and protect us from various diseases. The idea of strengthening our immune systemContinue reading “IMMUNE BOOSTING: Fact or fiction”
Repurposing a Drug to Treat Osteosarcoma
By Sashini Ranawana The increasing feasibility of sequencing whole human genomes has enabled the identification of genetic risk factors for numerous cancers and illnesses. Sequence variations in the BRCA1 gene have been firmly linked to ovarian and breast cancer, mutations in the RUNX1 gene predispose individuals to develop acute myeloid leukaemia, while the presence of the E4 allele for the apolipoprotein E is associated with Alzheimer’sContinue reading “Repurposing a Drug to Treat Osteosarcoma”
Imperial Bioscience Review 