Signal transduction – Page 2

Lentinan inhibits melanoma development by regulating the AKT/Nur77/Bcl-2 signaling axis

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This research demonstrates that lentinan, a compound from shiitake mushrooms, can effectively inhibit melanoma (a dangerous skin cancer) in laboratory studies. The compound works by triggering cancer cells to self-destruct through a specific cellular pathway involving three key proteins: AKT, Nur77, and Bcl-2. Importantly, the treatment showed no significant toxic side effects in animal models, suggesting it could be developed as a new cancer therapy option.

Exploring the Critical Environmental Optima and Biotechnological Prospects of Fungal Fruiting Bodies

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Fungal fruiting bodies like mushrooms develop best within specific environmental ranges, including proper temperature (15-27°C), humidity (80-95%), light, and nutrients. This comprehensive review identifies the exact environmental ‘sweet spots’ where mushrooms thrive and explains the biotechnological applications of these fungi in medicine, food production, and environmental cleanup. The research provides practical guidance for commercial mushroom cultivation and discusses how genetic engineering could further improve production.

rFIP-GMI Suppresses IGF-1–Induced Invasion and Migration in Breast Cancer Cells via PI3K/Akt/β-Catenin Inhibition

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Researchers found that a protein from a medicinal mushroom called Ganoderma microsporum can fight aggressive breast cancer by blocking a cellular pathway that helps cancer cells spread. The protein works by stopping the activation of key molecules (PI3K and Akt) that cancer cells use to invade surrounding tissues and migrate to other parts of the body. By blocking this pathway, the mushroom protein also prevents another molecule called β-catenin from entering the cell nucleus, where it would trigger genes that promote cancer growth and spread.

Exogenous L-Arginine Enhances Pathogenicity of Alternaria alternata on Kiwifruit by Regulating Metabolisms of Nitric Oxide, Polyamines, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Cell Wall Modification

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Researchers discovered that a specific nutrient called L-arginine paradoxically makes a fungus that causes black spot on kiwifruit more dangerous at low concentrations. The fungus uses this amino acid to trigger multiple survival mechanisms including producing protective molecules and enzymes that break down plant cell walls. However, at higher concentrations, L-arginine actually inhibits the fungus, suggesting it could be used as part of a disease control strategy.

Decapeptide Inducer Promotes the Conidiation of Phytopathogenic Magnaporthe oryzae via the Mps1 MAPK Signaling Pathway

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Scientists discovered a small peptide molecule (MCIDP) found in protein-based materials that significantly increases spore production in rice blast fungus. This peptide works by activating specific cellular signaling pathways that control fungal reproduction. The research provides insights into how fungal reproduction is regulated and could lead to new strategies for controlling rice blast disease, one of the world’s most destructive crop diseases that causes significant crop losses.

Protein kinase A signaling regulates immune evasion by shaving and concealing fungal β-1,3-glucan

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Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen, uses a clever strategy to hide from the immune system by masking a molecule on its surface that would normally trigger an immune response. Researchers used both computer modeling and laboratory experiments to show that this hiding strategy involves two main processes: the fungus grows and exposes the molecule, while simultaneously using enzymes to shave it away. They found that a cellular signaling pathway called PKA is essential for activating these shaving enzymes in response to lactate, a signal from the host environment.

Effects and molecular mechanism of endophytic elicitors on the accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants

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This review explains how beneficial fungi living inside medicinal plants can boost the production of healing compounds. These endophytic fungi act as natural triggers that activate the plant’s own defense systems, causing it to produce more of the valuable medicinal substances used in traditional and modern medicine. By understanding how this process works, scientists can develop better methods to grow medicinal plants and produce natural drugs more sustainably without depleting wild plant populations.

Calcineurin-mediated regulation of growth-associated protein 43 is essential for neurite and synapse formation and protects against α-synuclein-induced degeneration

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Researchers discovered that a specific protein called GAP-43 plays a crucial role in protecting brain cells from damage caused by α-synuclein, a protein involved in Parkinson’s Disease. When GAP-43 is modified through a process called phosphorylation at certain sites, it promotes the growth of neurites (neural connections) and formation of healthy synapses. The drug FK506, already approved by the FDA, appears to work by controlling this phosphorylation process, offering potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinson’s patients.

Host-induced climate change: Carbon dioxide tolerance as a Cryptococcus neoformans virulence trait

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When fungi like Cryptococcus neoformans infect humans, they face dramatically higher levels of carbon dioxide in the body compared to the environment. This research shows that the ability to tolerate this higher CO2 is a key virulence factor that helps the fungus cause disease. Scientists discovered that clinical isolates from infected patients are generally better at tolerating CO2 than environmental strains, and this tolerance correlates with how severe infections become.

Nomilin from Yuzu Seed Has In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Downregulates Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells through the PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway

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Scientists extracted a compound called nomilin from yuzu seeds and tested whether it could lighten skin by reducing melanin production. They found that nomilin works by blocking an enzyme called tyrosinase that makes melanin, and it reduces the activity of cell signaling pathways involved in skin darkening. The study shows nomilin could be used as a natural skin-whitening ingredient in cosmetics without the side effects of synthetic alternatives.

Research Keyword: Signal transduction