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Ionic Regulation of T-Cell Function and Anti-Tumour Immunity.
Ginefra, P, Carrasco Hope, H, Spagna, M, Zecchillo, A, Vannini, N
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(24)
Abstract
The capacity of T cells to identify and kill cancer cells has become a central pillar of immune-based cancer therapies. However, T cells are characterized by a dysfunctional state in most tumours. A major obstacle for proper T-cell function is the metabolic constraints posed by the tumour microenvironment (TME). In the TME, T cells compete with cancer cells for macronutrients (sugar, proteins, and lipid) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals/ions). While the role of macronutrients in T-cell activation and function is well characterized, the contribution of micronutrients and especially ions in anti-tumour T-cell activities is still under investigation. Notably, ions are important for most of the signalling pathways regulating T-cell anti-tumour function. In this review, we discuss the role of six biologically relevant ions in T-cell function and in anti-tumour immunity, elucidating potential strategies to adopt to improve immunotherapy via modulation of ion metabolism.
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Overview of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Selected Plant Compounds and Their Metal Ions Complexes.
Mucha, P, Skoczyńska, A, Małecka, M, Hikisz, P, Budzisz, E
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;(16)
Abstract
Numerous plant compounds and their metal-ion complexes exert antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other beneficial effects. This review highlights the different bioactivities of flavonoids, chromones, and coumarins and their metal-ions complexes due to different structural characteristics. In addition to insight into the most studied antioxidative properties of these compounds, the first part of the review provides a comprehensive overview of exogenous and endogenous sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, oxidative stress-mediated damages of lipids and proteins, and on protective roles of antioxidant defense systems, including plant-derived antioxidants. Additionally, the review covers the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of flavonoids, chromones, coumarins and their metal-ion complexes which support its application in medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetology.
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3.
Modern Electrode Technologies for Ion and Molecule Sensing.
Skinner, WS, Ong, KG
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland). 2020;(16)
Abstract
In high concentrations, ionic species can be toxic in the body, catalyzing unwanted bioreactions, inhibiting enzymes, generating free radicals, in addition to having been associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. Although ionic species are ubiquitous in the environment in trace amounts, high concentrations of these metals are often found within industrial and agricultural waste runoff. Therefore, it remains a global interest to develop technologies capable of quickly and accurately detecting trace levels of ionic species, particularly in aqueous environments that naturally contain other competing/inhibiting ions. Herein, we provide an overview of the technologies that have been developed, including the general theory, design, and benefits/challenges associated with ion-selective electrode technologies (carrier-doped membranes, carbon-based varieties, enzyme inhibition electrodes). Notable variations of these electrodes will be highlighted, and a brief overview of associated electrochemical techniques will be given.
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ROS and Ions in Cell Signaling during Sexual Plant Reproduction.
Breygina, M, Klimenko, E
International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;(24)
Abstract
Pollen grain is a unique haploid organism characterized by two key physiological processes: activation of metabolism upon exiting dormancy and polar tube growth. In gymnosperms and flowering plants, these processes occur in different time frames and exhibit important features; identification of similarities and differences is still in the active phase. In angiosperms, the growth of male gametophyte is directed and controlled by its microenvironment, while in gymnosperms it is relatively autonomous. Recent reviews have detailed aspects of interaction between angiosperm female tissues and pollen such as interactions between peptides and their receptors; however, accumulated evidence suggests low-molecular communication, in particular, through ion exchange and ROS production, equally important for polar growth as well as for pollen germination. Recently, it became clear that ROS and ionic currents form a single regulatory module, since ROS production and the activity of ion transport systems are closely interrelated and form a feedback loop.
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5.
Ion-Specific Assembly of Strong, Tough, and Stiff Biofibers.
Mittal, N, Benselfelt, T, Ansari, F, Gordeyeva, K, Roth, SV, Wågberg, L, Söderberg, LD
Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English). 2019;(51):18562-18569
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Abstract
Designing engineering materials with high stiffness and high toughness is challenging as stiff materials tend to be brittle. Many biological materials realize this objective through multiscale (i.e., atomic- to macroscale) mechanisms that are extremely difficult to replicate in synthetic materials. Inspired from the architecture of such biological structures, we here present flow-assisted organization and assembly of renewable native cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), which yields highly anisotropic biofibers characterized by a unique combination of high strength (1010 MPa), high toughness (62 MJ m-3 ) and high stiffness (57 GPa). We observed that properties of the fibers are primarily governed by specific ion characteristics such as hydration enthalpy and polarizability. A fundamental facet of this study is thus to elucidate the role of specific anion binding following the Hofmeister series on the mechanical properties of wet fibrillar networks, and link this to the differences in properties of dry nanostructured fibers. This knowledge is useful for rational design of nanomaterials and is critical for validation of specific ion effect theories. The bioinspired assembly demonstrated here is relevant example for designing high-performance materials with absolute structural control.
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Metals in Medicine: The Therapeutic Use of Metal Ions in the Clinic.
Carver, PL
Metal ions in life sciences. 2019
Abstract
Metal ions are indispensable for living organisms. However, the roles of metal ions in humans is complex, and remains poorly understood. Imbalances in metal ion levels, due to genetic or environmental sources, are associated with a number of significant health issues. However, in clinical medicine, the role of metal ions and metal-based drugs is notable in three major areas: as metal-related diseases; as metal-based medicines (including drugs, imaging agents, and metal chelators); and as agents of metal-based toxicity.
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The Complex Fine-Tuning of K⁺ Fluxes in Plants in Relation to Osmotic and Ionic Abiotic Stresses.
Chérel, I, Gaillard, I
International journal of molecular sciences. 2019;(3)
Abstract
As the main cation in plant cells, potassium plays an essential role in adaptive responses, especially through its involvement in osmotic pressure and membrane potential adjustments. K+ homeostasis must, therefore, be finely controlled. As a result of different abiotic stresses, especially those resulting from global warming, K⁺ fluxes and plant distribution of this ion are disturbed. The hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a key player in responses to these climate stresses. It triggers signaling cascades that ultimately lead to modulation of the activities of K⁺ channels and transporters. After a brief overview of transcriptional changes induced by abiotic stresses, this review deals with the post-translational molecular mechanisms in different plant organs, in Arabidopsis and species of agronomical interest, triggering changes in K⁺ uptake from the soil, K⁺ transport and accumulation throughout the plant, and stomatal regulation. These modifications involve phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, modifications of targeting, and interactions with regulatory partner proteins. Interestingly, many signaling pathways are common to K⁺ and Cl-/NO3- counter-ion transport systems. These cross-talks are also addressed.
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Silver Ions as a Tool for Understanding Different Aspects of Copper Metabolism.
Puchkova, LV, Broggini, M, Polishchuk, EV, Ilyechova, EY, Polishchuk, RS
Nutrients. 2019;(6)
Abstract
In humans, copper is an important micronutrient because it is a cofactor of ubiquitous and brain-specific cuproenzymes, as well as a secondary messenger. Failure of the mechanisms supporting copper balance leads to the development of neurodegenerative, oncological, and other severe disorders, whose treatment requires a detailed understanding of copper metabolism. In the body, bioavailable copper exists in two stable oxidation states, Cu(I) and Cu(II), both of which are highly toxic. The toxicity of copper ions is usually overcome by coordinating them with a wide range of ligands. These include the active cuproenzyme centers, copper-binding protein motifs to ensure the safe delivery of copper to its physiological location, and participants in the Cu(I) ↔ Cu(II) redox cycle, in which cellular copper is stored. The use of modern experimental approaches has allowed the overall picture of copper turnover in the cells and the organism to be clarified. However, many aspects of this process remain poorly understood. Some of them can be found out using abiogenic silver ions (Ag(I)), which are isoelectronic to Cu(I). This review covers the physicochemical principles of the ability of Ag(I) to substitute for copper ions in transport proteins and cuproenzyme active sites, the effectiveness of using Ag(I) to study copper routes in the cells and the body, and the limitations associated with Ag(I) remaining stable in only one oxidation state. The use of Ag(I) to restrict copper transport to tumors and the consequences of large-scale use of silver nanoparticles for human health are also discussed.
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Metal Ion Effects on Aβ and Tau Aggregation.
Kim, AC, Lim, S, Kim, YK
International journal of molecular sciences. 2018;(1)
Abstract
Amyloid and tau aggregation are implicated in manifold neurodegenerative diseases and serve as two signature pathological hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Though aging is considered as a prominent risk factor for AD pathogenesis, substantial evidence suggests that an imbalance of essential biometal ions in the body and exposure to certain metal ions in the environment can potentially induce alterations to AD pathology. Despite their physiological importance in various intracellular processes, biometal ions, when present in excessive or deficient amounts, can serve as a mediating factor for neurotoxicity. Recent studies have also demonstrated the contribution of metal ions found in the environment on mediating AD pathogenesis. In this regard, the neuropathological features associated with biometal ion dyshomeostasis and environmental metal ion exposure have prompted widespread interest by multiple research groups. In this review, we discuss and elaborate on findings from previous studies detailing the possible role of both endogenous and exogenous metal ions specifically on amyloid and tau pathology in AD.
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10.
Interplay between Ions, the Cytoskeleton, and Cell Wall Properties during Tip Growth.
Bascom, CS, Hepler, PK, Bezanilla, M
Plant physiology. 2018;(1):28-40
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Abstract
Tip growth is a focused and tightly regulated apical explosion that depends on the interconnected activities of ions, the cytoskeleton, and the cell wall.