Published since April 22, 2006

Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters

ISSN: 1689-1392

About this journal

This journal is now published by BMC https://cmbl.biomedcentral.com/

Abstracting and Indexing

Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters is covered by the following services:

Baidu Scholar
Biobase
Cabell's Whitelist
CABI (over 50 subsections)
Case
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) - CAplus
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) - SciFinder
CNKI Scholar (China National Knowledge Infrastructure)
CNPIEC - cnpLINKer
Dimensions
EBSCO (relevant databases)
EBSCO Discovery Service
Embase
Gale/Cengage
Genamics JournalSeek
Google Scholar
Index Copernicus
J-Gate
Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition
JournalGuide
JournalTOCs
KESLI-NDSL (Korean National Discovery for Science Leaders)
Medline
Microsoft Academic
MyScienceWork
Naviga (Softweco)
Polish Medical Bibliography/Polish Medical Library
Primo Central (ExLibris)
ProQuest (relevant databases)
Publons
PubMed
QOAM (Quality Open Access Market)
ReadCube
Reaxys
Referativnyi Zhurnal (VINITI)
SCImago (SJR)
SCOPUS
Sherpa/RoMEO
Summon (ProQuest)
TDNet
Ulrich's Periodicals Directory/ulrichsweb
WanFang Data
Web of Science - Biological Abstracts
Web of Science - BIOSIS Previews
Web of Science - Science Citation Index Expanded
WorldCat (OCLC)

Supplementary Materials

Guidelines for Reviewers

Topics

Volume 20 Issue 5

December 2015

March 5, 2016

How taste works: cells, receptors and gustatory perception

Dariusz Kikut-Ligaj, Joanna Trzcielińska-Lorych

Page range: 699-716

Abstract

The sensitivity of taste in mammals varies due to quantitative and qualitative differences in the structure of the taste perception organs. Gustatory perception is made possible by the peripheral chemosensory organs, i.e., the taste buds, which are distributed in the epithelium of the taste papillae of the palate, tongue, epiglottis, throat and larynx. Each taste bud consists of a community of ~100 cells that process and integrate taste information with metabolic needs. Mammalian taste buds are contained in circumvallate, fungiform and foliate papillae and react to sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami stimuli. The sensitivity of the taste buds for individual taste stimuli varies extensively and depends on the type of papillae and the part of the oral cavity in which they are located. There are at least three different cell types found in mammalian taste buds: type I cells, receptor (type II) cells and presynaptic (type III) cells. This review focuses on the biophysiological mechanisms of action of the various taste stimuli in humans. Currently, the best-characterized proteins are the receptors (GPCR). In addition, the activation of bitter, sweet and umami tastes are relatively well known, but the activation of salty and sour tastes has yet to be clearly explained.

March 5, 2016

Non-cooperative immobilization of residual water bound in lyophilized photosynthetic lamellae

Hubert Harańczyk, Ewelina Baran, Piotr Nowak, Małgorzata Florek-Wojciechowska, Anna Leja, Dorota Zalitacz, Kazimierz Strzałka

Page range: 717-735

Abstract

This study applied 1 H-NMR in time and in frequency domain measurements to monitor the changes that occur in bound water dynamics at decreased temperature and with increased hydration level in lyophilizates of native wheat photosynthetic lamellae and in photosynthetic lamellae reconstituted from lyophilizate. Proton relaxometry (measured as free induction decay = FID) distinguishes a Gaussian component S within the NMR signal (o). This comes from protons of the solid matrix of the lamellae and consists of (i) an exponentially decaying contribution L 1 from mobile membrane protons, presumably from lipids, and from water that is tightly bound to the membrane surface and thus restricted in mobility; and (ii) an exponentially decaying component L 2 from more mobile, loosely bound water pool. Both proton relaxometry data and proton spectroscopy show that dry lyophilizate incubated in dry air, i.e., at a relative humidity (p/p 0 ) of 0% reveals a relatively high hydration level. The observed liquid signal most likely originates from mobile membrane protons and a tightly bound water fraction that is sealed in pores of dry lyophilizate and thus restricted in mobility. The estimations suggest that the amount of sealed water does not exceed the value characteristic for the main hydration shell of a phospholipid. Proton spectra collected for dry lyophilizate of photosynthetic lamellae show a continuous decrease in the liquid signal component without a distinct freezing transition when it is cooled down to -60ºC, which is significantly lower than the homogeneous ice nucleation temperature [Bronshteyn, V.L. et al. Biophys. J. 65 (1993) 1853].

March 5, 2016

Coexistence of rare variant HbD Punjab [α₂β₂^{121(Glu→Gln)}] and alpha 3.7 kb deletion in a young boy of Hindu family in West Bengal, India

Arijit Ghosh, Jayasri Basak, Ashis Mukhopadhyay

Page range: 736-742

Abstract

HbD Punjab is a variant of hemoglobin which occurs as a result of mutation in codon 121 (GAA>CAA) of the β-globin gene, which replaces glutamic acid with glutamine (Glu→Gln). The heterozygous state of HbD does not produce any clinical or hematological symptoms, although its association with HbS and thalassemia produces clinically significant but less severe conditions. The homozygous state produces mild hemolytic anemia and mild to moderate splenomegaly. Alpha-thalassemia is characterized by reduction or absence of the α-globin chains due to deletional or non-deletional mutations of α-globin genes located on chromosome 16. The present study describes a Hindu family where both HbD Punjab and alpha 3.7 kb deletion are present among the members in the heterozygous and double heterozygous state. Comparison of clinical and hematological parameters between the heterozygous and double heterozygous state of HbD and the alpha 3.7 kb deletion is also discussed here. According to our study, the prevalence rate of HbD Punjab is very low, i.e. 0.06%.

March 5, 2016

Somatic stem cell aging and malignant transformation – impact on therapeutic application

Marcela Kuniakova, Lenka Oravcova, Zuzana Varchulova-Novakova, Diana Viglaska, Lubos Danisovic

Page range: 743-756

Abstract

Somatic stem cells possess unique properties of self-renewal and plasticity which make them promising candidates for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in addition to serving as efficient delivery vehicles in site-specific therapy. In the case of therapeutic application, it is essential to isolate and culture stem cells in vitro, to obtain them in sufficient quantities. Although long-term cultivation provides an adequate number of cells, it has been shown that this approach is associated with increased risk of transformation of cultured cells, which presents a significant biological hazard. This article reviews information about biological features and cellular events which occur during long-term cultivation of somatic stem cells, with respect to their safe utilization in potential clinical practice.

March 5, 2016

¹H NMR-based metabolic profiling for evaluating poppy seed rancidity and brewing

Ewa Jawień, Adam Ząbek, Stanisław Deja, Marcin Łukaszewicz, Piotr Młynarz

Page range: 757-772

Abstract

Poppy seeds are widely used in household and commercial confectionery. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the application of metabolic profiling for industrial monitoring of the molecular changes which occur during minced poppy seed rancidity and brewing processes performed on raw seeds. Both forms of poppy seeds were obtained from a confectionery company. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) was applied as the analytical method of choice together with multivariate statistical data analysis. Metabolic fingerprinting was applied as a bioprocess control tool to monitor rancidity with the trajectory of change and brewing progressions. Low molecular weight compounds were found to be statistically significant biomarkers of these bioprocesses. Changes in concentrations of chemical compounds were explained relative to the biochemical processes and external conditions. The obtained results provide valuable and comprehensive information to gain a better understanding of the biology of rancidity and brewing processes, while demonstrating the potential for applying NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis tools for quality control in food industries involved in the processing of oilseeds. This precious and versatile information gives a better understanding of the biology of these processes.

March 5, 2016

Homology arms of targeting vectors for gene insertions and CRISPR/Cas9 technology: size does not matter; quality control of targeted clones does

Silvia Petrezselyova, Slavomir Kinsky, Dominika Truban, Radislav Sedlacek, Ingo Burtscher, Heiko Lickert

Page range: 773-787

Abstract

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) technology has brought rapid progress in mammalian genome editing (adding, disrupting or changing the sequence of specific sites) by increasing the frequency of targeted events. However, gene knock-in of DNA cassettes by homologous recombination still remains difficult due to the construction of targeting vectors possessing large homology arms (from 2 up to 5 kb). Here, we demonstrate that in mouse embryonic stem cells the combination of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and targeting vectors with short homology arms (~ 0.3 kb) provides sufficient specificity for insertion of fluorescent reporter cassettes into endogenous genes with similar efficiency as those with large conventional vectors. Importantly, we emphasize the necessity of thorough quality control of recombinant clones by combination of the PCR method, Southern hybridization assay and sequencing to exclude undesired mutations. In conclusion, our approach facilitates programmed integration of exogenous DNA sequences at a target locus and thus could serve as a basis for more sophisticated genome engineering approaches, such as generation of reporters and conditional knock-out alleles.

March 5, 2016

Death domain associated protein (Daxx), a multi-functional protein

Shuang-Yang Tang, Yan-Ping Wan, Yi-Mou Wu

Page range: 788-797

Abstract

Death domain associated protein (Daxx), a multi-functional protein, plays an important role in transcriptional regulation, cell apoptosis, carcinogenesis, anti-virus infection and so on. However, its regulatory mechanisms for both cell survival and apoptosis remain largely obscure. Our review of recent studies shows that Daxx has many interesting functional dualities and can provide a reference for further research on Daxx.

March 5, 2016

In silico screening of alleged miRNAs associated with cell competition: an emerging cellular event in cancer

Manish Patel, Bhavesh Antala, Neeta Shrivastava

Page range: 798-815

Abstract

Cell competition is identified as a crucial phenomenon for cancer and organ development. There is a possibility that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in the regulation of expression of genes involved in cell competition. In silico screening of miRNAs is an effort to abridge, economize and expedite the experimental approaches to identification of potential miRNAs involved in cell competition, as no study has reported involvement of miRNAs in cell competition to date. In this study, we used multiple screening steps as follows: (i) selection of cell competition related genes of Drosophila through a literature survey; (ii) homology study of selected cell competition related genes; (iii) identification of miRNAs that target conserved cell competitionrelated genes through prediction tools; (iv) sequence conservation analysis of identified miRNAs with human genome; (v) identification of conserved cell competition miRNAs using their expression profiles and exploration of roles of their homologous human miRNAs. This study led to the identification of nine potential cell competition miRNAs in the Drosophila genome. Importantly, eighteen human homologs of these nine potential Drosophila miRNAs are well reported for their involvement in different types of cancers. This confirms their probable involvement in cell competition as well, because cell competition is well justified for its involvement in cancer initiation and maintenance.

March 5, 2016

MGL induces nuclear translocation of EndoG and AIF in caspase-independent T cell death

Qingpan Bu, Jianhui Wang, Yi Zheng, Yingying Zou, Min Wei

Page range: 816-824

Abstract

Macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL) participates in the regulation of T cell apoptosis, but the exact death pathway remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that MGL-induced T cell death occurs in a caspaseindependent manner. Furthermore, MGL treatment triggers the translocation of endonuclease G (EndoG) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondria to the nucleus. Because galectin-1 (Gal-1) can also initiate similar mitochondrial events, we speculate that this death pathway may be widely used by the lectin family.

March 5, 2016

Cerivastatin represses atherogenic gene expression through the induction of KLF2 via isoprenoid metabolic pathways

Jiyuan Zhao, Selvamuthu K. Natarajan, Nicolas Chronos, Jai Pal Singh

Page range: 825-839

Abstract

Earlier clinical studies have reported that cerivastatin has an antiatherosclerotic effect that is unique among the statins. In our study, human THP-1 macrophage cells were used to study the effects of various statins on the expressions of the atherosclerotic genes and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). Cerivastatin significantly inhibited the two atherosclerotic genes, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) at both the mRNA and protein levels, while the other statins did not. Accordingly, cerivastatin was also the most potent inducer of KLF2 transcription in the macrophages. An siRNA-induced reduction in KLF2 expression blocked the inhibition of MCP-1 and CCR2 by cerivastatin. When the cells were further treated with mevalonate, farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP) or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), the effects of cerivastatin on KLF2, MCP-1 and CCR2 were obviously reversed. Thus, the results showed that cerivastatin was a potent inhibitor of the inflammation genes MCP-1 and CCR2 through the induction of KLF2. The regulation of MCP-1, CCR2 and KLF2 by cerivastatin was isoprenoid pathway dependent. Our studies suggest that the effect of cerivastatin on atherosclerotic genes and KLF2 expression may contribute to the cardioprotection observed in reported clinical studies.

March 5, 2016

Proteasomes raise the microtubule dynamics in influenza A (H1N1) virus-infected LLC-MK2 cells

Flora De Conto, Carlo Chezzi, Alessandra Fazzi, Sergey V. Razin, Maria Cristina Arcangeletti, Maria Cristina Medici, Rita Gatti, Adriana Calderaro

Page range: 840-866

Abstract

The dynamics of microtubule networks are known to have an impact on replication of influenza A virus in some cellular models. Here we present evidence suggesting that at late stages of LLC-MK2 cell infection by influenza A (H1N1) virus the ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation system participates in destabilization of microtubules, and favours virus replication. Chemical inhibition of proteasome activity partially suppresses influenza A virus replication, while stimulation of proteasome activity favours influenza A virus replication. Conversely, in another cellular model, A549 cells, inhibitors and activators of proteasomes have a small effect on influenza A virus replication. These data suggest that influenza A virus might take selective advantage of proteasome functions in order to set up a favourable cytoskeletal “environment” for its replication and spread. Furthermore, the relationship between influenza virus and the host cell is likely to depend on both the cellular model and the virus strain.

March 5, 2016

Purinergic signaling and the functioning of the nervous system cells

Kamila Puchałowicz, Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka, Violetta Dziedziejko, Dariusz Chlubek

Page range: 867-918

Abstract

Purinergic signaling in the nervous system has been the focus of a considerable number of studies since the 1970s. The P2X and P2Y receptors are involved in the initiation of purinergic signaling. They are very abundant in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where they are expressed on the surface of neurons and glial cells - microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells and the precursors of the latter two. Their ligands - extracellular nucleotides - are released in the physiological state by astrocytes and neurons forming synaptic connections, and are essential for the proper functioning of nervous system cells. Purinergic signaling plays a crucial role in neuromodulation, neurotransmission, myelination in the CNS and PNS, intercellular communication, the regulation of ramified microglia activity, the induction of the response to damaging agents, the modulation of synaptic activity and other glial cells by astrocytes, and the induction of astrogliosis. Understanding these mechanisms and the fact that P2 receptors and their ligands are involved in the pathogenesis of diseases of the nervous system may help in the design of drugs with different and more effective mechanisms of action.

March 5, 2016

The effect of cultureware surfaces on functional and structural components of differentiated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Nela Pavlikova, Martin Weiszenstein, Jan Pala, Petr Halada, Ondrej Seda, Moustafa Elkalaf, Jan Trnka, Jan Kovar, Jan Polak

Page range: 919-936

Abstract

Experiments using cultured primary cells or cell lines are a routine in vitro approach used across multiple biological disciplines, However, the structural and functional influences of various cultureware materials on cultured cells is not clearly understood. Surface treatments of cultureware have proven to have profound effects on cell viability and proliferation. In this study, we investigated the impact of polystyrene and fluorocarbon cultureware dishes on the proteomic profile of differentiated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. After expansion and differentiation of cells on appropriate cultureware dishes, cell lysates were separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and proteins were visualized with Coomassie blue staining. Spots with the highest differential expression between the two culture conditions were subsequently analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and the identified proteins were subjected to pathway analysis. We observed that 43% of all spots were differentially expressed depending on the cultureware. Pathway analysis revealed that glucose metabolism, mitochondrial structure and cell differentiation, represented by 14-3-3 protein-mediated signaling and the mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS), were significantly affected by cultureware material. These results indicate that cultureware material can have a profound effect on key adipocyte functional pathways. These effects modifications of the cells should be reflected in the design of in vitro experiments and interpretation of their results.

March 5, 2016

Ramipril inhibits high glucose-stimulated up-regulation of adhesion molecules via the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Moo Hyun Kim, Hae Min Kang, Chae-Eun Kim, Seongho Han, Sung-Whan Kim

Page range: 937-947

Abstract

Ramipril has recently been shown to have anti-atherogenic properties. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ramipril on induction of adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using high-glucose (HG) conditions and to investigate possible underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of ramipril on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 production, and ERK phosphorylation were examined in HG-induced HUVECs with inhibitors targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. HG induced the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Pretreatment with ramipril drastically inhibited ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 production in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, upon investigating the effects of ramipril on the MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, we found that ramipril completely inhibited HG-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. ERK inhibitors completely prevented the inhibitory effect of HG. This study demonstrated that ramipril reduces HG-stimulated induction of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression via MAPK signaling, which may be useful for inhibition of atherosclerosis.

March 5, 2016

The effect of nicotine on the expressions of the α7 nicotinic receptor gene and Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in the mammary gland epithelial-7 breast cancer cell line and its relationship to drug resistance

Naghmeh Aali, Gholamreza Motalleb

Page range: 948-964

Abstract

The binding of nicotine with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) stimulates cell division and increases drug resistance in cancer. Experiments with specific inhibitors such as RNAi, hexamethonium, and α-bungarotoxin showed that α7 nicotinic receptor plays a key role in the proproliferation activity of nicotine. However, the mechanism of nicotine in the progress of breast cancer, the commonest malignancy in women, remains unknown. This study focuses on the effect of nicotine on the expressions of the α7 nicotinic receptor gene and Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in mammary gland epithelial-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells and its relationship to drug resistance. To evaluate the effect on drug resistance, human mammary gland epithelial adenocarcinomas from the MCF-7 line were exposed to 100 μl of nicotine at a concentration of 9.2 mg/ml for varying periods of time. Then, the cells were treated with 1, 2, 3 or 5 μl/ml of doxorubicin, either with or without the continued presence of nicotine. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. The biochemical parameters of apoptosis, including the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2 and α7 nicotinic receptor proteins were determined via western blotting, and the α7 nicotinic receptor gene expression level was assessed via real-time qPCR using the 2 -ΔΔCt method. Differences in the target gene expression levels were evaluated with ANOVA with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. We found a novel and effective signaling pathway of nicotine in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The levels of α7 nicotinic receptor and Bcl-2 protein increased but the Bax protein levels decreased, while the α7 nicotinic receptor gene expression level was not significantly different compared with the control.

March 5, 2016

The cloning, expression and purification of recombinant human neuritin from Escherichia coli and the partial analysis of its neurobiological activity

Yuanyuan Li, Juan Tang, Yunhua Zhang, Haiyan Wang, Wumei Yuan, Na Yu, Xing Luo, Xiaoling Xu, Jin Huang, Lei Yang

Page range: 965-973

Abstract

Neuritin (Nrn1) is a neurotrophic factor that plays various roles in neural development and synaptic plasticity. In this study, the NRN1 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and then recombinant neuritin protein was purified so that its neurobiological activity could be evaluated. The protein, which was obtained at a concentration of 0.45 mg/ml and > 90% purity, had the predicted molecular weight of 30 kDa, as determined via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Western blot analysis confirmed that an anti-neuritin antibody could recognize the fusion protein. Subsequent functional analyses revealed that recombinant neuritin promoted neurite outgrowth in embryonic chicken dorsal root ganglia and PC12 cells. These results suggest that recombinant neuritin protein could be a valuable tool for inducing neurite regeneration, for instance in cases of spinal cord injury or neurological diseases.

No ranking information is available for this journal.

(Deutsch)

Online ISSN: 1689-1392
Type: Journal
Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
First published: April 22, 2006
Publication Frequency: 4 Issues per Year

Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters

How taste works: cells, receptors and gustatory perception

Abstract

Non-cooperative immobilization of residual water bound in lyophilized photosynthetic lamellae

Abstract

Coexistence of rare variant HbD Punjab [α2β2121(Glu→Gln)] and alpha 3.7 kb deletion in a young boy of Hindu family in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Somatic stem cell aging and malignant transformation – impact on therapeutic application

Abstract

1H NMR-based metabolic profiling for evaluating poppy seed rancidity and brewing

Abstract

Homology arms of targeting vectors for gene insertions and CRISPR/Cas9 technology: size does not matter; quality control of targeted clones does

Abstract

Death domain associated protein (Daxx), a multi-functional protein

Abstract

In silico screening of alleged miRNAs associated with cell competition: an emerging cellular event in cancer

Abstract

MGL induces nuclear translocation of EndoG and AIF in caspase-independent T cell death

Abstract

Cerivastatin represses atherogenic gene expression through the induction of KLF2 via isoprenoid metabolic pathways

Abstract

Proteasomes raise the microtubule dynamics in influenza A (H1N1) virus-infected LLC-MK2 cells

Abstract

Purinergic signaling and the functioning of the nervous system cells

Abstract

The effect of cultureware surfaces on functional and structural components of differentiated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Abstract

Ramipril inhibits high glucose-stimulated up-regulation of adhesion molecules via the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Abstract

The effect of nicotine on the expressions of the α7 nicotinic receptor gene and Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in the mammary gland epithelial-7 breast cancer cell line and its relationship to drug resistance

Abstract

The cloning, expression and purification of recombinant human neuritin from Escherichia coli and the partial analysis of its neurobiological activity

Abstract

Coexistence of rare variant HbD Punjab [α₂β₂^{121(Glu→Gln)}] and alpha 3.7 kb deletion in a young boy of Hindu family in West Bengal, India

¹H NMR-based metabolic profiling for evaluating poppy seed rancidity and brewing