Begell House Inc.
Critical Reviews™ in Eukaryotic Gene Expression
CRE
1045-4403
27
4
2017
Phage Therapy against Streptococcus pneumoniae: Modern Tool to Control Pneumonia
289-295
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017019527
Muhammad Imran
Qadir
Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
Sahir
Sajjad
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan Pakistan
antibiotic resistance
bacteriophages
biofilms
toxin and antitoxin genes
multidrug resistance
Phage therapy is important for treatment of drug-resistant pathogens as compared to antibiotics in this modern era. Since 1966, bacteriophages have been used as antibacterial agents and played a very crucial role in the expansion of molecular biology. Bacteriophages have been used to treat infection in Western medicine along with antibiotics. Antibacterial agents against the antibiotic resistance strains have been discovered. The lytic bacteriophage
used for treatment in conventional phage therapy have shown hopeful results in human clinical cases. In animal models and in vitro studies, phages are used as therapeutics. Bacterial pathogens decreased with use of dual therapy of antibiotics and phages. Variation in intracellular targets of the type II DNA topoisomerases acquired by recombination with the fluoroquinolones have shown resistance. This review summarizes the role of Streptococcus pneumoniae in phage therapy. The study condenses the biochemical and structural data described for Streptococcus. pneumoniae biofilms.
Association between HIF1α 1772 C/T Polymorphism and Breast Cancer Susceptibility: A Systematic Review
297-304
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017019947
Ting
Wang
Department of Oncology, Yiwu City Central Hospital, Zhejiang, 322000, People's Republic of China
breast cancer
HIF1a
polymorphisms
risk
Studies have reached conflicting conclusions about the association of the 1772 C/T polymorphism in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) gene with breast cancer risk. To address this, we performed a meta-analysis
of relevant studies in the included literature. Data were collected from the electronic databases PubMed and EMBase.
The association was assessed by determination of the odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval
(95% CI). A total of seven articles involving 2343 cases and 2246 controls were analyzed in our meta-analysis.
Overall, we found no significant association between the HIF1α C1772T polymorphism and breast cancer (TT vs. CC: OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.49-3.63; CT vs. CC: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.90–1.27; dominant model: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.93–1.30; recessive model: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.50–3.49). In stratified analysis by ethnic group, a statistically significant association was observed in Asians. Our findings demonstrated that the 1772 C/T polymorphism in the HIF1α gene might be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer in Asians.
Emerging Trends in Non-Interferon-Based Genotype-Specific Antiviral Agents: Pharmaceutical Perspectives
305-319
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017019956
Tahir
Farooq
Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Arruje
Hameed
Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Kanwal
Rehman
Institute of Pharmacy, Physiology, and Pharmacology,
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Muhammad
Ibrahim
Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Matloob
Ahmed
Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad,
Pakistan
Tahsin
Gulzar
Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Muhammad Sajid Hamid
Akash
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
hepatitis C virus
interferon-based therapeutic options
antiviral agents
anti-HCV agents
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents a serious global health threat. Initially, the health-care community mainly focused on interferon (IFN)-based therapeutic options to eradicate HCV, but with the passage of time, these applications became unsuitable due to some serious side effects related to the use of IFN. In recent years, research conducted on different phases of HCV's life cycle has opened a new gateway for the use of a direct-acting new generation of anti-HCV agents. Their safer and ultrarapid response has made possible the introduction of triple therapy and use of IFN-free therapeutic treatment strategies. However, the high cost of these successful therapies has raised serious concerns, particularly in low-income countries, and this has forced pharmaceutical scientists to explore more cost-effective IFN-free alternatives for the treatment of HCV. In this article, we have briefly summarized the latest
data regarding the research and development of non-IFN-based antiviral agents. The studies mentioned in this article
highlight the significance of non-IFN-based direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents. Economical alternative anti-HCV
agents are expected to become available in the near future for better and more cost-effective treatments of HCV.
Sirtuins in Brain Aging and Neurological Disorders
321-329
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017019532
Muhammad Imran
Qadir
Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
Sidra
Anwar
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
aging
metabolic regulation
brain aging
Sir2
SIRT1
SIRT3
calorie restriction
The many ways of aging have been and continue to be investigated. For this reason, over many years,
several studies have resolved some of the genetic details underlying aging processes. It resulted in the identification of a yeast gene known as Sir2, which is a longevity modulator. Sir2 and SIRT1 are the mammalian homologs of yeast genes. Sirtuins (including SIRT1) play an important role in aging of the brain and the metabolic regulation pathway in mammals. Aging in the brain is caused by the loss of neurophysiologic functions due to neurodegeneration. The sirtuin family plays a central role in the beneficial effects of calorie restriction (CR). CR is linked with an increase in life span and decrease in the risk of diseases related to the brain. Sirtuins may be helpful for us in studying the process of aging and treatment of diseases related with aging.
Genetically Modified Aedes aegypti to Control Dengue: A Review
331-340
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017019937
Muhammad
Qsim
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad-38000,
Pakistan
Usman Ali
Ashfaq
Government College University Faisalabad
Muhammad Zubair
Yousaf
Centres of Excellence in Science & Applied Technologies, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Ferozpur Road, 54600, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Shareef
Masoud
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad (GCUF), Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan
Ijaz
Rasul
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad-38000,
Pakistan
Namrah
Noor
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad-38000,
Pakistan
Azfar
Hussain
Buffalo Research Institute
Pattoki, Pakistan
RNA interference
CRISPR-Cas9
Aedes aegypti
dengue
sterile insect technique
Dengue is an acute infectious disease of viral etiology characterized by lymphadenopathy, leucopenia, headache, biphasic fever, pain in various parts of the body, rashes, and extreme physical weakness. It is a vector-borne
disease caused by a positive-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Dengue inflicts a significant health, economic, and social burden on populations of endemic areas. Dengue virus is transmitted to humans by the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. Vaccines against dengue viruses have been claimed to be developed, but as yet no effective treatment is available. Alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome this disease and its spread are direly needed. A traditional sterile insect technique (SIT) harms the health of male insects, leading to their reduced ability to compete for wild-type female insects for breeding. Oxitec (Abingdon, UK) has developed genetically modified (GM) strains of A. aegypti via the release of insects carrying a dominant lethal (RIDL) strategy. RIDL male mosquitoes offer
a resolution to many of the limitations of traditional SIT, which has resulted in reduced application of SIT in mosquitoes. The technique using RIDL mosquitoes is considered to be ecologically friendly and specific. Homing endonuclease genes, also called selfish genes, can also be used in genetic modification methods in such a way that the vector population and its competency can be reduced. GM mosquitoes carrying a gene that transcribes RNA interference can also be crucial to control expression of RNA viruses. The RNA virus interference pathway is one of the most critical components of the innate immune system of insects that can frustrate a variety of RNA viruses such as Flaviviruses. Here, we summarize and focus on alternative techniques used to control dengue spread.
N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 1 and Endometriosis: A Minireview
341-345
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017020516
Lou
Tong
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Chongdong
Liu
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Zhenyu
Zhang
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
NDRG1
endometriosis
signal pathway
therapy target
NDRG1 (N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1) was previously considered to be a differentiation-related gene. However, many other functions of NDRG1 have since been identified, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and vascularization of tumor cells. Currently regarded as a tumor suppressor in most studies, NDRG1 is abundant in prostate, brain, kidney, placental, and intestinal tissues. It is expressed in normal endometrium, with higher expression occurring in the secretory phase. NDRG1 was first identified as an inhibitor of signaling pathways
associated with the pathology of endometriosis. The NDRG1 protein regulation of endometriosis is assumed to be
associated with several important pathways. This review summarizes the relationship between NDRG1 and endometriosis,
focusing on the potential function of NDRG1 in endometriosis through signaling pathways and discusses the additional research that is required for future studies.
Association between the Epithelial Cadherin − 160C/A Polymorphism and Colorectal Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
347-354
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017020525
Ningjie
Sun
Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu 322000, China
Jianfeng
Chen
Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu 322000, China
Gang
Hu
Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu 322000, China
Xiansheng
Chen
Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu 322000, China
Jiansong
Jiang
Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu 322000, China
Lei
Zhang
Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu 322000, China
Haiming
Wu
Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Yiwu Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu 322000, China
colorectal cancer
epithelial cadherin
polymorphism
risk
The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the epithelial cadherin (CDH1) –160C/A polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) using a meta-analysis. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed for relevant studies. Statistical analyses were carried out using Stata 12.0 to combine all of the relevant studies. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) values were applied to evaluate the strength of the association. Eight studies with 7231 cases and 7080 controls were included. The meta-analysis
results showed that the CDH1 –160C/A polymorphism was significantly associated with CRC risk (AA vs.
CC: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.71–1.36; CA vs. CC: OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86–0.99; dominant model: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.81–1.26; recessive model: OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.81–1.02). In the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, significant association was found between the CDH1 –160C > A polymorphism and CRC risk in Caucasians. In conclusion, the CDH1 –160C/A polymorphism may be a susceptible predictor for the risk of CRC in Caucasians.
miRNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches
355-361
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017019539
Muhammad Imran
Qadir
Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
Samana Zahra
Rizvi
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
microRNA
carcinogenesis
antitumor activity
protein coding genes
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a worldwide disease. Because therapeutic measures are ineffective,
HCC currently has a poor prognosis. The main causes of HCCs are alcoholism, hepatitis, and metabolic syndrome.
Normally hygieinic studies revealed that there is lower survival rate of HCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) consist of short
noncoding sequences of RNA (20 to 24 nucleotides), which posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of the protein
coding genes. MicroRNAs have been proposed to be prospective therapeutic molecules and targets. For testing
miRNA-based therapies, HCC is a remarkable model because it may be targeted by delivery of oligonucleotides.
Current studies show a beginning for analyzing the therapeutic prospects of miRNAs or anti–miRNAs. Generally,
antitumor activity of miRNAs has been observed.
Mechanism of Hepatitis C Virus−Induced Diabetes Mellitus
363-371
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017020437
Usman Ali
Ashfaq
Government College University Faisalabad
Hina
Khalid
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, 38000 Faisalabad, Pakistan
hepatitis C virus
insulin resistance
diabetes mellitus
hepatocellular carcinoma
The hepatitis C virus (HCV), the most predominant cause of liver failure worldwide, is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin resistance (IR), both in vivo and in vitro. DM and IR aggravate the rate of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Most studies have revealed that patients with HCV are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), compared with controls or patients with hepatitis B. In the same way, patients with T2D are highly prone to severe HCV clinical outcomes and increased progression to fibrosis
and cirrhosis, ultimately leading to HCC. HCV interferes with the insulin-signaling pathway by modulating cellular
gene expression such as up-regulation of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor–α, hypophosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate–1 and –2, phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), up-regulation of gluconeogenic genes, accumulation of lipids, and targeting of lipid storage organelles. Owing to the pathological association between HCV and DM, the possibility of HCV eradication, resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality rate due to T2D, cannot be ruled out. HCV diabetes-associated IR can be targeted for HCV therapy. However, few such studies have revealed that IR minimizes (interferes with) the response rate of interferon/ribavirin treatment.
Diverse Signaling Pathways and Current Status of Molecular Targeted Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
373-385
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2017021006
Bushra
Akhtar
Institute of Pharmacy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Faqir
Muhammad
Institute of Pharmacy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Ali
Sharif
Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Furqan
Akhtar
Faculty of Pharmacy, Government College University, Faisalabad,
Pakistan; Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
Wafa
Majeed
Institute of Pharmacy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
hepatocellular carcinoma
sorafenib
cancer
signaling pathways
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death associated with cancer. Various molecular mechanisms are involved in HCC development. Alterations in these molecular mechanisms include chromosomal instability, gene mutations, and variations in protein expressions. A number of cell signaling pathways that are associated with the occurrence of apoptosis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis provide new prospects for the development of HCC treatments. Newly designed, potential therapeutic regimens target specific receptors, kinases, and vital proteins. Sorafenib is the only FDA-approved drug for HCC treatment, and it has been found that the complex genomic aberrations in HCC can be overcome using combination therapy. For example, therapeutic benefits have been gained using sorafenib with doxorubicin, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and monoclonal antibodies. In addition, elumetinib,
carbozantinib, and refametinib may be effective when used in combination with sorafenib. Drugs that target several signaling pathways have shown promising results in phase 3 clinical trials, and clinical studies using these drugs have changed the management strategy for HCC, particularly with the use of combination therapeutic regimens. Such research has improved the current standards of care and influenced clinical decision making.
Index Volume 27, 2017
387-392
10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.v27.i4.110