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Targets, Volume 2, Issue 1 (March 2024) – 3 articles

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12 pages, 8224 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Role of Concanavalin A in a Rodent Model of Chemical-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Promising Guide in Understanding Liver Cancer Development
by Romelia Pop, Dragoș Hodor, Cornel Cătoi, Teodora Mocan, Lucian Mocan and Alexandru-Flaviu Tăbăran
Targets 2024, 2(1), 52-63; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets2010003 - 16 Feb 2024
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a pressing global health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in humans. Chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B and C infections and cirrhosis, are often associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, necessitating ongoing research for improved diagnostic [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a pressing global health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in humans. Chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B and C infections and cirrhosis, are often associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, necessitating ongoing research for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Animal models, including both spontaneous and chemically induced models like diethylnitrosamine, play a pivotal role in understanding hepatocellular carcinoma mechanisms. Metabolic alterations in tumoral hepatocytes contribute significantly to cancer initiation and progression, impacting energy metabolism and cell survival. Lectins, specifically Concanavalin A, provide valuable insights into altered glycosylation patterns in cancer cells. This study employs lectin histochemistry to assess hepatic alterations in Concanavalin A expression in a murine model of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Utilizing confocal laser scanning microscopy, our study unveils notable changes in Concanavalin A subcellular localization and intensity distribution in hepatocellular carcinoma compared with healthy liver tissue. A significant increase in the Concanavalin A labeling within the tumoral cells and a shifting of the expression within the perinuclear space is observed. These findings offer valuable insights into molecular changes in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing potential avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluorescence Imaging of Disease Biomarkers)
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20 pages, 4286 KiB  
Review
The Radiant World of Cyanobacterial Phycobiliproteins: Examining Their Structure, Functions, and Biomedical Potentials
by Sapana Jha, Varsha K. Singh, Ashish P. Singh, Amit Gupta, Palak Rana and Rajeshwar P. Sinha
Targets 2024, 2(1), 32-51; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets2010002 - 10 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 882
Abstract
Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are accessory light-harvesting pigment complexes found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and certain types of cryptophytes. The unique spectral features (strong absorbance and fluorescence), proteinaceous nature, and some imperative properties such as the anti-oxidative, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activity of PBPs allow [...] Read more.
Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are accessory light-harvesting pigment complexes found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and certain types of cryptophytes. The unique spectral features (strong absorbance and fluorescence), proteinaceous nature, and some imperative properties such as the anti-oxidative, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activity of PBPs allow their use in biomedical industries. However, basic research and technological innovations are required to explore their potential in biomedical applications. The techniques responsible for therapeutic effects need to be standardized for medical application purposes. This review focuses on the current status of PBPs, their structure, functions, methods of preparation, and applications. Additionally, the stability, bioavailability, and safety issues of PBPs, along with their use in therapeutics, are discussed. Full article
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31 pages, 7328 KiB  
Review
Cell-Surface Glycan Labeling and Sensing
by Yiran Li, Lele Wang, Lin Ding and Huangxian Ju
Targets 2024, 2(1), 1-31; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets2010001 - 31 Dec 2023
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Abstract
Cell-surface glycans are abundant and complex and play a critical role in maintaining protein stability, regulating cell behavior, and participating in cell communication. Obtaining structural information on glycans in situ is helpful to further understand the role of glycans in the physiological and [...] Read more.
Cell-surface glycans are abundant and complex and play a critical role in maintaining protein stability, regulating cell behavior, and participating in cell communication. Obtaining structural information on glycans in situ is helpful to further understand the role of glycans in the physiological and pathological processes of cells and the regulatory mechanism. To achieve this, we can use recognition or labeling strategies to convert the presence of glycans on the cell surface into signals that can be detected. Currently, many different types of in situ sensing strategies for glycans have been developed. The spatial control of the conversion process can realize the restriction of glycan detection to specific proteins, and the introduction of signal amplification technology into the conversion process can improve the sensitivity of sensing. In this paper, the recent progress of glycan labeling methods and sensing technology is reviewed, and the future development direction is prospected. Full article
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