Protein ISGylation: a posttranslational modification with implications for malignant neoplasms

Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is a member of the ubiquitin-like (UBL) protein family that can modify specific proteins via a catalytic process called ISGylation. This posttranslational modification can modulate the stability of the ISGylated proteins and protein-protein interactions. Some proteins modified by ISG15 have been identified in malignant neoplasms, suggesting the functional relevance of ISGylation in cancer. This review discusses the ISGylated proteins reported in malignant neoplasms that suggest the potential of ISG15 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer

Implications of the Immune Polymorphisms of the Host and the Genetic Variability of SARS-CoV-2 in the Development of COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the current pandemic affecting almost all countries in the world. SARS-CoV-2 is the agent responsible for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which has claimed millions of lives around the world. In most patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection does not cause clinical signs. However, some infected people develop symptoms, which include loss of smell or taste, fever, dry cough, headache, severe pneumonia, as well as coagulation disorders. The aim of this work is to report genetic factors of SARS-CoV-2 and host-associated to severe COVID-19, placing special emphasis on the viral entry and molecules of the immune system involved with viral infection. Besides this, we analyze SARS-CoV-2 variants and their structural characteristics related to the binding to polymorphic angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2). Additionally, we also review other polymorphisms as well as some epigenetic factors involved in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19. These factors and viral variability could explain the increment of infection rate and/or in the development of severe COVID-19

Mecanismos básicos en la modulación de la expresión génica: algunas implicaciones en el envejecimiento del cerebro

Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation are two interconnected processes regulating the activation and deactivation of all genes. This controlled modulation of gene expression determines the phenotype of different cell types, including their morphology, functionality, and ability to respond to diverse conditions. Regulation of epigenetics does not involve changes in the DNA sequence; however, it alters the formation of several protein complexes that are capable of modifying the chromatin structure to modulate the expression of genes. Epigenetic modifications are highly regulated by several factors such as diet, environment, and physical activity. Furthermore, under a disease condition or particular health state, and during aging, changes have been reported in a cell’s epigenome. Notably, aging is considered as a direct risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This review presents a general overview of transcriptional regulation and epigenetic mechanisms, and their relationship with the aging process. Alterations in epigenetic mechanisms are evident during aging, which may impact the development of neurodegenerative diseases. La regulación transcripcional y epigenética son dos procesos interconectados, responsables del encendido y apagado de la expresión de todos los genes. Esta fina modulación de la expresión génica determina el fenotipo de los diferentes tipos celulares, su morfología, su funcionalidad y su habilidad de responder ante diversas condiciones. La regulación epigenética no implica cambios en la secuencia del DNA, pero sí en la generación de numerosos complejos proteicos capaces de modificar la estructura de la cromatina y así modular la expresión génica. La epigenética en los organismos es altamente regulada por varios factores que incluyen la dieta, el ambiente y la actividad física, entre otros. Además, bajo una condición de enfermedad o un estado saludable, así como durante el envejecimiento, se reportan diferencias entre los epigenomas de las células. De manera importante, el envejecimiento es un factor de riesgo directo para el desarrollo de enfermedades neurodegenerativas. En esta revisión presentamos brevemente un panorama general del proceso de regulación transcripcional y de los mecanismos epigenéticos, así como su relación con el proceso del envejecimiento. Alteraciones en los mecanismos epigéneticos son evidentes durante el avance de la edad, los cuales podrían tener alguna influencia en el desarrollo de enfermedades neurodegenerativas

La técnica de seguimiento Instruccional Alfa para el manejo de desobediencia infantil en una triada madre-hija-hija

Se presenta un estudio de caso, cuyo propósito es explorar la afectividad de una variación del entrenamiento en el uso de instrucciones Alfa, el cual generalmente se realiza con diadas madre-hijo. En este caso se realizó una intervención psicológica con una triada madre-hija.hija consistente en un entrenamiento a la madre, mediante retroalimentación y modelamiento, en el uso de instrucciones Alfa (IA), para reducir problemas de desobediencia en sus dos niñas. Recurriendo a un diseño AB, se videograbó a la madre en interacción simultanea con sus dos hijas en situaciones domésticas a lo laro de quince sesiones, siendo las tres primeras de Linea Base, y las tres últimasde seguimiento al mes de concluida la intervención. Los resultados mostraron que conforme fue incrementándose el porcentaje de ocurrencia de los componentes de una IA, la conducta de desobediencia de las dos niñas fue sustituida por la de obediencia. También se observó que al componente de las IA, a la que fueron más sensibles las niñas fue el elogio, al grado que si la madre lo omitía, la niña no sujeta a la IA, se le hacía notar

Implications of the Immune Polymorphisms of the Host and the Genetic Variability of SARS-CoV-2 in the Development of COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the current pandemic affecting almost all countries in the world. SARS-CoV-2 is the agent responsible for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which has claimed millions of lives around the world. In most patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection does not cause clinical signs. However, some infected people develop symptoms, which include loss of smell or taste, fever, dry cough, headache, severe pneumonia, as well as coagulation disorders. The aim of this work is to report genetic factors of SARS-CoV-2 and host-associated to severe COVID-19, placing special emphasis on the viral entry and molecules of the immune system involved with viral infection. Besides this, we analyze SARS-CoV-2 variants and their structural characteristics related to the binding to polymorphic angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2). Additionally, we also review other polymorphisms as well as some epigenetic factors involved in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19. These factors and viral variability could explain the increment of infection rate and/or in the development of severe COVID-19