What are the specific genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of lung cancer?5 answersSpecific genetic mutations linked to an elevated risk of lung cancer include variants such as rs202197044 in the TET3 gene, rs202187871 in the POT1 gene, rs7447927 in the TMEM173 gene, and rs140624366 in the ATRN gene. Additionally, variants like rs748404 on 15q15.2 and rs12050604 have shown significant associations with lung cancer, independent of coding variants in the TP53BP1 gene. Furthermore, the presence of clonal hematopoiesis mutations, potentially influenced by factors like family history of lung cancer and smoking, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, with genetic variants like rs2298110 in the OTUD3 gene playing a role in promoting clonal hematopoiesis. These findings shed light on the genetic underpinnings of lung cancer susceptibility.
What are the genes responsible for lung cancer?5 answersGenes implicated in lung cancer include PDGFRA, LAMC1, and MAP3K8, which play crucial roles in pathways like angiogenesis and integrin signaling. Alterations in SWI/SNF genes, such as EGFR inhibitors, have been linked to lung cancer progression. ACE and ACE2 genes are associated with lung cancer risk, with ACE showing significant expression and correlation with poor outcomes. Exome-wide studies have identified variants like TET3, POT1, TMEM173, and ATRN linked to lung cancer predisposition. Lung cancer primarily arises from somatic mutations induced by environmental factors, with driver mutations being potential targets for therapy. These findings collectively shed light on the genetic underpinnings of lung cancer and potential therapeutic targets.
Which proteins are the most susceptible for post-translational modifications?5 answersProteins such as von Willebrand factor, tissue factor, factor VIII, antithrombin, and fibrinogen are highly susceptible to post-translational modifications (PTMs). These modifications include glycosylation, phosphorylation, sulphation, citrullination, and nitration, impacting their functions significantly. Additionally, beta 2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is a predominant protein antigen in antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) and undergoes PTMs like thiol-exchange reactions, sialylation, and acetylation, making it more antigenic. Furthermore, various proteins undergo modifications at their termini, including acetylation, arginylation, tyrosination, and lipidation, which play crucial roles in biological complexity and functional diversity. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and studying post-translational modifications in proteins to elucidate their structural and functional implications in health and disease.
What are the molecular pathways involved in lung cancer?5 answersThe molecular pathways involved in lung cancer include apoptosis signaling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK. Additionally, driver gene mutations like EGFR, ALK rearrangements, and KRAS mutations play a significant role in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Abnormal ubiquitination, including pathways like mTOR, HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, and Ras signaling pathways, is extensively associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways have been identified as oncogenic and stem cell signaling pathways that regulate lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) self-renewal. Alterations in mitochondrial pathways, including OXPHOS, stress response, amino acid metabolism, and apoptosis, have been observed in primary lung cancer patients, and these alterations may play a role in the evolution of second primary tumors.
What are the different types of post-translational modifications of viral proteins?5 answersProtein post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in viral infections. Different types of PTMs have been identified in viral proteins, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, methylation, acetylation, sumoylation, and glycosylation. These modifications regulate various aspects of the viral life cycle, such as viral replication, assembly, release, and host antiviral responses. PTMs of viral proteins also contribute to viral hijacking of host cellular machinery and modulation of signaling networks. For example, in HIV-1, PTMs of the Gag precursor protein regulate its trafficking, anchoring at the plasma membrane, and viral budding. Additionally, PTMs of viral capsid proteins in recombinant adeno-associated virus serotypes (AAV1-rh10) have been identified, including ubiquitination, glycosylation, phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and acetylation. These PTMs can affect the packaging efficiency and transduction ability of AAV vectors. Overall, PTMs of viral proteins are important for viral replication, pathogenesis, and the development of antiviral therapeutics.
How do mRNA modification affect translation?5 answersmRNA modifications have been found to impact translation in several ways. Pseudouridine (Ψ) modification in mRNA codons impedes amino acid addition and EF-Tu GTPase activation, leading to a decrease in translation efficiency. On the other hand, phosphorothioate (PS) modification at specific sites in mRNA coding regions increases the number of translating ribosomes, enhancing the rate of translation initiation. Chemical modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and 2'O-methylated nucleotides (Nm) within coding sequences can also affect translation efficiency and accuracy, with the impact depending on their position within the codon. Additionally, the presence of a cap structure at the 5' end of mRNA, such as the Cap_2 structure, has been shown to enhance translational activity. Overall, mRNA modifications play a crucial role in modulating translation, influencing protein synthesis and potentially affecting gene regulation.