Cell Signaling

Commentary Open Access

Unlocking the significance of CD226 in cancer

Weili Sun

CD226 is a transmembrane glycoprotein with a well-defined structural organization, which is primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells, and some subsets of B cells [1,2]. Its primary structure consists of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail [1]. Each of these domains contributes to the protein's overall function.

Review Article Open Access

PDE4 inhibition and enhancement of human memory and cognition

Graeme B. Bolger

Two distinct, but intertwining, threads of inquiry have demonstrated that the PDE4, or cAMP-selective, phosphodiesterases, have an essential role in human cognition, learning and memory. Study of genetically-modified preclinical models, and of humans with mutations in the PDE4D gene, has provided some of the most rigorous proof of the importance of PDE4 signaling in the CNS. More recently, clinical trials of PDE4-selective inhibitors have shown promising clinical activity in disorders of cognition and memory.

Commentary Open Access

Commentary: Interferons in Influenza and Streptococcus Pneumoniae co-pathogenesis

Sunil Palani, Keer Sun

Influenza A virus (IAV) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn) are two major respiratory pathogens in humans. IAV infection alone is often self-limited, and SPn colonization can be found in 5-90% of healthy individuals, as normal flora [1,2].

Commentary Open Access

Biomarkers for monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR in NSCLC: Challenges, current status, and future perspectives

May-Lucie Meyer, Fred R. Hirsch

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths [1]. However, significant improvements in the past decades have been achieved with improved outcomes [2-4]. Several mutations have been described as promoters of oncogenesis, and specific treatments are available, including those for Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR) mutations [4].

Commentary Open Access

Camping in the backyard: Identifying extracellular matrix targeting ligands using yeast surface display

Benjamin J Umlauf

Camping trips are often a lot of work, especially with children. Purchasing supplies, finding a location, and dealing with scary animals are often just too much. Inspired by so many films, my family instead set up a tent to camp in the backyard.

Commentary Open Access

Intracellular signaling mechanism of sweat secretion by PACAP

Michio Yamashita, Junko Shibato, Randeep Rakwal, Naoko Nonaka, Fumiko Takenoya, Seiji Shioda

Sweat, an exocrine fluid secreted (sweat gland tissue of the eccrine and apocrine glands) by skin has an indispensable function for regulating body temperature and skin hydration [1]. The eccrine gland performs 90% of sweat secretion and secretory fluid of eccrine glands consists of 99% water and 1% inorganic substances.