Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.1
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes
ijms-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 11463

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marcus Krüger

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environmental Cell Biology Group, Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
Interests: cell biology; cancer biology; environmental influences; microgravity; cellular communication; photodynamic therapy; cancer treatment; antimicrobial resistance; tumor microbiome
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cells respond to a variety of environmental stresses to maintain their normal function, known as cellular homeostasis. It is now well established that a cell's phenotype is the result of the combined effects of environmental and genetic factors. Environment sensing and signaling are increasingly recognized as a set of fundamental pathways that influence cell behavior, cell fate, and pathologies. Many processes that lead to a change in the state or activity of a cell (gene expression, migration, secretion, enzyme production, etc.) are a consequence of an environmental stimulus. Understanding how cells respond to signals in their environment is a fundamental part of knowing how living systems work. This Special Issue will highlight recent advances in the research on cellular perception and the response to changing environments. We welcome the submission of original research and review manuscripts related to bacteria, archaea, plants, animals, and humans.

Dr. Marcus Krüger
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environment sensing
  • cellular stress response
  • (bio)chemical environment
  • (bio)physical environment
  • mechanical environment
  • thermal environment
  • radiation
  • enviromics
  • receptors
  • signal transduction pathways

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 4854 KiB  
Article
Hematopoietic Growth Factors Regulate the Entry of Monocytes into the Adult Brain via Chemokine Receptor CCR5
by Xuefang Sophie Ren, Junchi He, Songruo Li, Heng Hu, Michele Kyle, Shinichi Kohsaka and Li-Ru Zhao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168898 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2850
Abstract
Monocytes are circulating macrophage precursors generated from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. In adults, monocytes continuously replenish cerebral border-associated macrophages under physiological conditions. Monocytes also rapidly infiltrate the brain in pathological settings. The mechanisms of recruiting monocyte-derived macrophages into the brain under pathological [...] Read more.
Monocytes are circulating macrophage precursors generated from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. In adults, monocytes continuously replenish cerebral border-associated macrophages under physiological conditions. Monocytes also rapidly infiltrate the brain in pathological settings. The mechanisms of recruiting monocyte-derived macrophages into the brain under pathological conditions have been extensively studied. However, it remains unclear how monocytes enter the brain to renew border-associated macrophages under physiological conditions. Using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, this study reveals that a combination of two hematopoietic growth factors, stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), complementarily and synergistically enhances the adhesion of monocytes to cerebral endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in brain endothelial cells, but not the cell adhesion molecules mediating neuroinflammation-related infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages, modulates SCF+G-CSF-enhanced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. Blocking CCR5 or genetically deleting CCR5 reduces monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion induced by SCF+G-CSF. The SCF+G-CSF-enhanced recruitment of bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages into the cerebral perivascular space is also reduced in adult CCR5 knockout mice. This study demonstrates the role of SCF and G-CSF in regulating the entry of monocytes into the adult brain to replenish perivascular macrophages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3322 KiB  
Article
Cold Exposure Regulates Hepatic Glycogen and Lipid Metabolism in Newborn Goats
by Duo Su, Tianhui Zhou, Yan Wang and Linjie Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 14330; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814330 - 20 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1462
Abstract
Cold exposure influences liver metabolism, thereby affecting energy homeostasis. However, the gene regulatory network of the liver after cold exposure remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that 24 h cold exposure (COLD, 6 °C) increased plasma glucose (GLU) levels, while reducing [...] Read more.
Cold exposure influences liver metabolism, thereby affecting energy homeostasis. However, the gene regulatory network of the liver after cold exposure remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that 24 h cold exposure (COLD, 6 °C) increased plasma glucose (GLU) levels, while reducing plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and triglyceride (TG) levels compared to the room temperature (RT, 25 °C) group. Cold exposure increased hepatic glycogen content and decreased hepatic lipid content in the livers of newborn goats. We conducted RNA-seq analysis on the livers of newborn goats in both the RT and cold exposure groups. A total of 1600 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 555 genes were up-regulated and 1045 genes were down-regulated in the cold exposure group compared with the RT group. Cold exposure increased the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, glycogen synthesis, and fatty acid degradation pathways. These results can provide a reference for hepatic lipid and glycogen metabolism in newborn goats after cold exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5204 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Response of Differentiating Porcine Myotubes to Thermal Stress and Donor Piglet Age
by Fabio Sarais, Katharina Metzger, Frieder Hadlich, Claudia Kalbe and Siriluck Ponsuksili
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13599; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713599 - 2 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1290
Abstract
Climate change is a current concern that directly and indirectly affects agriculture, especially the livestock sector. Neonatal piglets have a limited thermoregulatory capacity and are particularly stressed by ambient temperatures outside their optimal physiological range, which has a major impact on their survival [...] Read more.
Climate change is a current concern that directly and indirectly affects agriculture, especially the livestock sector. Neonatal piglets have a limited thermoregulatory capacity and are particularly stressed by ambient temperatures outside their optimal physiological range, which has a major impact on their survival rate. In this study, we focused on the effects of thermal stress (35 °C, 39 °C, and 41 °C compared to 37 °C) on differentiating myotubes derived from the satellite cells of Musculus rhomboideus, isolated from two different developmental stages of thermolabile 5-day-old (p5) and thermostable 20-day-old piglets (p20). Analysis revealed statistically significant differential expression genes (DEGs) between the different cultivation temperatures, with a higher number of genes responding to cold treatment. These DEGs were involved in the macromolecule degradation and actin kinase cytoskeleton categories and were observed at lower temperatures (35 °C), whereas at higher temperatures (39 °C and 41 °C), the protein transport system, endoplasmic reticulum system, and ATP activity were more pronounced. Gene expression profiling of HSP and RBM gene families, which are commonly associated with cold and heat responses, exhibited a pattern dependent on temperature variability. Moreover, thermal stress exhibited an inhibitory effect on cell cycle, with a more pronounced downregulation during cold stress driven by ADGR genes. Additionally, our analysis revealed DEGs from donors with an undeveloped thermoregulation capacity (p5) and those with a fully developed thermoregulation capacity (p20) under various cultivation temperature. The highest number of DEGs and significant GO terms was observed under temperatures of 35 °C and 37 °C. In particular, under 35 °C, the DEGs were enriched in insulin, thyroid hormone, and calcium signaling pathways. This result suggests that the different thermoregulatory capacities of the donor piglets determined the ability of the primary muscle cell culture to differentiate into myotubes at different temperatures. This work sheds new light on the underlying molecular mechanisms that govern piglet differentiating myotube response to thermal stress and can be leveraged to develop effective thermal management strategies to enhance skeletal muscle growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2465 KiB  
Article
Molecular Mechanism of m6A Methylation Modification Genes METTL3 and FTO in Regulating Heat Stress in Sheep
by Bowen Chen, Chao Yuan, Tingting Guo, Jianbin Liu, Bohui Yang and Zengkui Lu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 11926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241511926 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1714
Abstract
Heat stress is an important environmental factor affecting livestock production worldwide. Primary hepatocytes and preadipocytes derived from Hu sheep were used to establish a heat stress model. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that heat induction significantly increased the expression levels of heat [...] Read more.
Heat stress is an important environmental factor affecting livestock production worldwide. Primary hepatocytes and preadipocytes derived from Hu sheep were used to establish a heat stress model. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that heat induction significantly increased the expression levels of heat stress protein (HSP) genes and the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification genes: methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14), and fat mass and obesity associated protein (FTO). Heat stress simultaneously promoted cell apoptosis. Transcriptome sequencing identified 3980 upregulated genes and 2420 downregulated genes related to heat stress. A pathway enrichment analysis of these genes revealed significant enrichment in fatty acid biosynthesis, degradation, and the PI3K-Akt and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways. Overexpression of METTL3 in primary hepatocytes led to significant downregulation of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP110, and significantly increased mRNA m6A methylation; FTO interference generated the opposite results. Primary adipocytes showed similar results. Transcriptome analysis of cells under METTL3 (or FTO) inference and overexpression revealed differentially expressed genes enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, as well as the PI3K-Akt and Ras signaling pathways. We speculate that METTL3 may increase the level of m6A methylation to inhibit fat deposition and/or inhibit the expression of HSP genes to enhance the body’s resistance to heat stress, while the FTO gene generated the opposite molecular mechanism. This study provides a scientific basis and theoretical support for sheep feeding and management practices during heat stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 1080 KiB  
Review
Voltage Sensors Embedded in G Protein-Coupled Receptors
by Merav Tauber and Yair Ben-Chaim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105295 - 13 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 737
Abstract
Some signaling processes mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are modulated by membrane potential. In recent years, increasing evidence that GPCRs are intrinsically voltage-dependent has accumulated. A recent publication challenged the view that voltage sensors are embedded in muscarinic receptors. Herein, we briefly [...] Read more.
Some signaling processes mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are modulated by membrane potential. In recent years, increasing evidence that GPCRs are intrinsically voltage-dependent has accumulated. A recent publication challenged the view that voltage sensors are embedded in muscarinic receptors. Herein, we briefly discuss the evidence that supports the notion that GPCRs themselves are voltage-sensitive proteins and an alternative mechanism that suggests that voltage-gated sodium channels are the voltage-sensing molecules involved in such processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3219 KiB  
Review
Resilience and Mitigation Strategies of Cyanobacteria under Ultraviolet Radiation Stress
by Varsha K. Singh, Sapana Jha, Palak Rana, Sonal Mishra, Neha Kumari, Suresh C. Singh, Shekhar Anand, Vijay Upadhye and Rajeshwar P. Sinha
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512381 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2293
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) tends to damage key cellular machinery. Cells may adapt by developing several defence mechanisms as a response to such damage; otherwise, their destiny is cell death. Since cyanobacteria are primary biotic components and also important biomass producers, any drastic effects [...] Read more.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) tends to damage key cellular machinery. Cells may adapt by developing several defence mechanisms as a response to such damage; otherwise, their destiny is cell death. Since cyanobacteria are primary biotic components and also important biomass producers, any drastic effects caused by UVR may imbalance the entire ecosystem. Cyanobacteria are exposed to UVR in their natural habitats. This exposure can cause oxidative stress which affects cellular morphology and vital processes such as cell growth and differentiation, pigmentation, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and enzyme activity, as well as alterations in the native structure of biomolecules such as proteins and DNA. The high resilience and several mitigation strategies adopted by a cyanobacterial community in the face of UV stress are attributed to the activation of several photo/dark repair mechanisms, avoidance, scavenging, screening, antioxidant systems, and the biosynthesis of UV photoprotectants, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin (Scy), carotenoids, and polyamines. This knowledge can be used to develop new strategies for protecting other organisms from the harmful effects of UVR. The review critically reports the latest updates on various resilience and defence mechanisms employed by cyanobacteria to withstand UV-stressed environments. In addition, recent developments in the field of the molecular biology of UV-absorbing compounds such as mycosporine-like amino acids and scytonemin and the possible role of programmed cell death, signal perception, and transduction under UVR stress are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Responses to Environmental Changes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop