Inflammation context in Alzheimer's disease, a relationship intricate to define.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates. Importantly, Aβ and tau species are able to activate astrocytes and microglia, which release several proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), together with reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), triggering neuroinflammation. However, this inflammatory response has a dual function: it can play a protective role by increasing Aβ degradation and clearance, but it can also contribute to Aβ and tau overproduction and induce neurodegeneration and synaptic loss.

KnowVolution of a Fungal Laccase toward Alkaline pH.

To date, commercial laccase preparations are used in the food, textile, and paper and pulp industries (mild pH). Laccases are attractive in the synthesis of dye molecules or oxidative lignin treatment, which take place at high pH (≥8.0).

Directed evolution of an acid Yersinia mollaretii phytase for broadened activity at neutral pH.

Phytases are phosphohydrolases that initiate the sequential hydrolysis of phosphate from phytate, which is the main storage form of phosphorous in numerous plant seeds, especially in cereals and grains. Phytate is indigestible for most monogastric animals, such as poultry, swine, fish, and humans; therefore, microbial phytases have been widely used in plant (specially soy)-based animal feeding to improve nutrition by enhanced phosphorus, mineral, and trace element absorption, and reducing phosphorus pollution by animal waste. Most phytases used as animal feed additives have an acid pH optimum (pH 2.