Seed: A Valued Resource for Bioactive Compounds Targeting Health and Tumor Cells.

Human galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside binding lectin through its Carbohydrate Recognition Domain (CRD), is implicated in a wide range of cellular functions and is involved in critical biological processes including pathogen recognition, immune response, inflammation and fibrosis. Recently, Gal-3 has gained increasing attention for its role in pathological conditions such as cancer, where it influences cancer growth and progression, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress, opening the search for potential inhibitors. In this context, several naturally derived molecules have attracted particular interest, some of them being used in clinical trials.

Structural Insights Into Galectin-3 Recognition of a Selenoglycomimetic.

Chimera-type galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding protein containing a single conserved carbohydrate-recognition domain, crucial in fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Selenium-based Gal-3 inhibitors have emerged as promising therapeutic agents, particularly for treating neoplastic diseases. Among them, a seleno-digalactoside (SeDG) substituted with a benzyl group at position 3 of both saccharide residues (benzyl 3,3'-seleno-digalactoside, SeDG-Bn), attracted considerable attention for its selectivity and potent inhibitory efficacy against Gal-3.

Structural characterization of PHOX2B and its DNA interaction shed light on the molecular basis of the +7Ala variant pathogenicity in CCHS.

An expansion of poly-alanine up to +13 residues in the C-terminus of the transcription factor PHOX2B underlies the onset of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). Recent studies demonstrated that the alanine tract expansion influences PHOX2B folding and activity. Therefore, structural information on PHOX2B is an important target for obtaining clues to elucidate the insurgence of the alanine expansion-related syndrome and also for defining a viable therapy.

Outbreaks: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a critical priority pathogen on its latest list of fungi. infections are reported in the bloodstream and less commonly in the cerebrospinal fluid and abdomen, with mortality rates that range between 30% and 72%. However, no large-scale epidemiology studies have been reported until now.