NOPR Collection:

Switching on the heat: endogenous and exogenous inducers of brown adipose tissue

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Switching on the heat: endogenous and exogenous inducers of brown adipose tissue Authors: Pandit, Chaitanya; Desai, Palak; Raj CN, Gokul Abstract: The global surge in obesity presents a serious public health challenge, driving researchers to identify newer strategies for increasing energy expenditure. Among these, activating Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT), a specialized organ critical for thermogenesis, has emerged as a promising factor. While the role of sympathetic stimulation in BAT activation is well established, recent studies have unveiled a diverse array of endogenous and exogenous factors capable of modulating its thermogenic function. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing effective anti-obesity therapies. In this review, we discuss the most common pathways that turn on BAT with a focus on recently reported thermogenic compounds and their mode of action. We reiterate the importance of evaluating the relationship between gut microbes, prebiotics and their effect on BAT function and summarize the existing literature about the prebiotic potential of thermogenic compounds. Further, we explore the Gut microflora-BAT axis asking a very relevant and less explored connection between the two important parts that control energy metabolism in the body. By exploring the relatively under-studied connection between gut microflora and BAT, this review presents a fresh perspective on how these two systems could work together to regulate energy metabolism in the body. Given the global obesity epidemic, investigating this novel connection offers valuable insights that could pave the way for targeted, interventions to improve metabolic health and combat obesity more effectively. Page(s): 177-189

Impact of binocular vision anomalies and stereopsis on individual performance: A comprehensive review of binocular vision disorders

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Impact of binocular vision anomalies and stereopsis on individual performance: A comprehensive review of binocular vision disorders Authors: Mishra, Astha; Dass, Shankar; Sharma, Bunty; Sharma, Ujjawal Abstract: Binocular vision disorders and anomalies in stereopsis primarily affect individuals' everyday functioning, academic performance, and work efficiency. Binocular vision is the coordination between the two eyes and is essential for depth perception, spatial awareness, and visual acuity. Strabismus, amblyopia, convergence insufficiency, and suppression can cause defective stereopsis, visual exhaustion, double vision, and poor reading speed. These conditions typically affect tasks that require eye coordination, such as driving, sports, and fine motor tasks. Patients with binocular vision disorders typically complain of headaches, asthenopia, and difficulty sustaining focus, which can result in decreased efficiency in school and work environments. In children, undiagnosed binocular vision abnormalities can be a cause of learning problems, misattributed as attention disorders or dyslexia. Occupations that require precise depth perception, such as aviation, surgery, and engineering, can be significantly impacted by stereopsis deficits, compromising overall performance and safety. Early diagnosis and treatment, such as vision therapy, corrective lenses, and surgery, can mitigate the negative consequences of these disorders. The current review examines the effects of binocular vision anomalies on daily performance and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management techniques to improve individuals' quality of life. Educating educators, employers, and healthcare providers about these disorders is essential in creating an accommodating and supportive environment for individuals with these disorders. Page(s): 190-196

Effect of tunicamycin and calpeptin on cell migration and signaling molecules in fibronectin adherent ovarian cancer cell

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Effect of tunicamycin and calpeptin on cell migration and signaling molecules in fibronectin adherent ovarian cancer cell Authors: Mehtap Sarı Kılıçaslan, Seda Abstract: This study aims to investigate the effect of Tunicamycin (Tu), which increases intracellular calcium, and calpeptin (Cp), an inhibitor of calpain 1 and 2 enzymes, on cell migration and molecules involved in migration in fibronectin (FN) adherent normal and ovarian cancer cells. The effect of Tu, Cp and, Tu and Cp together (Tu-Cp) treatments on FN-adherent/nonadherent IHOSE-SV40 normal and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells on cell migration was tested with real time cell analysis method. Protein expressions of p-FAK, Pyk2, p-Src, Cdc42 and Rac1 signal molecules were determined by western-blot method. Localizations of cytoskeleton proteins of p-FAK, p-paxillin and vinculin were examined by immunofluorescence method. The results show that ovarian cancer cells must adhere to FN for migration, while normal ovarian cells can migrate without adhering to FN. FN stimulated protein expressions of p-FAK in IHOSE-SV40 cells and p-Src and Rac1 in SKOV-3 cells. Tu, Cp and Tu-Cp treatments significantly inhibited cell migration in both FN-adherent normal and ovarian cancer cells at 24 hours. In particular, Tu treatment in normal and Cp treatment in cancer cells have a decreasing effect on the expression of signaling molecules. In conclusion, we showed in this study that FN stimulates different signaling molecules involved in migration in normal and ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, Tu, Cp, and Tu-Cp treatments inhibited significantly cell migration in FN bound normal and ovarian cancer cells. Tu inhibited the migration of FN-adherent ovarian cancer cells more effectively than Cp and combined Cp and Tu applications. As a result, this study indicated that Cp might be promising agent for ovarian cancer treatment due to its down regulatory impact on the Rac1/Cdc42 proteins and migration inhibitory effect. Page(s): 197-207

Functional and mutational landscape of cell polarity complex genes in cutaneous melanoma: A comprehensive bioinformatic analysis

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Functional and mutational landscape of cell polarity complex genes in cutaneous melanoma: A comprehensive bioinformatic analysis Authors: Fatma AKIN, Dilara; TORUN OZKAN, Didem Abstract: Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, known for its high metastatic potential and molecular heterogeneity. This study explores the functional significance of polarity complex proteins in melanoma by analyzing their roles in epithelial polarity maintenance and directional cell migration. Genomic mutation and gene expression data from the TCGA-SKCM cohort were evaluated using bioinformatic tools including PolyPhen-2, SIFT, Mutation Assessor, and AlphaMissense. A total of 347 mutations were identified in 12 polarity-related genes, with 128 predicted as pathogenic or oncogenic. Many mutations were located in PDZ domains and were associated with disruptions in key signaling pathways such as TGF-β and Hippo. STRING-based protein interaction analysis supported these associations. Differential expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of LLGL2, CRB3, PATJ, and PARD3 in melanoma samples compared to normal tissue (P < 0.01). Pathway enrichment analysis showed involvement of these genes in cancer hallmark pathways, particularly those related to invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. The study suggests that polarity proteins can act as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes depending on mutation context. These findings provide valuable insights into melanoma pathogenesis and suggest polarity complex components as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in SKCM. Page(s): 208-230