Biochemistry

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Protective Role of HDL in Cholesterol Transport

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Reverse cholesterol transport

In this article, I provide a brief description of high-density lipoproteins and reverse cholesterol transport. Cholesterol is an essential lipid required for maintaining membrane integrity, synthesizing hormones, and forming bile acids, but its excess is detrimental. Maintaining cholesterol balance depends on coordinated synthesis, transport by lipoproteins, and elimination. This article examines cholesterol transport pathways, the … Read more >>

Cholesterol Transport and Lipoprotein Metabolism

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major metabolic fates of cholesterol

In this article, I provide a brief overview of the major pathways involved in cholesterol transport and lipoprotein metabolism, which regulate lipid distribution and homeostasis in humans. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in numerous biological processes, yet its movement within the body requires specialized transport systems. Lipoproteins enable the circulation of cholesterol and other lipids … Read more >>

G Proteins at the Crossroads of Health and Disease

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Factors regulating activity of G proteins

In this article, I provide a brief description of G proteins, which play crucial roles in various signaling processes. However, defects in G proteins lead to the development of many diseases. G Proteins Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) are a group of proteins that function as molecular switches within cells. They help transmit signals from … Read more >>

β-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Signal Transduction Involving Adenylyl Cyclase, cAMP, and PKA

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GTPase switch

In this article, I provide a brief explanation of the β-adrenergic receptor-mediated signal transduction process, which involves adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, and PKA. β-adrenergic receptor-mediated signal transduction is a key cellular communication pathway activated by adrenaline or noradrenaline. Upon ligand binding, the receptor stimulates adenylyl cyclase via a G-protein, leading to increased cAMP production, which in … Read more >>

Deciphering Protein Function through Analysis of Protein–Protein Interactions

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Yeast two-hybrid analysis

In this article, I briefly describe how the analysis of protein-protein interactions helps to understand protein function. Understanding Protein Roles through Molecular Associations The function of a specific protein can often be inferred by identifying the cellular components it binds to. When it comes to protein–protein interactions, associating a protein of unknown function with a … Read more >>

Proteins Facilitate the Transbilayer Movement of a Lipid Molecule

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Proteins facilitate the transbilayer movement of a lipid molecule

In this article, I briefly describe some proteins that facilitate the transbilayer movement of a lipid molecule. The Lipid Bilayer The lipid bilayer is the core structure of all biological membranes, creating a flexible boundary that encloses cells and their internal compartments. It is mainly made of phospholipids, which naturally organize into a double layer … Read more >>

The Importance of Fat Soluble Vitamins

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Fat soluble vitamins

In this article, I briefly describe fat-soluble vitamins and their importance in the human body. Fat-Soluble Vitamins In the early decades of the 20th century, one of the most exciting frontiers in physiological chemistry was the discovery of vitamins—tiny but vital compounds that play a crucial role in maintaining health. Since humans and other vertebrates … Read more >>

Eicosanoids and Steroid Hormones Carry Messages to Cells and Tissues

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In this article, I briefly describe the types of eicosanoids and steroid hormones and how they carry messages to cells and tissues, respectively. Eicosanoids Eicosanoids are bioactive lipid molecules derived from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly arachidonic acid. They play vital roles in cell signaling, especially in inflammation, immunity, and many physiological functions. These are … Read more >>

Triacylglycerols: Energy Storage, Insulation, and Health Impacts of Partial Hydrogenation

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Food fats have the composition of fatty acids

In this article, I briefly describe triacylglycerols, the fatty acid esters of glycerol. Triacylglycerols store energy and provide insulation. Partial hydrogenation of edible oils creates fatty acids with harmful side effects. Structure and Properties of Triacylglycerol Triacylglycerols, or triglycerides, fats, or neutral fats, are the simplest lipids derived from fatty acids. They consist of three … Read more >>

Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Vertebrate Olfaction and Gustation

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Signaling system that detect hormone, light, smell and taste

In this article, I briefly describe the role of G protein-coupled receptors in vertebrate olfaction and gustation. G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) These receptors act through a guanosine nucleotide-binding protein or G-protein family member. Signal transduction is defined through three essential components. The three essential components can be described as a plasma membrane receptor with seven … Read more >>