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• The Role of KRAS in Macropinocytosis and its Implications of Multi-Drug Resistance in Cancer

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  Ferenc Fenyvesi

  Zeinab Ibrahim

  Views:

  166

  KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in cancer and is involved in various tumorigenic processes. Among its diverse roles, KRAS mutations have been shown to upregulate macropinocytosis, a form of endocytosis that allows cells to engulf extracellular fluid and its contained solutes, subsequently supporting the increased need for cancer cells' growth and proliferation. The nutrient uptake function of macropinocytosis was initially described within the framework of KRAS-driven pancreatic tumors. Although constitutive macropinocytosis can be induced by activating mutations of proteins that are commonly found in cancer, KRAS-induced macropinocytosis constitutes a fundamental area of research due to the high occurrence of mutated KRAS in cancer (~1/3 of all cancers).  Furthermore, KRAS-mutated macropinocytosis not only contributes to tumorigenesis but also plays a critical role in developing resistance to treatments, as it was found to be implicated in Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. This mini-review aims to synthesize current knowledge of mechanisms of KRAS-mutated macropinocytosis briefly and examines the relationship between KRAS and macropinocytosis in the light of its role in cancer progression and drug resistance, highlighting therapeutic implications, targeting potential vulnerabilities and outlining clinical advancements in pertinent therapies.

• From toxic materials to food-grade materials: A major challenge for battery design – A mini review

  Marina Le Borgne

  Perrine Ximenes

  Marc Le Borgne

  Views:

  115

  The use of batteries, found in telephones, remote controls, and medical devices, is an integral part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, the routine use of these electronic devices has harmful effects on the environment, primarily due to the pollution generated by heavy metals. This article traces the history of batteries, starting with the birth of the voltaic battery in 1799, invented by Alessandro Volta. This discovery, based on the principle of redox reactions between zinc and copper, was subsequently taken up and improved on numerous times. In 1836, John Frederic Daniell designed a two-compartment cell, stabilized by depolarizers and connected by a salt bridge. To meet today's climate challenges, researchers continue to design batteries, but this time they are biodegradable, edible, rechargeable, and therefore sustainable. In recent years, we have seen the emergence of highly innovative concepts. Some scientists, for example, are using cuttlefish ink to extract melanin. In a sodium-ion battery, this molecule acts as a natural anode, enabling sodium ions to be stored and thus contributing to the device's eco-friendliness. Other innovative research has also emerged, using other natural ingredients such as quercetin and riboflavin. These technological advances are of particular interest to the healthcare sector for the development of implantable medical devices.