Due to an aging society with an increased dementia-induced threat to higher cognitive functions, it has become imperative to understand the molecular and cellular events controlling the memory and learning processes in the brain. Here, we suggest that the novel master gene pair |-SRGAP2-FAM72-| (SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase activating the protein 2, family with sequence similarity to 72) reveals a new dogma for the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) gene expression and is a distinctive player in the control of human brain plasticity. Insight into the specific regulation of the brain-specific neural master gene |-SRGAP2-FAM72-| may essentially contribute to novel therapeutic approaches to restore or improve higher cognitive functions.

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Neural stem cells (NSCs) offer great potential for regenerative medicine due to their excellent ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types of the brain. In the central nervous system (CNS), NSC renewal and differentiation are under strict control by the regulation of the pivotal SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase activating protein 2 (SRGAP2)—Family with sequence similarity to the 72 (FAM72) master gene (i.e., |-SRGAP2–FAM72-|) via a divergent gene transcription activation mechanism. If the gene transcription control unit (i.e., the intergenic region of the two sub-gene units, SRGAP2 and FAM72) gets out of control, NSCs may transform into cancer stem cells and generate brain tumor cells responsible for brain cancer such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, we discuss the surveillance of this |-SRGAP2–FAM72-| master gene and its role in GBM, and also in light of FAM72 for diagnosing various types of cancers outside of the CNS.

With the advent of computational genomics, an intensive search is underway for unique biomarkers for Homo sapiens that could be used to differentiate taxa within the Hominoidea, in particular to distinguish Homo from the apes (Pan, Gorilla, Pongo, and Hylobates) and species or subspecies within the genus Homo (H. sapiens, H. heidelbergensis, H. neanderthalensis, H. erectus, and the Denisovans). Here, we suggest that the |-FAM72-SRGAP2-| (family with sequence similarity 72/SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase activating protein 2) gene pair is a unique molecular biomarker for the genus Homo that could also help to place Australopithecus at its most appropriate place within the phylogenetic tree and may explain the distinctive higher brain cognitive functions of humans.

Background/Aim: The skin plays an important role in protecting the body from mechanical damage, microbial infection, ultraviolet radiation, and extreme temperatures. Many products as well as ongoing studies have focused on skin injury and repair; however, unlimited challenges are still being faced. Furthermore, the drugs that are currently on the market are not adequate to meet the increasing medical needs. This study aimed to discover whether our new product can efficiently promote wound repair and skin restoration. Materials and Methods: In this study, we applied a new AIMP1-derived peptide (AdP), NeoPep S, administered in two dose types (1 ppm and 3 ppm), and determined their effect on skin wound repair in rat models. Cell proliferation and inflammatory responses were assessed using immunofluorescence (IF) staining and ELISA assay. Results: As expected, our results showed more rapid and satisfactory progress in wound closure upon treatment with NeoPep S 3 ppm than with NeoPep S 1 ppm. The 3 ppm peptide derived from AIMP1 protein, harmoniously interacted with the wound to promote reepithelialization and collagen regeneration, as well as the down-regulation of several types of cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, MCP-1, and F4/80. Moreover, it was demonstrated to promote fibroblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation by TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 modulation, as well as nitrite and reactive oxygen species scavenging. Conclusion: The novel peptide NeoPep S 3 ppm showed high effectiveness and safety in wound healing.The skin is not only the largest organ of the human body and the most important protective barrier against external environmental agents, but it also has many other essential roles, such as temperature regulation, metabolism, absorption, reception, and secretion, as well as immunity. Therefore, the consistency of the skin structure in ensuring the complete performance of all the functions is crucial. However, skin can be affected by irregular external factors, such as mechanical, thermal, chemical, and radiative factors, leading to damage and imbalance, or serious structural effects on function (1, 2). Following these injuries, the human body generally initiates a multi-stage wound repair and healing process that includes: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Many variables, including cell types such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages, platelets, and endothelial cells, as well as cell-derived mediators, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta, interleukins, and platelet-derived growth factors, tightly control and coordinate each stage (3, 4).Despite the fact that skin regeneration is a natural process, a variety of conditions may interfere with the phases of healing, producing extensive healing or chronic wounds. Pathogens can more easily infiltrate and harm chronic wounds, resulting in inflammation, septicemia, electrolyte and water 1222