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Molecular Thumbprints: Biological Signatures That Measure Loss of Identity

Authors :
Pallavi R. Devchand
Michael Dicay
John L. Wallace
Source :
Biomolecules, Vol 14, Iss 10, p 1271 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Each life is challenged to adapt to an ever-changing environment with integrity—simply put, to maintain identity. We hypothesize that this mission statement of adaptive homeostasis is particularly poignant in an adaptive response, like inflammation. A maladaptive response of unresolved inflammation can seed chronic disease over a lifetime. We propose the concept of a molecular thumbprint: a biological signature of loss of identity as a measure of incomplete return to homeostasis after an inflammatory response. Over time, personal molecular thumbprints can measure dynamic and precise trajectories to chronic inflammatory diseases and further loss of self to cancer. Why is this important? Because the phenotypes and molecular signatures of established complex inflammatory diseases are a far cry from the root of the complex problem, let alone the initial seed. Understanding the science behind key germinating seeds of disease helps to identify molecular factors of susceptibility, resilience, and early dietary or drug intervention. We pilot this hypothesis in a rat colitis model that is well-established for understanding molecular mechanisms of colonic health, disease, and transition of colitis to cancer.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2218273X
Volume :
14
Issue :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Biomolecules
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.9f14e5ec71248fdb689852eefebcc03
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101271