Article
Microbiology
Emily C. Hoedt, Francesca Bottacini, Nora Cash, Roger S. Bongers, Kees van Limpt, Kaouther Ben Amor, Jan Knol, John MacSharry, Douwe van Sinderen
Summary: Members of the genus Bifidobacterium are difficult to genetically manipulate due to their extensive and variable Restriction-Modification systems. A modified suicide vector, pFREM28, was developed to target specific genes in B. breve by removing known restriction sites, reducing the time, effort, and resources required for generating site-directed mutants. This approach could be applied to other (bifido)bacterial species as well.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Su-Jin Jun, Jung-A Lee, Young-Wan Kim, Sang-Ho Yoo
Summary: Through site-directed mutagenesis, a robust mutant Bifidobacterium thermophilum (BtAS) strain BtAS(Y414F/P200R) with enhanced turanose productivity was successfully developed, showing an increase in turanose yield by two times compared to the wild type BtAS and completing the reaction in half the time.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soroosh Pouyan, Milad Lagzian, Mohammad Hossein Sangtarash
Summary: This study characterized a new alpha-amylase from Bacillus cereus GL96 and used an in-silico approach to redesign the enzyme for improved thermal stability. The engineered enzyme showed higher stability and activity at elevated temperatures compared to the wild-type enzyme. Specifically, the D162K mutation resulted in the best performance, with increased optimum temperature and improved stability. This mutant enzyme holds promise for further investigation and industrial applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xia Li, Geng Chen, Qing-Qing Gao, Chun-Fan Xiang, Cheng-Xiao Yuan, Xiao-Ning Li, Yan-Yu Shu, Guang-Hui Zhang, Yan-Li Liang, Sheng-Chao Yang, Chen-Xi Zhai, Yan Zhao
Summary: This study explored the key enzymes involved in cucurbitacins biosynthesis in the Chinese traditional medicinal plant Hemsleya chinensis. Using AlphaFold2 and molecular docking, the researchers successfully predicted the 3D structure of HcOSC6 and its binding features to 2,3-oxidosqualene. Mutagenesis experiments identified three key amino acid residues, E246, M261, and D490, which significantly affected the activity of HcOSC6. This study not only characterized three potential key residues for producing cucurbitacins, but also provided insights into their significant role in metabolic engineering.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manish Dwivedi
Summary: NhaA antiporters play a critical role in maintaining Na+/H+ cell homeostasis, regulating processes like cell volume and intracellular pH. They transport 2H+/Na+ across the membrane by the alternating access mechanism and have key residues crucial for function and structure identified. While binding sites for Na+/Li+ have been proposed, the pathway and binding sites for two protons remain elusive.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lena Goshayeshi, Sara Yousefi Taemeh, Nima Dehdilani, Mohammadreza Nasiri, Mohammad M. Ghahramani Seno, Hesam Dehghani
Summary: The study demonstrates the use of an RNA-guided piggyBac transposase and dual sgRNAs for site-directed integrations in the human ROSA26 safe harbor region. This methodology shows promise for targeting specific genomic regions, such as in cancer cells for inserting sequences into target regions or activating tumor suppressor genes.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Cheng-Hua Wang, Wu-Ping Xiong, Cheng Huang, Xiao-Ming Li, Qing-Yan Wang, Ri-Bo Huang
Summary: This study successfully increased the catalytic activity and efficiency of an exoinulinase under acidic conditions through rational site-directed mutagenesis. The mutants showed improved substrate preference for inulin and may serve as promising candidates for industrial inulin hydrolysis. The study demonstrates the potential of mutating non-conserved substrate recognition residues for industrial enzyme improvements.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Olawale Samuel Adeyinka, Bushra Tabassum, Brice Landry Koloko, Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe
Summary: The improvement of CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology has facilitated genetic modification of desirable agronomic traits in crops, such as resistance to pathogens, drought tolerance, nutritional value, and yield-related traits. This presents a significant opportunity for precise genetic diversification in plants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satoru Watanabe, Masahiro Ito, Takanori Kigawa
Summary: DiRect is a novel PCR-based mutagenesis method that achieves high quality product (>99% substitution) without the use of recombinant DNA technology. It has been successfully applied in the study of an industrially relevant enzyme, showing simplicity, efficiency, and potential scalability in site-directed mutagenesis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Houchao Xu, Jeroen S. Dickschat
Summary: In the past three decades, numerous terpene synthases have been characterized from various life kingdoms. The mechanisms of terpene synthases have been investigated through site-directed mutagenesis, providing valuable insights into their catalysis and resulting in mutants with improved yields.
SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Madhavi Latha Yadav Bangaru, Ravi Kumar Medabalimi, Sobhan Babu, Nidhanapati K. Raghavendra
Summary: Silent mutations allowing for restriction site modification can aid in screening successful mutants during site-directed mutagenesis. However, introducing a new restriction site requires the analysis of degenerate sequences within mutant primers, which becomes increasingly laborious, time-consuming, and prone to errors as the number of degenerate codons increases. A software named 'REMP' was developed to instantly generate degenerate sequences with restriction sites that are 6-8 base pairs in length, allowing users to edit the list of restriction sites without the need for writing computer code or knowing a program language.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiuya Gu, Yu Lu, Jianli Zhou, Wenhua Yang, Ke Wang, Xiaobo Liu, Xiaobin Yu
Summary: Combinational mutagenesis was used to improve the catalytic efficiency and adaptability of alginate lyase from Pseudoalteromonas sp. Alg6B, which showed significant potential for the production of AOS from marine alginate.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Fatma Isik Ustok, James A. Huntington
Summary: The prothrombinase complex processes prothrombin to thrombin through sequential cleavage, with the order of cleavage determined by the presence or absence of cofactor and membrane. The docking of prothrombin on factor Va plays a crucial role in determining the cleavage order, with Arg320 being presented for initial cleavage. The a1-loop sequence also plays a critical role in prothrombin binding and cleavage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Krzysztof Michalski, Christian Hertig, Dariusz R. Mankowski, Jochen Kumlehn, Janusz Zimny, Anna M. Linkiewicz
Summary: Cas endonuclease-mediated genome editing offers a long-awaited molecular biological approach for modifying predefined genomic target sequences in living organisms. The implementation of this technology can be challenging for species like triticale, but pre-validated cas9/gRNA constructs provide a strong foundation for the targeted induction of heritable modifications in triticale genes. The study also demonstrates that in-del induction frequency in triticale can be increased by TREX2 nuclease activity, regardless of gRNA performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel O. Suarez-Barrera, Lydia Visser, Efrain H. Pinzon-Reyes, Paola Rondon Villarreal, Juan S. Alarcon-Aldana, Nohora Juliana Rueda-Forero
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxic effects of Parasporin 2 on colon cancer cell lines, particularly the promising mutant 3-35 which exhibited higher cytotoxicity than PS2Aa1. The study also explored the possible involvement of residues 256 and 257 in the interaction of PS2Aa1 and APN.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Konstantinos Voskarides, Charalambos Stefanou, Myrtani Pieri, Panayiota Demosthenous, Kyriakos Felekkis, Maria Arsali, Yiannis Athanasiou, Dimitris Xydakis, Kostas Stylianou, Eugenios Daphnis, Giorgos Goulielmos, Petros Loizou, Judith Savige, Martin Hoehne, Linus A. Voelker, Thomas Benzing, Patrick H. Maxwell, Daniel P. Gale, Mathias Gorski, Carsten Boeger, Barbara Kollerits, Florian Kronenberg, Bernhard Paulweber, Michalis Zavros, Alkis Pierides, Constantinos Deltas
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
David W. Foley, Ravindra B. Pathak, Theresa R. Phillips, Gayle L. Wilson, Patrick D. Bailey, Myrtani Pieri, Anish Senan, David Meredith
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2018)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Kamil Erguler, Myrtani Pieri, Constantinos Deltas
BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY
(2013)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Myrtani Pieri, Charalambos Stefanou, Apostolos Zaravinos, Kamil Erguler, Kostas Stylianou, George Lapathitis, Christos Karaiskos, Isavella Savva, Revekka Paraskeva, Harsh Dweep, Carsten Sticht, Natassa Anastasiadou, Ioanna Zouvani, Demetris Goumenos, Kyriakos Felekkis, Moin Saleem, Konstantinos Voskarides, Norbert Gretz, Constantinos Deltas
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2014)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louiza Papazachariou, Panayiota Demosthenous, Myrtani Pieri, Gregory Papagregoriou, Isavella Savva, Christoforos Stavrou, Michael Zavros, Yiannis Athanasiou, Kyriakos Ioannou, Charalambos Patsias, Alexia Panagides, Costas Potamitis, Kyproula Demetriou, Marios Prikis, Michael Hadjigavriel, Maria Kkolou, Panayiota Loukaidou, Androulla Pastelli, Aristos Michael, Akis Lazarou, Maria Arsali, Loukas Damianou, Ioanna Goutziamani, Andreas Soloukides, Lakis Yioukas, Avraam Elia, Ioanna Zouvani, Polycarpos Polycarpou, Alkis Pierides, Konstantinos Voskarides, Constantinos Deltas
Letter
Urology & Nephrology
Myrtani Pieri
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kyriacos Felekkis, Myrtani Pieri, Christos Papaneophytou
Summary: Exosomes are small membrane vesicles containing specific RNA transcripts that facilitate cell-to-cell communication. Exosomal miRNAs in blood circulation are considered potential biomarkers for various diseases, but difficulties in clinical use exist due to high variability among individuals.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marios Argyrou, Myrtani Pieri, Lefkios Paikoussis, Skevi Kyriakou, Philippos C. Patsalis, Kyriacos Felekkis, Marios Hadjicharalambous
Summary: The NOS3-786 TT genotype is positively correlated with better performance in speed and jumps in boys, consistent with previous literature linking this genotype to power elite athletes. The molecular mechanism underlying this advantage in power exercises is still being investigated.
GAZZETTA MEDICA ITALIANA ARCHIVIO PER LE SCIENZE MEDICHE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Myrtani Pieri, Elena Theori, Harsh Dweep, Myrofora Flourentzou, Foteini Kalampalika, Maria-Arsenia Maniori, Gregory Papagregoriou, Christos Papaneophytou, Kyriacos Felekkis
Summary: Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent human cancer globally. High consumption of red meat, including beef, is considered a risk factor for its initiation and progression. This study discovered that exogenous bovine miRNAs ingested into the body may have an effect on human cells. The research found that bovine miRNA can still be detected after cooking and digestion, but it does not affect the viability of human cell lines. Further experiments will explore whether bovine miRNA can contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer through its consumption.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Myrtani Pieri, Maria-Arsenia Maniori, Lucy Shahabian, Elie Kanaan, Irene Paphiti-Demetriou, Spyros Pipis, Kyriakos Felekkis, Vicky Nicolaidou, Christos Papaneophytou
Summary: Research shows that antibodies in breastmilk after vaccination can resist infant digestion to some extent, especially IgA antibodies. These results provide important information for understanding the role of breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vicky Nicolaidou, Rafaela Georgiou, Maria Christofidou, Kyriacos Felekkis, Myrtani Pieri, Christos Papaneophytou
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 is the virus causing COVID-19, and several vaccines have been approved for emergency use. Data on the effects of the vaccines on breast milk are lacking, but studies have shown the presence of antibodies in breast milk after vaccination or natural infection. This study aims to summarize the current understanding of immunoglobulins in breast milk elicited by COVID-19 vaccines and evaluate their virus-neutralizing ability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Myrtani Pieri, Panayiotis Vayianos, Vicky Nicolaidou, Kyriacos Felekkis, Christos Papaneophytou
Summary: This critical review explores the relationship between COVID-19 and CVD, focusing on cardio-specific miRNAs and their association with various CVDs. Limited research suggests that changes in expression levels of COVID-19-related miRNAs may be linked to CVDs. Further research on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2, CVDs, and miRNAs will enhance our understanding and may lead to the use of these miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for both pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Myrtani Pieri, Vicky Nicolaidou, Christos Papaneophytou
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Nikos Konstantinou, Stella A. Nicolaou, Christos Petrou, Myrtani Pieri
Summary: The study adapted a vaccine acceptance scale to the Greek language and examined the relationship between vaccine acceptance and beliefs, personal and family vaccination history, and demographic variables. The findings suggest that younger and less-educated individuals are more vaccine-hesitant, and that trust in authorities influences vaccine acceptance. These results have implications for understanding vaccine hesitancy and shaping public health policies related to vaccinations.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY OPEN
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Charalambos Stefanou, Myrtani Pieri, Lsavella Savva, Georgia Georgiou, Alkis Pierides, Konstantinos Voskarides, Constantinos Deltas
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kun He, Mengyi Xie, Weifeng Hong, Yonghe Li, Yaolin Yin, Xiaojin Gao, Yi He, Yu Chen, Chuan You, Jingdong Li
Summary: Centromere protein L (CENPL) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor patient prognosis. Upregulation of CENPL promotes tumor proliferation and glycolysis in HCC cells by activating the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingzi Wang, Haozhong Huang, Huimin Weng, Chunsen Jia, Bin Liao, Yang Long, Fengxu Yu, Yongmei Nie
Summary: Talin protein plays a crucial role in transmitting mechanical forces by connecting the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. It converts mechanical signals into biochemical signals and serves as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic indicators in diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hema Saranya Ilamathi, Marc Germain
Summary: Mitochondria are the central metabolic hubs in cells, relying on proteins encoded by nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for their function. The maintenance and distribution of mtDNA are crucial for proper mitochondrial function and are associated with mitochondrial diseases. mtDNA is organized into nucleoids that dynamically move and interact with each other. The replication and distribution of mtDNA nucleoids are regulated by the complex interplay of mitochondrial dynamics, ER-mitochondria contact sites, and cytoskeletal networks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
K. K. Sruthi, Sirisha Natani, Ramesh Ummanni
Summary: The overexpression of TPD52 is associated with the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). TPD52 activates the NF-kappa B - STAT3 axis to induce neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of prostate cancer cells. Therapeutic targeting of TPD52 is important for the treatment of prostate cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cui Li, Feifan Xiang, Yuqi Gong, Yi Fu, Ge Chen, Zhi Wang, Zhong Li, Daiqing Wei
Summary: Our study demonstrates the significant role of tumor-derived microparticles (T-MPs) in osteosarcoma metastasis and immune response. T-MPs promote macrophage polarization and stimulate migration and chemoresistance of osteosarcoma cells, thereby affecting the progression of osteosarcoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)