Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Lucia Orsini Delgado, Arnaud Avril, Julie Prigent, Julie Dano, Audrey Rouaix, Sylvia Worbs, Brigitte G. Dorner, Clemence Rougeaux, Francois Becher, Francois Fenaille, Sandrine Livet, Herve Volland, Jean-Nicolas Tournier, Stephanie Simon
Summary: The study evaluated the neutralizing capacity of different antibodies against two ricin isoforms, showing varying levels of protection and a synergistic effect when combining certain antibodies. This highlights the importance of assessing antibody effectiveness against different ricin isoforms for identifying treatments with broad spectrum neutralizing effects.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Nandini Debnath, Ludovic Saiveng Live, Mahla Poudineh
Summary: Biomarker detection in whole blood is important for understanding the disease. Current detection techniques have limitations, and there is a need for reliable and adaptable methods for point-of-care testing. We have developed a simple and low-cost protein detection device that can detect biomarkers in whole blood within 15 minutes. This technique has the potential to improve the diagnosis and screening of various diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrew M. Shen, Obeid M. Malekshah, Natalia Pogrebnyak, Tamara Minko
Summary: The study aims to develop a method of producing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in plants, which offers unique advantages such as lower cost and ease of production scale-up. The results show that plant-generated antibodies possess the ability to bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein comparable to those produced in traditional systems. This approach can be used to produce monoclonal antibodies against other types of viruses as well.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Irina A. Favorskaya, Dmitry V. Shcheblyakov, Ilias B. Esmagambetov, Inna V. Dolzhikova, Irina A. Alekseeva, Anastasia I. Korobkova, Daria V. Voronina, Ekaterina I. Ryabova, Artem A. Derkaev, Anna V. Kovyrshina, Anna A. Iliukhina, Andrey G. Botikov, Olga L. Voronina, Daria A. Egorova, Olga V. Zubkova, Natalia N. Ryzhova, Ekaterina I. Aksenova, Marina S. Kunda, Denis Y. Logunov, Boris S. Naroditsky, Alexandr L. Gintsburg
Summary: Virus-neutralizing antibodies are crucial in treating COVID-19, but the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with reduced sensitivity to existing antibody therapies necessitates the development of more potent and broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies. This study isolated a panel of single-domain antibodies that specifically bind to the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein. By generating dimeric molecules from the selected antibodies, the researchers achieved a significant increase in neutralizing activity, with the most potent heterodimeric molecule effectively neutralizing all major SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. These findings highlight the potential of this heterodimeric molecule as a promising candidate for COVID-19 treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Huan Ma, Xinghai Zhang, Peiyi Zheng, Peter H. Dube, Weihong Zeng, Shaohong Chen, Qingyu Cheng, Yunru Yang, Yan Wu, Junhui Zhou, Xiaowen Hu, Yan Xiang, Huajun Zhang, Sandra Chiu, Tengchuan Jin
Summary: Researchers have developed two hetero-bivalent nanobodies that have broad-spectrum neutralization activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. One of the nanobodies could potentially prevent and treat COVID-19 caused by emerging variants.
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Tahir S. Pillay, Serge Muyldermans
Summary: Antibodies have been pivotal in diagnostic methods, transitioning from polyclonal to monoclonal antibodies, and now to single-domain antibodies like nanobodies. This evolution has greatly enhanced diagnostic accuracy and simplified processes of protein re-engineering and expression.
ANNALS OF LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Christine Rasetti-Escargueil, Arnaud Avril
Summary: Ricin toxin is a protein toxin composed of A and B chains, which inhibits peptide chain elongation and causes apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Due to its high toxicity and potential as a bioweapon, ricin toxin remains a global public health concern requiring specific countermeasures.
Article
Immunology
Gemma L. Gordon, Henriette L. Capel, Bora Guloglu, Eve Richardson, Ryan L. Stafford, Charlotte M. Deane
Summary: Antibodies and single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) differ in the structures of their binding sites, but sdAbs can target epitopes of equal size to antibodies despite their smaller paratopes. The paratopes of sdAbs contribute more interactions per residue, and conserved framework residues play a crucial role in achieving comparable affinity. The accessibility of sdAb epitopes is only slightly less than that of antibodies, possibly due to differences in the orientation and compaction of CDR-H3 loops.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Haotian Yu, Meng Wu, Na Zhao, Mingxin Dong, Yan Wang, Kaikai Yu, Chengbiao Sun, Na Xu, Liangpeng Ge, Wensen Liu
Summary: We developed a human neutralizing antibody 4-4E against ricin toxin (RT) and constructed DMAb-4-4E, which can neutralize RT both in vitro and in vivo. Using intramuscular electroporation (IM EP) method, the antibodies were rapidly expressed in vivo within 7 days. DMAbs showed a broad protective efficacy of RT poisoning prophylaxis, and the mice in DMAb-IgG group survived, while the mice in the RT group died within 48 hours. The hindrance of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and accumulation of RT in endosomes were found in IgG-protected cells, revealing the possible mechanism of neutralization.
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jianliang Xu, Kai Xu, Seolkyoung Jung, Andrea Conte, Jenna Lieberman, Frauke Muecksch, Julio Cesar Cetrulo Lorenzi, Solji Park, Fabian Schmidt, Zijun Wang, Yaoxing Huang, Yang Luo, Manoj S. Nair, Pengfei Wang, Jonathan E. Schulz, Lino Tessarollo, Tatsiana Bylund, Gwo-Yu Chuang, Adam S. Olia, Tyler Stephens, I-Ting Teng, Yaroslav Tsybovsky, Tongqing Zhou, Vincent Munster, David D. Ho, Theodora Hatziioannou, Paul D. Bieniasz, Michel C. Nussenzweig, Peter D. Kwong, Rafael Casellas
Summary: The study found that camelid nanobodies can effectively circumvent vaccine escape caused by mutations in the novel coronavirus. These nanobodies are able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants through two mechanisms, demonstrating promising potential in preventing COVID-19 mortality when vaccines are compromised.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paritosh Prashar, Sonali Swain, Nisha Adhikari, Punit Aryan, Anupama Singh, Mohit Kwatra, B. Prabhakar
Summary: Monoclonal antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 have important applications in diagnosing, preventing, and treating COVID-19. This study used a single B-cell cloning method to screen and isolate high-affinity and neutralizing antibodies from patients' blood samples. The discovered antibody SAR03 showed high binding and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2, and competes with the ACE-2 receptor for binding to the spike protein.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Hematology
Gary E. Gilbert
Summary: The cocrystal structure of antibody 2A9 and factor VIII reveals an epitope on the C1 domain and a novel mobility of the C2 domain, both of which are relevant to membrane binding.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanyan Xue, Jun Li, Dian Chen, Xizhu Zhao, Liang Hong, Yu Liu
Summary: This study develops a method to monitor the conformational change of riboSAM during transcription, and observes five co-existing states in riboSAM. A bifurcated helix structure is identified in one of the states and is found to be responsible for translation inhibition. This strategy enables the precise mapping of RNA conformational landscape during transcription.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew Tung Yep, Yasu Takeuchi, Othmar G. Engelhardt, Simon E. Hufton
Summary: Influenza virus poses challenges due to its antigenic variability, but there are conserved epitopes that could be targeted for therapeutic development. Single domain antibodies, with their preference for specific epitopes, small size, flexibility, and stability, are well-suited to address these vulnerabilities and provide robust therapeutics for controlling influenza.
Review
Oncology
Kate Hurley, Meiyun Cao, Haiming Huang, Yi Wang
Summary: Targeted alpha therapy (T & alpha;T) delivers high-energy but short-range particles directly to tumor cells, revolutionizing cancer treatment. The discovery of nanobodies, or single-domain antibodies, has provided new opportunities for T & alpha;T. Nanobodies, due to their small size, exhibit excellent binding affinity and specificity, along with significant tumor uptake. Radiolabeled nanobodies offer advantages in T & alpha;T delivery and cancer imaging.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sebastian A. Diaz, Priscilla Choo, Eunkeu Oh, Kimihiro Susumu, William P. Klein, Scott A. Walper, David A. Hastman, Teri W. Odom, Igor L. Medintz
Summary: Using nanoparticles as templates can increase the kinetic rates of enzymes, especially in multi-enzyme cascades where enzymes on the same nanoparticle provide advantages such as substrate channeling. The size and curvature of nanoparticles have a significant impact on the kinetics of cascade reactions, with different shaped nanoparticles achieving equivalent enhancements in kinetics.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Steven M. Blum, Marilyn S. Lee, Glory E. Mgboji, Vanessa L. Funk, Kathryn Beabout, Svetlana Harbaugh, Pierce A. Roth, Alvin T. Liem, Aleksandr E. Miklos, Peter A. Emanuel, Scott A. Walper, Jorge Luis Chavez, Matthew W. Lux
Summary: The performance of cell-free expression systems varies significantly under different matrix materials, highlighting the importance of selecting suitable matrices. Adjusting the rehydration volume of lyophilized reactions can enhance reaction speed, with minimal impact of different matrices. The application of cell-free expression systems holds great potential for on-site practice.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Okhil K. Nag, Megan E. Muroski, Lauren D. Field, Michael H. Stewart, Eunkeu Oh, Kimihiro Susumu, Joseph R. Spangler, Scott A. Walper, James B. Delehanty
Summary: The study introduces a novel approach utilizing nanoparticle bioconjugates to activate channelrhodopsin C1V1 (ChR-C1V1) in HEK 293T/17 cell membranes. It demonstrates the specific activation of ChR-C1V1 channels through laser-induced opening with photoexcited quantum dots as an energy donor. This work represents a new hybrid system for controlling ion channel activity by interfacing quantum dots with living cells.
PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kathryn Beabout, Casey B. Bernhards, Meghna Thakur, Kendrick B. Turner, Stephanie D. Cole, Scott A. Walper, Jorge L. Chavez, Matthew W. Lux
Summary: Bacterial mechanisms have been reengineered as sensors for detecting heavy metals, with optimization using cell-free expression systems to achieve improved sensitivity and specificity. Different approaches to sensor optimization may impact specificity and sensitivity, and combining DNA from multiple sensors can enable detection of multiple target substances simultaneously.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Scott N. Dean, Jerome Anthony E. Alvarez, Dan Zabetakis, Scott A. Walper, Anthony P. Malanoski
Summary: The study introduces the PepVAE framework for designing novel AMPs using VAE and antimicrobial activity prediction models. By sampling from different regions of the learned latent space, new AMP sequences can be generated with minimal input parameters for controlled production of AMPs with predicted antimicrobial activity. This modular design framework shows promise for development of novel AMPs with experimental validation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Meghna Thakur, Scott N. Dean, Martin Moore, Joseph R. Spangler, Brandy J. Johnson, Igor L. Medintz, Scott A. Walper
Summary: Enzymatic decontamination of organophosphate compounds offers a biofriendly pathway to neutralize dangerous compounds. In this study, the researchers successfully encapsulated the enzyme in bacterial outer membrane vesicles, improving catalytic stability and demonstrating potential for field deployment.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Meghna Thakur, Joyce C. Breger, Kimihiro Susumu, Eunkeu Oh, Joseph R. Spangler, Igor L. Medintz, Scott A. Walper, Gregory A. Ellis
Summary: Cell-free protein synthesis systems (CFPS) utilize cellular transcription and translation (TX-TL) machinery to synthesize proteins in vitro. This study demonstrates that nanoparticle assembly can enhance CFPS productivity and increase the production of functional recombinant proteins. This finding has the potential to improve CFPS and CFPS-based biosensors, as well as enable rapid detoxification and bioremediation.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Joseph R. Spangler, Denver N. Cooper, Anthony P. Malanoski, Scott A. Walper
Summary: Quorum sensing (QS) systems in bacteria have been repurposed for biosensors and inducible protein expression. By altering promoter activity, an engineered QS sentinel organism capable of detecting specific pathogen-associated signaling molecules has been developed.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zachary T. Johnson, Nathan Jared, John K. Peterson, Jingzhe Li, Emily A. Smith, Scott A. Walper, Shelby L. Hooe, Joyce C. Breger, Igor L. Medintz, Carmen Gomes, Jonathan C. Claussen
Summary: Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has been difficult to detect in-field samples. This study developed a sensor based on the LIG platform for selective detection of glyphosate using GlyOx enzyme. The sensor has a wide linear range and high sensitivity, with minimal interference from commonly used herbicides and insecticides. Additionally, the sensor was successfully tested in complex river water and crop residue fluids, demonstrating its scalability and selectivity for glyphosate detection in herbicide mapping and food analysis.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shelby Hooe, Joyce Breger, Scott Dean, Kimihiro Susumu, Eunkeu Oh, Scott Walper, Gregory A. Ellis, Igor L. Medintz
Summary: Cell-free enzymatic cascades are efficient, selective, and environmentally sustainable strategies for synthesizing complex organic molecules. Immobilizing enzymes onto nanoparticle surfaces can enhance catalytic rate and enzymatic efficiency, and enable substrate channeling in coupled activity.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hemant Pal, Anneli Nina, Okhil K. Nag, Christopher D. Chouinard, Amanda Pitt, Gregory A. Ellis, Scott A. Walper, Jeffrey Deschamps, Aurora Burkus-Matesevac, Kathy Maiello, James B. Delehanty, D. Andrew Knight
Summary: This study involves the synthesis of cobalt(III) and rhodium(III) complexes with water-soluble porphyrin ligands, and investigates their activity towards fentanyl. The results demonstrate that both complexes can reduce the opioid receptor activity of fentanyl, with the rhodium complex showing a stronger effect.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Divita Mathur, Meghna Thakur, Sebastian A. Diaz, Kimihiro Susumu, Michael H. Stewart, Eunkeu Oh, Scott A. Walper, Igor L. Medintz
Summary: Cell-free synthetic biology is a valuable tool for developing portable biosensors. By using a modular quantum dot-based reporter platform, it is possible to detect multiple analytes simultaneously.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sebastian A. Diaz, Eunkeu Oh, Scott A. Walper, David A. Hastman, Igor L. Medintz
Summary: The study demonstrates that multi-enzyme cascades can be significantly enhanced when templated on individual gold nanoparticles, primarily due to substrate channeling. Experimental controls confirm that the enhancement is observed only when enzymes are bound to the nanoparticles, supporting a model where a single layer of enzymes can conjugate to the nanoparticles independently.
2021 IEEE 21ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NANOTECHNOLOGY (IEEE NANO 2021)
(2021)
Article
Biology
Julie C. Caruana, Scott N. Dean, Scott A. Walper
Summary: Biological nanoparticles shed by bacteria exhibit diverse biological activities, impacting pathogenesis, community regulation, and cellular defense. Isolated and characterized membrane vesicles from Lactobacilli species offer potential for researchers developing strategies in gut community engineering or the targeted delivery of bio-active molecules.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Joseph R. Spangler, Julie C. Caruana, Igor L. Medintz, Scott A. Walper
Summary: This review highlights the role of Lactobacillus species in human gut health, emphasizing their potential as immune adjuvants and immunomodulators. Advances in molecular and synthetic biology technologies are allowing for increased therapeutic scope and efficacy of Lactobacillus cultures in terms of molecule production, immune system regulation, vaccination, and nervous system activities.