Article
Psychiatry
S. Dominguez-Alonso, A. Carracedo, C. Rodriguez-Fontenla
Summary: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication. The study uses a newly developed tool called eQTpLot to analyze the largest ASD GWAS data, along with GWAS summary statistics from other studies, to identify genes associated with ASD.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rory M. Crean, Michal Biler, Marc W. van der Kamp, Alvan C. Hengge, Shina C. L. Kamerlin
Summary: This study investigates the link between the dynamics of the WPD-loop and catalysis rates in human protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and YopH from Yersinia pestis. Computational simulations reveal key residues and structural features responsible for differences in loop dynamics, as well as pathways for allosteric communication in these enzymes. The findings shed light on how PTP enzymes in the family may adapt to environmental changes and regulate their catalytic activities.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malathi Bheri, Swati Mahiwal, Sibaji K. Sanyal, Girdhar K. Pandey
Summary: Protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are important reversible post-translational modifications, with protein phosphatases playing a key role in signaling networks. The classification and mechanism of phosphatases in plant systems still require further investigation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew M. Mattei, Jonathan D. Smailys, Emma Marie Wilber Hepworth, Shanta D. Hinton
Summary: Pseudophosphatases, atypical members of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family, play important roles in physiology and pathophysiology as key regulators in signaling cascades. By investigating their involvement in diseases and pathologies, pseudophosphatases have emerged as potential therapeutic drug targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valerie Vinette, Isabelle Aubry, Hayley Insull, Noriko Uetani, Serge Hardy, Michel L. Tremblay
Summary: Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells is regulated by tyrosine kinases and tyrosine phosphatases. Among the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) superfamily, TC-PTP (PTPN2) has been identified as a key regulator of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells, with its inhibition resulting in functional defects in oxidative metabolism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evan T. Liechty, Andrew Hren, Levi Kramer, Gregory Donovan, Anika J. Friedman, Michael R. Shirts, Jerome M. Fox
Summary: Neutral mutational drift is an important but underutilized source of biological diversity in protein biophysics. This study focuses on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and investigates how neutral drift impacts its catalytic activity and stability. The findings suggest that neutral or mildly activating mutations can counteract deleterious ones, indicating a moderate activity-stability tradeoff. The study also shows that neutral mutations in allosterically influential sites are purged under biological selection, enriching for mutations outside of the active site.
Review
Cell Biology
Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier, Laura Zaldumbide, Lorena Mosteiro, Ricardo Lopez-Almaraz, Nagore Garcia de Andoin, Pablo Aguirre, Maite Emaldi, Leire Torices, Jose I. Lopez, Rafael Pulido
Summary: Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer associated with early development and differentiation of neuroendocrine cells, and PTPs play a key role in cell growth and differentiation, potentially serving as biomarkers and molecular targets for neuroblastoma therapies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Saleh A. Alqarni, Sheikh F. Ahmad, Faleh Alqahtani, Naif O. Al-Harbi, Samiyah Alshehri, Khalid E. Ibrahim, Ali S. Alfardan, Sabry M. Attia, Ahmed Nadeem
Summary: Asthma is a common inflammatory airway disease and its phenotypes can be categorized as eosinophilic, mixed granulocytic, or neutrophilic. Existing treatments for mixed granulocytic asthma are often insufficient, thus new approaches are needed. This study demonstrates that a LCK inhibitor, A770041, can effectively reduce airway inflammation and mucus production in mixed granulocytic asthma. Combination therapy with A770041 and dexamethasone can completely suppress inflammation and immune responses.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fei-Hua Yao, Xiao Liang, Xin-Hua Lu, Xia Cheng, Lian-Xiang Luo, Shu-Hua Qi
Summary: Seven new decahydrofluorene-class alkaloids, pyrrospirones K-Q (1-7), were isolated from the marine-derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41512. Compound 13 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatases. Moreover, compounds 1, 2, 5, 8-10, 12, and 13 showed antibacterial activity.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Aline Freville, Benedicte Gnangnon, Asma S. Khelifa, Mathieu Gissot, Jamal Khalife, Christine Pierrot
Summary: This review presents an overview of the diversity of phosphatases in Apicomplexan parasites and discusses their various functions throughout the parasites' life cycles. It also explores how this diversity can be utilized for the design of innovative and specific drugs/therapeutic strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Piatto Clerici, Patricia Fernandes de Souza Oliveira, Erica Mie Akagi, Helon Guimaraes Cordeiro, Jordana Maria Azevedo-Martins, Alessandra Valeria de Sousa Faria, Carmen Verissima Ferreira-Halder
Summary: Post-translational reversible modulation of proteins through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation by protein kinases (PKs) and protein phosphatases (PPs) is crucial for homeostasis. Imbalance in this process can be related to diseases, including cancer. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) can act as tumor suppressors or promoters, and the molecular mechanisms behind tumoral onset and progression in gastric cancer are not well understood.
BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew E. Griffin, Alexander W. Sorum, Gregory M. Miller, William A. Goddard, Linda C. Hsieh-Wilson
Summary: Heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HS GAGs) regulate Ang-Tie signaling by interacting directly with Ang ligands and Tie1 receptors, enhancing endothelial survival signaling and maintaining Tie1 stability within the mature vasculature. Loss of HS-Tie1 binding leads to decreased Tie protein levels, pathway suppression, and aberrant retinal vascularization.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Christie L. Burton, Mathieu Lemire, Bowei Xiao, Elizabeth C. Corfield, Lauren Erdman, Janita Bralten, Geert Poelmans, Dongmei Yu, S-M Shaheen, Tara Goodale, Vanessa M. Sinopoli, Noam Soreni, Gregory L. Hanna, Kate D. Fitzgerald, David Rosenberg, Gerald Nestadt, Andrew D. Paterson, Lisa J. Strug, Russell J. Schachar, Jennifer Crosbie, Paul D. Arnold
Summary: The study investigated genetic variants associated with obsessive-compulsive (OC) traits and found shared genetic risk between OC traits and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The research identified a significant genetic variant for OC traits and demonstrated the feasibility of using trait-based approaches for genetic discovery in community samples.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Feiling Xie, Hongmei Dong, Hao Zhang
Summary: PTPRO/PTPROt, as a member of the PTP family, plays a crucial role in immune cells by regulating their growth, differentiation, activation and immune responses. This review focuses on the regulatory roles and molecular mechanisms of PTPRO/PTPROt in B cells, T cells, and macrophages.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Anna Serbina, Anthony C. Bishop
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of differential scanning fluorimetry as a rapid and quantitative method to measure the strength of SHP2 autoinhibition. This method does not require protein labeling or specialized instrumentation and is applicable for evaluating the autoinhibitory interactions in different SHP2 mutants.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Bastiaan Maes, Ursula Smole, Matthias Vanderkerken, Kim Deswarte, Justine Van Moorleghem, Karl Vergote, Manon Vanheerswynghels, Caroline De Wolf, Sofie De Prijck, Nincy Debeuf, Benjamin Pavie, Wendy Toussaint, Sophie Janssens, Savvas Savvides, Bart N. Lambrecht, Hamida Hammad
Summary: This study found that loss of Taok3 can alleviate house dust mite-driven allergic asthma due to defects in both adaptive dendritic cell-mediated T(H)2 activation and innate ILC2 function.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Allergy
Rebeca Arroyo-Hornero, Helena Aegerter, Ibrahim Hamad, Beatriz Corte-Real, Katrien Staes, Bas van Der Woning, Kenneth Verstraete, Savvas N. Savvides, Bart N. Lambrecht, Markus Kleinewietfeld
Review
Immunology
Hamida Hammad, Nincy Debeuf, Helena Aegerter, Andrew S. Brown, Bart N. Lambrecht
Summary: Type 2 immunity serves as a defense mechanism against large parasites and aids in homeostasis restoration, but can also contribute to diseases like allergies. Recent studies on cell heterogeneity within Type 2-associated cell populations have revealed specific functions of cells with particular phenotypes or gene signatures.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Sharon Van Nevel, Jozefien Declercq, Gabriele Holtappels, Bart N. Lambrecht, Claus Bachert
Summary: This study aimed to identify underlying molecular pathways of type 2-low chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and improve personalized treatments. The results showed that G-CSF is an important cytokine regulating neutrophils in type 2-low CRS and has potential in the diagnosis and therapy of the disease.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christian Czysch, Carolina Medina-Montano, Zifu Zhong, Alexander Fuchs, Judith Stickdorn, Pia Winterwerber, Sascha Schmitt, Kim Deswarte, Marco Raabe, Maximilian Scherger, Francis Combes, Jana De Vrieze, Sabah Kasmi, Niek N. Sandners, Stefan Lienenklaus, Kaloian Koynov, Hans-Joachim Raeder, Bart N. Lambrecht, Sunil A. David, Matthias Bros, Hansjorg Schild, Stephan Grabbe, Bruno G. De Geest, Lutz Nuhn
Summary: The development of controlled biodegradable materials is crucial for immunodrug delivery to achieve spatiotemporally controlled immune stimulation in lymph nodes. Polycarbonate nanogels, as degradable micellar carriers, have been developed to conjugate an immune agonist for immune cell control.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rod A. Rahimi, Josalyn L. Cho, Claudia Jakubzick, Shabaana A. Khader, Bart N. Lambrecht, Clare M. Lloyd, Ari B. Molofsky, Sebastien Talbot, Catherine A. Bonham, Wonder P. Drake, Anne Sperling, Benjamin D. Singer
Summary: The mammalian airways and lungs are constantly exposed to various inhaled particles, allergens, and pathogens. The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting against respiratory pathogens, but an unbalanced immune response during respiratory infections can hinder pathogen clearance and cause immune-related diseases. Understanding the complex network of cells involved in sensing and responding to inhaled antigens is essential for developing effective mucosal vaccines and managing inflammatory pulmonary diseases. The American Thoracic Society has formed a working group to advance the study of lung immunology and improve human health.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pathology
Helena Aegerter, Bart N. Lambrecht
Summary: Despite the use of new biologics for treating asthma, the disease persists, and patients still experience symptoms even after treatment. Mucus plugs play a significant role in the disease by physically obstructing airways and perpetuating inflammation, acting as an immunogenic stimulus. Changes in mucus biology caused by type 2 inflammation result in sticky and difficult-to-expectorate sputum, which also increases the risk of infections. Therefore, mucus plugs are an overlooked but critical feature of asthma.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Helena Aegerter, Bart N. Lambrecht, Claudia Jakubzick
Summary: This article describes how single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics can be used to separate and study different subpopulations of lung macrophages, as well as their importance and complexity in lung homeostasis and disease. It also discusses how lung macrophages undergo functional changes in different tissue states.
Article
Immunology
Jana Neirinck, Annelies Emmaneel, Malicorne Buysse, Jan Philippe, Sofie Van Gassen, Yvan Saeys, Xavier Bossuyt, Stefanie De Buyser, Mirjam van der Burg, Martin Perez-Andres, Alberto Orfao, Jacques J. M. van Dongen, Bart N. Lambrecht, Tessa Kerre, Mattias Hofmans, Filomeen Haerynck, Carolien Bonroy
Summary: The study tested PIDOT in 887 consecutive patients suspicious of PID and found that it has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing lymphoid-PID, particularly for discriminating patients with SCID, ID, and CVID. The combination of PIDOT and serum immunoglobulin levels can guide further immunophenotypic FCM analyses for accurate PID diagnostics.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Cristian Vidal-Quist, Jozefien Declercq, Stijn Vanhee, Bart N. Lambrecht, Jose Gomez-Rial, Carmen Vidal, Eylem Aydogdu, Stephane Rombauts, Pedro Hernandez-Crespo
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of viral infection on the physiological characteristics and allergenicity of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Transcriptional changes and allergen accumulation were observed, but the impact on allergic asthma and human IgE binding was not significant. Overall, viral infection did not significantly affect the allergenic performance of extracts or their practical use in allergy diagnosis.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Cedric Bosteels, Karel F. A. Van Damme, Elisabeth De Leeuw, Jozefien Declercq, Bastiaan Maes, Victor Bosteels, Levi Hoste, Leslie Naesens, Nincy Debeuf, Julie Deckers, Basiel Cole, Marion Pardons, Daniela Weiskopf, Alessandro Sette, Yannick Vande Weygaerde, Thomas Malfait, Stefaan J. Vandecasteele, Ingel K. Demedts, Hans Slabbynck, Sabine Allard, Pieter Depuydt, Eva Van Braeckel, Jozefien De Clercq, Liesbet Martens, Sam Dupont, Ruth Seurinck, Niels Vandamme, Filomeen Haerynck, Debasish F. Roychowdhury, Linos Vandekerckhove, Martin Guilliams, Simon J. Tavernier, Bart N. Lambrecht
Summary: GM-CSF plays a crucial role in COVID-19, but excessive use may lead to inflammation. Inhalation of GM-CSF does not improve oxygenation parameters, but it enhances antiviral immune response, providing a theoretical basis for further testing of GM-CSF as a non-invasive treatment for COVID-19.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kavita Rawat, Anita Tewari, Xin Li, Arlind B. B. Mara, William T. T. King, Sophie L. L. Gibbings, Chinaza F. F. Nnam, Fred W. W. Kolling, Bart N. N. Lambrecht, Claudia V. V. Jakubzick
Summary: Dendritic cells and monocytes capture, transport, and present antigen to cognate T cells in the draining lymph nodes in a CCR7-dependent manner. It is unclear how monocytes reach the lymph nodes since only migratory dendritic cells express this chemokine receptor.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Martin Ondra, Lukas Lenart, Amanda Centorame, Daciana C. Dumut, Alexander He, Syeda Sadaf Zehra Zaidi, John W. Hanrahan, Juan Bautista De Sanctis, Danuta Radzioch, Marian Hajduch
Summary: This article describes the preparation and validation of a novel in vitro model system using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which can tag the endogenously expressed WT-CFTR and detect CFTR in the plasma membrane of live cells. By inserting the HiBiT tag in WT-CFTR, a reporter luciferase with bright luminescence can be generated. Nine homozygous clones with the HiBiT knock-in were identified from the screened clones, and two clones were genetically and functionally validated. This work lays the foundation for developing unique cellular CF models by CRISPR-mediated insertion of CF-causing mutations.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Elisabeth De Leeuw, Karel F. A. Van Damme, Jozefien Declercq, Cedric Bosteels, Bastiaan Maes, Simon J. Tavernier, Laurent Detalle, Trevor Smart, Sophie Glatt, Nincy Debeuf, Julie Deckers, Sahine Lameire, Stefaan J. Vandecasteele, Nikolaas De Neve, Ingel K. Demedts, Elke Govaerts, Christiane Knoop, Karolien Vanhove, Michel Moutschen, Wim Terryn, Pieter Depuydt, Eva Van Braeckel, Filomeen Haerynck, Tine C. J. Hendrickx, Vanessa Parrein, Marianna Lalla, Claire Brittain, Bart N. Lambrecht
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the efficacy and safety of complement inhibition with zilucoplan in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The results showed that zilucoplan was well tolerated and suggested potential benefits in improving respiratory function and clinical outcomes, although further research is needed.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Behdad Afzali, Marina Noris, Bart N. Lambrecht, Claudia Kemper
Summary: Hyperactivation of the complement system is implicated in the pathology of COVID-19, with potential therapeutic benefits through complement inhibition. Latest research progress suggests targeting complement components for treatment may be beneficial in mitigating excessive inflammation and thrombosis in severe COVID-19 cases.
NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)