Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tingting Xu, Ziyun Fan, Junqiao Lou, Qi Du, Yue Kong, Yujia Lu, Xueming Wu
Summary: In this study, vitexin was glycosylated using solvent-stable beta-fructosidase in organic solvents, resulting in a high yield of 90-99%. Two novel vitexin glycosides were synthesized from 1.5 g/L vitexin in a 50% ethyl acetate solvent system, and they showed higher anti-tumor activities compared to vitexin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher R. Apostol, Parthasaradhireddy Tanguturi, Lajos Z. Szabo, Daniel Varela, Thiago Gilmartin, John M. Streicher, Robin Polt
Summary: This study synthesized shortened glycopeptide analogues of PACAP(1-23) and found that these analogues strongly interact with the PAC1 and VPAC1 receptors, while showing reduced activity at the VPAC2 receptor.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Zhao, Farong Ye, Ping Huang, Ping Wang
Summary: This review summarizes the recent progress in the synthesis strategies of homogeneous O-glycoproteins, highlighting the significant advancements in the understanding of the relationship between glycan structure and function.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiumn-Yih Wu, Tzi-Yuan Wang, Hsiou-Yu Ding, Yun-Rong Zhang, Shu-Yuan Lin, Te-Sheng Chang
Summary: Researchers found that an enzyme from Bacillus thuringiensis could convert vitexin into two new compounds with higher aqueous solubility, which enhances the potential applications of vitexin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hsiou-Yu Ding, Tzi-Yuan Wang, Jiumn-Yih Wu, Yu-Li Tsai, Te-Sheng Chang
Summary: Puerarin, a compound isolated from leguminous plants, has low solubility which limits its applications. By using the enzyme Deinococcus geothermalis amylosucrase, puerarin was successfully transformed into a more soluble derivative, puerarin-4'-O-alpha-glucoside. The optimal reaction conditions were found to be 40°C, pH 6, 20% (w/v) sucrose, and 200μg/mL DgAS, with a production yield of 35.1%.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Michiaki Matsumoto, Tadashi Hano
Summary: The non-enzymatic synthesis of Cbz-Phe-Leu was successfully achieved using a reversed micellar system with AOT as a surfactant. The study investigated the effects of operational conditions on the yield of the dipeptide. The partially cationic form of Leu was found to be more suitable for the synthesis reaction, leading to a higher maximum yield of 0.565 under optimal experimental conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Zhuojia Xu, Yaqi Deng, Zhumin Zhang, Wenjing Ma, Wanjin Li, Liuqing Wen, Tiehai Li
Summary: A diversity-oriented chemoenzymatic approach was used for the collective preparation of sulfated core 2 O-GalNAc glycans and their nonsulfated counterparts. A sulfated trisaccharide and a nonsulfated trisaccharide were chemically synthesized, then enzymatic extension was carried out using a panel of robust glycosyltransferases to achieve regioselective sialylation, resulting in the generation of 36 structurally well-defined O-GalNAc glycans.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Hua Min, Sun Yangxing, Zhang Xueqing, Yao Hui, Huang Nianyu
Summary: A method for the stereoselective synthesis of beta-D-thioglycosides using glucosyl-3-pyridinate donor and thiophenols/thiols catalyzed by Co(BF4)(2) was reported. The reaction has good compatibility with various mercaptans and thiophenols, as well as active sulfur nucleophiles, allowing for the efficient synthesis of thioglycopeptides and providing a new way for the rapid preparation of thioglycosides.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Heng Wei, Chie Naruse, Daisuke Takakura, Kazushi Sugihara, Xuchi Pan, Aki Ikeda, Nana Kawasaki, Masahide Asano
Summary: Our study investigates the role of B4GALT3 in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The results suggest that B4GALT3 deficiency can enhance anti-tumor immune responses by increasing the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, B4GALT3 may suppress cancer immunity by synthesizing the glycan structure of molecules on CD8+ T cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gael M. Vos, Yunfei Wu, Roosmarijn van der Woude, Robert P. de Vries, Geert-Jan Boons
Summary: This paper introduces a chemo-enzymatic strategy for synthesizing poly-N-acetyl lactosamines (polyLacNAc) in a regioselective manner. The strategy involves enzymatic assembly of oligo-LacNAc chains and modification at specific positions using traceless blocking groups. The methodology allows for the synthesis of polyLacNAc chains with various topologies.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Yan, Jianghua Li, Zhifei Hu, Xiaoyao Ma, Yun Li, Xihuan Hu, Jinfeng Ye, Wei Wang, Renzhong Wan, Hongzhi Cao
Summary: An efficient enzymatic assembly strategy was developed for the synthesis of structurally well-defined sialylated chitooligosaccharides. Two enzyme modules were used to introduce N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) units onto the chitooligosaccharides. The LacNAc grafted chitooligosaccharides were further modified with sialic acid to generate a total of 20 sialylated chitooligosaccharides.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mengjie Liu, Peishen Zhao, Md Hemayet Uddin, Wenyi Li, Feng Lin, Chaitra Chandrashekar, Yuji Nishiuchi, Yasuhiro Kajihara, Briony E. Forbes, Denise Wootten, John D. Wade, Mohammed Akhter Hossain
Summary: The synthesized glycosylated glucagon analogue, glycoglucagon, showed reduced propensity for fibrillation and enhanced thermal and metabolic stability compared to current commercially available glucagon formulations. This novel analogue is a valuable lead for producing stable liquid glucagon formulations that can improve patient compliance and minimize wastage.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Jiajia Li, Jie Zhang, Mingming Xu, Zeren Yang, Shuang Yue, Wanlong Zhou, Chunshan Gui, Haiyang Zhang, Shuwei Li, Perry G. Wang, Shuang Yang
Summary: Advancements in bioanalytical technology have sped up the analysis of complex protein glycosylation, benefiting the understanding of glycosylation in drug discovery and disease diagnosis. This review focuses on recent advances in glycosylation analysis, highlighting different strategies for glycopeptide enrichment and the challenges of O-glycosylation analysis. Improved enrichment methods combining different proteases for O-glycosylation analysis are also proposed.
JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Dilber Esra Yildiz, Gulsen Baytemir, Nevin Tasaltin, Selcan Karakus, Gamze Gursu, Dursun Ali Kose
Summary: In this study, metal complexes of Leucine and Tryptophan were synthesized and used to fabricate nanocomposites. These nanocomposites were then utilized to fabricate non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors with high sensitivity for detecting dopamine, showing promising potential for biomedical applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanan Jiang, Zhaoxi Cheng, Si Chen, Linji Li, Weidong Zhang, Xiang Li, Honggan Hu
Summary: Among posttranslational modifications, atypical arginine N-glycosylation plays a fundamental role in cellular processes and signaling pathways. This work presents a silver-promoted solid-phase glycosylation (SGG) method for efficient synthesis of diverse arginine N-glycosylated peptides. The SSG strategy involves robust synthesis of gram-scale S-alkyl-isothiourea glycosyl donors and simultaneous introduction of side-chain sugar motif and arginine residue. The resulting toolbox facilitates the investigation of specific antibodies and provides potent biochemical tools for exploring arginine N-glycosylation.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lucy K. Shewell, Christopher J. Day, Xavier De Bisscop, Jennifer L. Edwards, Michael P. Jennings
Summary: Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to previous antibiotics, necessitating the development of novel antimicrobials. Carbamazepine has been shown to block the interaction between gonococcal pili and human complement receptor 3, as well as effectively clear established gonococcal infections. Concentrations of carbamazepine in vaginal fluid from women taking the drug were found to be sufficient to significantly reduce the number of viable gonococci recovered from cervical cell infections. These findings support the further development of carbamazepine as a host-targeted therapy for gonococcal cervicitis.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucy K. Shewell, Christopher J. Day, Tiana Hippolite, Xavier De Bisscop, James C. Paton, Adrienne W. Paton, Michael P. Jennings
Summary: Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive and deadly type of skin cancer, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Currently, there are no serum biomarkers available for the early detection of cutaneous melanoma. However, researchers have developed a Neu5Gc-specific lectin called SubB2M, which can detect elevated levels of Neu5Gc-containing biomarkers in the serum of cancer patients. This discovery suggests that serum Neu5Gc-containing glycoconjugates can serve as novel biomarkers for cutaneous melanoma and contribute to its early diagnosis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Preeti Garai, John M. Atack, Brandon M. Wills, Michael P. Jennings, Lauren O. Bakaletz, Kenneth L. Brockman
Summary: This study investigated the role of ModA phasevarions in regulating the adherence of NTHi to specific host substrates in the respiratory tract. The findings suggest that NTHi adherence is substrate-specific and dependent on the ModA allele encoded, with adhesins Protein E and P4 playing a significant role. Understanding the substrate-specific regulation of NTHi adherence by ModA phasevarions can aid in the development of targeted vaccines and therapeutics against NTHi.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rachel J. J. Stephenson, Istvan Toth
Summary: Cocaine is a widely used illegal drug that has significant medical and social consequences. The lack of effective pharmacological treatments has led to the development of anti-cocaine vaccines. Despite years of research, no approved pharmacological treatments exist to help individuals overcome cocaine addiction or prevent relapse.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nusrat Nahar, Greg Tram, Freda E-C Jen, Zachary N. Phillips, Lucy A. Weinert, Janine T. Bosse, Jafar S. Jabbari, Quentin Gouil, Mei R. M. Du, Matthew E. Ritchie, Rory Bowden, Paul R. Langford, Alexander W. Tucker, Michael P. Jennings, Conny Turni, Patrick J. Blackall, John M. Atack
Summary: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, the causative agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, has been found to possess phase-variable regulons known as phasevarions, which lead to altered expression of multiple genes via epigenetic mechanisms. This variation is caused by the variable expression of DNA methyltransferases, resulting in methylation differences within the bacterial population. The identification of these phasevarions in A. pleuropneumoniae is important for the development of a subunit vaccine against this veterinary pathogen.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jing Wang, Lucy K. Shewell, Christopher J. Day, Michael P. Jennings
Summary: One form of abnormal glycosylation in human tumors is the expression of Neu5Gc, a type of acid. The enzyme responsible for producing Neu5Gc in mammals is believed to be inactive in humans. However, low levels of Neu5Gc have been found in healthy humans, indicating its acquisition from diet, such as red meat. Elevated levels of Neu5Gc have been consistently detected in cancer tissues, cells, and serum samples, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for cancer. This review examines the use of Neu5Gc-containing tumor glycoconjugates as cancer biomarkers for detection, monitoring, prognosis, and therapeutic targets.
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Frazer Sinclair, Anjuman A. Begum, Charles C. Dai, Istvan Toth, Peter M. Moyle
Summary: The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system is a groundbreaking technology that has revolutionized genome editing for therapeutic, diagnostic, and precision medicine applications. The safe and efficient delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been a critical challenge. Viral vectors have shown promise, but face limitations for clinical applications. Nonviral delivery vectors, such as lipid, polymer, peptides, and inorganic nanoparticle-based systems, have emerged as viable alternatives. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9, current delivery strategies, approaches for reducing off-target editing, and future directions for clinical trials.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Joanna E. Musik, Jessica Poole, Christopher J. Day, Thomas Haselhorst, Freda E. -C. Jen, Thomas Ve, Veronika Masic, Michael P. Jennings, Yaramah M. Zalucki
Summary: This study designed 11 peptides to mimic signal peptides that are inefficiently cleaved by LepB. The binding affinity and inhibitory potential of these peptides against LepB were assessed. It was found that the tryptophan residue in the signal peptide inhibited the cleavage of the peptide by LepB, and replacing this residue with alanine improved the cleavage efficiency.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Harrison Y. R. Madge, Suzy Alexander, Armira Azuar, Jiahui Zhang, Prashamsa Koirala, Thomas H. Burne, Istvan Toth, Rachel J. Stephenson
Summary: Researchers have developed a peptide-based anti-cocaine vaccine that can induce immune responses in mice, providing a platform for the development of effective anti-drug vaccines.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan Zhang, Freda E. -C. Jen, Kate L. Fox, Jennifer L. Edwards, Michael P. Jennings
Summary: Phosphorylcholine (ChoP) is present in all life forms, including bacteria. Recent research has shown that ChoP modification and phase variation play a role in bacterial pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms of ChoP synthesis in some bacteria are still unclear. This review examines the recent developments in ChoP-modified proteins and glycolipids, as well as ChoP biosynthetic pathways, and discusses the role of ChoP in bacterial pathobiology and immune response modulation.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Freda E. -C. Jen, Jodie L. Abrahams, Benjamin L. Schulz, Araceli Lamelas, Gerd Pluschke, Michael P. Jennings
Summary: In the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, cyclic meningococcal epidemics coincide with clonal waves of Neisseria meningitidis. A whole-genome sequencing study with meningococcal isolates collected during outbreaks identified the pilin glycosylation (pgl) locus as a hotspot of recombination. The exchange of pgl genes in N. meningitidis results in variable glycosylation patterns of pilin and other surface glycoproteins. Investigating pilin glycosylation can shed light on bacterial adaptation and potential targets for therapies and vaccines.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yuan Zhang, Freda E. -C. Jen, Jennifer L. L. Edwards, Michael P. P. Jennings
Summary: Phosphorylcholine (ChoP) modification on bacterial surface proteins and carbohydrates contributes to host mimicry and survival in the host. This study systematically analyzed bacterial genomes to identify the potential ChoP biosynthetic pathways, and found the association between specific pathways and the type of ChoP-modified surface factors.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adel Szerlauth, Arpad Varga, Tamara Madacsy, Daniel Sebok, Sahra Bashiri, Mariusz Skwarczynski, Istvan Toth, Jozsef Maleth, Istvan Szilagyi
Summary: Incorporation of antioxidant enzymes into nanostructures provides a highly efficient and robust biocatalytic system for scavenging reactive oxygen species. The immobilized enzymes effectively reduce intracellular oxidative stress and prevent DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. These findings are important for designing complex nanostructures with multienzymatic antioxidant activities.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Greg Tram, Freda E. -C. Jen, Zachary N. Phillips, John F. Lancashire, Jamie Timms, Jessica Poole, Michael P. Jennings, John M. Atack
Summary: This study characterized the ModA phasevarion in H. influenzae biogroup aegyptius, finding ModA13 in non-BPF causing strains and ModA16 unique to BPF causing isolates. Phase variation of ModA13 and ModA16 resulted in genome-wide changes to DNA methylation, leading to altered protein expression. However, these changes did not affect serum resistance in H. influenzae biogroup aegyptius strains.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
John M. Atack, Kenneth L. Brockman, Lauren O. Bakaletz, Michael P. Jennings
Summary: This study presents high-depth coverage RNA-Seq data from prototype NTHi strains 723 and R2866, which encode two of the most common phase-variable ModA alleles found in NTHi strains, ModA2 and ModA10.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
