Article
Biology
Xue Zhang, Mengzhen Shen, Huimin Zhu, Junjie Zhang, Min Yang, Kaiyan Su, Yirong Zhang, Wei Fu, Xisong Ke, Yi Qu
Summary: This study identified a natural compound, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), as an activator of protein citrullination. DMC directly interacted with PAD2 and showed binding selectivity among PAD family enzymes, leading to the activation of citrullination. This research not only presents a strategy for screening citrullination activators, but also provides a chemical approach for activating protein citrullination.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Teng, Yuhang Chen, Xinyi Tang, Shengjun Wang, Kai Yin
Summary: In this review, the role of PAD2-mediated citrullination in tumor pathology and the regulation of tumor-associated immune cells is systematically illustrated. The article also discusses the feasibility of anti-PAD2 therapy to treat tumors and the urgent problems to be solved. Finally, recent developments in the development of PAD2 inhibitors are reviewed.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-REVIEWS ON CANCER
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo Sun, Beverly Tomita, Ari Salinger, Ronak R. Tilvawala, Ling Li, Hana Hakami, Tao Liu, Konstantin Tsoyi, Ivan O. Rosas, Dieter P. Reinhardt, Paul R. Thompson, I-Cheng Ho
Summary: Elastic fiber formation is impacted by citrullination, with PAD2-mediated citrullination of FBLN5 protecting its elastogenic activity. Loss of PAD2 results in attenuated elastogenesis and age-dependent emphysema.
Article
Immunology
Maria Teresa Martin Monreal, Alexandra Stripp Rebak, Laura Massarenti, Santanu Mondal, Ladislav Senolt, Niels Odum, Michael L. Nielsen, Paul R. Thompson, Claus H. Nielsen, Dres Damgaard
Summary: Citrullination plays a role in breaking self-tolerance in anti-CCP-positive rheumatoid arthritis, with PAD2 and PAD4 being key pathogenic factors. Inhibitors like AFM-30a and GSK199 show potential in inhibiting citrullination, with AFM-30a being an efficient inhibitor of PAD2 and a combination of AFM-30a and GSK199 showing promise in inhibiting PAD activity without cytotoxic effects seen in BB-Cl-amidine.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aneta Stachowicz, Rakhi Pandey, Niveda Sundararaman, Vidya Venkatraman, Jennifer E. Van Eyk, Justyna Fert-Bober
Summary: Macrophages, effector cells of the innate immune system, undergo phenotypical changes in response to organ injury and repair. This study investigated the role of protein arginine deiminase (PAD) in macrophage polarization and identified citrullinated proteins and modified arginines associated with this biological switch. The findings suggest that inhibiting PAD activity or silencing PAD2 gene can shift macrophage activation towards the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which may have significant clinical benefits for the treatment of inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION-LONDON
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clarisse Uwizeye, Johan Decelle, Pierre-Henri Jouneau, Serena Flori, Benoit Gallet, Jean-Baptiste Keck, Davide Dal Bo, Christine Moriscot, Claire Seydoux, Fabien Chevalier, Nicole L. Schieber, Rachel Templin, Guillaume Allorent, Florence Courtois, Gilles Curien, Yannick Schwab, Guy Schoehn, Samuel C. Zeeman, Denis Falconet, Giovanni Finazzi
Summary: Eukaryotic phytoplankton exhibit conserved topologies of energy-managing organelles that are modulated by environmental constraints, affecting photosynthesis and respiration. Changes in organelle architectures accompany phytoplankton acclimation to different environments, impacting their cellular responses. This study sheds light on the subcellular scales of phytoplankton acclimation through revealing the ultrastructural plasticity of energy-managing organelles.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Mohd Yasser, Silvia Ribback, Katja Evert, Kirsten Utpatel, Katharina Annweiler, Matthias Evert, Frank Dombrowski, Diego F. F. Calvisi
Summary: Our electron microscopic findings suggest that plasmid transfer to hepatocytes may occur through active or passive endocytosis, with plasmids being trapped in membrane-bound vesicles and vacuoles. We observed vacuole formation in the proximity of the nucleus, which is believed to be the site of DNA-entry. However, the exact mechanisms by which plasmids are incorporated into hepatocytes and how vesicle generation is involved remain unclear.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joao Victor Silva-Silva, Carla Junqueira Moragas-Tellis, Maria do Socorro dos Santos Chagas, Paulo Victor Ramos de Souza, Celeste da Silva Freitas de Souza, Daiana de Jesus Hardoim, Noemi Nosomi Taniwaki, Davyson de Lima Moreira, Maria Dutra Behrens, Katia da Silva Calabrese, Fernando Almeida-Souza
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the activity of flavones from Arrabidaea chica against L. amazonensis, with ACFF and luteolin showing concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against promastigotes and intramacrophagic amastigotes, indicating potential as antileishmanial agents.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aihui Sun, Yaoyao Ji, Yaxi Li, Wenhui Xie, Zhihe Liu, Tingting Li, Tian Jin, Weizhi Qi, Kai Li, Changfeng Wu, Lei Xi
Summary: PAI, with OR-PAM as a submodality, has high lateral resolution and optical contrast, showing potential in visualizing cellular structures. The proposed multicolor 3D photoacoustic microscopy with improved axial resolution allows visualization of subcellular structures efficiently.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Sergey Yudintsev, Maximilian S. Nickolsky, Michael Ojovan, Olga Stefanovsky, Boris S. Nikonov, Amina S. Ulanova
Summary: The article discusses the abilities of SEM/EDS and EBSD techniques to identify mineral polytype modifications in polyphase ceramic matrices, as well as their application in radioactive waste treatment.
Article
Cell Biology
Letizia Penolazzi, Maria Pina Notarangelo, Elisabetta Lambertini, Valentina Vultaggio-Poma, Mario Tarantini, Francesco Di Virgilio, Roberta Piva
Summary: The main objective of this study was to determine the presence of the P2X7 receptor in human skeletal system cells. P2X7 receptor was found to be localized not only in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm, but also in the nucleus and mitochondria of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and intervertebral disc cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Agata Mlonka-Medrala, Malgorzata Sieradzka, Aneta Magdziarz
Summary: This study analyzed the thermal upgrading of hydrochar through steam gasification to produce carbon-rich material with developed active surface area. The results show potential applications for proper management of mixed wastes.
News Item
Optics
Yuya Morimoto
Summary: A transmission electron microscopy technique allows the recording of movies capturing the dynamic behavior of optical near-fields with a temporal resolution surpassing the oscillation of optical electric fields.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Andong Du, Lucia Lattanzi, Anders E. W. Jarfors, Jinchuan Zheng, Kaikun Wang, Gegang Yu
Summary: Aluminium metal matrix composites were synthesized using a novel stirring device, and the effects of different matrix alloys, SiC particle fractions and sizes on the wear performance of the materials were investigated. Dry sliding pin-on-plate tests were conducted against a high-speed train brake pad to evaluate the wear performance, and electron microscopy was employed to study the wear surfaces. The formation of an iron-based tribolayer during wear provided protection to the metal matrix composite, and the composites with small SiC particles exhibited lower wear rate and friction coefficient compared to other composites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seiya Asai, Jana Moravcova, Lenka Zakova, Irena Selicharova, Romana Hadravova, Andrzej Marek Brzozowski, Jiri Novacek, Jiri Jiracek
Summary: We found two different rhomboidal crystal lattices in the insulin secretory granules, suggesting the existence of microcrystalline insulin forms, possibly consisting of 4Zn2+-hexamers of this hormone.
Article
Infectious Diseases
In-Soon Roh, Yong-Chan Kim, Sae-Young Won, Min-Ju Jeong, Kyung-Je Park, Hoo-Chang Park, Yu-Ran Lee, Hae-Eun Kang, Hyun-Joo Sohn, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study investigated the genetic polymorphisms of the PRNP gene in sika deer and found a strong association between c.56G > A (Ser19Asn) and susceptibility to CWD. In addition, the damaging effects of several other SNPs on sika deer PrP were predicted. The study also analyzed the tertiary structure and electrostatic potential of sika deer PrP based on the genetic polymorphisms.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Yong-Chan Kim, Hyeon-Ho Kim, Kiwon Kim, An-Dang Kim, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study is the first report on the genetic polymorphisms of the feline SPRN gene. Through various analyses and comparisons, we identified new SNPs in the feline SPRN gene and found the impact of SPRN polymorphisms. Additionally, we discovered feline-specific amino acids in the feline Sho protein. These findings are important for understanding and studying the occurrence and development of prion diseases in cats.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yoonhee Kim, Yong-Chan Kim, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study identified novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the quail PRNP gene and investigated their effects on the structure and function of quail prion protein. The results showed a close evolutionary relationship between quail and chicken prion proteins, and the identified SNPs did not affect the amyloid propensity and structural stability of quail PrP.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yong-Chan Kim, Min-Ju Jeong, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: A chicken IFITM3 protein-specific monoclonal antibody was successfully developed using phage display, and its reactivity with chicken tissues was confirmed through western blotting.
ACTA VETERINARIA HUNGARICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yong-Chan Kim, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study is the first to observe the upregulation of cilium-related genes in the early stages of prion disease and found that cilium-related biological processes are enriched in the early stages of prion disease.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yong-Chan Kim, Hyeon-Ho Kim, An-Dang Kim, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study reports the genetic polymorphisms of the canine SPRN gene, which are significantly associated with susceptibility to prion diseases. Additionally, the study reveals the structural features of canine Sho protein and its different binding characteristics to PrP based on SPRN polymorphisms.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kyung Han Kim, Yong-Chan Kim, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study is the first investigation of genetic polymorphisms in the pheasant PRNP gene, revealing potential detrimental effects of SNPs and insertion/deletion polymorphisms on pheasant PrP.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yong-Chan Kim, Hyeon-Ho Kim, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study presents the first report on the genetic polymorphisms of the SPRN gene in chickens, identifying novel genetic variations associated with prion disease resistance and unique features of chicken Sho in terms of amino acid sequences and functionality.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
T. Yamaguchi, Y. Yamamoto, K. Egashira, A. Sato, Y. Kondo, S. Saiki, M. Kimura, T. Chikazawa, A. Ishigami, S. Murakami
Summary: Periodontal disease is caused by dysbiosis of the dental biofilm and the host inflammatory response. Oxidative stress, one of the major risk factors for periodontal disease, may contribute to disease progression through the inhibition of endotoxin tolerance.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Hyun-Jaung Sim, Yong-Chan Kim, Govinda Bhattarai, Sae-Young Won, Jeong-Chae Lee, Byung-Hoon Jeong, Sung-Ho Kook
Summary: PrPC-derived prion disease primarily affects neurodegeneration, but its impact on hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) has been poorly understood. In a study involving mice infected with prions, the presence of misfolded prion protein (PrPSc) was observed in bone marrow cells derived from infected mice, and these cells showed prion infectivity. Following infection, there was a significant decrease in the number of HSPCs, mainly due to increased apoptotic cell death in PrPC-positive HSPCs. Both PrPC-positive and PrPC-negative HSCs underwent cellular senescence, affecting their repopulation and self-renewal capacities. This study provides new evidence that prion infection modulates HSC fate through both cell-autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sae-Young Won, Yong-Chan Kim, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: The occurrence of PRNP K200 somatic mutation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was significantly increased in sporadic CJD patients, and this mutation resulted in a change in the electrostatic potential of human PrP.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Mohammed Zayed, Sung-Ho Kook, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: Prion diseases are progressive, incurable, and deadly neurodegenerative disorders. Prion protein plays an important role in stem cells and offers therapeutic potential for prion diseases. Regenerative medicine, particularly the use of stem cell therapy, has revolutionized disease treatment.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yu-Ran Lee, Yong-Chan Kim, Sae-Young Won, Min-Ju Jeong, Kyung-Je Park, Hoo-Chang Park, In-Soon Roh, Hae-Eun Kang, Hyun-Joo Sohn, Byung-Hoon Jeong
Summary: This study identified a novel risk factor, the S100G SNP, for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in elk, through the analysis of the PRNP gene.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Masaki Takigawa, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Junichi Suwa, Tomoya Obara, Yohei Maeda, Mamoru Sato, Yoshitomo Shimazaki, Toshihisa Onoda, Akihito Ishigami, Toshihiro Ishii
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic drug monitoring in FN patients when TEIC dosing was based on the population mean method. The results showed that the accuracy of predicting TEIC blood concentrations was good in FN patients, with slightly inferior prediction accuracy in patients with a Scr < 0.6 mg/dL and a neutrophil count < 100/mu L.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yoshitaka Kondo, Hitoshi Aoki, Masato Masuda, Hiroki Nishi, Yoshihiro Noda, Fumihiko Hakuno, Shin-Ichiro Takahashi, Takuya Chiba, Akihito Ishigami
Summary: Nutritional requirements vary with life stage and the appropriate ratio of nutrients, especially proteins, for maintaining metabolic health in old age was investigated in mice. The moderate protein intake percentages of 25% and 35% were found to be necessary for maintaining metabolic health in middle-aged mice, similar to young mice.