Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rita Argenziano, Maria Laura Alfieri, Noemi Gallucci, Gerardino D'Errico, Lucia Panzella, Alessandra Napolitano
Summary: The search for new synthetic melanin-related pigments with antioxidant and photoprotective properties is important for dermo-cosmetic purposes. In this study, a melanin derived from 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) was synthesized and found to have similar structural properties to DHICA melanin. The synthesized pigment demonstrated stronger UV-visible absorption and improved solubility compared to DHICA melanin. Furthermore, the pigment exhibited marked antioxidant properties and enhanced inhibitory action against lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that the melanin derived from DHICA has potential as a functional ingredient in dermo-cosmetic formulations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maik Gerwig, Abid Shaukat Ali, David Neubert, Sebastian Polster, Uwe Boehme, Georg Franze, Marco Rosenkranz, Alexey Popov, Ilia Ponomarev, Michael P. M. Jank, Christine Viehweger, Erica Brendler, Lothar Frey, Peter Kroll, Edwin Kroke
Summary: Cyclopentasilane (CPS) has been studied as a liquid precursor for the deposition of thin silicon films for printed electronics and related applications. The processing involves a UV-induced prepolymerization of CPS followed by liquid deposition and low-temperature thermolysis. Experimental and computational data correspond well, allowing insight into the mechanism of polymer formation. Spin-coating, thermal drying, and conversion to amorphous silicon, H-passivation, and fabrication of a CPS-derived thin-film transistor (TFT) are part of the processing steps without intermediate silicon crystallization.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Juri Mai, Anna I. Arkhypchuk, Sebastian Wagner, Andreas Orthaber, Sascha Ott
Summary: This study reports a new phosphorus-based reagent that allows for the direct reductive coupling of aldehydes and alkenes with high Z-selectivity. The introduction of an electron-deficient substituent can change the kinetic control of the reaction, leading to the formation of Z-alkenes. The selectivity is found to be dependent on the electron-deficient substituent, which lowers the activation energy for the collapse of a cis-oxaphosphetane intermediate.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Y. O. Mezhuev, M. Motyakin, I. Yu Vorobev, I. Plyushchii, A. L. Luss, I. S. Ionova, A. L. Kovarskii, Yu Cai, M. Shtilman, A. M. Tsatsakis, C. Zaharia, Yu Korshak
Summary: The study demonstrates the possibility of using EPR spectroscopy to monitor the concentration of polyaniline and control the kinetics of aniline polymerization. The research also reveals a change in the reaction order and proposes a new approach to deriving the rate equation for oxidative polymerization of aniline.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rita Argenziano, Marina Della Greca, Lucia Panzella, Alessandra Napolitano
Summary: In this study, an optimized procedure was developed to prepare carboxamides of DHICA for obtaining pigments with improved solubility properties. The protection of the catechol function and the use of a coupling agent allowed for efficient synthesis of these amides, which, upon oxidative polymerization, resulted in melanin-like pigmented materials with good solubility in alcoholic solvents.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mihui Park, Seonyong Cho, Junghoon Yang, Vincent Wing-hei Lau, Kwang Hee Kim, Jong Hyeok Park, Stefan Ringe, Yong-Mook Kang
Summary: The use of heterogeneous catalysts as substrates can regulate the growth of Li2O2 and the formation of solid/solid reaction interfaces, improving the reversibility, capacity, and durability of lithium-oxygen batteries.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pavee Apilardmongkol, Manussada Ratanasak, Jun-ya Hasegawa, Vudhichai Parasuk
Summary: In this study, we investigated the reaction mechanism of heterobimetallic nickel phenoxyphosphine polyethylene glycol (Ni-PEG) with alkali metal catalysts for ethylene polymerization using DFT calculations. The activation energy of the necessary step follows the trend Li+＞Na+＞K+＞Cs+.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marin-Aurel Trofin, Stefania Racovita, Silvia Vasiliu, Ana-Lavinia Vasiliu, Marcela Mihai
Summary: Crosslinked porous microparticles have gained significant attention as drug delivery systems due to their unique properties. In this study, novel porous zwitterionic microparticles with antifouling, antimicrobial and hydration properties were successfully prepared. The microparticles showed high drug loading and release capacities, and demonstrated antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eleonora Cali, Melonie P. Thomas, Rama Vasudevan, Ji Wu, Oriol Gavalda-Diaz, Katharina Marquardt, Eduardo Saiz, Dragos Neagu, Raymond R. Unocic, Stephen C. Parker, Beth S. Guiton, David J. Payne
Summary: In exsolution, nanoparticles emerge from oxide hosts through redox driving forces, leading to transformative advances in stability, activity, and efficiency. The mechanism of exsolved nanoparticle nucleation and perovskite structural evolution has remained unclear, but this study sheds light on the process by using in situ high-resolution electron microscopy, computational simulations, and machine learning analytics. The results reveal the involvement of atom clustering, surface defects, and host lattice restructuring in nucleation and growth of nanoparticles, providing insights for the development of exsolvable materials.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Changwei Wu, Junfan Tong, Jian Gao, Junpeng Li, Xiaolei Li, Jianxun Zhu, Meng Gu, Weidong Zhou
Summary: By partially substituting vanadium with aluminum in Na3AlxV2-x(PO4)(3) (x = 1/3), the reversible charge/discharge capacity and energy density of the sodium-ion battery cathode can be improved. Overall, the introduction of Al can enhance the intercalation efficiency of Na+ in the cathode materials, leading to better performance of the sodium-ion batteries.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yiran Li, Mengling Lai, Minmin Hu, Shijun Zhao, Bin Liu, Ji-Jung Kai
Summary: This review summarizes the current understanding of the electronic and magnetic properties of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) from the perspectives of chemical compositions and structural configurations. The potential band-structure modifications and electronic applications of MXenes are emphasized. MXenes, as an important member of post-graphene 2D materials, are still under-explored but have shown promising electronic and magnetic properties.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Lai Wei, Nihang Fu, Edirisuriya M. D. Siriwardane, Wenhui Yang, Sadman Sadeed Omee, Rongzhi Dong, Rui Xin, Jianjun Hu
Summary: Fast and accurate crystal structure prediction algorithms and web servers are important for the discovery of new materials, but currently not accessible for most researchers. This study develops a template-based prediction algorithm and web server that uses various factors to select structure templates and return multiple predictions. Benchmark tests show high accuracy of the algorithm and successful application in material discovery.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xue Dong, Yu-qian Liu, Xin-bo Liu, Sudip Pan, Zhong-hua Cui, Gabriel Merino
Summary: A new class of beryllium-boron clusters called beryllo-borospherenes are theoretically described in this paper. The addition of beryllium to the B-12 motif leads to significant structural modifications. Beryllium atoms form strong bonds with boron clusters through strong electrostatic and covalent interactions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Long Yin Lam, King Hong Chan, Cong Ma
Summary: Functionalized aryl sulfonamides are important building blocks in pharmaceutical industry. This study developed a one-step synthesis method using stable solid commodity chemicals in various solvents, and demonstrated tolerance towards diverse functional groups commonly present in medicines and drug intermediates.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Bin Liu, Qiunan Zhu, Xianfang Zhou, Xuelian Zhang, Zhaoxia Dang, Shuxing Liang, Ganting Li, Zhaoqi Zhang, Fang Fang, Xuequn Pang
Summary: The study found that during the browning of longan pericarp, the activity level of the laccase LAC14-4 increased, leading to the polymerization of procyanidins and causing the pericarp to turn brown.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Yoko Niki, Naoko Adachi, Masaki Fukata, Yuko Fukata, Shinichiro Oku, Chieko Makino-Okamura, Seiji Takeuchi, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Shosuke Ito, Lieve Declercq, Daniel B. Yarosh, Tomas Mammone, Chikako Nishigori, Naoaki Saito, Takehiko Ueyama
Summary: This study found that by inhibiting the degradation of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis, an increase in melanin content and tyrosinase protein levels can be achieved in melano-genic cells. The palmitoylation site of tyrosinase was identified as Cys500, and the DHHC2, DHHC3, and DHHC15 proteins were found to be involved in tyrosinase palmitoylation. These findings suggest that palmitoylation plays an important role in regulating melanogenesis by controlling the protein levels of tyrosinase.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily E. Puckett, Isis S. Davis, Dawn C. Harper, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Gopal Battu, Jerrold L. Belant, Dean E. Beyer, Colin Carpenter, Anthony P. Crupi, Maria Davidson, Christopher S. DePerno, Nicholas Forman, Nicholas L. Fowler, David L. Garshelis, Nicholas Gould, Kerry Gunther, Mark Haroldson, Shosuke Ito, David Kocka, Carl Lackey, Ryan Leahy, Caitlin Lee-Roney, Tania Lewis, Ashley Lutto, Kelly McGowan, Colleen Olfenbuttel, Mike Orlando, Alexander Platt, Matthew D. Pollard, Megan Ramaker, Heather Reich, Jaime L. Sajecki, Stephanie K. Sell, Jennifer Strules, Seth Thompson, Frank van Manen, Craig Whitman, Ryan Williamson, Frederic Winslow, Christopher B. Kaelin, Michael S. Marks, Gregory S. Barsh
Summary: Color variation in large mammals is not well understood, unlike in small mammals. The American black bear exhibits color variation, including a cinnamon morph similar to the brown bear. A single major locus in the TYRP1 gene was identified to affect hair color, and a specific missense alteration was found to decrease pigment production.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shosuke Ito, Alessandra Napolitano, Tadeusz Sarna, Kazumasa Wakamatsu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of iron and copper on the oxidation of dopamine to neuromelanin. The results showed that iron and copper not only accelerated the oxidation process, but also promoted cross-linking and degradation reactions.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Waijiao Cai, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Fabio A. Zucca, Qing Wang, Kai Yang, Niyaz Mohamadzadehonarvar, Pranay Srivastava, Hitomi Tanaka, Gabriel Holly, Luigi Casella, Shosuke Ito, Luigi Zecca, Xiqun Chen
Summary: By studying samples of substantia nigra from patients with Parkinson's disease, we found increased ratios of pheomelanin to dopamine in the melanin content, as well as reduced levels of eumelanins derived from both DOPA and dopamine. Additionally, an increase in pheomelanin relative to dopamine pheomelanin was observed in Parkinson's disease. These findings provide insights into the roles of pheomelanin and eumelanin in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease.
PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasuaki Tamura, Akira Ito, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Toshihiko Torigoe, Hiroyuki Honda, Shosuke Ito, Kowichi Jimbow
Summary: N-Pr-4-S-CAP is selectively incorporated into melanoma cells and induces CD8(+) T cell-dependent anti-melanoma immunity, leading to the inhibition of melanoma growth. Administration of N-Pr-4-S-CAP could be a potential prophylactic therapy against local recurrence and distant metastasis of melanoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana-Maria Pena, Shosuke Ito, Thomas Bornschlogl, Sebastien Brizion, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Sandra Del Bino
Summary: To understand the impact of solar light exposure on human skin, researchers explored the chemical analysis of native and UVA-exposed melanins using non-invasive methods like multiphoton FLIM imaging and phasor and bi-exponential fitting analyses. They found that multiphoton FLIM could distinguish between different types of melanins and detect structural changes induced by UVA exposure. The study demonstrated the potential of using these techniques for characterizing mixed melanins in the skin under sunlight exposure conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Shosuke Ito
Summary: Eumelanin and pheomelanin are pigments that determine the colors in animals and are produced in melanocytes in various tissues. The quantity and quality of melanin, including the ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin, play a role in the diversity of animal colors. Methods for simultaneous measurement of eumelanin and pheomelanin have been developed to study the biochemical and genetic basis of pigmentation. The photoreactivity of melanin is also a major research focus due to its potential link to UVA-induced melanoma risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Toshiharu Nagatsu, Akira Nakashima, Hirohisa Watanabe, Shosuke Ito, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Fabio A. Zucca, Luigi Zecca, Moussa Youdim, Maximilian Wulf, Peter Riederer, Johannes M. Dijkstra
Summary: The dark pigment neuromelanin (NM) is abundant in dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and norepinephrine (NE) neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) in the human brain. During the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), NM levels in these neurons decrease. The synthesis pathway involves conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA, then to DA or NE, followed by autoxidation and conversion to eumelanic or pheomelanic NM.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
Thomas P. Dooley, Sydney Anderson, Shosuke Ito, Kazumasa Wakamatsu
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Huijuan Bi, Jonas Tranell, Dawn C. Harper, Weifeng Lin, Jingyi Li, Anders R. Hellstroem, Marten Larsson, Carl-Johan Rubin, Chao Wang, Shumaila Sayyab, Susanne Kerje, Bertrand Bed'hom, David Gourichon, Shosuke Ito, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Michele Tixier-Boichard, Michael S. Marks, Daniel Globisch, Leif Andersson
Summary: This study identifies a mutation in the COMTD1 gene that causes a defect in pheomelanin pigmentation in chickens. The COMTD1 protein is found in pigment cells and may play a protective role against oxidative stress. This study provides a model for further investigation of COMTD1 function.
Article
Oncology
Yo Tanaka, Misako Sato-Matsubara, Daisuke Tsuruta, Hiroshi Tanaka, Chiho Kadono, Koji Sugawara, Norifumi Kawada, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Shosuke Ito, Katsutoshi Yoshizato
Summary: CYGB plays a regulatory role in the melanogenic process by maintaining redox homeostasis through controlling intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tiffany S. Slater, Shosuke Ito, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Fucheng Zhang, Peter Sjovall, Martin Jarenmark, Johan Lindgren, Maria E. McNamara
Summary: The authors present a chemical taphonomy model for fossil melanins based on experimental data obtained from extant bird feathers, which predicts the composition of fossil melanins and provides evidence for the molecular preservation of phaeomelanin in 10 million year old frogs.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
