Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yunfei Wang, Chuanlin Yin, Hao Zhang, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Wenqi Dong, Anna Luo, Longhui Chai, Shilong Yang, Ren Lai
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism of tissue-specific resistance in centipedes, where a splice variant of the receptor repels its own toxin, establishing a safe zone in the venom-storing/secreting environment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Luo, Aili Wang, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Ren Lai, Lei Luo
Summary: Centipedes are ancient and successful venomous animals, with their venoms targeting ion channels in the nervous system. Understanding the mechanism of neurotoxins acting on ion channels contributes to the knowledge of centipede venoms and channel functions. The unique structure and selective activities of centipede venom peptides make them potential research tools and biological drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eivind A. B. Undheim, Ronald A. Jenner
Summary: Animal venoms have evolved through recruitment of endogenous proteins with physiological functions, with centipedes being the only known animals with venoms containing gene families derived from horizontal gene transfer events. Horizontal gene transfer serves as a fast track channel for the evolution of novelty in animal venoms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Hailin Zheng, Nana Song, Xiaowei Zhou, Huan Mei, Dongmei Li, Xiaofang Li, Weida Liu
Summary: The study examined the biological impact of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation on Candida albicans, identifying 1,438 Khib-modified proteins with various cellular functions. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant pathways like ribosome biogenesis and carbon metabolism being affected by Khib modification, suggesting a potential role in regulating protein translation in this fungal pathogen.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingyun Yang, Yingxiao Gao, Xia Liu, Yihang Xiao, Mingxuan Wu
Summary: A new method for editing the N-tail of histone H3 using sortase mediated metathesis (SMM) is reported. This method expands the application scope of sortase and offers a strategy for precise editing of PTMs of cellular histone H3.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hangyuan Yang, Minghui Wang, Xia Liu, Xing-Ming Zhao, Ao Li
Summary: PhosIDN is an integrated deep neural network that combines sequence and protein-protein interaction information to improve the prediction performance of phosphorylation sites.
Article
Microbiology
Asma Belbelazi, Rachel Neish, Martin Carr, Jeremy C. Mottram, Michael L. Ginger
Summary: In eukaryotes, heme attachment to mitochondrial cytochromes c is catalyzed by two different systems, with one being inherited from the alphaproteobacterial progenitor and the other being a eukaryotic innovation. Unique to euglenozoan protists is the attachment of heme to cytochromes c by a single thioether linkage, with the mechanism remaining unknown. The discovery of kinetoplastid cytochrome c synthetase (KCCS) provides a novel resource for studying eukaryotic cytochrome c maturation and may have wider implications in the context of human genetic diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edgars Lakis, Sarolt Magyari, Jorn Piel
Summary: The study focuses on ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and their untapped potential for protein engineering. The researchers report the incorporation of alpha-keto-beta-amino acids into proteins in E. coli using a family of enzymes that splice XYG sites in RiPPs. The approach offers new possibilities for introducing beta-amino acids or ketone-bearing moieties in chemical biology.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Meghan Grandal, Mickelene Hoggard, Benjamin Neely, W. Clay Davis, Frank Mari
Summary: The study used a proteogenomic approach to analyze the conopeptides in cone snail injected venom, identifying a large number of different types of conopeptides. By comparing injected venom samples from 27 specimens, two distinct venom profiles were discovered, revealing the effective targeting of neural pathways by conopeptides.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bo-Jhang Lin, Tien-Chueh Kuo, Hsin-Hsiang Chung, Ying-Chen Huang, Ming-Yang Wang, Cheng-Chih Hsu, Po-Yang Yao, Yufeng Jane Tseng
Summary: Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool for investigating the spatial distribution of molecules in samples. However, analyzing complex biological systems often requires multiple analytical techniques. Image registration is a critical step for combining MSI with other imaging techniques, but it can be challenging due to differences in spatial resolution and image characteristics. In this study, a web service called MSI Registrar (MSIr) was developed for automatic registration between MSI and histology, providing a more objective and efficient way to analyze molecular components in tissues.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tosin Victor Adegoke, Yifeng Wang, Lijuan Chen, Huimei Wang, Wanning Liu, Xingyong Liu, Yi-Chen Cheng, Xiaohong Tong, Jiezheng Ying, Jian Zhang
Summary: The Wx gene encodes granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) responsible for amylose biosynthesis, impacting the eating and cooking quality of rice. The modification of the amylose content in rice starch can alter its properties depending on consumer preference. Posttranslational modification of enzymes regulating starch biosynthesis may be a more effective way to improve crops than gene regulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junke Zhu, Weiwei Guo, Yubin Lan
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive profile of lysine lactylation in wheat during seed germination. The functional enrichment analysis reveals that lactylated proteins associated with glycolysis and TCA cycle are significantly enriched, and there are more differentially lactylated proteins in the up-regulated lactylated proteins compared to the down-regulated lactylated ones. Additionally, ten preferred amino acids near lactylation sites are identified in the embryos of germinated wheat seeds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yanzheng Meng, Lin Zhang, Laizhi Zhang, Ziyu Wang, Xuanwen Wang, Chan Li, Yu Chen, Shipeng Shang, Lei Li
Summary: CysModDB is an integrated platform designed to facilitate the study of cysteine posttranslational modifications (PTMs). It brings together comprehensive CysPTM resources and analysis tools, providing researchers with online computational and analytical tools for CysPTM site prediction, gene enrichment, and sequence feature investigation.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Diqi Yang, Xiaoping Li, Beibei Yu, Hui Peng
Summary: Ovarian function influences fertility and reproductive lifespan by regulating oocyte supply and hormone secretion. Lysine crotonylation (Kcr) and lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) are newly identified post-translational modifications that play a role in regulating transactivation in mammals. This study investigated protein post-translational Kcr and Khib modifications in piglet ovarian tissues and identified overlapping proteins involved in nucleosome organization, chromatin assembly, DNA packaging, peptide biosynthetic process, and peptide metabolic process.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yibo Dong, Ping Li, Chao Chen
Summary: Lysine succinylation is a common post-translational modification that plays important roles in regulating protein structure and function, as well as cellular metabolism. A recent study investigated the effects of lysine succinylation on the growth, development, and physiology of paper mulberry. The results suggested that lysine-succinylated proteins may play key regulatory roles in metabolism, particularly in photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Austin B. Schwartz, Anshika Kapur, Zhenbo Huang, Raveendra Anangi, John M. Spear, Scott Stagg, Erminia Fardone, Zolan Dekan, Jens T. Rosenberg, Samuel C. Grant, Glenn F. King, Hedi Mattoussi, Debra Ann Fadool
Summary: The olfactory system is modulated by metabolic factors to drive changes in feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. Inhibiting Kv1.3 in the olfactory bulb can enhance excitability of output neurons and lead to metabolic responses, resulting in changes in body weight and energy metabolism.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Fernanda C. Cardoso, Joel Castro, Luke Grundy, Gudrun Schober, Sonia Garcia-Caraballo, Tianjiao Zhao, Volker Herzig, Glenn F. King, Stuart M. Brierley, Richard J. Lewis
Summary: The discovery of two novel tarantula-venom peptides, Tap1a and Tap2a, provides potential treatment for chronic visceral pain by modulating the activity of Na-v and Ca(v)3 channels. Tap1a, in particular, shows significant analgesic effects in a mouse model, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for chronic pain.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
David A. Eagles, Chun Yuen Chow, Glenn F. King
Summary: This review examines the role of Na(V)1.7 channels in nociception, their history as a therapeutic target, and the challenges in developing potent inhibitors. Despite significant progress in drug development, effective analgesia remains elusive in clinical trials.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lauren M. Ashwood, Michela L. Mitchell, Bruno Madio, David A. Hurwood, Glenn F. King, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Raymond S. Norton, Peter J. Prentis
Summary: This study found that morphological variations in tentacles are associated with distinct toxin gene expression levels. Sea anemones with spherical tentacular structures may use specific venom cocktails to protect branched structures hosting a large number of photosynthetic symbionts.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Brett R. Hamilton, Weili Chan, Karen L. Cheney, Robert K. P. Sullivan, Matthias Floetenmeyer, Mary J. Garson, Roger Wepf
Summary: In this paper, we investigate the presence of a toxin in a nudibranch and demonstrate improved resolution and sensitivity for subcellular molecular imaging. The findings suggest the potential for subcellular 3D volume reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Dongchen An, Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Junior, Laszlo Beress, Irina Gladkikh, Elena Leychenko, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Steve Peigneur, Jan Tytgat
Summary: AsKC11, a Kunitz peptide found in the venom of A. sulcata, is the first peptide shown to directly activate neuronal GIRK1/2 channels independent from Gi/o protein activity, without affecting the inward-rectifier potassium channel (IRK1) and with only a minor effect on K(V)1.6 channels. Thus, AsKC11 is a novel activator of GIRK channels resulting in larger K+ currents because of an increased chord conductance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lauren M. Ashwood, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Bruno Madio, Brett R. Hamilton, Marymegan Daly, David A. Hurwood, Glenn F. King, Peter J. Prentis
Summary: This study explored the relationship between toxin expression patterns and ecological roles of different anatomical structures in a specific species of sea anemone. The findings revealed that the venom profiles of different anatomical regions vary according to their ecological functions, and there is a direct correlation between the functional similarity of regions and the similarity of their associated toxin expression profiles.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Volker Herzig, Yong-Cyuan Chen, Yanni K-Y Chin, Zoltan Dekan, Yu-Wang Chang, Hui-Ming Yu, Paul F. Alewood, Chien-Chang Chen, Glenn F. King
Summary: This study identified a tarantula venom from Avicularia spec. that can inhibit specific subtypes of T-type calcium channels, with the active toxin being omega-Avsp1a. The research suggests that omega-Avsp1a can inhibit specific subtypes of T-type calcium channels, and the domain-1 of Ca(V)3.3 is crucial for this inhibitory effect.
Article
Biology
Taline D. Kazandjian, Brett R. Hamilton, Samuel D. Robinson, Steven R. Hall, Keirah E. Bartlett, Paul Rowley, Mark C. Wilkinson, Nicholas R. Casewell, Eivind A. B. Undheim
Summary: This study investigates whether the distinct spatial distributions of toxins in snake venom glands are an adaptation that enables the secretion of venoms with distinct ecological functions. The results show that the main defensive and predatory peptide toxins are produced in distinct regions of the venom glands of the black-necked spitting cobra, but these distributions likely reflect developmental effects. There were no significant differences in venom collected from defensive 'spitting' or predatory 'biting' events from the same specimens representing multiple lineages of spitting cobra, indicating that the heterogeneous toxin distribution is not an adaptation to controlling venom composition in snakes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Xie, Samuel D. Robinson, Edward K. Gilding, Sina Jami, Jennifer R. Deuis, Fabian B. H. Rehm, Kuok Yap, Lotten Ragnarsson, Lai Yue Chan, Brett R. Hamilton, Peta J. Harvey, David J. Craik, Irina Vetter, Thomas Durek
Summary: The stinging hairs of the New Zealand tree nettle inject compounds that cause pain and systemic symptoms. Two classes of peptide toxin, Delta-Uf1a and beta/delta-Uf2a, are responsible for the pain and they may also be present in other Urtica species.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fernanda C. Cardoso, Sandy S. Pineda, Volker Herzig, Kartik Sunagar, Naeem Yusuf Shaikh, Ai-Hua Jin, Glenn F. King, Paul F. Alewood, Richard J. Lewis, Sebastien Dutertre
Summary: Australian tree-dwelling funnel-web spiders have venom that induces deadly symptoms and exhibits different venom composition compared to ground-dwelling species. The venom of tree-dwellers strongly modulates human voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, while also showing potent insecticidal effects. This study contributes to understanding the molecular and pharmacological basis for severe envenomation by Australian tree-dwelling funnel-web spiders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junyu Liu, Michael Maxwell, Thom Cuddihy, Theo Crawford, Madeline Bassetti, Cameron Hyde, Steve Peigneur, Jan Tytgat, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Mehdi Mobli
Summary: Receptor avidity through multivalency is difficult to engineer in synthetic molecules, but can be found in natural bivalent antibodies. The discovery of bivalent venom peptides with tandem repeat domains has provided insight into multivalency in biomolecules. ScrepYard, an online resource, assists in identifying SCREP sequences and characterizing this emerging class of biomolecules.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daniel Dashevsky, Kate Baumann, Eivind A. B. Undheim, Amanda Nouwens, Maria P. Ikonomopoulou, Justin O. Schmidt, Lilin Ge, Hang Fai Kwok, Juanita Rodriguez, Bryan G. Fry
Summary: Aculeate hymenopterans use venom for different purposes based on social behavior, with solitary species using it to paralyze prey and social species using it for colony defense. This study found that venom compositions and activities vary among species, with social species having higher presence of peptides causing damage and pain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Phong H. N. Vo, Brett R. Hamilton, Roger A. Wepf, Trent A. Key, Thi Minh Hong Nguyen, Phong K. Thai, Kevin Thomas, Jochen F. Mueller
Summary: This study used DESI MSI to analyze the vertical distribution of PFAS in a concrete core from an AFFF-impacted FTG, and the results were consistent with the conventional method of core sidewall drilling. DESI MSI can provide detailed mass distribution at a higher resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Andrew A. Walker, Lynda E. Perkins, Andrea Battisti, Myron P. Zalucki, Glenn F. King
Summary: Ochrogaster lunifer is an Australian caterpillar that has detachable urticating setae with defensive function. These setae can cause inflammation on human skin and equine foetal loss syndrome in gravid horses if accidentally ingested. Transcriptomics and proteomics analysis identified 37 putative toxins, including multiple homologues of honeybee venom peptide secapin and proteins with similarity to odorant binding proteins, arylphorins, and the insect immune modulator Diedel. This study reveals candidate molecules that may contribute to the adverse effects of processionary caterpillar setae on human and animal health.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tanushree Halder, Elke Stroeher, Hui Liu, Yinglong Chen, Guijun Yan, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: Improving the root system of wheat is crucial for enhancing grain yield and climate resilience. This study identified proteins associated with root length and root mass in wheat using label-free quantitative proteomics. The findings revealed potential biomarkers that could be used for improving the root system of wheat.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yinhua Pan, Quanqing Zou, Wu Yin, Zhen Huang, Yingzhu Zhao, Zongming Mo, Lihui Li, Jianrong Yang
Summary: A prognostic model of BC based on LNM-related genes was established in this study, providing guidance for prognosis evaluation and precise treatment of BC. The genes related to lymph node metastasis in BC are largely unknown and need further exploration. Searching for potential lymph node metastasis-related genes of BC will provide meaningful biomarkers for BC treatment. Our model, based on TCGA-BRCA data, effectively predicted patient outcomes and classified BC patients. The identified feature genes might have a predictive function in immunotherapy. The results of this study provide a new reference for the prognosis and treatment of BC patients with lymph node metastasis.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qiushi Liang, Joon M. Pijnenburg, Erikjan Rijkers, Arnold G. Vulto, Ans T. van der Ploeg, Niek P. van Til, Eva C. Vlaar, Jeroen A. A. Demmers, W. W. M. Pim Pijnappel
Summary: Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by glycogen accumulation in skeletal muscle, leading to profound pathology. This study showed that lentiviral gene therapy with LV-IGF2.GAAco can nearly completely correct disease-associated proteomic changes, supporting its future clinical development as a new treatment option for Pompe disease.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chuang Liu, Wenjing Zhang, Qianli Dong, Haipeng Liu
Summary: This study fills the knowledge gap about the matrix proteins involved in the formation of mineralized exoskeletons in decapod crustaceans. By comparing with well-studied molluscan biomineralization proteins, it is proposed that decapod crustaceans evolved novel proteins while sharing some proteins with molluscs. This study provides insights into the evolution and adaptation of crustaceans and molluscs in forming their exoskeletons.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rania D. Baka, Josipa Kules, Angelo Beletic, Vladimir Farkas, Dina Resetar Maslov, Blanka Beer Ljubic, Ivana Rubic, Vladimir Mrljak, Mark McLaughlin, David Eckersall, Zoe Polizopoulou
Summary: This study analyzed serum samples from dogs with epilepsy and identified potential markers of epilepsy, proteins involved in nerve tissue regeneration, and proteins altered by antiepileptic medication. The findings provide insight into the pathogenesis of epilepsy and the effects of medication on extracellular matrix proteins.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Viviane M. Codognoto, Fabiana F. de Souza, Thais R. Cataldi, Carlos A. Labate, Laiza S. de Camargo, Pedro H. Esteves Trindade, Roberto R. da Rosa Filho, Diego J. B. de Oliveira, Eunice Oba
Summary: This study aimed to compare urine proteomics from non- and pregnant buffaloes to identify potential biomarkers of early pregnancy. A total of 798 proteins were reported in the urine considering all groups, and the differential proteins play essential roles during pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2024)