Article
Biophysics
Fang Pan, Yueping Li, Yujie Ding, Songwei Lv, Rongrong You, Roja Hadianamrei, Mhd Anas Tomeh, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: This study systematically designed a series of new alpha-helical short peptides with different anticancer activities and demonstrated their interaction mechanism with cancer cells. The peptides exhibited high selectivity towards cancer cells due to their balanced amphiphilicity and cationic nature, while showing low toxicity to normal cells. Furthermore, the peptides not only damaged the mitochondria and induced apoptosis in cancer cells, but also activated the Caspase enzyme-linked reaction. The results suggest the potential of these peptides for clinical applications and provide guidance for the development of highly selective anticancer medications.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
William B. Weeks, Lauren E. Buchanan
Summary: This article presents a method to distinguish multiple β-sheet structures within peptide and protein aggregates, and demonstrates its effectiveness through experiments. The method utilizes two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy to calculate the transition dipole strength (TDS) spectrum, which provides higher sensitivity to protein structure and can detect structural details that are not observable by other techniques.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Roja Hadianamrei, Mhd Anas Tomeh, Stephen Brown, Jiqian Wang, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: This study focused on the development and characterization of short cationic amphiphilic beta-sheet forming anticancer peptides. The peptides exhibited selective anticancer activity influenced by their surface activity and secondary structure in hydrophobic surfaces, leading to disruption of mitochondrial membranes and apoptosis. Insights gained from the study can be used to design new ACPs with improved anticancer activity and lower toxicity against normal cells.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabian Schweigardt, Erik Strandberg, Parvesh Wadhwani, Johannes Reichert, Jochen Buerck, Haroldo L. P. Cravo, Luisa Burger, Anne S. Ulrich
Summary: Amphipathic peptides exhibit antibiotic properties by permeabilizing cell membranes. KL peptides form amphipathic beta-strands in the presence of lipid bilayers and kill bacteria in a unique length-dependent manner. Experimental results demonstrate that KL peptides with 10-12 amino acids exhibit the best antimicrobial activity and low hemolytic side effects. The study suggests that the membrane disruption by KL peptides is achieved through a carpet mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chandradeep Basu, Himal Kanti Ganguly, Gautam Basu
Summary: The study shows that replacing a single residue in a beta-hairpin by Gly-Pro is well accommodated in the isolated beta-hairpin without causing much structural distortion, while Pro-Gly is not well accommodated in the same context.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nuria Mazo, Claudio D. Navo, Francesca Peccati, Jacopo Andreo, Cristina Airoldi, Gildas Goldsztejn, Pierre Carcabal, Imanol Usabiaga, Mariona Sodupe, Stefan Wuttke, Jesus H. Busto, Jesus M. Peregrina, Emilio J. Cocinero, Gonzalo Jimenez-Oses
Summary: This study presents the synthesis and characterization of peptides containing variations of the beta-amyloid hydrophobic core, as well as the use of experimental and computational techniques to investigate their properties in the gas phase, solid state, and aqueous solution. The introduction of a cyclic sulfamidate group effectively restricts and stabilizes the secondary structure of these hybrid peptides, maintaining this conformational bias in different environments. These peptides also exhibit moderate activity as beta-sheet breaker peptides, inhibiting the aggregation of beta-amyloid in vitro.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yu Sun, Yanyan Hao, Xueqin Li, Zhong Wei
Summary: In this study, a series of amphiphilic hypercrosslinked beta-cyclodextrin polymers (AH beta-CDPs) were synthesized for the separation of acteoside (ACT). The AH beta-CDPs with rigid networks improved adsorption performance by enhancing selectivity and increasing adsorption capacity.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ivo Laidmae, Andres Meos, Irja Alainezhad Kjaervik, Sveinung G. Ingebrigtsen, Natasa Skalko-Basnet, Kalle Kirsimae, Tavo Romann, Urmas Joost, Vambola Kisand, Karin Kogermann
Summary: The study compared the preparation of drug-loaded liposomes using two methods and found that liposomes prepared by electrospinning were smaller and more homogeneous but contained less drug. Additionally, the electrospinning method was faster for in-situ liposome preparation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bo Liu, Meijie Cai, Xiangling Feng, Siyu Lu, Song Lin, Feng Tian
Summary: By facilely preparing serial nanocomposites composed of blue fluorescent carbon dots (B-CDs) and MgO nanoparticles, on-site detection and degradation of ethyl-paraoxon were achieved. It was found that ethyl-paraoxon was decomposed into p-nitrophenol by MgO, which significantly quenched the fluorescence of decorated B-CDs due to an inner filter effect (IFE). The 0.05B-CDs@MgO demonstrated excellent comprehensive performance among the serial xB-CDs@MgO samples.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah L. Blosser, Nicholas Sawyer, Igor Maksimovic, Brahma Ghosh, Paramjit S. Arora
Summary: The study describes the design of synthetic mimics of beta-strand epitopes and investigates how to inhibit specific protein-protein interactions. This research fills a gap in the study of an underexplored region of beta-catenin.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bhakti Kulkarni, V. Suvina, K. Pramoda, R. Geetha Balakrishna
Summary: We present a facile and efficient method for the preparation of a strongly coordinated NiCo2O4-SWCNT composite for the electrochemical detection of the widely encountered PEL pesticide, achieving picomolar limits of detection. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies confirm the substantial electronic interaction between the two components. The NiCo2O4-SWCNT modified electrode exhibits a two magnitude higher LOD (2.03 pM) compared to bare NiCo2O4 (33.7 nM) and outperforms other metal-oxide-based composites reported in literature, indicating its remarkable PEL sensing ability attributed to strong coordination between the two components. The sensor also demonstrates excellent stability and reproducibility, and shows promise for simultaneous detection of PEL and dopamine in real-time samples such as cabbage and banana.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ivan Sanchis, Roque Spinelli, Jose Dias, Xavier Brazzolotto, Alvaro Rietmann, Florencia Aimaretti, Alvaro S. Siano
Summary: We report a series of peptide derivatives with inhibitory activity on human cholinesterases and AChE-induced β-amyloid peptide aggregation. Peptide W3 was identified as an interesting scaffold for the development of new anti-AD multitarget-directed drugs, with the lowest IC50 value against hAChE and inhibition of AChE-induced Aβ aggregation. It also showed inhibitory activity on hBChE, no in vivo toxicity, and moderate radical scavenging and Fe2+ chelating capabilities.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Haoning Gong, Xuzhi Hu, Mingrui Liao, Ke Fa, Daniela Ciumac, Luke A. Clifton, Marc-Antoine Sani, Stephen M. King, Armando Maestro, Frances Separovic, Thomas A. Waigh, Hai Xu, Andrew J. McBain, Jian Ren Lu
Summary: Gram-negative bacteria are covered by an outer membrane and an inner cytoplasmic membrane, with antimicrobial peptides needing to permeate through the outer membrane before attacking the bacteria. Two designed AMPs showed different interactions with the lipopolysaccharide component of the outer membrane, leading to different antimicrobial efficacies. Understanding these structural features can help in the development of strain-specific AMPs against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in the future.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Friedrich Bialas, Christian F. W. Becker
Summary: This study aimed to develop a biomimetic procedure to encapsulate integral membrane proteins in silica for increased stability and extended applicability. By synthesizing different fusion protein constructs, successful silica encapsulation of membrane proteins was achieved, which benefits stabilizing membrane structures and enhancing their stability.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liangchen Zhang, Yaxun Fan, Luciano Galantini, Karin Schillen, Alessandra Del Giudice, Guanqun Du, Yilin Wang
Summary: A class of noncovalent antimicrobials composed of bile acid oligomers and polyamines has been developed, showing strong antibacterial activity against methicillinand vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus without significant cytotoxicity and skin irritation.
Article
Polymer Science
Topaz Levi, Gal Yosefi, Ronit Bitton, Hanna Rapaport
Summary: This article presents the development of hierarchically ordered planar and spherical macroscopic membranes constructed by an amphiphilic and cationic beta-sheet peptide that spontaneously assembles with the negatively charged alginate biopolymer. The suitability of these membranes as substrates for cell culture applications was examined, and the results demonstrate their stability and potential use in studying cancer cells and cell therapies.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Feihu Wang, Hao Huang, Karin Yaniv, Ariel Kushmaro, Roy Bernstein
Summary: This study systematically investigates the self-assembly of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide on the surface of porous polymers and explores their potential applications for surface modification. The research shows that micropatterned graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide with adjustable morphologies can be easily obtained on polymeric surfaces, altering the surface properties and giving the polymers various potential applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Karina Golberg, Victor Markus, Bat-el Kagan, Sigalit Barzanizan, Karin Yaniv, Kerem Terali, Esti Kramarsky-Winter, Robert S. Marks, Ariel Kushmaro
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance, particularly antibacterial resistance, is a major global health problem. Current treatments for bacterial diseases are ineffective due to protective and resistant biofilm structures. This study investigates the anti-virulence activity of 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), a phytochemical, and finds that it has anti-biofilm activity against major Gram-negative pathogens. Combining DIM with an antibiotic enhances its inhibition of biofilm formation. The study also reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial response to DIM, providing evidence for its potential in attenuating bacterial virulence.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elad Arad, Gal Yosefi, Sofiya Kolusheva, Ronit Bitton, Hanna Rapaport, Raz Jelinek
Summary: Glucagon amyloid fibrils have been found to catalyze important biological reactions, including dephosphorylation of ATP. The catalytic activity is located in an enzymatic pocket-like triad formed on the surface of the glucagon fibrils.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura Rabbachin, Guadalupe Pinar, Irit Nir, Ariel Kushmaro, Mariela J. Pavan, Elisabeth Eitenberger, Monika Waldherr, Alexandra Graf, Katja Sterflinger
Summary: This study aimed to explore the factors involved in the degradation of petroglyph sites in the Negev desert of Israel, with a particular focus on biodegradation processes. Microbiological characterization of the samples revealed the dominance of bacterial communities with resistance to radiation and desiccation. Chemical analysis identified the composition of the stone and the dark crust, and carotenoids indicative of biological colonization were found. Microscopy and analysis confirmed patterns of weathering associated with biodeteriorative microorganisms.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lakkakula Satish, Hana Barak, Guy Keren, Galit Yehezkel, Ariel Kushmaro, Eitan Ben-Dov, Varda Kagan-Zur, Ze'ev Barak, Yaron Sitrit
Summary: This study characterizes the bacterial community associated with the desert truffle and its host plant, revealing differences in bacterial composition between fruit bodies, roots, and rhizosphere. The rhizosphere and roots had a higher bacterial species diversity compared to the fruit body. The core microbiome identified plays important roles in supporting plant growth and fruit body development.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nofar Yehuda, Levi A. Gheber, Ariel Kushmaro, Shoshana (Mails) Arad
Summary: Metal-polysaccharides have attracted significant interest due to their multifunctional bioactivities. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of Cu-PS complexes was found to be related to the spikes formed on the complex surface. The longer spikes and greater density of the monovalent complexes were found to be responsible for their superior inhibition of microbial growth and viability and biofilm formation. The spikes on the surface of the complexes were hypothesized to cause membrane perforation and cytoplasmic leakage, leading to enhanced bioluminescence accumulation in Escherichia coli. Differences in surface chemistry between the monovalent and divalent complexes were also observed, with the monovalent complexes exhibiting greater stability and spike formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pia Ramos, Einat Chetrit, Nofar Yehuda, David Kogan, Yu Miao, Einat Nativ-Roth, Ariel Kushmaro, Ronen Berkovich, Shaily Mahendra, Moshe Gottlieb
Summary: Chitosan hydrogels are widely used in many industries for their versatility and antimicrobial properties. However, their limitations arise from poor mechanical properties and the need to use toxic compounds during fabrication. This study synthesized a soluble and antimicrobial chitosan derivative (HTCC) and compared different crosslinking agents' effects on hydrogel formation. The addition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) improved the mechanical properties and the release of Ag ions effectively inhibited the growth of various bacteria.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shahar Dahan, Polina Aibinder, Boris Khalfin, Jacob Moran-Gilad, Hanna Rapaport
Summary: The resistance of pathogenic bacteria to conventional antibiotics has led to the development of new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can be used as topical treatments for skin infection and wound regeneration. In this study, FKF hydrogels were combined with gelatin to improve their biocompatibility. The hybrid hydrogels showed enhanced antimicrobial activity and could serve as scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Willmann, Anna-Lena Trautmann, Ariel Kushmaro, Andreas Tiehm
Summary: This study investigated the degradation potential of trichloroethene (TCE) and the effectiveness of bioaugmentation in stimulating TCE degradation in groundwater samples from different contaminated sites. The results showed that the supply of oxygen stimulated aerobic degradation of TCE, and bioaugmentation effectively enhanced TCE degradation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor Markus, Abraham Abbey Paul, Kerem Terali, Nazmi Ozer, Robert S. Marks, Karina Golberg, Ariel Kushmaro
Summary: An imbalance in gut microbiota, called dysbiosis, can affect host health and lead to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, obesity, depression, and autism. The inhibition of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) by artificial sweeteners has been found to contribute to this dysbiosis. QS is a communication system mediated by small molecules, called autoinducers (AIs), which enable bacteria to interact and coordinate their gene expression. AIs play a role in maintaining the equilibrium of gut microbiota and interference in QS can disrupt this balance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yifat Baruch, Karina Golberg, Qun Sun, Karina Yew-Hoong Gin, Robert S. Marks, Ariel Kushmaro
Summary: This study tested the effect of a natural compound called 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) on the biofilm of the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans. The results showed that DIM was able to reduce the formation of S. mutans biofilm and decrease its durability under acidic conditions. This suggests that DIM has potential in reducing biofilm formation and preventing dental caries.
Article
Virology
Michal Liddor Naim, Yu Fu, Marilou Shagan, Itay Bar-Or, Robert Marks, Qun Sun, Rony Granek, Ariel Kushmaro
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Continuous virus mutations have led to the emergence of new variants. This study demonstrates the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology as a valuable tool for future pandemics, as it enables early detection of potential outbreaks and provides insights into variant dynamics.
Article
Microbiology
Hana Barak, Naomi Fuchs, Michal Liddor-Naim, Irit Nir, Alex Sivan, Ariel Kushmaro
Summary: Microbial dark matter (MDM), representing uncultured microorganisms, plays an important role in the diversity of microbial ecosystems. By analyzing 16S rRNA gene sequences, potential unknown bacteria were identified and a comprehensive phylogenetic tree was constructed to reveal new candidate phyla and other lineages. This study highlights the significant importance of MDM in environmental metataxonomic analyses and provides a simple method for the examination of MDM hidden behind amplicon sequencing results.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Water Resources
Esti Kramarsky-Winter, Karin Yaniv, Ariel Kushmaro
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2023)