Article
Immunology
Yu He, Jiaqi Guo, Xiaoli Wang, Senzhao Zhang, Li Mao, Tao Hu, Mingshu Wang, Renyong Jia, Dekang Zhu, Mafeng Liu, Xinxin Zhao, Qiao Yang, Ying Wu, Shaqiu Zhang, Juan Huang, Sai Mao, Xumin Ou, Qun Gao, Di Sun, Anchun Cheng, Shun Chen
Summary: In this study, a method for generating live-attenuated flavivirus vaccines was demonstrated. Recombinant viruses with specific mutations were successfully generated and showed attenuated phenotypes in vitro and in animal experiments. These mutant viruses could provide complete protection against lethal challenge, although the immune response induced by the vaccines was relatively moderate.
Review
Immunology
M. Paula Goetting-Minesky, Valentina Godovikova, J. Christopher Fenno
Summary: The oral spirochete Treponema denticola is a key pathogen in periodontal disease, contributing to tissue damage and bone loss. Dentilisin, a complex associated with this spirochete, is involved in disrupting host cell function and tissue penetration. Understanding the mechanisms of dentilisin assembly and activity may lead to more effective treatments for periodontal disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kasuni B. Ekanayake, Mithun C. Mahawaththa, Haocheng Qianzhu, Elwy H. Abdelkader, Josemon George, Sven Ullrich, Rhys B. Murphy, Sarah E. Fry, Jason Johansen-Leete, Richard J. Payne, Christoph Nitsche, Thomas Huber, Gottfried Otting
Summary: TMSK, TMSNK, and TFAK are non-canonical amino acids that can be incorporated into proteins through genetic encoding. A new aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase specific for TMSNK is described, which is chemically more stable. Using the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a model system, intense signals in the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum were observed for the trimethylsilyl and CF3 groups. The response of these groups to active-site ligands differed depending on their proximity to the active site, and the previously reported binding site of the ligand pelitinib was not confirmed.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kasuni B. Ekanayake, Mithun C. Mahawaththa, Haocheng Qianzhu, Elwy H. Abdelkader, Josemon George, Sven Ullrich, Rhys B. Murphy, Sarah E. Fry, Jason Johansen-Leete, Richard J. Payne, Christoph Nitsche, Thomas Huber, Gottfried Otting
Summary: N6-(((trimethylsilyl)-methoxy)carbonyl)-L-lysine (TMSK) and N6-trifluoroacetyl-L-lysine (TFAK) are non-canonical amino acids that can be incorporated into proteins via genetic encoding. A new aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase specific for N6-(((trimethylsilyl)methyl)-carbamoyl)-L-lysine (TMSNK) is described, which is chemically more stable than TMSK. The study demonstrates the use of these amino acids for site-specific NMR analysis of ligand binding to large proteins of limited stability and at low concentrations.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Pinja Tissarinen, Heli Tiensuu, Antti M. M. Haapalainen, Tomi A. A. Maatta, Marja Ojaniemi, Mikko Hallman, Mika Ramet
Summary: This study investigated the localization and roles of heat shock protein HSPA5 in spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). The results showed that HSPA5 was upregulated in placentas from SPTB. Silencing of HSPA5 in human trophoblast cells promoted the inflammatory response and decreased the expression of proinflammatory genes.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiuyang Yu, Zhengyi Sun, Ying Wang, Xue Du, Jing Huang, Liying Wang
Summary: Hyperuricemia (HUA) leads to chronic inflammation and affects immune cells. While the association between HUA and monocytes and neutrophils has been extensively studied, research on HUA and lymphocytes is still limited. This study analyzed the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and immune cells in healthy participants and individuals with HUA, and investigated the relationship between SUA levels and cytokine levels. The results suggest that HUA is associated with elevated peripheral CD4(+) T cells and a Th2-dominant immune status.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Feng Lu, Jiapin Chao, Xiaoxue Zhao, Garba Betchem, Yanhua Ding, Xue Yang, Yunliang Li, Haile Ma
Summary: This study successfully screened two mutant strains with high protease activity through UV-laser random mutagenesis and high-throughput screening methods. These mutant strains showed good effects in increasing peptide content in fermented soybean meal.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andras Szabo, Vanda Toldi, Livia Diana Gazda, Alexandra Demcsak, Jozsef Tozser, Miklos Sahin-Toth
Summary: The study found that the defective trypsin inhibition by SPINK1 variants is an uncommon mechanism in chronic pancreatitis, with most variants instead being associated with a decline in inhibitor levels. Common variants of SPINK1 have normal inhibitory activity, while rare variants may significantly weaken inhibition.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Zsolt Gyure, Adam Poti, Eszter Nemeth, Bernadett Szikriszt, Rita Lozsa, Michal Krawczyk, Andrea L. Richardson, David Szuts
Summary: Translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) using specialized DNA polymerases facilitates replication over damaged or difficult-to-replicate templates. Investigating three main TLS control mechanisms, REV1 and PCNA ubiquitylation recruit TLS polymerases while PRIMPOL creates post-replicative gaps. Whole-genome sequencing of human RPE-1 cell clones reveals REV1 and Polymerase z as responsible for base substitution mutagenesis resembling homologous recombination deficiency, while PRIMPOL-/- cells show reduced component resembling oxidative mutagenesis. Small deletions in short repeats appear in REV1-/-PCNAK164R/K164R double mutants, revealing an alternative TLS mechanism. REV1-/- and REV3L-/- mutants exhibit 500-5,000 bp deletions, and REV1-/- PRIMPOL-/- cells show chromosomal instability. TLS protects against deletions and large rearrangements but contributes to spontaneous base substitutions.
Review
Microbiology
Jennifer Guiraud, Chloe Le Roy, Fabien Rideau, Pascal Sirand-Pugnet, Carole Lartigue, Cecile Bebear, Yonathan Arfi, Sabine Pereyre
Summary: This study improved the genetic tools for Mycoplasma hominis by increasing the transformation efficiency and generating transposon mutagenesis mutant libraries. The transposon insertion led to changes in the affected coding sequences, such as the loss of the immunoglobulin cleavage ability. These findings provide new methods for studying the pathogenesis of Mycoplasma hominis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jennifer Guiraud, Chloe Le Roy, Fabien Rideau, Pascal Sirand-Pugnet, Carole Lartigue, Cecile Bebear, Yonathan Arfi, Sabine Pereyre
Summary: The pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis is poorly understood. In this study, we improved the transformation efficiency and generated mutant libraries using a modified plasmid. Phenotypic characterization of the mutants provided insight into the pathogenesis of M. hominis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justin Thomas, Molly A. Torok, Kriti Agrawal, Timothy Pfau, Trang T. Vu, Justin Lyberger, Hsiaochi Chang, Alyssa Marie M. Castillo, Min Chen, Bryan Remaily, Kyeongmin Kim, Zhiliang Xie, Mary E. Dillhoff, Samuel K. Kulp, Gregory K. Behbehani, Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, Latha P. Ganesan, Dwight H. Owen, Mitch A. Phelps, Christopher C. Coss, Thomas A. Mace
Summary: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is responsible for recycling antibodies and albumin in the body. However, little is known about its expression in circulating immune cells. In this study, FcRn expression was found to be elevated in immune cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients and mice with PDAC. These findings may contribute to understanding the mechanisms behind poor efficacy of antibody immunotherapies in PDAC patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Shudong Zhu, Yan Zhu, Qiuwen Wang, Yi Zhang, Xialing Guo
Summary: DNA methylation at the promoter CpG islands of CHK gene is increased in colon cancer cells and human colon cancer tissues compared to normal healthy counterparts, leading to decreased expression of CHK mRNA. Enhanced levels of DNMT in colon cancer cells and tissues contribute to this process, resulting in increased oncogenic properties in colon cancer cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Zhen He, Rong-Ge Yan, Qin-Bang Shang, Qi-En Yang
Summary: This study found that ID2 protein is expressed in spermatocytes, and forced expression of ID2 causes abnormalities in meiosis progression and defects in spermatogenesis. These results provide evidence for the important roles of ID proteins in male meiosis and spermatid development.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alawiya Reslan, Juliano G. Haddad, Liadrine Moukendza Koundi, Philippe Despres, Jean-Loup Bascands, Gilles Gadea
Summary: The growth efficiency of Zika virus in kidney cells is influenced by glucose concentration, with high glucose levels leading to decreased viral replication and increased cell survival. This study provides new insights into the impact of glucose levels on Zika virus infection in kidney cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)