Article
Immunology
Jia Jia Lim, Claerwen M. Jones, Tiing Jen Loh, Yi Tian Ting, Pirooz Zareie, Khai L. Loh, Nathan J. Felix, Anish Suri, Murray McKinnon, Frederik Stevenaert, Ravi K. Sharma, Lars Klareskog, Vivianne Malmstrom, Daniel G. Baker, Anthony W. Purcell, Hugh H. Reid, Nicole L. La Gruta, Jamie Rossjohn
Summary: This study demonstrates the role of HLA-DR4 SE in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, showing that it not only presents antigens but also directly interacts with TCRs. The interaction between HLA-DR4 and the T cell repertoire may play a role in the pathogenesis of RA.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Richel J. C. Bilderbeek, Maksim V. Baranov, Geert van den Bogaart, Frans Bianchi
Summary: This study reveals the over-presentation of membrane protein fragments in cytolytic and helper T cell responses. It also demonstrates the evolutionary conservation and lower frequency of mutations in transmembrane helices, suggesting that T cells are more tuned to respond to membrane proteins to avoid evasion by pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gerard Duart, Assaf Elazar, Jonathan Y. Weinstein, Laura Gadea-Salom, Juan Ortiz-Mateu, Sarel J. Fleishman, Ismael Mingarro, Luis Martinez-Gil
Summary: Several methods have been developed to explore protein-protein interactions, but there is a need for more research on targeting transmembrane domains (TMDs). This study developed a computational approach to design sequences that can modulate protein-protein interactions in the membrane, and successfully applied it to BclxL. The findings enhance our understanding of protein-protein interactions in membranes and may lead to the development of inhibitors targeting TMD interactions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kingson Lin, Susan E. Gueble, Ranjini K. Sundaram, Eric D. Huseman, Ranjit S. Bindra, Seth B. Herzon
Summary: More than half of glioblastoma and the majority of grade II and III glioma lack the DNA repair protein MGMT. Researchers have developed agents that can overcome the resistance mechanism in MGMT-deficient tumors, selectively inducing cell death.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Chen, Sirui Li, Xiaoyong Huang, Chenhui Wang, Yue Pan, Qun Xiang, Zeqing Feng, Lei Fei, Yuzhang Wu, Zhihua Ruan, Yunfei An, Yongwen Chen
Summary: Our previous research showed that MS4A6D is an adapter of VSIG4 that controls NLRP3 inflammasome activation. It is restricted to mononuclear phagocytes and its gene transcript is regulated by the transcription factor NKX2-1. Deletion or mutation of MS4A6D alleviates inflammation and prevents endotoxin lethality, suggesting that MS4A6D can be a novel target for treating macrophage-associated disorders.
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yueyue Li, Diya Lv, Rong Liu, Yuhuan Shi, Rong Wang, Zhenyu Zhu, Yongfang Yuan
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of Saposhnikovia divaricata decoction on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats, and explore the therapeutic mechanism using metabolomics methods. SD showed protective effects on affected joints in CIA rats and regulated metabolic pathways related to tryptophan metabolism, glycerophospholipid catabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty acid metabolism. The results suggest that SD treatment can effectively alleviate symptoms of RA and regulate metabolic disorders in CIA rats.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Judit Olah, Tibor Szenasi, Attila Lehotzky, Victor Norris, Judit Ovadi
Summary: Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a crucial role in fundamental processes and are associated with pathological conditions. However, discovering drugs that can modulate PPIs poses challenges and limitations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Shu-Yue Pan, Hui-Min Tian, Yong Zhu, Wei-Jie Gu, Hao Zou, Xu-Qiang Wu, Rui-Juan Cheng, Zhi Yang
Summary: Autoimmune diseases can cause damage to the heart, with insidious clinical manifestations and severe consequences. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tiffany M. Halvorsen, Fernando Garza-Sanchez, Zachary C. Ruhe, Nicholas L. Bartelli, Nicole A. Chan, Josephine Y. Nguyen, David A. Low, Christopher S. Hayes
Summary: Contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems allow Gram-negative bacteria to transfer protein toxins directly. A new family of CdiA proteins using lipopolysaccharide as a receptor to identify target bacteria has been discovered, with the CdiC enzyme playing a critical role in target cell killing activity. This study provides insights into the competition process between bacteria.
Article
Cell Biology
Hazna Noor Meidinna, Seyad Shefrin, Anissa Nofita Sari, Huayue Zhang, Jaspreet Kaur Dhanjal, Sunil C. Kaul, Durai Sundar, Renu Wadhwa
Summary: In this study, a novel compound called Mortaparib(Mild) was characterized for its ability to interact with mortalin, p53, and PARP1. The compound was found to downregulate the expression and functions of mortalin and PARP1, impeding cancer cell proliferation and migration. Mortaparib(Mild) shows potential as a candidate anticancer compound.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jason M. Lajoie, Moriah E. Katt, Elizabeth A. Waters, Brantley R. Herrin, Eric Shusta
Summary: This study describes an innovative screening platform for identifying new BBB targeting molecules, using a class of lamprey antigen recognition proteins called variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs). By immunizing lamprey with murine brain microvessel plasma membranes and cloning the resultant repertoire into the yeast surface display system, 16 VLR clones were identified that target in vivo-relevant BBB membrane proteins. Three lead VLR candidates, VLR-Fc-11, VLR-Fc-30, and VLR-Fc-46, selectively target the brain vasculature and traffic within brain microvascular endothelial cells after intravenous administration in mice.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hao Chen, Yuntong Wu, Kunlun Li, Iain Currie, Narelle Keating, Farhad Dehkhoda, Christoph Grohmann, Jeffrey J. Babon, Sandra E. Nicholson, Brad E. Sleebs
Summary: Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory and viral diseases. This study successfully identified specific phosphotyrosine peptides that have high affinity and selectivity for the SH2 domain of SOCS1. These findings provide insights for the development of cell-permeable peptidomimetics targeting the SOCS1-SH2 domain for the treatment of inflammatory and viral diseases.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sri H. Ramarathinam, Bosco K. Ho, Nadine L. Dudek, Anthony W. Purcell
Summary: The study describes the endogenous peptide repertoire of a human B lymphoblastoid cell line expressing the class II haplotype HLA-DR12/DQ7/DP4, identifying 71350 unique naturally processed peptides. The dataset sheds light on properties of these class II ligands, especially their preference for membrane and extracellular source proteins. The data also provides insights into the co-evolution of these conserved haplotypes of closely linked and co-inherited HLA molecules.
Article
Immunology
Sandra Eltschkner, Samantha Mellinger, Soren Buus, Morten Nielsen, Kajsa M. M. Paulsson, Karin Lindkvist-Petersson, Helena Westerdahl
Summary: Long-distance migratory animals such as birds and bats have evolved a unique adaptive immunity with highly duplicated Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes to withstand diverse pathogens. A study on the MHC class I protein, Acar3, from the great reed warbler reveals a peculiar peptide-binding mode that potentially facilitates interactions with innate immune receptors. The investigation highlights the importance of studying the immune system of wild animals to uncover unique immune mechanisms absent in humans and model organisms.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhibo Wang, Zihang He, Jingxin Wang, Chao Wang, Caiqiu Gao, Yucheng Wang
Summary: DNA-protein interactions are essential for cellular functions, and identifying the proteins that bind to a specific DNA site is crucial. However, existing methods for gene-centered investigation are complex and inefficient. In this study, we developed a gene-centered approach called protein capture based on biolistic transformation (PCaB), which allows for direct isolation of target DNA and quick identification of DNA-binding proteins with low background noise. We successfully applied the PCaB method to identify potential upstream regulators of a specific gene in a plant species. This method can be adapted to other plant species and will serve as a powerful tool for discovering DNA-protein interactions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tsvetelina Batsalova, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Collagen type II (COL2) is significantly affected by autoimmune responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of COL2 have been implicated in RA autoimmunity. The discovery of anti-citrullinated protein response in RA has led to improved diagnostic assays and classification criteria for the disease. Immunological tolerance induced by modified COL2 peptides is considered as a potential strategy for RA therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sevdalina Nikolova Lambova, Nina Ivanovska, Stela Stoyanova, Lyudmila Belenska-Todorova, Elenka Georgieva, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Dzhemal Moten, Desislava Apostolova, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Subchondral bone that communicates intensely with the articular cartilage may be a potential target for pharmacological treatment in early-stage osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, the combined administration of alendronate and metformin in mice with collagenase-induced OA showed protective effects on cartilage and subchondral bone damage. Metformin led to a decrease in visfatin level and the treatment with metformin, alendronate, or their combination reduced cartilage biomarkers (CTX-II and COMP) levels. MMP-13 levels were not influenced by the treatments. Personalized combination treatment in OA, especially in early stages, may lead to a successful disease-modifying therapeutic protocol.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander Vasil'kov, Anastasiia Voronova, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Dzhemal Moten, Alexander Naumkin, Eleonora Shtykova, Vladimir Volkov, Ivanka Teneva, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Au and Fe nanoparticles and their conjugates with methotrexate were synthesized using an environmentally safe method. The nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, SEM, XPS, and SAXS. The use of acetone as an organic reagent in the synthesis resulted in Au and Fe particles with average sizes of 8.3 nm and 1.8 nm, respectively. The Au nanoparticles and their composites with methotrexate were found to be in different oxidation states. The Fe nanoparticles mainly existed in the Fe3+ state. SAXS analysis revealed the presence of heterogeneous populations of metal nanoparticles and large aggregates, which increased in the presence of methotrexate. The cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of the nanomaterials were evaluated, and Fe conjugates with methotrexate showed the highest toxicity against lung adenocarcinoma cells, while Au nanoparticles loaded with methotrexate affected colon adenocarcinoma cells.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Philip V. Reducha, Jesper P. Boemers, Lars Edvinsson, Kristian A. Haanes
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the behavioral changes similar to migraine caused by CFA application on the skull in rats, and the potential mitigating effects of the CGRP specific antibody fremanezumab after CFA application. The results showed that surgical application of CFA to the dura caused periorbital allodynia and increased CGRP positive fibers in the trigeminal ganglion. However, fremanezumab did not alleviate periorbital allodynia, although it reduced the amount of CGRP positive fibers.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ivanka Teneva, Detelina Belkinova, Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva, Krum Bardarov, Dzhemal Moten, Rumen Mladenov, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Through the application of polyphasic taxonomy and metabolomics, this study reevaluates the taxonomic position of Microcoleus autumnalis and suggests reassigning it to the genus Phormidium, based on morphological and genetic differences. Morphological variability monitoring and TEM analysis showed differences in trichome ends, apical cell shape, and the presence/absence and shape of calyptra between Phormidium autumnale and Microcoleus vaginatus strains. Molecular genetic analysis based on 16S rDNA revealed that P. autumnale strains form a separate clade distinct from the representatives of the genus Microcoleus. Metabolomic analysis identified 39 compounds as potential biochemical markers for distinguishing the two cyanobacterial species.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Balik Dzhambazov, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Patrick Merky, Franziska Lange, Rikard Holmdahl
Summary: This study investigates the impact of different types of fibroblasts on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results show that only NIH/3T3 fibroblasts can activate T-cell hybridomas specific for the RA-associated autoantigen COL2, while other types of fibroblasts cannot. This activation occurs through contact-dependent intercellular interactions and the T-cell receptor (TCR) complex.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Kristian A. Haanes, Lars Edvinsson
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tsvetelina Batsalova, Alexander Vasil'kov, Dzhemal Moten, Anastasiia Voronova, Ivanka Teneva, Alexander Naumkin, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Bimetallic nanoparticles and their conjugates with methotrexate have unique electronic structures and diverse biological properties, which can enhance the effectiveness of methotrexate therapy and exhibit antitumor and antibacterial activities.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Aida Maddahi, Karin Warfvinge, Anja Holm, Jacob C. A. Edvinsson, Philip Victor Reducha, Spyridoula Kazantzi, Kristian A. Haanes, Lars Edvinsson
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of progesterone in the trigeminovascular system and its role in modulating sensory neurotransmission. The results suggest that progesterone may modulate sensory neurotransmission and vascular responses in a complex manner, with effects varying by sex, tissue type, and the nature of the stimulus. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and physiological implications of these findings.
JOURNAL OF HEADACHE AND PAIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lena Erlandsson, Lena Ohlsson, Zahra Masoumi, Mimmi Rehnstrom, Tina Cronqvist, Lars Edvinsson, Stefan R. Hansson
Summary: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy syndrome characterized by hypertension and organ damage. This study found that placenta-derived extracellular vesicles (STBEVs) in PE patients have negative effects on vascular contractility and cause structural damage to blood vessels. These effects can be reduced by blocking vesicle uptake. This discovery provides a new therapeutic strategy for preventing cardiovascular risks caused by PE.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Tsvetelina Batsalova, Ivanka Teneva, Krum Bardarov, Dzhemal Moten, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Citrullinated proteins and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies play a crucial role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. This study found that bacterial L-asparaginase can modify T cell epitopes within type II collagen and these modified epitopes are recognized by ACPAs from RA patients.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anette Sams, Kristian Agmund Haanes, Anja Holm, Spyridoula Kazantzi, Lars Friis Mikkelsen, Lars Edvinsson, Susan Brain, Majid Sheykhzade
Summary: This study characterized the vasomotor responses of isolated coronary, cerebral, and mesenteric arteries in Gottingen Minipigs (GM), and compared the responses to those obtained from parallel studies using other artery types. The results showed that different arterial sources had different responses to selected agonists of endothelial, sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory pathways. The study also demonstrated the robust nature of the vasomotor responses after 24 hours of cold storage of vascular tissue.
VASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Faiza Diaba, Gisela Trenchs
Summary: The first violet light-mediated synthesis of gamma- and delta-lactams from N-alkenyl trichloroacetamides is reported in this paper. The reactions are conducted in tetrahydrofuran or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as the sole solvent without catalysts or additives, under non-anhydrous conditions in an air atmosphere where the solvent serves as the radical initiator.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Feroze Hussain, Sajjad Ahmed, Ashiq Hussain Padder, Qazi Naveed Ahmed
Summary: This study reports a novel and efficient one-pot synthesis method for mixed phosphorotrithioates, which does not require supplementary additives and shows broad applicability.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Hyunjin Oh, Ikyon Kim
Summary: A new 1,2,4-triazole-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine hybrid system, 6-acylpyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[5,1-c]pyrazine, was synthesized using a catalyst-free method. This method involved sequential exposure of pyrrole-2-carbonitrile-derived substrates to DMF-DMA and acyl hydrazide, resulting in the formation of acylated pyrazine and 1,2,4-triazole rings, enabling the installation of various substituents at specific positions on the core skeleton.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Ming Yan, Si-fan Wang, Yong-po Zhang, Jin-zhong Zhao, Zhuo Tang, Guang-xun Li
Summary: Here we developed an efficient photocatalytic approach for the convenient preparation of sulfinamides. The reaction allows for the gram-scale preparation of sulfinamides and the one-pot synthesis of various sulfonyl amides.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Farzaneh Bandehali-Naeini, Zahra Tanbakouchian, Noushin Farajinia-Lehi, Nicolas Mayer, Morteza Shiri, Martin Breugst
Summary: Two tandem catalytic systems were developed for the synthesis of novel 3,4-disubstituted maleimides using the same Ugi adducts. Different maleimide structures can be synthesized using either Pd or Cu catalysis.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Tanya Raghava, Anjan Chattopadhyay, Subhadeep Banerjee, Nivedita Sarkar
Summary: Amine substitution of two ortho fluorine atoms of tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile through SNAr chemistry is easily achievable. But further fluorine substitution is only possible under forcing conditions, yielding valuable fluorophores for bioimaging.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Anju Chadha, Santosh Kumar Padhi, Selvaraj Stella, Sowmyalakshmi Venkataraman, Thangavelu Saravanan
Summary: Alcohol dehydrogenases are enzymes that use cofactors for oxidation or reduction reactions of alcohols or carbonyl compounds. They are utilized in green chemistry and have applications in the production of pharmaceuticals. Recombinant enzymes have solved the challenge of producing purified enzymes in large quantities. Engineered alcohol dehydrogenases have been used in asymmetric synthesis in industry. Various methods have been established for regenerating expensive cofactors to make the enzymatic process more efficient and economically viable.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2024)