Article
Cell Biology
Yitong Zhang, Fenglan Li, Kexin Fu, Xiqing Liu, I-Chia Lien, Hui Li
Summary: The study suggests that S-palmitoylation of INCENP mediated by ZDHHC5 may be a potential mechanism to regulate cancer stem cells in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoshi Liu, Min Li, Yang Li, Zian Chen, Chun Zhuge, Youwei Ouyang, Yawen Zhao, Yuxin Lin, Qi Xie, Chengwei Yang, Jianbin Lai
Summary: This study characterized a group of putative protein de-S-acylation enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana and established a robust system for screening these enzymes in plant cells. Using this system, ABAPTs were identified to play a physiological role in Arabidopsis.
Review
Immunology
Charneal L. Dixon, Katrina Mekhail, Gregory D. Fairn
Summary: Phagocytosis is a process used by cells to engulf particles, with proteins modified by lipids to regulate signal transduction and immune functions. S-acylation, specifically S-palmitoylation, is a reversible modification that plays a role in regulating phagocytosis and phagosome biology in macrophages.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robbins Puthenveetil, Cheng Man Lun, R. Elliot Murphy, Liam B. Healy, Geraldine Vilmen, Eric T. Christenson, Eric O. Freed, Anirban Banerjee
Summary: This study identified specific cysteine clusters in the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 that are targets of S-acylation, and mutating these clusters severely compromised viral infectivity. The research also developed a library of expression constructs of human zDHHC enzymes to identify those that can S-acylate the SARSCoV-2 Spike protein, furthering understanding of this posttranslational modification and laying the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Daoqun Li, Yihan Liu, Yue Lu, Shan Gao, Leiliang Zhang
Summary: This study characterized the palmitoylation of SARS-CoV-2 S protein and highlighted its critical role in syncytia formation and virus entry. Overexpression of specific ZDHHCs promoted the palmitoylation of S, demonstrating their association with the viral protein.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Shubo Wen, Yang Song, Chang Li, Ningyi Jin, Jingbo Zhai, Huijun Lu
Summary: This study reviews the antiviral mechanism of IFITM3 and the regulation of its subcellular localization, stability, and function through S-palmitoylation modification. The study also discusses the enzymes that mediate the S-palmitoylation modification of IFITM3, which can help elucidate the mechanism by which IFITM3 restricts virus replication and aid in the design of therapeutics targeted at pathogenic viruses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jianfeng Lou, Yuhang Lu, Jing Cheng, Feilong Zhou, Ziqin Yan, Daizhou Zhang, Xiangjing Meng, Yujun Zhao
Summary: TEADs play important roles in the Hippo pathway and their dysregulation can lead to various diseases. Several inhibitors and activators of TEADs have been identified, but further development is needed for clinical applications.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sajad Chamani, Luca Liberale, Leila Mobasheri, Fabrizio Montecucco, Khalid Al-Rasadi, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Summary: Statins not only reduce LDL-C levels, but also have regulatory effects on bone metabolism, increasing bone formation and improving bone density. Therefore, statins may play a role in the treatment of bone disorders.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ritika Tewari, Bieerkehazhi Shayahati, Ying Fan, Askar M. Akimzhanov
Summary: The study identified previously uncharacterized lipidation of ZAP-70, which is crucial for its interaction with protein substrates in the TCR signaling pathway. While this posttranslational modification does not affect its enzymatic activity, it plays a critical role in T cell activation and function. The findings suggest that TCR-induced S-acylation of ZAP-70 serves as a vital regulator of T cell-mediated immunity.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Qiangqiang He, Meiyu Qu, Tingyu Shen, Jiakun Su, Yana Xu, Chengyun Xu, Muhammad Qasim Barkat, Jibao Cai, Haibin Zhu, Ling -Hui Zeng, Ximei Wu
Summary: Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) are dynamic coupling structures between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), playing important roles in calcium homeostasis, autophagy, ER stress, lipid metabolism, and various diseases. The formation and function of MAMs rely on specific proteins, including the IP3R-Grp75-VDAC complex. S-palmitoylation, a reversible protein post-translational modification, is closely related to the localization of proteins in MAMs. This article provides an overview of the composition and function of MAMs, focusing on the role of S-palmitoylated proteins in calcium flux, lipid rafts, and discusses their implication in diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Potential drug compounds targeting S-palmitoylation are also proposed.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Samiksha Sardana, Anneroos E. Nederstigt, Marc P. Baggelaar
Summary: S-palmitoylation is a lipid modification that plays a role in neuronal development and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, two methods were used to identify S-palmitoylated proteins and sites during neuronal differentiation. A subset of high-confidence S-palmitoylated proteins were identified, suggesting an important role for S-palmitoylation in neuronal differentiation.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Zhixing Jin, Juan Wang, Youguo Chen
Summary: Despite the prevalence and severity of adenomyosis, the pathogenesis and etiology of this condition remain poorly understood. This study investigated the role of estrogen in Scribble localization and found that high estrogen exposure induced cytoplasmic translocation of Scribble and decreased the expression level of palm-Scribble. The findings suggest a potential mechanism underlying the development of adenomyosis.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Matias Blaustein, Estefania Piegari, Camila Martinez Calejman, Antonella Vila, Analia Amante, Maria Victoria Manese, Ari Zeida, Laurence Abrami, Mariela Veggetti, David A. Guertin, F. Gisou van der Goot, Maria Martha Corvi, Alejandro Colman-Lerner
Summary: The study reveals that Akt protein undergoes S-palmitoylation modification, affecting its localization and function. Lack of palmitoylation leads to increased recruitment of Akt to cytoplasmic structures co-localizing with lysosomes during autophagy.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sachio Suzuki, Masaru Yoshikawa, Shunsuke Sawada, Neal K. Devaraj, Shinya Tsukiji
Summary: Conjugating small-molecule ligands to synthetic motifs that can localize to specific organelles or membranes is a practical approach to manipulate biological processes. We have developed a synthetic myristoyl-DCys motif that can undergo S-palmitoylation and localize to the Golgi surface. By miniaturizing the myristoyl-DCys motif, we have identified four new derivatives that retain the palmitoylation-dependent Golgi localization property. These miniaturized motifs can be used to generate small-molecule ligand conjugates for protein localization and cell signaling control.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolo Musso, Giuseppe Caruso, Dafne Bongiorno, Margherita Grasso, Dalida A. Bivona, Floriana Campanile, Filippo Caraci, Stefania Stefani
Summary: In this study, different Staphylococcus aureus strains were tested for their ability to modulate cell viability in osteoblast-like cells. Results showed that certain strains were able to internalize and persist in the cells, causing a decrease in cell viability. Additionally, differences in intracellular behavior and impact on cell functions related to inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress were observed among the tested strains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuji Sato, Yi Wang, Yuchi Song, Weiming Geng, Shaonan Yan, Kiminori Nakamura, Takashi Kikukawa, Makoto Demura, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: This study reveals that the potent bactericidal activity of Crp4(red) is derived from its hydrophobicity, and its bactericidal mechanism involves the disruption of bacterial membrane. Additionally, Crp4(ox) is found to form electrostatic interactions with the bacterial membrane surface, although it lacks bactericidal activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Irem Nur Gamze Ozbilgin, Tomohiko Yamazaki, Junpei Watanabe, Hong-Tao Sun, Nobutaka Hanagata, Naoto Shirahata
Summary: We report carboxy-terminated silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) that are highly soluble in water due to the high coverage of surface monolayers, exhibit bright light emission with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), show long-term stability in PL property for cell monitoring, have low toxicity to cells, and display a high photothermal response.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yosuke Komatsu, Daiki Kumakura, Namiko Seto, Hirohisa Izumi, Yasuhiro Takeda, Yuki Ohnishi, Shinji Nakaoka, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: This study found dynamic associations between milk components (especially HMOs) and the infant gut microbiome and fecal metabolites. During lactation, the disappearance of HMOs was accompanied by a switch in bifidobacterium species and fluctuations in several metabolites.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuhei Doi, Jo Watanabe, Ryota Nii, Takashi Tsukamoto, Makoto Demura, Yuki Sudo, Takashi Kikukawa
Summary: Membrane transport proteins can be converted between resting state binding and non-binding types through mutations. This study demonstrates the mechanism of SO42- transport by two cyanobacterial anion-pumping rhodopsins, MrHR and SyHR.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Gu, Takasumi Kato, Hiroyuki Kumeta, Yasuhiro Kumaki, Takashi Tsukamoto, Takashi Kikukawa, Makoto Demura, Hiroaki Ishida, Hans J. Vogel, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: The study investigated the antimicrobial mechanism of CP1, a model antimicrobial peptide, by analyzing the structure of recombinant CP1 and its C-terminal truncated analogue in a membrane-mimetic environment. The results showed that the C-terminal region of CP1 played an important role in its antimicrobial activity.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuchi Song, Yi Wang, Shaonan Yan, Kiminori Nakamura, Takashi Kikukawa, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: The researchers successfully established an efficient method for the production of the cysteine-containing antimicrobial peptide family Cryptdin. Furthermore, they found notable differences in the antibacterial activities of the various members of the Cryptdin family. The expression system established in this study is expected to provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the different antibacterial activities of the Cryptdin family of peptides.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Masaiku Ohya, Takashi Kikukawa, Junpei Matsuo, Takashi Tsukamoto, Ryota Nagaura, Tomotsumi Fujisawa, Masashi Unno
Summary: Research on microbial rhodopsins is being conducted to understand how light energy is converted into ion pumping across cell membranes. Chloride pumps have been found in archaea and eubacteria, but it is unclear if there is a common mechanism for all chloride-pumping rhodopsins. Using Raman optical activity spectroscopy, two chloride pumps, Nonlabensmarinus rhodopsin-3 (NM-R3) and halorhodopsin from the cyanobacterium Mastigocladopsis repens (MrHR), were analyzed. Results showed differences in the hydrogen bonding and conformations of retinal Schiff base, suggesting a general mechanism where chloride ions are dragged by the flipping Schiff base NH group upon photoisomerization.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shunta Nakamura, Kiminori Nakamura, Yuki Yokoi, Yu Shimizu, Shuya Ohira, Mizu Hagiwara, Zihao Song, Li Gan, Tomoyasu Aizawa, Daigo Hashimoto, Takanori Teshima, Andre J. Ouellette, Tokiyoshi Ayabe
Summary: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease characterized by fibrosis that develops from fatty liver. Dysbiosis, the disruption of intestinal microbiota homeostasis, is associated with fibrosis development in NASH. The decrease of fecal alpha-defensin, an antimicrobial peptide secreted by Paneth cells, and dysbiosis occur before NASH onset. Restoration of alpha-defensin levels improves liver fibrosis and resolves dysbiosis, suggesting Paneth cell alpha-defensin as a potential therapeutic target for NASH.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zihao Song, Yuki Ohnishi, Seiji Osada, Li Gan, Jiaxi Jiang, Zhiyan Hu, Hiroyuki Kumeta, Yasuhiro Kumaki, Yuki Yokoi, Kiminori Nakamura, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Kazuo Yamauchi, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: NMR-based metabolomics is widely used in research to identify biomarkers and investigate the pathogenesis of diseases. This study applied a low-field NMR spectrometer to analyze the metabolic profile of ulcerative colitis model mice and compared it with high-field NMR. The results showed high comparability and accurate quantification of metabolites using the low-field NMR.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kunisato Kuroi, Takashi Tsukamoto, Naoya Honda, Yuki Sudo, Yuji Furutani
Summary: This study investigated the primary proton transfer reactions of thermophilic rhodopsin and found that it is closely related to the structural change of the protein and optimized at high temperatures, which is not observed in other related proteins.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuya Ohki, Tsukasa Shinone, Sayo Inoko, Miu Sudo, Makoto Demura, Takashi Kikukawa, Takashi Tsukamoto
Summary: Previous research on anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) overlooked the native functions of full-length ACRs and the potential role of the cytoplasmic domain (CPD). In this study, we expressed the full-length Guillardia theta ACR1 (GtACR1_full) and found that the CPD enhanced NO3- transport, suggesting its natural function in algal cells.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kazuma Kishi, Masaki Kuwatani, Yuki Ohnishi, Yasuhiro Kumaki, Hiroyuki Kumeta, Hajime Hirata, Yunosuke Takishin, Ryutaro Furukawa, Kosuke Nagai, Hiroki Yonemura, Shunichiro Nozawa, Ryo Sugiura, Kazumichi Kawakubo, Tomoyasu Aizawa, Naoya Sakamoto
Summary: A metabolomic analysis of duodenal juice was performed to identify differences between malignant and benign biliary diseases, demonstrating the potential of duodenal juice metabolomics as a diagnostic biomarker for biliary diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Gan, Yuga Inamura, Yu Shimizu, Yuki Yokoi, Yuki Ohnishi, Zihao Song, Yasuhiro Kumaki, Takashi Kikukawa, Makoto Demura, Masaaki Ito, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Kiminori Nakamura, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: In this study, analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites in mice treated with mulberry leaf powder (MLP) revealed that long-term MLP consumption can alter gut metabolites without affecting the normal gut microbiota. These findings provide valuable information for considering MLP as a healthy food source.
Article
Allergy
Mari Takei, Charles Nin, Tomona Iizuka, Marine Pawlikowski, Marie-Ange Selva, Yannick Chantran, Yurie Nakajima, Jingkang Zheng, Tomoyasu Aizawa, Motohiro Ebisawa, Helene Senechal, Pascal Poncet
Summary: The Capsicum genus belongs to the Solanaceae family and is rarely associated with allergies. Cross-reactivities have been reported with other allergens such as latex. Only two allergens from Capsicum have been referenced in the World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies allergen data bank.
ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
