Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan-Hong Li, Xi-Shan Bai, Xiu-Xia Yang, Yu-Xiao Li, Hong-Rui Li, Zi-Liang Wang, Wei Wang, Kai Tian, Xiang-Zhong Huang
Summary: Five undescribed oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, psammosaponins A-E, were isolated from the roots of Psammosilene tunicoides, along with nine known compounds. Three aglycones were also isolated from the acid-hydrolyzed extract of P. tunicoides. The structures of all compounds were determined through extensive analysis and various experiments. These compounds were evaluated for their antinociceptive activity and showed significant inhibitory effects on mouse writhing response.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiuxia Yang, Xishan Bai, Hongrui Li, Jingxian Sun, Yong Xiong, Yanhong Li, Xiangzhong Huang
Summary: A phytochemical investigation of Psammosilene tunicoides led to the discovery of a new cyclic peptide compound and three known compounds. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods, and it was found that some of these compounds exhibited inhibitory activities on the release of NO in cells.
RECORDS OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yinhuan Hou, Bangjian Dong, Ying Peng, Chongsheng Peng, Mengyue Wang, Xiaobo Li
Summary: Beta-carboline alkaloids from the roots of P. tunicoides have significant analgesic activity by both central and peripheral mechanisms, which may be mediated by regulating the release of NO, Glu, or GABA alpha 1.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Fernandez-Palacios, Esther Matamoros, Isabel Morato Rojas, Juan T. Lopez Navarrete, M. Carmen Ruiz Delgado, Yolanda Vida, Ezequiel Perez-Inestrosa
Summary: In this study, a family of acylhydrazones was synthesized and characterized for their potential as information storage systems. Their properties were investigated through photophysical and photochemical characterizations, as well as DFT and TD-DFT calculations. The results revealed that the configurational isomerization of the E/Z isomers upon irradiation is influenced by the stabilization of the isomers and the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, along with the electronic/steric effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiayu Li, Hongbin Li
Summary: Metalloproteins play important roles in biological processes and understanding their folding mechanisms is challenging. This study used single-molecule optical tweezers to investigate the folding of horse heart cytochrome C (cytc), revealing new insights into its folding mechanism and the existence of intermediate states. The study also showed that apo-cytc is not a true random coil and has weak interactions within the unfolded polypeptide chain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Zamel, Jiaxing Chen, Sofia Zaer, Paul David Harris, Paz Drori, Mario Lebendiker, Nir Kalisman, Nikolay V. Dokholyan, Eitan Lerner
Summary: Parkinson disease is associated with the aggregation of α-synuclein protein. In vitro experiments show that α-synuclein exists primarily as a monomer-dimer equilibrium in nanomolar to micromolar concentrations. By using cross-linking mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations, a compact and stable dimer with partially exposed β-sheet structures is identified. This dimer, characterized by the proximity of tyrosine 39 hydroxyls, may play a role in the formation of α-synuclein amyloid fibrils and have etiological relevance to Parkinson disease.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Xia Cao
Summary: No scientific theory is absolute as it constantly evolves with human ingenuity and technological advancements. This study explores the production of electric fields through friction and demonstrates that the changing electric fields can generate electromagnetic energy. The experiments support the concept of Collision Electro-Magnetic Theory (CEMT) and highlight the potential of using coils as energy collectors.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
L. Kandpal, P. Vangla
Summary: The paper presents new insights into the particle kinematics and tribological aspects and their effects on the non-dilative interface shear response from novel experimental investigations. A custom-designed apparatus that enables image analysis of particulate-continuum materials interactions from the bottom of the interface plane while shearing was developed. The effect of influential factors on the frictional mechanism, particle kinematics, and subsequently on the friction coefficient was investigated by performing experiments on three types of sands at different normal stresses with a transparent acrylic sheet and smooth geomembrane. The results demonstrated the influence of factors like particle shape, normal stress, and box fixity on particle kinematics and shear-induced surface changes.
GEOSYNTHETICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
M. A. Moreno, J. Gonzalez-Rico, M. L. Lopez-Donaire, A. Arias, D. Garcia-Gonzalez
Summary: Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are promising multifunctional composites with the ability to respond to external magnetic fields, making them ideal for soft robotics and bioengineering applications. However, there is still a lack of understanding in the magneto-mechanical properties of these materials, particularly in relation to rate dependences. Further research is needed to explore the interactions of rate dependences on their magnetorheological behavior.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Natalia Ivanova, Ana Luisa Junqueira Leite, Marcel Barbosa Vieira, Otto Henrique Cezar e Silva, Ludmilla Walter Reis Mota, Guilherme de Paula Costa, Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo, Sarah Alves Auharek, Romulo Dias Novaes, Kelerson Mauro de Castro Pinto, Rodrigo Fernando Bianchi, Andre Talvani
Summary: The study suggests that blue light therapy may be an effective strategy in controlling Trypanosoma cruzi by reducing parasite replication, decreasing parasite count in blood and cardiac tissue, and reducing volume density of cardiac connective tissue. The therapy also led to decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in infected animals. More research is needed to fully explore the potential of this non-chemical treatment approach for Chagas disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Priyanka Ganguly, Syam R. Kumar, Marica Muscetta, Nisha T. Padmanabhan, Laura Clarizia, A. Akande, Steven Hinder, Snehamol Mathew, Honey John, Ailish Breen, Suresh C. Pillai
Summary: A two-step solvothermal synthesis method was successfully used to prepare AgXSe2-TiO2 (X = In, Bi) composites, with DFT study and experimental results confirming their structural characteristics. These composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, with detailed discussions on the delayed charge recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and interface properties.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
A. Mironov, A. Morozov, Z. Zakirova
Summary: Some eigenvalue matrix models have the property of explicitly calculating averages in a defined basis, which has been shown in Gaussian models but limited to specific measures so far. This paper extends this observation to unitary matrix integrals, demonstrating that Schur averages in this case are linear combinations of Schur functions.
Article
Cell Biology
Zihao Yuan, Shuai Jiang, Kunpeng Qin, Li Sun
Summary: This study investigates the origin, evolution, and function of GSDM in different organisms. GSDM was found to emerge in Placozoa and be absent in most invertebrates. Three types of GSDME were identified in fish, with distinct evolutionary separation. GSDMEc is closely related to GSDMA and possibly its prototype.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Elisabeth Hessmann, Guenter Schneider
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma poses a major challenge in cancer medicine, necessitating interdisciplinary research to improve patient outcomes. The recent 1st Virtual Gottingen-Munich-Marburg Pancreatic Cancer Meeting aimed to foster scientific exchange and summarize current research and proceedings.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jingxuan Zhou, Jiechen Wang, Xiaozhao Zhang, Qingming Tang
Summary: Circadian clocks play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and are closely related to cancer development. Chronotherapy for cancer treatment should leverage circadian rhythms for higher efficacy, and an individualized approach is recommended due to interpatient differences in circadian functions. Understanding the specific association between circadian clocks and cancers will pave the way for more effective clinical treatments.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Spectroscopy
Rui Hu, Ying Li, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu
Summary: Single cell analysis is of increasing interest to the research community due to its ability to analyze cellular heterogeneity and discover new biomarkers. With advancements in technology, it is now possible to perform multiple omics at the single cell level. However, single-cell metabolomics poses unique challenges due to complex compound composition and the inability to amplify metabolites. Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in mass spectrometry-based single-cell metabolomics.
MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zheyu Li, Yue Xiong, Shuangli Li, Jiang Zhu, Rui Hu, Ying Li, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu
Summary: This paper presents a fishhook-shaped micromixer capable of rapidly and thoroughly mixing high-viscosity PEG and bicelle media for RDC analysis. By achieving complete mixing in a short time, the micromixer outperforms manual sample preparation in terms of uniformity and alignment efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chongyang Huang, Huanzhou Xu, Xin Zhou, Maili Liu, Jing Li, Chaoyang Liu
Summary: Lactate, produced by gut microbiota, serves as an important information carrier between the gut and microbiota. This study investigates the role of lactate in the interactions between gut epithelial cells and microbiota by analyzing the metabolomic and transcriptional profiles in human colon epithelial cells. The findings suggest that lactate remolds the metabolomic and transcriptional signatures, particularly in regulating mitochondrial function. This work provides comprehensive information on the molecular mechanisms of lactate-mediated functions in human colon epithelial cells, contributing to our understanding of how microbiota communicates with the intestines through lactate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yangzhuoyue Jin, Gangjin Yu, Tairan Yuwen, Dawei Gao, Guan Wang, Yilin Zhou, Bin Jiang, Xu Zhang, Conggang Li, Lichun He, Maili Liu
Summary: Serum albumin (SA) is an abundant extracellular chaperone protein that can modify the folding free energy landscape of its client proteins, altering the equilibrium between different conformations and increasing the population of excited states.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guohua Xu, Jiajing Zhao, Hao Yu, Chen Wang, Yangyu Huang, Qiang Zhao, Xin Zhou, Conggang Li, Maili Liu
Summary: This research reports the solution structure of a DNA aptamer complexed with ochratoxin A (OTA), revealing the structural basis for its high-affinity binding. The study finds that OTA specifically binds at the junction between the double helix and G-quadruplex through pi-pi stacking, halogen bonding, and hydrophobic interaction. The presence of a strong halogen bond between OTA and the aptamer is the key to discriminating the strong binding toward OTA.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tingting Yan, Jiang Zhu, Ying Li, Ting He, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu
Summary: Aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) contamination poses a significant threat to food safety and human health, requiring continuous monitoring. In this study, a biotin-streptavidin-amplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (BA-ELISA) was developed for sensitive and rapid detection of AFB(1) in cereal. The BA-ELISA demonstrated improved sensitivity, reduced assay time, and significant antibody savings compared to conventional ELISA.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yin Zhao, Dongjuan Chen, Zhichen Xu, Tao Li, Jiang Zhu, Rui Hu, Guoyong Xu, Ying Li, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu
Summary: Fast and simplified detection of HPV using a microfluidic dual-droplet device (M-D3) was developed. The device combined the CRISPR-Cas12a system and multiplexed recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay to simultaneously detect HPV16 and HPV18. The M-D3 platform demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting HPV DNA, allowing on-chip detection within 30 minutes. The platform was validated using clinical patient samples with HPV infection risk, showing promising results in terms of sensitivity and specificity.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ru Wang, Xiali Yue, Jiang Zhu, Rui Hu, Ying Li, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu
Summary: It has been found that the nuclear receptor RXR alpha can bind with various ligands and cofactors, forming homodimer and homotetramer of RXR alpha and its heterodimer with other nuclear receptors, and playing complex roles in development and diseases. Two residues, D379 and L420, in the homodimer interface of RXR alpha have been identified to be crucial for its formation. The study also reveals the role of L420 in both homodimer and heterodimer formation, while D379 shows diverse interactions with different nuclear receptors. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of RXR alpha homodimer and heterodimer formation and facilitates further research on the structure, interaction, and physiological functions of RXR alpha.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Zheyu Li, Qingjia Bao, Chaoyang Liu, Ying Li, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu
Summary: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is widely used for its powerful analytical capability. Microfluidics-based NMR (mu NMR) systems have been developed for biochemical NMR (bioNMR) analysis of limited mass samples. This review summarizes the recent advances in mu NMR systems built on high-field commercial instruments and low-field compact platforms. Different types of microcoils in high-field NMR instruments and compact NMR systems for biomedical point-of-care testing are discussed, followed by a conclusion and future prospects in the field of mu NMR.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhichao Liu, Ying Zhu, Liming Zhang, Weiping Jiang, Yawei Liu, Qiaowei Tang, Xiaoqing Cai, Jiang Li, Lihua Wang, Changlu Tao, Xianzhen Yin, Xiaowei Li, Shangguo Hou, Dawei Jiang, Kai Liu, Xin Zhou, Hongjie Zhang, Maili Liu, Chunhai Fan, Yang Tian
Summary: Analyzing the complex structures and functions of the brain is crucial for understanding physiological and pathological processes. However, subcellular structures of cells in the live brain and the concentrations, distributions, and interactions of functional molecules are still poorly understood.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guan Wang, Gangjin Yu, Dawei Gao, Guosheng Jiang, Huan Wang, Tairan Yuwen, Xu Zhang, Conggang Li, Daiwen Yang, Lichun He, Maili Liu
Summary: Protein function is closely related to its dynamics and conformational equilibria. The environment surrounding proteins is critical for their dynamics and can significantly affect the conformational equilibria and protein activities. This study reveals that the outer membrane vesicle (OMV) environment modulates the conformational exchanges of Im7 protein and shifts it towards its ground state. Furthermore, this research highlights the key role of the OMV environment in protein conformational equilibria and subsequent protein functions. The long-lasting nuclear magnetic resonance measurement time of proteins within OMVs suggests their potential for studying protein structures and dynamics in situ using nuclear magnetic spectroscopy.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Zhang, Yaru Hu, Huayong Xie, Maili Liu, Jun Yang, Cong Ma
Summary: This study characterized the conformation of Syb-2 in different assembly states using solid-state NMR experiments and found that it has a highly dynamic nature and α-helical contents. The coupling between Syb-2 and Syx-1 TMDs, as well as the high mobility of the C-terminal segment of Syb-2 TMD, were identified as crucial for inner membrane merger. These findings provide new insights into the role of Syb-2 TMD in membrane fusion and improve the understanding of the structural mechanism of SNARE complex assembly. The study highlights the significance of membrane environments in elucidating the mechanism of membrane proteins.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huayong Xie, Yongxiang Zhao, Weijing Zhao, Yanke Chen, Maili Liu, Jun Yang
Summary: Determining the structure of membrane proteins in native cellular membranes using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) is challenging but essential for understanding their physiological structures. In this study, the structure of aquaporin Z (AqpZ) was successfully determined in Escherichia coli inner membranes through ssNMR. The researchers optimized protein overexpression and removed background proteins to enhance the signal sensitivity of AqpZ. This work paves the way for analyzing the atomic structural details of membrane proteins in native cellular membranes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shangbo Ning, Min Sun, Xu Dong, Anbang Li, Chen Zeng, Maili Liu, Zhou Gong, Yunjie Zhao
Summary: This study proposes a dynamic geometry design approach for designing inhibitors for RNA, which enriches the results with a small pool of geometrically compatible scaffold candidates. The method explores the complementarity rigid binding cyclic peptide using graph-based tree decomposition and designs the amino acid side chain length and charge to fit the RNA pocket. The authors optimize the inhibitor-RNA hydrogen bonds using an energy-based dynamical network algorithm. The results show that the dynamic geometry method is more efficient and accurate than traditional methods.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shangbo Ning, Min Sun, Xu Dong, Anbang Li, Chen Zeng, Maili Liu, Zhou Gong, Yunjie Zhao
Summary: Designing efficient and accurate inhibitors for RNA remains challenging. This study proposes a dynamic geometry design approach to enrich the hits with compatible scaffold candidates, increasing both the efficiency and accuracy of the screening process.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
