Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Myfanwy C. Adams, Carl J. Schiltz, Michelle L. Heck, Joshua S. Chappie
Summary: The study reveals that the protein monomers assemble into flat sheets with preserved icosahedral symmetry in the crystal lattice, showing minimal structural deviations compared to the full-length subunits of the assembled virus-like particle. This implies that the interactions between the CP N-terminus and RNA play a crucial role in generating capsid curvature.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeanmarie Verchot
Summary: Potato virus X is a plant-infecting virus belonging to the Potexvirus genus in the Alphaflexiviridae family. It primarily infects potatoes but can also infect a wide range of dicots. The virus has a genome size of approximately 6.4 kb with five open reading frames, one of which encodes the viral replicase.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shuzhen Hu, Yueyan Yin, Buyang Chen, Qi Lin, Yanzhen Tian, Xijiao Song, Jiejun Peng, Hongying Zheng, Shaofei Rao, Guanwei Wu, Xiaohan Mo, Fei Yan, Jianping Chen, Yuwen Lu
Summary: Research has shown that potato virus X utilizes the apoplast in a one-way manner, dominated by the coat protein, releasing viral particles that are not associated with exosomes and showing infectivity when transferred to healthy leaves.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hehong Zhang, Fengmin Wang, Weiqi Song, Zihang Yang, Lulu Li, Qiang Ma, Xiaoxiang Tan, Zhongyan Wei, Yanjun Li, Junmin Li, Fei Yan, Jianping Chen, Zongtao Sun
Summary: In monocotyledonous plants, different viral pathogens can disrupt the synergistic antiviral immunity mediated by SA and JA by promoting the degradation of OsNPR1. Unrelated viral proteins from different rice viruses also interfere with the OsNPR1-mediated SA-JA interplay to facilitate viral pathogenicity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Mariana G. Ferrarini, Avantika Lal, Rita Rebollo, Andreas J. Gruber, Andrea Guarracino, Itziar Martinez Gonzalez, Taylor Floyd, Daniel Siqueira de Oliveira, Justin Shanklin, Ethan Beausoleil, Taneli Pusa, Brett E. Pickett, Vanessa Aguiar-Pulido
Summary: Researchers analyzed public data to understand how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with human respiratory cells, identifying specific gene and element changes in infected cells. Predicted interactions between viral and human RNA-binding proteins were noted, along with a viral sequence variant linked to age.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bradley W. Schmitz, Hanwei Wang, Kellogg Schwab, Joseph Jacangelo
Summary: The study found that PAA effectively inactivates viruses by targeting susceptible amino acids on capsid proteins, while having little impact on viral genomes. Viruses with higher total number of target amino acids in their capsid structures may be more susceptible to PAA reactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oskar Staufer, Goesta Gantner, Ilia Platzman, Klaus Tanner, Imre Berger, Joachim P. Spatz
Summary: Synthetic biology is an engineering approach that aims to redesign or build biological organisms to enhance our understanding of life. This article summarizes current methods for synthetic engineering of viral replication cycles and discusses the potential risks associated with this bottom-up approach in infectious diseases.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Juliane Schuphan, Ulrich Commandeur
Summary: Plant virus nanoparticles can be utilized as promising platforms for enzyme immobilization, but the interference of carrier on substrate binding led researchers to explore the suitability of utilizing tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) instead of potato virus X (PVX). Despite TMV allowing more enzyme molecules to be immobilized, the rigid scaffold and helical spacing of TMV significantly affected enzyme activity.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jianting Zhang, Ranjith Kumar Kankala, Jingyao Ma, Yihao Zhou, Shi-Bin Wang, Ai-Zheng Chen
Summary: Utilizing the hollow tobacco mosaic virus coat protein as a restrictive template, well-organized one-dimensional inorganic nanostructures were successfully fabricated with high yields, including gold nanoparticles and silver sulfide quantum dots. Different types of functional nanoparticles were encapsulated and assembled into ordered 1D nanochains through TMV-assisted self-assembly approach, showing potential for the fabrication of highly complex hybrid-metal nanostructures.
Review
Virology
Dmitriy Mazurov, Lama Ramadan, Natalia Kruglova
Summary: Rapid progress has been made in gene editing using CRISPR/Cas, but the clinical utility is limited due to delivery difficulties and potential off-target effects. Using CRISPR as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex can reduce exposure time and off-target activity. Current delivery systems focus on packaging and delivering CRISPR/Cas RNPs using retro/lentiviral particles and exosomes. The mechanism of viral and exosomal particle formation, release, and entry helps to understand RNP packaging and uncoating. This review also discusses the passive loading of RNPs into exosomes and the mechanisms involved in particle fusion, RNP release, and transportation inside target cells, which can significantly influence the editing efficiency.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manish Gupta, Alexander J. Pak, Gregory A. Voth
Summary: Researchers use molecular dynamics simulations to reveal the molecular mechanism of HIV-1 capsid formation, including the role of IP6. This study shows that IP6 initially promotes curvature generation by trapping pentameric defects and shifts the assembly behavior towards kinetically favored outcomes. Additionally, IP6 can stabilize metastable capsid intermediates and induce structural pleomorphism in mature capsids.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oliver F. Harder, Sarah V. Barrass, Marcel Drabbels, Ulrich J. Lorenz
Summary: Microsecond time-resolved cryo-EM allows for observation of fast protein dynamics, as demonstrated by the contraction of the CCMV capsid induced by a pH jump.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael A. Tartell, Konstantinos Boulias, Gabriela Brunsting Hoffmann, Louis-Marie Bloyet, Eric Lieberman Greer, Sean P. J. Whelan
Summary: The host cell N6adenosine mRNA cap methylase PCIF1 attenuates antiviral responses to viruses like VSV by modifying mRNA cap structures. This modification does not affect mRNA stability, translation or viral infectivity, but it weakens the antiviral effects of interferon-beta treatment. The function of PCIF1 and cap-proximal m6Am in host response attenuation likely extends to other viruses such as rabies and measles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pengfei Ding, Michael F. Summers
Summary: Viruses hijack the translation machinery by modifying the 5'-ends of their plus-strand RNAs. Recent studies revealed that HIV-1 segregates its RNAs for splicing/translation and packaging functions through a structural sequestration mechanism. Other viruses and retrotransposons also employ various mechanisms to control 5'-cap accessibility to avoid capture by cellular RNA processing and translation machinery.
Article
Microbiology
Mayra Diosa-Toro, Debbie R. Kennedy, Vanessa Chuo, Vsevolod L. Popov, Julien Pompon, Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
Summary: Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) interacts with the viral nucleocapsid, distributes to DENV assembly sites, and is necessary for efficient assembly of intracellular infectious virions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olga A. Kondakova, Ekaterina A. Evtushenko, Oleg A. Baranov, Nikolai A. Nikitin, Olga V. Karpova
Summary: This review focuses on the preparation, structure, properties, and applications of structurally modified virus particles, which have attracted attention as promising biogenic platforms for new biotechnologies. The biosafety of these particles for animals is considered, and the design of vaccine candidates based on structurally modified plant viruses is discussed as a relevant and promising area.
BIOCHEMISTRY-MOSCOW
(2022)
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
O. Karpova, N. A. Nikitin
Summary: Developing new vaccine platforms during the pandemic is crucial, and plant viruses can play a significant role due to their safety and unique immunostimulation and adsorption properties.
HERALD OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nikolai A. Nikitin, Marina V. Arkhipenko, Olga V. Dement'eva, Maria E. Kartseva, Elena M. Shishmakova, Elizaveta V. Sanochkina, Ekaterina S. Shiryaeva, Maria A. Kolyvanova, Alexandr V. Belousov, Victor M. Rudoy, Vladimir I. Feldman, Olga V. Karpova, Vladimir N. Morozov
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time the significant radiosensitization effect of gold nanoparticles in radiation treatment, and the damage to viral particles is enhanced through the increased generation of reactive oxygen species and emission of radiation.
PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
A. F. Bunkin, A. N. Fedorov, M. A. Davydov, M. Arkhipenko, N. A. Nikitin
Summary: Raman scattering spectra of Tris suspensions of Alternanthera mosaic virus and potato virus X were measured, and it was found that the observed frequency shifts did not agree with the calculated values based on the mechanical model of the virions. These frequencies are speculated to be related to acoustical vibrations of functional groups in proteins and amino acids.
PHYSICS OF WAVE PHENOMENA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Dmitriy L. Granovskiy, Ekaterina M. Ryabchevskaya, Ekaterina A. Evtushenko, Olga A. Kondakova, Marina V. Arkhipenko, Tatiana B. Kravchenko, Irina V. Bakhteeva, Vitalii S. Timofeev, Nikolai A. Nikitin, Olga V. Karpova
Summary: In this study, the stability, immunogenicity, and protectiveness of rPA83m + SPs compositions were investigated. The results showed that these compositions were stable, induced high antibody levels in animals, and provided protection against virulent Bacillus anthracis strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelina Kovalenko, Ekaterina Ryabchevskaya, Ekaterina Evtushenko, Nikolai Nikitin, Olga Karpova
Summary: SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, all belonging to the genus Betacoronavirus, have a zoonotic origin and have caused outbreaks with fatal outcomes. Vaccination is crucial for preventing the spread of future coronavirus infections. The development of vaccines against SARS and MERS has facilitated the rapid development of several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, including recombinant protein vaccines that show promising results in terms of safety, side effect minimization, and storage and transportation conditions. The development of a universal betacoronavirus vaccine remains an important issue. This article summarizes the information on designing vaccines based on recombinant proteins against highly pathogenic human betacoronaviruses SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Irina Matveeva, Nikolai Nikitin, Ekaterina Evtushenko, Karim Azimov, Alexey Zaberezhny, Olesya Bogomolova, Maria Kruglova, Vladimir Yeremets, Evgeniya Markova, Natalia Yeremets
Summary: The study demonstrated that PCR and direct immunofluorescence testing for C. abortus infection in sheep in the Mari El Republic of Russia is a more effective and faster method, highlighting the importance of screening for chlamydiosis as a cause of ovine abortion.
Review
Immunology
Nikolai Nikitin, Yuri Vasiliev, Angelina Kovalenko, Ekaterina Ryabchevskaya, Olga Kondakova, Ekaterina Evtushenko, Olga Karpova
Summary: Plant viruses have potential as vaccine components and adjuvants in cancer immunotherapy.
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. Ryabchevskaya, D. Granovskiy, E. Evtushenko, P. Ivanov, O. Kondakova, N. Nikitin, O. Karpova
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siva Santhiya Arul, Brinda Balakrishnan, Savithri S. Handanahal, Sangita Venkataraman
Summary: Viral nanoparticles are self-assembling delivery systems used for vaccines and therapeutic agents. They have improved biocompatibility and are widely used in various biomedical applications. However, large-scale production of VNPs still faces challenges.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wisely Chua, Carl O. Marsh, Si En Poh, Winston LC. Koh, Melody Li Ying Lee, Li Fang Koh, Xin-Zi Emily Tang, Peter See, Zheng Ser, Shi Mei Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Thomas L. Dawson Jr, Yik Weng Yew, Steven Thng, Anthony J. O'Donoghue, Hazel H. Oon, John E. Common, Hao Li
Summary: In this study, the gene expression of enzymes secreted by Malassezia globosa in the skin was investigated using targeted RNA sequencing. The study found that the expression of these enzymes is regulated by the fungus's environment and differs significantly from healthy skin sites. Additionally, a pseudoprotease MGL_3331 was identified to elicit an immune reaction in patients with atopic dermatitis. This highlights the importance of studying fungal proteins in physiologically relevant environments and their role in host immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belisa Parmeggiani, Marian Flores Signori, Cristiane Cecatto, Marina Rocha Frusciante, Manuela Bianchin Marcuzzo, Debora Guerini Souza, Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro, Bianca Seminotti, Diogo Onofre Gomes de Souza, Cesar Augusto Joa o Ribeiro, Moacir Wajner, Guilhian Leipnitz
Summary: Non ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a disorder caused by mutations in the genes encoding glycine cleavage system proteins, leading to severe neurodegeneration and white matter alterations. The study found that glycine affects myelin structure, glutamatergic system, and induces oxidative stress in neonatal rats and MO3.13 oligodendroglial cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Rose Ndella Thiaw, Pascal Gantet
Summary: Mini zinc fingers play important roles in plant development, including control of cell division and expansion, meristem state transition, and growth and organ development. They have diverse modes of action, such as direct gene activation, interaction with specific transcription factors, and aggregation of protein complexes for chromatin remodeling. Further research is needed to explore their wider range of biological functions and their involvement in biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shao-Jui Lai, Takahiro Kameda, Maasa Morita, Yuka Yamagata, Kaoruko Nishizaka, Yuna Horiuchi, Yukihiro Kobayashi, Yoko Usami, Jun-Jen Liu, Takeshi Kasama, Minoru Tozuka, Ryunosuke Ohkawa
Summary: In this study, the co-modification and impact of chymase and MPO on HDL were investigated. Sequential treatment with MPO and chymase generated two novel apoA-I fragments from HDL, one of which has a specific immunological property and can be used to predict patients with normal HDL-C levels and cardiovascular diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Mi Sun, Asami Yoshida, Takuya Ishii, Yan-Rong Jiang, Yi-Li Gao, Mikinori Ueno, Katsuya Hirasaka, Kiyoshi Osatomi
Summary: This study found that infection with the causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis, Edwardsiella tarda NUF251, leads to the production of superoxide radicals, causing oxidative stress. The research on the Jfsod1 gene suggests that the transcription factor NF-IL6 plays a significant role in upregulating the transcriptional activity of the gene in response to oxidative stress induced by NUF251 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shane M. Carey, Sean P. Kearns, Matthew E. Millington, Gregory S. Buechner, Beda E. Alvarez Jr, Leily Daneshian, Brendan Abiskaroon, Maksymilian Chruszcz, Edward L. D'Antonio
Summary: The importance of F337 in TcGlcK was investigated using the hole mutagenesis approach, revealing its key interactions with aromatic tail groups in inhibitor molecules. Mutants retaining activity and structural similarity were obtained, suggesting the possibility of TcHxK existing as a monomer lacking the F337 residue. Similar D-glucosamine inhibitors may bind less strongly to TcHxK due to the absence of van der Waals contacts from residue side chains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Barria, Diogo Athayde, Guillem Hernandez, Leonor Fonseca, Jorge Casinhas, Tiago N. Cordeiro, Margarida Archer, Cecilia M. Arraiano, Jose A. Brito, Rute G. Matos
Summary: Ribonucleases play a crucial role in RNA regulation by processing, degrading, and quality controlling cellular transcripts. Campylobacter jejuni, the main cause of human gastroenteritis, relies on the exoribonuclease PNPase (CjPNP) for low-temperature survival, virulence factor synthesis, and swimming, cell adhesion/invasion, and chick colonization abilities. The crystallographic structure of CjPNP, along with SAXS analysis, confirms its trimeric arrangement and provides insight into domain arrangement and flexibility. Mutations in highly conserved residues reveal unexpected RNA degradation activity even under conditions favoring polymerization. These findings have significant implications for the development of strategies to combat C. jejuni infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elvira R. Shaykhutdinova, Maria S. Severyukhina, Inna V. Kholoshenko, Elena A. Gondarenko, Irina V. Shelukhina, Elena V. Kryukova, Alina M. Ismailova, Elena S. Sadovnikova, Igor A. Dyachenko, Arkady N. Murashev, Victor I. Tsetlin, Yuri N. Utkin
Summary: Evidence suggests that activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can reduce cardiac injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, the expression of a4, a6, and a132 nAChR subunits in the rat heart's left ventricle was demonstrated. The nAChR agonists cytisine and varenicline, commonly used for nicotine addiction treatment, were found to significantly reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, with varenicline showing greater protection. The presence of a4132, a7, and/or a6132-containing receptors suggests that the protective effect of varenicline may be mediated by these subunits. These findings indicate a potential new use for cytisine and varenicline as cardioprotective agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinhai Xiong, Wenjie Chen, Cheng Chen, Qi Wu, Chaopeng He
Summary: This article summarizes the important roles of Cx43 in disease development from the perspective of subcellular localization and provides new ideas for Cx43 as a therapeutic target and the search for related pathological mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Bastos, Simone Pascoal, Kamila Lopes, Marcia Mortari, Helena Oliveira
Summary: Cancer, especially melanoma, is a major global health problem due to its metastatic capacity, treatment resistance, and high mortality rates. The Chartergellus-CP1 peptide isolated from Chartergellus communis wasp venom showed selective cytotoxicity towards melanoma cell lines, inducing apoptosis, cell cycle impairment, and intracellular ROS increase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte Claeyssen, Nathan Bulangalire, Bruno Bastide, Onnik Agbulut, Caroline Cieniewski-Bernard
Summary: Maintenance of striated muscle tissue relies on a dynamic network of protein-protein interactions. Desmin intermediate filaments play a crucial role in heart and skeletal muscle by maintaining cell structure and contributing to various cellular processes. The assembly of desmin intermediate filaments requires aB-crystallin, which is involved in multiple cellular functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhritiman Dey, Adhiraj Dasgupta, Dipanjan Ghosh, Oindrila Bhattacharjee, Abhrajyoti Ghosh, Ayae Honda, Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay
Summary: This study successfully identified host factors that interact with Chandipura Virus (CHPV) and play a critical role in infection, including A2M, LRP1, and GRP78. Knocking out A2M has a severe effect on viral infection, indicating the potential role of these host proteins in viral entry into host cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Dotsenko, Igor Sinelnikov, Aleksandra Rozhkova, Ivan Zorov, Arkady Sinitsyn
Summary: Xylanases play important roles in various industrial applications, such as feed additives, pulp and paper bleaching, and the production of bread, food, and drinks. Xylanases from the GH10 family show high thermostability and resistance to protein inhibitors, making them promising candidates for these processes. This study successfully improved the thermostability and enzymatic activity of GH10 xylanase, which could enhance its effectiveness as a feed additive and during pulp and paper bleaching.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Jaquet, M. Bengue, K. Lambert, G. Carnac, D. Misse, C. Bisbal
Summary: Changes to our environment have led to the emergence of human pathogens such as chikungunya virus, which is now a major public health concern. In this study, the interconnection between skeletal muscle cells metabolism, their differentiation stage, and the infectivity of chikungunya virus was investigated. The results showed that chikungunya virus infectivity is dependent on cell differentiation and metabolism and that the virus interferes with cellular metabolism.
