Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naotaka Tsutsumi, Shoji Maeda, Qianhui Qu, Martin Vogele, Kevin M. Jude, Carl-Mikael Suomivuori, Ouliana Panova, Deepa Waghray, Hideaki E. Kato, Andrew Velasco, Ron O. Dror, Georgios Skiniotis, Brian K. Kobilka, K. Christopher Garcia
Summary: This study reports the cryo-electron microscopy structures of HCMV-encoded GPCRs US28 and US27 forming nonproductive and productive complexes with host G proteins, providing new insights into their functional mechanisms in viral pathogenesis.
Review
Cell Biology
Haoran Jiang, Daniella Galtes, Jialu Wang, Howard A. Rockman
Summary: This review explores the signaling pathways, dynamic structures, and physiological relevance of the three most important GPCR signaling effectors in the cardiovascular system: heterotrimeric G proteins, GPCR kinases (GRKs), and 8-arrestins. It summarizes their prominent roles in GPCR pharmacology before transitioning into less well-explored areas. The application of new technologies has contributed to an increasing understanding of GPCR structure and downstream effectors.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Daniele, Simona Saporiti, Stefano Capaldi, Deborah Pietrobono, Lara Russo, Uliano Guerrini, Tommaso Laurenzi, Elham Ataie Kachoie, Luca Palazzolo, Vincenzo Russo, Maria Pia Abbracchio, Ivano Eberini, Maria Letizia Trincavelli
Summary: GPR17, a key regulator of myelination, is activated by endogenous ligands and pro-inflammatory molecules. This study investigates the structural and functional interactions between GPR17 and chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4. The results show that these receptors can form heterodimers and modulate intracellular cAMP levels. This cross-talk between receptors could impact the neuroinflammatory environment associated with demyelinating events.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jong Min Hong, Jin-Woo Lee, Dong-Seung Seen, Jae-Yeon Jeong, Won-Ki Huh
Summary: The heteromerization between CXCR4 and LPA1 has been investigated, showing its important role in cancer cells and providing insights into the regulatory mechanism of CXCR4 through heteromer formation. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic approach using combined CXCR4 and LPA1 inhibitors for cancer and inflammatory diseases associated with these receptors.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jaana van Gastel, Hanne Leysen, Jan Boddaert, Laura Vangenechten, Louis M. Luttrell, Bronwen Martin, Stuart Maudsley
Summary: Aging is a complex molecular process that affects almost all tissue systems in humans and is the primary risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. With the current focus on GPCR-targeted therapeutics dominating the pharmacopeia, searching for effective anti-aging treatments in this area may be beneficial. A nuanced understanding of GPCR signaling diversity could lead to the development of therapeutics with selective signaling activities to impact the complex aberrations of the aging process.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Siyuan Shen, Chang Zhao, Chao Wu, Suyue Sun, Ziyan Li, Wei Yan, Zhenhua Shao
Summary: GPCRs, as the largest family of transmembrane proteins, regulate various physiological processes. However, their complicated signal transduction pathways and difficulties in drug development have presented challenges. By identifying new ligands that bind to allosteric sites, safer drugs for treating various diseases can be designed.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timo W. M. De Groof, Nick D. Bergkamp, Raimond Heukers, Truc Giap, Maarten P. Bebelman, Richard Goeij-de Haas, Sander R. Piersma, Connie R. Jimenez, K. Christopher Garcia, Hidde L. Ploegh, Marco Siderius, Martine J. Smit
Summary: The study demonstrates that different nanobodies can recognize and block distinct conformational states of GPCR US28, achieving selective targeting of ligand-dependent versus independent signaling and discerning functional consequences.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Nicholas Davis-Poynter, Helen E. Farrell
Summary: UL33 and US28, encoded by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), have been found to play a role in placental physiology. They activate trophoblasts through constitutive signaling, promoting migration. UL33 also stimulates the expression of p38 MAP kinase and JNK, with p38 MAP kinase activating CREB and JNK inhibiting CREB activation.
Article
Neurosciences
Sam R. J. Hoare, Paul H. Tewson, Shivani Sachdev, Mark Connor, Thomas E. Hughes, Anne Marie Quinn
Summary: Neurons integrate inputs over different time and space scales, combining fast and slow signals to produce behavior. Measuring signaling kinetics in live cells using fluorescent biosensors and dyes provides a deeper understanding of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling and therapeutic mechanisms in the nervous system.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diego Guidolin, Cinzia Tortorella, Manuela Marcoli, Chiara Cervetto, Guido Maura, Luigi F. Agnati
Summary: The discovery of allosteric receptor-receptor interactions and receptor complexes in intercellular communication has expanded our understanding of the nervous system. Research on neuronal populations and receptor complexes has led to insights on synaptic efficiency tuning, with potential implications for neuroprotective therapeutic strategies. More research is still needed in this area to fully explore the implications of receptor-receptor interactions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Serena Galosi, Luca Pollini, Maria Novelli, Katerina Bernardi, Martina Di Rocco, Simone Martinelli, Vincenzo Leuzzi
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increasing number of genetic diseases associated with epilepsy and movement disorders. This study focuses on genetic disorders affecting the G-protein-coupled receptor-cAMP signaling pathway, which result in distinctive clinical phenotypes including movement disorders and epilepsy. Understanding these rare disorders can have important implications for diagnostic suspicion and early detection, as well as for developing targeted treatments.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Timothy M. White, Cassandra M. Bonavita, Brent A. Stanfield, Helen E. Farrell, Nicholas J. Davis-Poynter, Rhonda D. Cardin
Summary: This study investigates the impact of a latency-defective mutant and a wild-type virus on CD8 (+) T cell memory inflation using murine cytomegalovirus as a model. The results show that the mutant virus only triggers memory inflation specific to IE1 protein-derived peptides, while having no effect on peptides derived from the early protein m164.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Harmandeep Kaur, Veera Ganesh Yerra, Sri Nagarjun Batchu, Duc Tin Tran, M. D. Golam Kabir, Youan Liu, Suzanne L. Advani, Phelopater Sedrak, Laurette Geldenhuys, Karthik K. Tennankore, Penelope Poyah, Ferhan S. Siddiqi, Andrew Advani
Summary: In this study, a transcriptional profile of activated kidney fibroblasts and the GPCRs they express was established in mouse models of kidney disease. The marker Tcf21 and the GPCRs Adgra2 and S1pr3 were found to be highly expressed in these activated fibroblasts. This research provides new insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating CKD.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiao Tang, Yaolin Hou, Thue W. Schwartz, Jesper Z. Haeggstrom
Summary: Eicosanoids, derived from arachidonic acid, are bioactive compounds that play crucial roles in physiology and disease, particularly in inflammatory conditions of multiple organ systems. Recent research has shown that G-protein coupled receptors can sense extracellular metabolites and regulate inflammatory responses, including eicosanoid production.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nannan Liu, Yifan Wang, Ting Li, Xuechun Feng
Summary: G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important roles in insect physiology, affecting key processes and participating in the development of insecticide resistance. Studies have shown that GPCR signaling pathways have impacts on various aspects of insect biology, including reproduction, growth, stress responses, feeding, and behavior.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Bernd Jahrsdoerfer, Joris Kroschel, Carolin Ludwig, Victor Max Corman, Tatjana Schwarz, Sixten Koerper, Markus Rojewski, Ramin Lotfi, Christof Weinstock, Christian Drosten, Erhard Seifried, Thomas Stamminger, Hans Juergen Gross, Hubert Schrezenmeier
Summary: This study provides a comparative validation of 4 anti-SARS-CoV-2 platforms, with Euroimmun and Roche platforms showing the highest sensitivities for screening individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Patrick Koenig, Adriana Svrlanska, Clarissa Read, Sabine Feichtinger, Thomas Stamminger
Summary: Autophagy, a catabolic process, plays a significant role in HCMV replication by controlling the release of viral particles. In particular, the autophagy-initiating protein kinase ULK1 and other constituents of the ULK1 complex are upregulated during HCMV infection. Disruption of ULK1 kinase activity impairs viral particle release, suggesting ULK1 as a potential target for antiviral drug development.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Sigrun Haege, Eric Sonntag, Adriana Svrlanska, Eva Maria Borst, Anne-Charlotte Stilp, Deborah Horsch, Regina Mueller, Barbara Kropff, Jens Milbradt, Thomas Stamminger, Ursula Schloetzer-Schrehardt, Manfred Marschall
Summary: Research has shown that pUL50 plays a crucial role in nuclear egress of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), but mutations in phosphorylation sites of pUL50 have minimal impact on the virus's replication capabilities.
Article
Immunology
Niklas M. Fritz, Thomas Stamminger, Martina Ramsperger-Gleixner, Annika Kuckhahn, Regina Mueller, Michael Weyand, Christian Heim
Summary: The study investigates the role of MCMV GPCR M33 in the development of CAV using a murine aortic transplant model. The results suggest that M33 plays an important role as a viral effector mechanism contributing to the development of CAV.
TRANSPLANT IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Eva-Maria Schilling, Myriam Scherer, Franziska Rothemund, Thomas Stamminger
Summary: FEN1 plays a critical role in viral infections, especially in HCMV infection where IE1 can manipulate FEN1 to facilitate viral DNA replication. This discovery may lead to new antiviral therapeutic options to combat HCMV infections.
Article
Oncology
Sandy Haidar Ahmad, Fatima Al Moussawi, Ranim El Baba, Zeina Nehme, Sebastien Pasquereau, Amit Kumar, Chloe Molimard, Franck Monnien, Marie-Paule Algros, Racha Karaky, Thomas Stamminger, Mona Diab Assaf, Georges Herbein
Summary: Research suggests a close link between HCMV and breast tumor development, with the presence of the UL69 gene in CTH cells and tumor biopsies further highlighting the direct role of HCMV in oncogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Isabella Hanka, Thomas Stamminger, Martina Ramsperger-Gleixner, Annika V. Kuckhahn, Regina Mueller, Michael Weyand, Christian Heim
Summary: The study found that CMV infection accelerates chronic airway rejection, while deletion of the chemokine receptor M33 attenuates rejection.
TRANSPLANT IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Myriam Scherer, Clarissa Read, Gregor Neusser, Christine Kranz, Anna K. Kuderna, Regina Mueller, Florian Full, Sonja Woerz, Anna Reichel, Eva-Maria Schilling, Paul Walther, Thomas Stamminger
Summary: PML nuclear bodies undergo rearrangement to form giant cages upon viral infection, trapping viral genomes and capsids, and providing a multilayered defense strategy against viral infections.
Article
Virology
Franziska Rothemund, Myriam Scherer, Eva-Maria Schilling, Johannes Schweininger, Yves A. Muller, Thomas Stamminger
Summary: The study analyzed the functions of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early 1 (IE1) protein and rat CMV IE1 (rIE1) protein, and found that their interactions with cellular proteins PML and FEN1 were species-specific. It was also discovered that both IE1 proteins can antagonize human STAT2, but different regions of the viral proteins were involved in the interaction. Additionally, the study revealed that the binding of PML, FEN1, and STAT2 was conserved between primate and rodent proteins, but rIE1 lacked chromatin tethering function.
Article
Virology
Maja C. Mezger, Carina Conzelmann, Tatjana Weil, Pascal von Maltitz, Dan P. J. Albers, Jan Munch, Thomas Stamminger, Eva-Maria Schilling
Summary: Screening of a protein kinase inhibitor library identified SB431542 as a compound that interferes with SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5). ALK5 inhibition downregulates furin expression induced by TGF-beta and reduces spike-mediated cell-cell fusion, thereby attenuating SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and cell-cell spread. This suggests that ALK5 inhibitors may be a potential therapy option for COVID-19, especially in cases with TGF-beta dominated cytokine storm.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana L. Tomas, Anna Reichel, Patricia M. Silva, Pedro G. Silva, Joao Pinto, Ines Calado, Joana Campos, Ilidio Silva, Vasco Machado, Roberto Laranjeira, Paulo Abreu, Paulo Mendes, Nabiha Ben Sedrine, Nuno C. Santos
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of effective cleaning and disinfection for reducing viral transmission. UV-C-based decontamination technologies have been found to effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on different types of surfaces. However, the effectiveness of UV-C treatment on porous surfaces varies depending on the material composition, suggesting the need for customizable protocols.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gil Correia, Luis Rodrigues, Mariana Afonso, Marta Mota, Joana Oliveira, Rui Soares, Ana Luisa Tomas, Anna Reichel, Patricia M. Silva, Jose J. Costa, Manuel Gameiro da Silva, Nuno C. Santos, Teresa Goncalves
Summary: This study investigated the contamination of indoor environments during the isolation of COVID-19 patients in individual houses and a nursing home. The results confirmed the presence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the indoor compartments of mild symptomatic patients in the absence of aerosol-generating clinical procedures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Una Ebong, Susanne Martina Buettner, Stefan A. Schmidt, Franziska Flack, Patrick Korf, Lynn Peters, Beate Gruener, Steffen Stenger, Thomas Stamminger, Hans Kestler, Meinrad Beer, Christopher Kloth
Summary: This study implemented an AI-based software prototype for the detection of COVID-19 pneumonia and differentiation between other types of pneumonia in lung CT datasets. The software achieved a sensitivity of 80.8% and a specificity of 50% for detecting COVID-19, but the human radiologist achieved a higher specificity of 97.2%.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Schuetz, Regina Mueller, Eileen Socher, Christina Wangen, Florian Full, Emanuel Wyler, Diana Wong, Myriam Scherer, Thomas Stamminger, Sunwen Chou, William D. Rawlinson, Stuart T. Hamilton, Heinrich Sticht, Manfred Marschall
Summary: The complex host interaction network of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) involves the regulatory protein kinase pUL97 and human cyclins. The study found that cyclin H is a crucial determinant of pUL97 kinase activity and viral replication efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sven Seitz, Anna Theresa Heusel, Thomas Stamminger, Myriam Scherer
Summary: PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) play a cell type-specific antiviral role against HCMV infection, with PML and Daxx having contrasting effects at different stages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)