Article
Cell Biology
Sherif A. Eldirany, Ivan B. Lomakin, Minh Ho, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: Intermediate filaments are essential players in cellular processes, with their structural and biochemical properties playing crucial roles in filament assembly mechanisms and interactions with binding partners. Recent advances in understanding IF structure from studies on keratins, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and lamin have revealed new insights into assembly mechanisms, structural elements, and functional domains, enhancing our understanding of the connection between IF structure, pathogenic mutations, and clinical diseases in humans.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Pieter-Jan Vermeire, Giel Stalmans, Anastasia Lilina, Jan Fiala, Petr Novak, Harald Herrmann, Sergei Strelkov
Summary: IFs play a crucial role in normal cell physiology and are linked to numerous diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding their molecular structure. While progress has been made in studying the IF structure, many mysteries and challenges remain. In addition to X-ray crystallography, chemical cross-linking and cryoelectron microscopy are expected to lead to major advancements in the field in the near future.
Review
Cell Biology
Anne-Betty Ndiaye, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Michal Shemesh
Summary: The mammalian cytoskeleton plays an important role in transmitting external forces to the cell interior and generating intracellular forces. The three interpenetrating structural proteins, actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, have interdependent functions and the intermediate filaments play a central role in mechanosensitivity. Cytoskeletal crosstalk regulates the stability and organization of all three filament families at different scales, and also affects cell adaptation to external cues.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Raji R. Nair, Joshua Hsu, Justin T. Jacob, Christopher M. Pineda, Ryan P. Hobbs, Pierre A. Coulombe
Summary: The high levels of the intermediate filament protein keratin 17 (K17) are associated with poor prognoses for several human carcinomas. Lack of K17 delays onset of tumorigenesis in mouse models and K17 impacts chromatin architecture, gene expression, and cell proliferation in the nucleus of tumor keratinocytes. The presence of nuclear-localized K17 is required for early stages of DNA damage and repair cascade, affecting cell survival and leading to poor clinical outcomes in human carcinomas.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yamin Liang, Lu Li, Yanmei Chen, Shulei Zhang, Zhaozhi Li, Jinyan Xiao, Dangheng Wei
Summary: The cytoskeleton, mainly composed of intermediate filaments, actin, and microtubules, regulates the mechanical properties of cells. Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, has both mechanical and nonmechanical functions in atherosclerosis progression.
DNA AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biology
Pierre A. Coulombe
Summary: Mapping intermediate filaments in three dimensions reveals variations in their organization across different cell types.
Article
Biophysics
Ayana Yamagishi, Mei Mizusawa, Koki Uchida, Masumi Iijima, Shun'ichi Kuroda, Kyoko Fukazawa, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Chikashi Nakamura
Summary: This study developed a mechanical detection method using nanoneedles to measure protein-protein interactions in living cells and discovered the interaction between IF vimentin and transcription-related proteins.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David A. D. Parry, David J. Winter
Summary: The analysis of 28 KIF chains from the genome of the European common wall lizard revealed differences compared to the green anole lizard and tuatara, but significant similarities also exist, particularly in key amino acid residues. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the assembly mechanism and structural characteristics of intermediate filaments.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shimaa M. Abou-Zeid, Amany I. Ahmed, Ashraf Awad, Wafaa A. Mohammed, Mohamed M. M. Metwally, Rafa Almeer, Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim, Samah R. Khalil
Summary: The study demonstrates that ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera protects against Tilmicosin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Irene Lois-Bermejo, Patricia Gonzalez-Jimenez, Sofia Duarte, Maria A. Pajares, Dolores Perez-Sala
Summary: The tail segments of vimentin protein show differential accessibility at distinct subcellular locations. The 411-423 segment is accessible in all areas, while the 419-438 segment is less recognized in perinuclear regions and lipoxidative stress-induced bundles. These different arrangements may be interconverted by posttranslational modifications.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Catherine J. Redmond, Pierre A. Coulombe
Summary: Intermediate filaments are a diverse group of proteins that play important roles in lineage determination, cell differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Evidence suggests that these filaments function as sensors and transducers of mechanical forces, interacting with cellular redox balance, microenvironmental cues, and fundamental processes.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Laura Olariu, Brindusa Georgiana Dumitriu, Carmen Gaidau, Maria Stanca, Luiza Mariana Tanase, Manuela Diana Ene, Ioana-Rodica Stanculescu, Cristina Tablet
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the molecular factors responsible for skin homeostasis restoration induced by low molecular weight keratin hydrolysates. The results showed that the hydrolysates increased the expression of α1 and α2 subunits, which promoted tight binding between cells and collagen/laminin 1, stimulated epidermal cell turnover, and inhibited VCAM over-expression under inflammatory conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tzu-Lun Huang, Chia-Ching Chou
Summary: This study used molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the effects of keratin-related mutations on the molecular-level structure and mechanical properties. The results showed that the mutations led to differences in microstructures and mechanical properties at higher-level assemblies. These differences may impact keratin assembly at the macroscopic scale and contribute to disease development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David A. D. Parry, David J. Winter
Summary: The keratin intermediate filament chains in tuatara are similar to a-keratins in human and other vertebrates, especially in the central rod region. However, there are significant differences in amino acid composition and sequence between their head and tail domains. Additionally, there is evidence of sequence duplication events in tuatara, but high-sulphur proteins in tuatara have lower cysteine residue contents compared to humans. The presence of cysteine-rich beta-keratins in tuatara, which are absent in mammals, further distinguishes the two species.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Letter
Veterinary Sciences
E. Jane Kelly, Annette Roug, Steve Gray, Thomas J. Baldwin
Summary: A rare case of peritoneal mesothelioma was identified in an American black bear during necropsy in central Utah, US.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Ayman Grada, James Q. Del Rosso, Emmy Graber, Christopher G. Bunick, Linda Stein Gold, Angela Y. Moore, Hilary Baldwin, Zaidal Obagi, Giovanni Damiani, Timothy Carrothers, Brian McNamee, Eva Hanze
Summary: The study investigated the impact of food intake on the absorption and clinical efficacy of sarecycline, a new oral narrow-spectrum third-generation tetracycline-class antibiotic approved for acne vulgaris treatment. Co-administration with high-fat food was found to decrease exposure by 21.7%, but had limited impact on clinical efficacy, allowing for weight-based dosing and flexibility in administration.
DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mahmoud A. Ghannoum, Lisa Long, Christopher G. Bunick, James Q. Del Rosso, Ahmed Gamal, Stephen K. Tyring, Thomas S. McCormick, Ayman Grada
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of sarecycline on gut microbiota and found that it had reduced antimicrobial activity compared to minocycline against a wide range of microorganisms. This suggests that sarecycline is less disruptive to gut microbiota.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ayman Grada, Mahmoud A. Ghannoum, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of oral sarecycline against cutaneous staphylococcal infections, eyelid stye, and mucous membrane pemphigoid and found that sarecycline is a viable option for clinicians to practice improved antibiotic stewardship. Our findings demonstrate the superiority of sarecycline over broad-spectrum tetracyclines in treating staphylococcal skin infections and inflammatory skin diseases.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Madisen A. Swallow, Ryan Fan, Jeffrey M. Cohen, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: Almost 1 billion people worldwide have acne, and oral tetracyclines are commonly prescribed for treatment. However, concerns about antibiotic resistance and side effects have arisen. Sarecycline, a narrow-spectrum tetracycline approved in 2018, shows promise in reducing resistance risk by targeting the pathogenic bacterium in acne vulgaris.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Annika Belzer, Emma Weiss, Farshid Etaee, Christopher G. Bunick, William Damsky, Caroline A. Nelson
Summary: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative bacillus that can cause skin and soft tissue infections, as well as severe bacteremia, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. While historically prevalent in immunocompromised individuals, the incidence of S. maltophilia infections is on the rise in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations. It is crucial for dermatologists to be aware of this organism due to limited treatment options.
Review
Dermatology
Stefano G. Daniele, Sa Rang Kim, Ayman Grada, Angela Y. Moore, Kathleen C. Suozzi, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder that affects not only the face but also other parts of the body. However, there is limited research specifically focusing on truncal acne, with treatment guidelines mainly derived from facial acne protocols. This article provides a clinically focused review on the epidemiology, evaluation, and available treatment options for truncal acne, aiming to highlight knowledge gaps and encourage further investigation into its management.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Dermatology
Simon F. Roy, Joseph Sarhan, Xinran Liu, Michael J. Murphy, Christopher G. Bunick, Keith A. Choate, William B. Damsky, Jennifer M. McNiff
Summary: We report two cases of cutaneous mpox virus infection with unusual clinical findings and demonstrate their histopathological, RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and ultrastructural characteristics. Squamous syringometaplasia of the eccrine ducts was observed in two patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed mpox virus infection, which can aid in recognizing the disease by demonstrating viral mRNA within eccrine epithelium by ISH.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Dedee F. Murrell, Joyce M. C. Teng, Scott Guenthner, Kalyani Marathe, Steven Kempers, Kimmie Eads, Leslie Castelo-Soccio, Alan M. Mendelsohn, Jessica Raiz, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: This analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel topical isotretinoin ointment, TMB-001, in different subtypes of congenital ichthyosis. The results showed that regardless of the subtype, TMB-001 demonstrated greater improvement in symptoms compared to vehicle.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Christopher G. Bunick, Joyce M. C. Teng, Scott Guenthner, Kalyani Marathe, Steven Kempers, Kimmie Eads, Leslie Castelo-Soccio, Alan M. Mendelsohn, Jessica Raiz, Dedee F. Murrell
Summary: This study analyzed the characteristics of participants who responded to treatment with TMB-001, a novel topical isotretinoin ointment formulation, in the CONTROL study. Baseline demographics did not affect treatment success, but higher baseline Dermatology Life Quality Index and Itch-Numeric Rating Scale scores were associated with success. Lower body surface area involvement was also linked to treatment success.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan B. Lomakin, Swapnil C. Devarkar, Shivali Patel, Ayman Grada, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease that negatively affects the physical and mental health of approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Through cryogenic electron microscopy, we discovered that sarecycline, an antibiotic against Cutibacterium acnes, can inhibit two active sites on the ribosome of this bacterium, unlike the previously detected one site on a model ribosome. The structure also revealed unique features of the ribosomal RNA and proteins in Cutibacterium acnes.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jungsoo Chang, Michael R. Nock, Jeffrey M. Cohen, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: A higher proportion of dermatology visits among adult females are for acne compared to adult males. Tetracycline-class antibiotics remain the most prescribed therapy for adult females of all age groups, despite potentially different pathogenesis of adult acne. Further studies comparing the effectiveness of therapies specifically for adult female acne are needed.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Faraz Yousefian, Roksana Hesari, Taylor Jensen, Sabine Obagi, Ala Rgeai, Giovanni Damiani, Christopher G. Bunick, Ayman Grada
Summary: Wound management is a significant challenge in clinical practice, and antimicrobial dressings have emerged as a promising approach to control bioburden and promote wound healing. The selection of suitable dressings depends on factors such as cost, wound type, and local microbial burden.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Minh Ho, Brian Thompson, Jeffrey Nicholas Fisk, Daniel W. Nebert, Elspeth A. Bruford, Vasilis Vasiliou, Christopher G. Bunick
Summary: Intermediate filament (IntFil) genes provide mechanical support for plasma membranes and have undergone rapid expansions in land animal genomes, likely due to the requirements for novel proteins during the sea-to-land transition. Tissue-specific expression patterns of keratin genes were revealed using data from the GTEx project. The ClinVar database contains disease-causing variants in different domains of keratin proteins.
