Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linh Nguyen, Kelli A. McCord, Duong T. Bui, Kim M. Bouwman, Elena N. Kitova, Mohamed Elaish, Dhanraj Kumawat, Gour C. Daskhan, Ilhan Tomris, Ling Han, Pradeep Chopra, Tzu-Jing Yang, Steven D. Willows, Andrew L. Mason, Lara K. Mahal, Todd L. Lowary, Lori J. West, Shang-Te Danny Hsu, Tom Hobman, Stephen M. Tompkins, Geert-Jan Boons, Robert P. de Vries, Matthew S. Macauley, John S. Klassen
Summary: Evidence suggests that host glycans, specifically glycolipids containing sialic acid, play a role in facilitating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus into host cells by binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. Depletion of cell surface sialic acid levels through various methods decreases RBD binding and infection of the virus, indicating the importance of sialylated glycans in viral entry.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haiyi Chen, Yu Kang, Mojie Duan, Tingjun Hou
Summary: The study revealed that the presence of heparan sulfate is crucial for the binding between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and host ACE2, while the stability of the T470-F490 loop and hydrophobic interactions play key roles in the binding process.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ferdyansyah Sechan, Marloes Grobben, Arthur W. D. Edridge, Maarten F. Jebbink, Katherine Loens, Margareta Ieven, Herman Goossens, Susan van Hemert-Glaubitz, Marit J. van Gils, Lia van der Hoek
Summary: This study investigated the antibody dynamics during PCR-confirmed HCoV-HKU1 infections and found that HCoV-HKU1-infected individuals displayed atypical antibody dynamics and milder symptoms compared to other endemic HCoVs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sang Hoon Kim, Fiona L. Kearns, Mia A. Rosenfeld, Lorenzo Casalino, Micah J. Papanikolas, Carlos Simmerling, Rommie E. Amaro, Ronit Freeman
Summary: GlycoGrip is a lateral flow assay developed based on the role of cell-surface glycoproteins as coreceptors for pathogens, allowing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. By utilizing glycopolymers and antibody-gold nanoparticle conjugates, it achieves sensitive and rapid virus detection. Through computational optimization, the test strips have been fine-tuned to selectively detect the virus in biofluids.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fredrik Noborn, Jonas Nilsson, Goran Larson
Summary: Proteoglycans are carbohydrate-modified proteins present in metazoan organisms. Their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains play important functional roles, but the detailed understanding of their structure and function is limited. Mass-spectrometric analysis provides site-specific information on proteoglycans and reveals their structural complexity. Combining functional assays with mass-spectrometric techniques can expand our understanding of proteoglycan function.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sang Hoon Kim, Fiona L. Kearns, Mia A. Rosenfeld, Lane Votapka, Lorenzo Casalino, Micah Papanikolas, Rommie E. Amaro, Ronit Freeman
Summary: We investigated the impact of an evolving spike positive charge in SARS-CoV-2 variants on interactions with heparan sulfate and ACE2. The Omicron variant showed enhanced binding to the glycocalyx and stronger interactions with heparan sulfate compared to the Delta variant. This discovery enables the development of a second-generation lateral flow test strip that can detect all variants, including Omicron, by utilizing heparin and ACE2.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Cassandra J. Field, Alexis M. Perez, Taryn Samet, Victoria Ricles, M. Kathryn Iovine, Linda J. Lowe-Krentz
Summary: Tmem184a plays a critical role in the proper formation of blood vessels in zebrafish embryos. It acts synergistically with Vegfr2b to modulate angiogenesis and affects endothelial cell proliferation and VE-cadherin expression.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Linda M. Hiebert
Summary: Diabetes is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and the role of proteoglycans, particularly heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), in its pathogenesis has recently gained attention. HSPGs play crucial roles in various physiological processes, and their modification in diabetes can lead to complications in different tissues and organs. Understanding the role of HSPGs in diabetes may help develop new treatments and preventive measures for this condition.
SEMINARS IN THROMBOSIS AND HEMOSTASIS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Toshihiro Inubushi, Nag Priyanka, Masakatsu Watanabe, Yusuke Takahashi, Shinnosuke Kusano, Hiroshi Kurosaka, Silvana Papagerakis, Petros Papagerakis, Mikako Hayashi, Takashi Yamashiro
Summary: This study demonstrates that the chlorinated oxidant MA-T can enhance dentinogenesis by modifying HSPG and activating Wnt signaling. The treatment decreases sulfation of HSPG, upregulates the expression of dentin-related genes, and promotes dentin formation in developing teeth.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Virginia Fuochi, Giuseppe Floresta, Rosalia Emma, Vincenzo Patamia, Massimo Caruso, Chiara Zagni, Federica Ronchi, Celestino Ronchi, Filippo Drago, Antonio Rescifina, Pio Maria Furneri
Summary: It is known that the spike protein of human coronaviruses can bind to a secondary receptor to facilitate the virus entry. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory activity of heparan sulfate and enoxaparin sodium on viral strains HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43. In vitro experiments and molecular docking simulations confirmed the interactions at the interface of the spike proteins.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria De Pasquale, Miriam Shasa Quiccione, Simona Tafuri, Luigi Avallone, Luigi Michele Pavone
Summary: Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a group of glycoproteins with diverse structures, capable of interacting with various ligands to regulate cellular processes; they also assist many viruses in invading host cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anett Hudak, Matthew Roach, David Pusztai, Aladar Pettko-Szandtner, Annamaria Letoha, Laszlo Szilak, Mimoun Azzouz, Tamas Letoha
Summary: AAV vectors are safe and efficient gene delivery tools, with AAV9 being capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier for gene transduction in the central nervous system. However, recent studies have revealed limitations in AAV9-mediated gene delivery. This study identified syndecan-4 as a significant contributor to AAV9's cellular internalization, highlighting its role in enhancing gene transduction. By understanding the molecular mechanisms involved, this research provides insights to improve AAV9-based gene therapy approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Kaori Oshima, Samantha King, Sarah A. McMurtry, Eric P. Schmidt
Summary: The importance of endothelial glycocalyx and its in vivo manifestation, the endothelial surface layer, in vascular homeostasis is increasingly recognized. During sepsis, shedding of endothelial HSPGs through sheddases like heparanase and matrix metalloproteinases can lead to vascular dysfunction. Degradation of glycocalyx releases HSPG fragments into circulation, shaping the systemic consequences of sepsis.
SEMINARS IN THROMBOSIS AND HEMOSTASIS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fatemah O. F. O. Alshammari, Yousef M. Al-Saraireh, Ahmed M. M. Youssef, Yahya M. Al-Sarayra, Hamzeh Mohammad Alrawashdeh
Summary: The study found intense glypican-1 expression in all breast cancer histopathological subtypes, with a significant difference in expression compared to normal breast tissue. Additionally, a higher expression of glypican-1 was observed in advanced grade and larger tumor size breast cancer patients, but showed no obvious relationship with other biomarkers.
ONCOTARGETS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Wenwen Xiao, Wen Huang, Chaoqun Chen, Xunlei Wang, Shusen Liao, Sijin Xia, Puxian Fang, Shaobo Xiao, Liurong Fang
Summary: Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a newly emerged swine enteropathogenic coronavirus with wide tissue tropism and cross-species transmission potential. This study confirms that Heparan sulfate (HS) functions as an attachment receptor for PDCoV infection, independent of amino peptidase N (APN), a functional PDCoV receptor. Molecular docking suggests that the S1 subunit of the PDCoV spike protein is the potential region for HS binding. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of PDCoV-host interactions.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lukasz Rabalski, Maciej Kosinski, Natalia Mazur-Panasiuk, Boguslaw Szewczyk, Krystyna Bienkowska-Szewczyk, Ravi Kant, Tarja Sironen, Krzysztof Pyrc, Maciej Grzybek
Summary: This study analyzed the possible zoonotic spill-over of SARS-CoV-2 and reported the transmission of mink-adapted SARS-CoV-2 from farmed mink to humans for at least 3 months.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pawel Botwina, Magdalena Obloza, Maria Zatorska-Plachta, Kamil Kaminski, Masanobu Mizusaki, Shin-Ichi Yusa, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Krzysztof Pyrc, Maria Nowakowska
Summary: A series of polymers were synthesized and evaluated for their antiviral activity against Zika virus. The results showed that copolymers were more efficient antivirals compared to homopolymers, possibly due to their self-organization into nanoparticles that prevented virus attachment to host cells. Therefore, these copolymers could be promising agents against Zika virus infections.
Article
Virology
Elzbieta Lachert, Joanna Lasocka, Artur Bielawski, Ewa Sulkowska, Katarzyna Guz, Krzysztof Pyrc, Agnieszka Dabrowska, Agata Wawryniuk-Malmon, Magdalena Letowska, Krzysztof Tomasiewicz, Piotr Grabarczyk
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the intermediates and final product of hIHGG anti-SARS-CoV-2 production and determine its stability. The results showed that the hIHGG anti-SARS-CoV-2 was stable, with a significant increase in neutralizing antibody concentration compared to the source plasma pool.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Monika Janik, Tomasz Gabler, Marcin Koba, Miroslawa Panasiuk, Yanina Dashkevich, Tomasz Lega, Agnieszka Dabrowska, Antonina Naskalska, Sabina Zoledowska, Dawid Nidzworski, Krzysztof Pyrc, Beata Gromadzka, Mateusz Smietana
Summary: Accurate and fast detection of viruses is crucial, and numerous sensing systems have been studied. In addition to performance, the availability of specific biorecognition elements for new etiological agents is a challenge. This work introduces a real-time, highly miniaturized sensing solution for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pawel Botwina, Magdalena Obloza, Piotr Bonarek, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Krzysztof Pyrc, Maria Nowakowska
Summary: A series of PEG-b-PSSNa copolymers were synthesized and tested for their antiviral activity against ZIKV. The copolymers effectively inhibited ZIKV replication in mammalian cells at nontoxic concentrations. Mechanistic analysis showed that the copolymers interacted with viral particles in a zipper-like manner, hindering their interaction with cells. The antiviral activity was dependent on the length of the PSSNa block, indicating the biological activity of the ionic blocks.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Krzysztof Jasik, Anna Kleczka, Sandra Filipowska
Summary: This study investigated the effects of transplacental transmission of Babesia microti on the spleen and kidneys of rats. The results showed that congenital babesiosis can damage these organs and impair their functioning. Therefore, mandatory screening tests should be introduced for carriers of pathogenic species of Babesia, especially in young women, blood donors, and people exposed to tick bites for occupational reasons.The study demonstrated the negative effects of B. microti on cells and tissues in rats with congenital babesiosis.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lukasz Suprewicz, Artur Szczepanski, Marzena Lenart, Ewelina Piktel, Krzysztof Fiedoruk, Emilia Barreto-Duran, Anna Kula-Pacurar, Paul B. Savage, Aleksandra Milewska, Robert Bucki, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact worldwide, and although vaccines and treatments are available, there is still a need for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. This study proposes the use of synthetic molecules called ceragenins, which mimic the properties of antimicrobial peptides, as potential antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The mechanism of action involves the stimulation of antiviral cytokines, suggesting a novel immunomodulatory strategy for the current pandemic and future outbreaks.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Aleksandra Synowiec, Agnieszka Dabrowska, Magdalena Pachota, Meriem Baouche, Katarzyna Owczarek, Wojciech Nizanski, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) is a common virus in cats, causing respiratory diseases and ocular lesions. The available vaccine is not able to prevent infection or limit virus shedding. This study examined the entry mechanisms of FHV-1 into host cells and found that it enters via endocytosis.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Przemyslaw Wozniak, Anna Kleczka, Krzysztof Jasik, Agata Kabala-Dzik, Radoslaw Dzik, Jerzy Stojko
Summary: Prostate cancer, a common cancer in older men, is expected to increase in incidence in the future. Compounds derived from natural products, such as flavonoids from propolis, have been used in the prevention and treatment of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties of selected flavonoids on LNCaP prostate cancer cells.
Article
Virology
Laurensius Kevin Lie, Aleksandra Synowiec, Jedrzej Mazur, Lukasz Rabalski, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: The lack of suitable in vitro culture model has hindered research on wild-type human coronaviruses. In this study, a stable A549 cell line was developed that is permissive to HCoV-229E virus, providing a platform for further studies on HCoV-229E infectiology.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomasz Goryczka, Tomasz Szponder, Karolina Dudek, Tadeusz Wierzchon, Jaroslaw Paluch, Krzysztof Jasik, Ryszard Wiaderkiewicz
Summary: Modifying the surface of NiTi alloys used for medical implants is necessary to prevent corrosion. In this study, the surface of staples used for joining fractured bone was modified by applying a titanium oxy-nitrogen layer and a hydroxyapatite coating. The surface-modified clamps were tested in vivo using rabbits and showed successful bone fragment connection without negative impact on the living organism after 12 weeks.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Agnieszka Dabrowska, Pawel Botwina, Emilia Barreto-Duran, Agata Kubisiak, Magdalena Obloza, Aleksandra Synowiec, Artur Szczepanski, Marta Targosz-Korecka, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Maria Nowakowska, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: This study proposes a method of using polymers to combat broad-spectrum viral infections. By modulating the nano-mechanical properties of cells, these polymers can interfere with viral replication and reduce infection. The effectiveness of this method was validated through experimental results, and it was found that the process is reversible.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Napolitano, Agnieszka Dabrowska, Kenji Schorpp, Andre Mourao, Emilia Barreto-Duran, Malgorzata Benedyk, Pawel Botwina, Stefanie Brandner, Mark Bostock, Yuliya Chykunova, Anna Czarna, Grzegorz Dubin, Tony Froehlich, Michael Hoelscher, Malwina Jedrysik, Alex Matsuda, Katarzyna Owczarek, Magdalena Pachota, Oliver Plettenburg, Jan Potempa, Ina Rothenaigner, Florian Schlauderer, Klaudia Slysz, Artur Szczepanski, Kristin Greve-Isdahl Mohn, Bjorn Blomberg, Michael Sattler, Kamyar Hadian, Grzegorz Maria Popowicz, Krzysztof Pyrc
Summary: Acriflavine has been identified as a potent inhibitor of viral replication in SARS-CoV-2 and other betacoronaviruses, with potential for immediate use in clinical trials and future outbreaks.
CELL CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Artur P. Biela, Antonina Naskalska, Farzad Fatehi, Reidun Twarock, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Virus-like particles (VLPs) have potential for drug delivery systems and vaccine development, but controlling their size and morphology is challenging. In this study, amino acid sequences were inserted into MS2 bacteriophage VLPs to control their size and shape. The resulting VLP size and geometry can be controlled by altering the length and type of the insert.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2022)