Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra Torres, Estel Solsona-Vilarrasa, Susana Nunez, Nuria Matias, Naroa Insausti-Urkia, Fernanda Castro, Mireia Casasempere, Gemma Fabrias, Josefina Casas, Carlos Enrich, Jose C. Fernandez-Checa, Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
Summary: NPC disease is characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in lysosomes, as well as an increase of mitochondrial cholesterol levels, leading to impaired mitochondrial function and GSH depletion. The study reveals a functional relationship between ACDase and STARD1 in NPC disease, and shows a cholesterol-dependent inverse relationship between the two proteins. Targeting the accumulation of cholesterol in mitochondria through manipulating ACDase and STARD1 provides a novel approach to treating NPC disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martijn J. C. van der Lienden, Jan Aten, Andre R. A. Marques, Ingeborg S. E. Waas, Per W. B. Larsen, Nike Claessen, Nicole N. van der Wel, Roelof Ottenhoff, Marco van Eijk, Johannes M. F. G. Aerts
Summary: Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is caused by impaired cholesterol efflux from lysosomes, and deficiency in lysosomal proteins like NPC1 may lead to abnormal levels of GCase and GBA2, as well as markers of lipid-stressed macrophages in the liver. The overexpression of LIMP2 in hepatocytes of NPC1(-/-) liver suggests a potential role in cholesterol export and protection of hepatocytes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ting-Ting Chu, Xintao Tu, Kun Yang, Jianjun Wu, Joyce J. Repa, Nan Yan
Summary: This study identifies a cGAS- and cGAMP-independent mode of STING activation that affects neuropathology and provides a therapeutic target for the treatment of Niemann-Pick disease type C.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Renshuai Zhang, Wenjing Liu, Jun Zeng, Jingsen Meng, Hongfei Jiang, Jie Wang, Dongming Xing
Summary: Cholesterol is a critical component of cell membranes, but elevated serum cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease. Understanding and developing NPC1L1 inhibitors, which can decrease cholesterol absorption, is an important research direction that presents both challenges and exciting therapeutic opportunities.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dominika Sitarska, Anna Tylki-Szymanska, Agnieszka Lugowska
Summary: Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a genetically determined neurodegenerative metabolic disease caused by impaired cholesterol transport. Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression, with the only registered drug being Miglustat.
METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Graciela Arguello, Elisa Balboa, Pablo J. Tapia, Juan Castro, Maria Jose Yanez, Pamela Mattar, Rodrigo Pulgar, Silvana Zanlungo
Summary: Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPCD) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by abnormal cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes. Activation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) by genistein can correct pathological phenotypes in NPC models by improving lysosomal function and autophagic flux. These results suggest that genistein-mediated TFEB activation could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating NPCD and other LSDs with neurological compromise.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Wei-Chia Tseng, Ana J. Johnson Escauriza, Chon-Hwa Tsai-Morris, Benjamin Feldman, Ryan K. Dale, Christopher A. Wassif, Forbes D. Porter
Summary: NPC is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative lysosomal disease caused by mutations in NPC1 or NPC2, resulting in the accumulation of cholesterol and other lipids in the lysosome and reduction in cellular cholesterol bioavailability.
Article
Biology
Jacinda Chen, Amaury Cazenave-Gassiot, Yimeng Xu, Paola Piroli, Robert Hwang Jr, Laura DeFreitas, Robin Barry Chan, Gilbert Di Paolo, Renu Nandakumar, Markus R. Wenk, Catherine Marquer
Summary: This study identifies lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) as the enzyme responsible for converting phosphatidylglycerol (PG) into lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG) in the BMP biosynthetic pathway. Modulating LPLA2 levels affects cholesterol levels and late endosome/lysosome morphology.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Eugen Mengel, Marc C. Patterson, Michael Chladek, Christina Guldberg, Christine I. Dali, Tara Symonds, Lucy Lloyd-Price, Toni Mathieson, Joslyn Crowe, Claire Burbridge
Summary: Ambulation, swallowing, speech, fine motor skills, and cognition are important manifestations of NPC, impacting patients' and caregivers' daily lives significantly. NPC affects a wide range of activities of daily living, with implications for social isolation, loss of enjoyment in activities for patients, and feelings of sadness or worry for caregivers.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yusei Yamada, Madoka Fukaura-Nishizawa, Asami Nishiyama, Akira Ishii, Tatsuya Kawata, Aina Shirakawa, Mayuko Tanaka, Yuki Kondo, Toru Takeo, Naomi Nakagata, Toru Miwa, Hiroki Takeda, Yorihisa Orita, Keiichi Motoyama, Taishi Higashi, Hidetoshi Arima, Takahiro Seki, Yuki Kurauchi, Hiroshi Katsuki, Katsumi Higaki, Kentaro Minami, Naoki Yoshikawa, Ryuji Ikeda, Muneaki Matsuo, Tetsumi Irie, Yoichi Ishitsuka
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between the formation of cyclodextrin (CD) and unesterified cholesterol (UC) complexes and their therapeutic effectiveness. The findings suggest that the solubility and molecular mechanisms of CD influence the formation and complexation capability of these complexes. The ability of CD derivatives to form 1:1 and 2:1 complexes is correlated with their therapeutic efficacy and toxicity, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing the molecular structure of CDs to overcome current treatment dilemmas.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Yusei Yamada, Madoka Fukaura-Nishizawa, Asami Nishiyama, Akira Ishii, Tatsuya Kawata, Aina Shirakawa, Mayuko Tanaka, Yuki Kondo, Toru Takeo, Naomi Nakagata, Toru Miwa, Hiroki Takeda, Yorihisa Orita, Keiichi Motoyama, Taishi Higashi, Hidetoshi Arima, Takahiro Seki, Yuki Kurauchi, Hiroshi Katsuki, Katsumi Higaki, Kentaro Minami, Naoki Yoshikawa, Ryuji Ikeda, Muneaki Matsuo, Tetsumi Irie, Yoichi Ishitsuka
Summary: This study found that cyclodextrins can be used to treat Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC), but concerns about ototoxicity exist. By optimizing the molecular structure of cyclodextrins, this study suggests a way to overcome this dilemma.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jun Zeng, Wenjing Liu, Bing Liang, Lingyu Shi, Shanbo Yang, Jingsen Meng, Jing Chang, Xiaokun Hu, Renshuai Zhang, Dongming Xing
Summary: This study found that isoliquiritigenin (ISL) can lower cholesterol levels by downregulating NPC1L1 expression and competitively inhibiting cellular cholesterol uptake. This provides a theoretical basis for further investigating the molecular mechanisms of its cholesterol-lowering effect and inspires new drug research for cholesterol-lowering purposes through NPC1L1 inhibition.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Insung Kang, Je Min Yoo, Donghoon Kim, Juhee Kim, Myung Keun Cho, Seung-Eun Lee, Dong Jin Kim, Byung-Chul Lee, Jin Young Lee, Jae-Jun Kim, Nari Shin, Soon Won Choi, Young-Ho Lee, Han Seok Ko, Seokmin Shin, Byung Hee Hong, Kyung-Sun Kang
Summary: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) show promise as a potential therapeutic agent for Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) by reducing cholesterol aggregation in lysosomes, promoting autophagy, and inhibiting Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum. Their ability to alleviate impaired functions in NPC highlights the potential of GQDs for treating NPC and related disorders.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Marcos Morales-Tenorio, Tiziana Ginex, Miguel Angel Cuesta-Geijo, Nuria E. Campillo, Cesar Munoz-Fontela, Covadonga Alonso, Rafael Delgado, Carmen Gil
Summary: The Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) receptor plays a crucial role in regulating intracellular cholesterol trafficking and facilitating the entry of Ebola virus into host cells. Disruption of the NPC1/EBOV-GP interaction could be a promising strategy for developing drugs to inhibit viral entry and infection, although further research is needed to understand the molecular and structural details of this interaction.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
L. Lopez de Frutos, J. J. Cebolla, I. de Castro-Oros, P. Irun, P. Giraldo
Summary: The study evaluated the incidence of Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) in infants with neonatal cholestasis and suspicion of lysosomal storage disease (LSD), finding 29.4% of patients with NPC. The results emphasize the necessity to study NPC when neonatal cholestasis and visceral enlargement occur in newborns or infants.
CLINICS AND RESEARCH IN HEPATOLOGY AND GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Transplantation
Alberto Ortiz, Francesco Mattace-Raso, Maria Jose Soler, Denis Fouque
NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Laurence Bessueille, Lynn Kawtharany, Thibaut Quillard, Claudia Goettsch, Anne Briolay, Nirina Taraconat, Stephane Balayssac, Veronique Gilard, Saida Mebarek, Olivier Peyruchaud, Francois Duboeuf, Caroline Bouillot, Anthony Pinkerton, Laura Mechtouff, Rene Buchet, Eva Hamade, Kazem Zibara, Caroline Fonta, Emmanuelle Canet-soulas, Jose luis Millan, David Magne
Summary: This study found that the activation of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) precedes and predicts calcification in atherosclerotic plaques, and TNAP inhibition prevents plaque calcification and protects arteries from atherosclerosis. The study also discovered that TNAP inhibition reduces blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and ameliorates plaque calcification, thereby protecting arteries.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Noel Peretti, Alexandre Vimont, Emmanuel Mas, Jean Ferrieres, Patrick Tounian, Julie Lemale, Franck Boccara, Mathilde Di Filippo, Sybil Charriere, Philippe Moulin, Pierre Poinsot, Yves Cottin, Pierre-Henri Ducluzeau, Caroline Dourmap, Bertrand Cariou, Michel Farnier, Francois Paillard, Alain Pradignac, Cecile Yelnik, Antonio Gallo, Eric Bruckert, Sophie Beliard
Summary: Childhood and parental factors, including genetic diagnosis and parental vascular disease, are associated with the initiation of statin therapy in children with HeFH. Genetic diagnosis may be useful for cardiovascular prevention in children.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Letter
Anesthesiology
Jean-Luc Fellahi, Remi Schweizer, Martin Ruste, Matthias Jacquet-Lagreze
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin Connock, Peter Auguste, Jean-Francois Obadia, Lazaros Andronis, Xavier Armoiry
Summary: When updated clinical trial data becomes available, reassessing the cost-effectiveness of technologies may modify estimates and influence decision-making. In this study, the impact of updated trial outcomes on the cost-effectiveness of percutaneous mitral repair (PR) for secondary mitral regurgitation was investigated. The updated trial data showed an increase in mortality in the intervention arm between two and three years follow-up, leading to a higher incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared to previous estimates.
Article
Anesthesiology
Claire Louyot, Philippe Portran, Remi Schweizer, Jean -Charles Glerant, Sophie Thivolet, Oceane Brassart, Nathan Mewton, Matthias Jacquet-Lagreze, Jean-Luc Fellahi
Summary: The study aimed to create a French version of the DASI questionnaire and assess its diagnostic performance in predicting functional capacity. The results showed a significant positive relationship between FDASI and VO2max. A FDASI score of 36 can be used as a reliable threshold to identify patients with a VO2max < 14 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) and can replace the self-reported inability to climb two flights of stairs.
ANAESTHESIA CRITICAL CARE & PAIN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Charles R. Lefevre, Francois Labarthe, Diane Dufour, Caroline Moreau, Marie Faoucher, Paul Rollier, Jean-Baptiste Arnoux, Marine Tardieu, Lena Damaj, Claude Bendavid, Anne-Frederique Dessein, Cecile Acquaviva-Bourdain, David Cheillan
Summary: Primary Carnitine Deficiency (PCD) will be included in the expansion of the French newborn screening program in 2023. Screening for PCD is complex and has a wide clinical spectrum. Some countries struggle with high false positive rates and have even removed PCD from their screening programs. To understand the risks and benefits, we reviewed the literature and identified hurdles and current practices in PCD newborn screening worldwide. In addition, we address the optimized screening algorithm for the implementation of PCD screening in France.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEONATAL SCREENING
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Louis-Marie Galerneau, Sebastien Bailly, Nicolas Terzi, Stephane Ruckly, Maite Garrouste-Orgeas, Yves Cohen, Vivien Hong Tuan Ha, Marc Gainnier, Shidasp Siami, Claire Dupuis, Michael Darmon, Jean-Marie Forel, Guillaume Rigault, Christophe Adrie, Dany Goldgran-Toledano, Virginie Laurent, Etienne de Montmollin, Laurent Argaud, Jean Reignier, Jean-Louis Pepin, Jean-Francois Timsit
Summary: The management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has changed over the past 20 years, with a decrease in the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics, and an increase in the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). This has led to a decrease in ICU length of stay and mortality rates.
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Narasimha Anaganti, Atrayee Chattopadhyay, Mathilde Di Filippo, M. Mahmood Hussain
Summary: This review provides an overview of new developments in gene editing technology, particularly in using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to study lipoprotein assembly and secretion.
CURRENT ATHEROSCLEROSIS REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Matthias Jacquet-Lagreze, Faustine Bredeche, Claire Louyot, Matteo Pozzi, Daniel Grinberg, Michele Flagiello, Philippe Portran, Martin Ruste, Remi Schweizer, Jean-Luc Fellahi
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the impact of central arterial pressure monitoring versus radial arterial pressure monitoring on norepinephrine requirements during cardiac surgery. Through an observational prospective cohort study, the authors found that central arterial pressure monitoring was associated with lower norepinephrine use, shorter ICU stay, and decreased adverse events.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR ANESTHESIA
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Laurent Jacquin, Marion Battault, Nathan Mewton, Adrien Mantout, Cyrille Bergerot, Karim Tazarourte, Marion Douplat
Summary: The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes and associated factors in patients admitted to emergency departments with oxygen supply/demand imbalance, without considering troponin results or restrictive criteria for type 2 myocardial infarction. A retrospective cohort of 824 patients was analyzed, and in-hospital mortality, 3-year mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events were reported as outcomes. The results showed that acute myocardial injury and type 2 myocardial infarction were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality, but did not have higher long-term mortality or major cardiovascular events after discharge.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Matthias Jacquet-Lagreze, Zakaria Riad, Philippe Portran, Delphine Chesnel, Remi Schweizer, Arnaud Ferarris, Louis Jacquemet, Martin Ruste, Jean-Luc Fellahi
Summary: This study investigated the hemodynamic effects of awake prone positioning in non-ventilated subjects with COVID-19 acute respiratory failure. The results showed a significant increase in cardiac index and improvement in right ventricular systolic function during prone positioning, with no significant difference in PaO2/FIO2 and breathing frequency.
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Bertrand Scheppler, Salim A. Si-Mohamed, Simon Leboube, Fadi Farhat, Thomas Bochaton
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Diana Santos-Ribeiro, Marylene Lecocq, Michele de Beukelaer, Caroline Bouzin, Mihaly Palmai-Pallag, Yousef Yakoub, Francois Huaux, Sandrine Horman, Frederic Perros, Charles Pilette, Laurent Godinas
Summary: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disorder of the pulmonary circulation that often occurs with other respiratory diseases, and it may lead to right ventricular failure. This study validated an animal model of combined pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and PH, and examined its effects on lung and vascular remodeling as well as right ventricular structure and function. The results showed successful replication of the human disease features in this rat model.
PULMONARY CIRCULATION
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Damien Contou, Gaetan Beduneau, Charlotte Rabault, Romain Sonneville, Antoine Marchalot, Remi Coudroy, Damien Roux, Martin Cour, Julien Massol, Sebastien Preau, Nicolas de Prost
Summary: This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of skin biopsy in adult patients with meningococcal purpura fulminans. The results showed that skin biopsy combined with conventional culture and meningococcal PCR had a global sensitivity of 88%, and should be considered even after the initiation of antimicrobial treatment.
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.