Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Venus, Kaba Tandjigora, Eckhard Jankowsky
Summary: The protein K7 from vaccinia virus is shown to inhibit the biochemical activities and cellular functions of DDX3X by binding to its N-terminus, restraining its association with stress granules.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paul T. Winnard, Farhad Vesuna, Venu Raman
Summary: DDX3X, a multifunctional protein utilized by various viruses, plays a crucial role in viral metabolism. Modulating the functions of DDX3 during viral infections could effectively suppress viral production and have a significant impact on safely and efficiently subduing a broad spectrum of viral infections.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Nan Zhang, Yueyang Liu, Xiaoyu Shi, Yuchen Zhang, Wenying Li, Yumeng Yang, Limin Chen, Yanxia Yin, Li Tong, Jingyu Yang, Jing Luo
Summary: This study determined the affinity between calcineurin and peptides using fluorescent labeling and two conserved motifs, showing that MST and FP assays are fast and accurate in determining protein-peptide interactions. Results laid the foundation for future screening of molecules affecting the binding between calcineurin and its substrates.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anthony F. T. Moore, Aliana Lopez de Victoria, Eda Koculi
Summary: The N-terminal of DDX3X modulates the choice of DDX3X-RNA substrates, while the C-terminal truncated DDX3X has a more stringent nucleotide specificity than wild-type DDX3X.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huan Liu, Dexi Liu
Summary: In this study, a novel SARS-CoV-2 viral vector was developed, allowing for investigation by the broader scientific community. The vector transduces target cells in an ACE2-dependent manner, and the incorporation of the VEEV self-amplification mechanism increases gene expression level and extends transgene expression time. Furthermore, the vector has significant applications in neutralizing antibody quantification and antiviral drug testing.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Liuxing Qin, Tingting Rao, Xiangmin Li, Huanchun Chen, Ping Qian
Summary: This study identified DnaJA2 as a crucial host factor in JEV infection and suggested it as a potential target for antiviral therapies against JEV.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Urna Kansakar, Jessica Gambardella, Fahimeh Varzideh, Roberta Avvisato, Stanislovas S. Jankauskas, Pasquale Mone, Alessandro Matarese, Gaetano Santulli
Summary: The study identifies miR-142 as a regulator of TIM-1 and suggests its therapeutic potential in targeting cerebrovascular disorders and systemic complications of coronavirus and other viral infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Steev Loyola, Alfredo Huaman, Dina Popuche, Elizabeth Castillo, Julia S. Ampuero, Maria Silva, Carolina Guevara, Douglas M. Watts
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of MAC-ELISA and PRNT for diagnosing ZIKV infection in dengue-endemic areas, with both assays showing high sensitivity and specificity. Restricting the analysis according to neutralizing antibodies against dengue or IgM antibodies, the performances of both serological assays were adequate.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Seon Jin Lee, Jeong Min Kim, Ha Rim Keum, Sang Won Kim, Hee Sun Baek, Jun Chul Byun, Yu Kyung Kim, Saeyoon Kim, Jae Min Lee
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the incidence of encephalitis and viral infections in all age groups from 2015 to 2019. The results showed that respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), coronavirus (HCoV), influenza virus (IFV), and norovirus tended to precede encephalitis by 1 month. Further research is needed to confirm the association between these viruses and encephalitis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Annalaura Brai, Claudia Immacolata Trivisani, Federica Poggialini, Claudia Pasqualini, Chiara Vagaggini, Elena Dreassi
Summary: Globalization, global warming, and population aging have contributed to the spread of emerging viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for new broad-spectrum antiviral agents. DDX3X helicase has been identified as a host factor required for viral replication and can be targeted as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chonticha Saisawang, Onrapak Reamtong, Isara Nachampa, Patchareebhorn Petcharat, Suphansa Priewkhiew, Somsri Sakdee, Jantana Wongsantichon, Albert J. Ketterman
Summary: This study found that glutathionylation decreases the guanylyltransferase activity of NS5 protein and modifies conserved cysteine residues in three flavivirus NS5 proteins. Glutathionylation induces conformational changes that affect enzyme activity and may act as a switch for host cell protein interactions in later stages of viral propagation.
PROTEIN AND PEPTIDE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akash Kumar, Preeti Hooda, Anindita Puri, Radhika Khatter, Mohammed S. Al-Dosari, Neha Sinha, Mohammad K. Parvez, Deepak Sehgal
Summary: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is a RNA virus that requires modulation of specific enzymes for infection prevention. Methotrexate and compound A have been found to inhibit the activity of HEV helicase, thereby inhibiting HEV RNA replication.
JOURNAL OF ENZYME INHIBITION AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Darren L. Gemmill, Corey R. Nelson, Maulik D. Badmalia, Higor S. Pereira, Liam Kerr, Michael T. Wolfinger, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection remains a global concern, with no effective treatment or vaccine available. This study identified a specific RNA sequence, G-quadruplexes (G4s), in the Zika virus RNA structure that is conserved across all isolates and plays a crucial role in viral replication. The study also found that certain human proteins have a helicase activity that unfolds the G4 structure in the Zika virus RNA. These findings open up possibilities for developing novel Zika virus therapies targeting the G4 region in the 3' terminal region.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ghada Tafesh-Edwards, Ananda Kalukin, Ioannis Eleftherianos
Summary: This study investigates the metabolic changes caused by Zika virus infection using a fruit fly model. The researchers find that Zika virus infection alters glucose and glycogen metabolism and reduces food intake in fruit flies. Insulin and RNA interference (RNAi) immunity play important roles in Zika virus infection. Female fruit flies are more susceptible to infection compared to males, suggesting possible sex differences in infection rates and disease development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrii Slonchak, Xiaohui Wang, Julio Aguado, Julian D. J. Sng, Harman Chaggar, Morgan E. Freney, Kexin Yan, Francisco J. Torres, Alberto A. Amarilla, Rickyle Balea, Yin Xiang Setoh, Nias Peng, Daniel Watterson, Ernst Wolvetang, Andreas Suhrbier, Alexander A. Khromykh
Summary: sfRNA plays an important role in the transmission of Zika virus, facilitating the virus to pass through the placenta and infect the fetal brain. It also induces apoptosis of neural progenitor cells in human brain organoids. In infected human placental cells, sfRNA inhibits multiple antiviral pathways and promotes apoptosis, with STAT1 identified as a key factor. Phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 are reduced due to sfRNA binding to and stabilizing viral protein NS5.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rodrigo Aguilar, Kerrie B. Spencer, Barry Kesner, Noreen F. Rizvi, Maulik D. Badmalia, Tyler Mrozowich, Jonathan D. Mortison, Carlos Rivera, Graham F. Smith, Julja Burchard, Peter J. Dandliker, Trushar R. Patel, Elliott B. Nickbarg, Jeannie T. Lee
Summary: More and more diseases are now being attributed to non-coding RNA, which could be systematically targeted by drug-like compounds to disrupt RNA structure and epigenetic function.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Scott Tersteeg, Tyler Mrozowich, Amy Henrickson, Borries Demeler, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: This study demonstrates that iPPase can be produced in large quantities and high quality using a reasonably generic laboratory facility, and laboratory-purified iPPase is as effective as commercially available iPPase. Our work provides a robust protocol for efficiently producing active iPPase, significantly reducing the financial strain of large-scale RNA production.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael H. D'Souza, Tyler Mrozowich, Maulik D. Badmalia, Mitchell Geeraert, Angela Frederickson, Amy Henrickson, Borries Demeler, Michael T. Wolfinger, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: This study investigated the structure of human LincRNA-p21 using various techniques, determining its low-resolution three-dimensional structure and calculating high-resolution models. The study presents a new approach for understanding the structure of long noncoding RNAs.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Virology
Higor Sette Pereira, Darren L. Gemmill, M. Quadir Siddiqui, Gunjan Vasudeva, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a DNA virus endemic in West and Central Africa. Recent outbreaks in non-endemic nations have raised concerns, and the availability of effective treatment options is limited. In this study, the authors explored the potential of G-quadruplexes as therapeutic targets. They identified conserved putative quadruplex-forming sequences in MPXV isolates and demonstrated their formation using spectroscopy and scattering techniques. The authors also found that specific G4-binding partners and a small molecule called TMPyP4 interacted with MPXV G-quadruplexes and reduced the expression of MPXV proteins. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tyler Mrozowich, Sean M. Park, Maria Waldl, Amy Henrickson, Scott Tersteeg, Corey R. Nelson, Anneke De Klerk, Borries Demeler, Ivo L. Hofacker, Michael T. Wolfinger, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: This study computationally predicts and biophysically validates the long-range RNA-RNA genomic interaction of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The primary driver of this interaction is identified as the conserved cyclization sequence. The research provides a new approach to study viral and human long-non-coding RNA-RNA interactions and determine their binding affinities, which is crucial for designing potential therapeutics.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Darren L. Gemmill, Corey R. Nelson, Maulik D. Badmalia, Higor S. Pereira, Liam Kerr, Michael T. Wolfinger, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection remains a global concern, with no effective treatment or vaccine available. This study identified a specific RNA sequence, G-quadruplexes (G4s), in the Zika virus RNA structure that is conserved across all isolates and plays a crucial role in viral replication. The study also found that certain human proteins have a helicase activity that unfolds the G4 structure in the Zika virus RNA. These findings open up possibilities for developing novel Zika virus therapies targeting the G4 region in the 3' terminal region.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biophysics
Borries Demeler, Robert Gilbert, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: The 25th International Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) Workshops and Symposium took place in Lethbridge, Canada in July 2022. With 104 attendees, the event showcased the latest advances in AUC and its applications in various disciplines. In addition to AUC, complementary methods such as isothermal titration calorimetry, light scattering, and cryo-electron microscopy were also discussed.
EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL WITH BIOPHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Darren L. Gemmill, Higor S. Pereira, Maulik D. Badmalia, Corey R. Nelson, Michael T. Wolfinger, Trushar R. Patel
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalie Krahn, Jingji Zhang, Sergey Melnikov, Jeffery M. Tharp, Alessandra Villa, Armaan Patel, Rebecca J. Howard, Haben Gabir, Trushar R. Patel, Jorg Stetefeld, Joseph Puglisi, Dieter Soll
Summary: Protein translation is achieved through tRNA aminoacylation and ribosomal elongation. This study explores the tRNA identity elements for a Delta pylSn tRNA(Pyl) and identifies five key elements necessary for MaPylRS activity.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Tyler Mrozowich, Sean M. Park, Michael T. Wolfinger, Trushar R. Patel
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Maulik Badmalia, Vanessa Meier-Stephenson, Gerardo Balderas Figueroa, Simmone D'Souza, Carla Coffin, Trushar R. Patel
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Sean M. Park, Tyler Mrozowich, Michael T. Wolfinger, Trushar R. Patel
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)