Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Wang, Trevor Douglas
Summary: Protein assemblies with cage-like structures are widely found in Nature, providing inspiration and templates for biomimetic design and bioengineering. PNC architectures play an important role in therapeutic protein delivery, potentially improving delivery efficiency and protein protection.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher M. Richards, Sabrina Jabs, Wenjie Qiao, Lauren D. Varanese, Michaela Schweizer, Peter R. Mosen, Nicholas M. Riley, Malte Klussendorf, James R. Zengel, Ryan A. Flynn, Arjun Rustagi, John C. Widen, Christine E. Peters, Yaw Shin Ooi, Xuping Xie, Pei-Yong Shi, Ralf Bartenschlager, Andreas S. Puschnik, Matthew Bogyo, Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Catherine A. Blish, Dominic Winter, Claude M. Nagamine, Thomas Braulke, Jan E. Carette
Summary: LYSET is a critical factor in the M6P trafficking machinery of cells, and mutations in LYSET can explain the phenotype of the associated disorder.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hezhi Wang, Lu Qin, Xin Zhang, Jian Guan, Shirui Mao
Summary: With the rapid development of biopharmaceuticals and the outbreak of COVID-19, there is a growing interest in the development of gene therapy. Gene therapy relies on specific vectors for stable and efficient gene delivery. While viral vectors have been widely used, there is a concern regarding their safety. Non-viral vectors based on nanotechnology have gained attention, but they still need improvement in terms of transfection efficiency and tissue targeting. Pulmonary gene delivery is particularly advantageous for treating lung diseases and enhancing vaccine efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanocarriers as non-viral vectors for pulmonary gene delivery, discussing the characteristics of therapeutic genes, the advantages and challenges of pulmonary gene delivery, the inhalation dosage forms for nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, and the materials used as nanocarriers.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mark Damen, Mario A. Izidoro, Debora N. Okamoto, Lilian C. G. Oliveira, Helene I. Amatdjais-Groenen, Koen W. R. van Cleef, Ronald P. van Rij, Cindy E. J. Dieteren, Daniel Girones, Bernd N. M. van Buuren, Byron E. E. Martina, Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus, Luiz Juliano, Bob J. Scholte, Martin C. Feiters
Summary: This study reports the activity of lysine-based geminoid compounds against dengue virus infection by inhibiting proteases involved in viral replication. These compounds showed efficacy against both dengue virus protease and human furin protease, and also exhibited inhibitory effects on the replication of wildtype dengue virus. These findings could be promising for the development of antiviral therapeutics, not limited to dengue.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Victoria A. Guarino, Adam Blau, Jack Alvarenga, Joseph Loscalzo, Ying-Yi Zhang
Summary: A stable form of XDSCS NPs has been developed, which can rapidly and efficiently incorporate heparin-binding proteins while maintaining their full biological activity in vivo. XDSCS NPs exhibit high stability in physiological salt solutions and have potential for therapeutic delivery of heparin-binding proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Sally Ryan, Kim Shortall, Michele Dully, Ahmed Djehedar, David Murray, James Butler, John Neilan, Tewfik Soulimane, Sarah P. Hudson
Summary: The challenges in biotherapeutic development lie in the complexities of protein delivery, including degradation rate, low permeation through biological barriers, pH and temperature sensitivity. Formulation strategies combining proteins with lipid carriers can improve bioavailability, while long-acting injectable delivery systems can enhance therapeutic effects.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Caroline M. Li, Pouya Haratipour, Robert G. Lingeman, J. Jefferson P. Perry, Long Gu, Robert J. Hickey, Linda H. Malkas
Summary: Peptides are increasingly being used as therapeutics for various diseases, including cancer, due to their target specificity and low toxicity. They can induce cell death through multiple mechanisms, but face challenges such as degradation by proteases and poor absorption. Recent strategies have been developed to overcome these obstacles and improve peptide delivery and bioavailability for cancer treatment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Asma Ghaemi, Masoume Vakili-Azghandi, Khalil Abnous, Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi, Mohammad Ramezani, Mona Alibolandi
Summary: Gene therapy has the potential to prevent or treat various genetic or acquired diseases by regulating gene and protein expression. Effective delivery systems are needed to ensure successful gene therapy, and oral delivery approaches show promise in treating diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This review provides an update on the development of oral gene delivery techniques for gene therapy and vaccination purposes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aibobek Seitak, Aya Shanti, Kenana Al Adem, Nouran Farid, Shaohong Luo, Javad Iskandarov, Georgios N. Karanikolos, Kin Liao, Vincent Chan, Sungmun Lee
Summary: MXenes are a new class of 2D nanomaterials with unique properties, and their potential for biomedical applications has been explored in this study. The researchers developed a drug delivery system using MXene and found that it had good biocompatibility and controlled release capabilities for therapeutic proteins.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara Musicco, Anna Signorile, Vito Pesce, Paola Loguercio Polosa, Antonella Cormio
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in cancer, as they are involved in various metabolic pathways and their dysfunction is linked to cancer development. Alterations in mitochondrial homeostasis, including biogenesis, dynamics, and redox balance, have been observed in cancer cells. Drugs that target mitochondrial destabilization may offer a promising therapeutic approach for tumors that heavily rely on mitochondrial respiration. This review provides an overview of the mitochondrial features and metabolic pathways that are altered in cancer cells, as well as the potential drugs and strategies that induce mitochondrial damage for effective cancer therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rupesh Jain, Sunil Kumar Dubey, Gautam Singhvi
Summary: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. While surgery is the main treatment, targeted combination therapies may be necessary in some cases. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is associated with BCC tumorigenesis and targeting it has potential therapeutic benefits. FDA-approved Hedgehog inhibitors show limited effectiveness against resistant tumors, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the pathway's mechanisms.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ahmet Bekdemir, Eden E. L. Tanner, Jesse Kirkpatrick, Ava P. Soleimany, Samir Mitragotri, Sangeeta N. Bhatia
Summary: This study proposes the use of ionic liquids as a skin transport facilitator to deliver thrombin-sensitive nanosensors for prolonged monitoring of pulmonary embolism. The results demonstrate significant transdermal diffusion of the nanosensors using co-formulation with choline and geranic acid ionic liquids, providing sustained release into the blood for 72 hours. The nanosensors release reporter molecules into the urine in response to activation of the clotting cascade and retain diagnostic power for 24 hours in an acute pulmonary embolism mouse model.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Hao Zhou, Michelle Mohlenberg, Jigarji C. Thakor, Hardeep Singh Tuli, Pengfei Wang, Yehuda G. Assaraf, Kuldeep Dhama, Shibo Jiang
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 virus is continuously evolving and mutating, with the emergence of the highly mutated and transmissible Omicron variant. This variant evades protection from vaccines and antibody-based therapies, but is sensitive to certain antiviral drugs. Understanding the virology and immune mechanisms of the Omicron variant is crucial for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jessica Sook Yuin Ho, Zeyu Zhu, Ivan Marazzi
Summary: Viruses have evolved unique strategies for gene expression by altering conventional gene-protein production line steps with dedicated viral enzymes or host factors. Targeting these unique enzymatic activities and host factors can expose vulnerabilities of a virus, providing a paradigm for novel antiviral therapies. Understanding the mechanisms of unconventional gene and protein expression in viruses could guide translational efforts aimed at viral eradication.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dharma Rao Tompa, Aruldoss Immanuel, Srimari Srikanth, Saraboji Kadhirvel
Summary: Infections caused by microscopic viruses can lead to chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS, flu, etc. Developing new and superior antiviral drugs is crucial, but the drugs can be toxic to human cells and viruses can develop resistance. Combination drugs targeting viral replication are common, but innovative strategies are needed to combat emerging viruses like Ebola and coronaviruses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valeria Gomes Oliveira Falcao, Diego de Carvalho Carneiro, Solange Andrade Pereira, Magnus Regios Dias da Silva, Antonio Alfa Cande, Suzana Telles da Cunha Lima
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Valdir G. Neto, Rhaissa R. Barbosa, Maria G. A. Carosio, Antonio G. Ferreira, Luzimar G. Fernandez, Renato D. de Castro, Wilco Ligterink, Henk Hilhorst, Paulo R. Ribeiro
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Cimille G. C. Antunes, Renato D. de Castro, Valdir G. Neto, Alexandre C. S. S. Marques, Daniele Takahashi, Luzimar G. Fernandez, Claudineia R. P. Cruz, Peter Toorop, Saulo A. Aflitos, Henk W. M. Hilhorst, Wilco Ligterink
Summary: Osmopriming of seeds can enhance seed vigor and promote faster germination and field emergence. Differential gene expression was observed in P. pyramidalis seeds upon priming, with potential markers identified for water stress tolerance. These findings may contribute to improving seed vigor and stress resilience in plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caroline de S. Farias, Martins Dias de Cerqueira, Pio Colepicolo, Leonardo Zambotti-Villela, Luzimar G. Fernandez, Paulo R. Ribeiro
Summary: This study assessed the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of A. cochliacarpos extracts, finding that ethyl acetate extracts had higher antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Utilizing metabolite profiling and chemometrics, the research successfully differentiated the chemical composition of extracts based on extraction solvent and botanical part used, providing insights for drug discovery and development programs.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Diego C. Carneiro, Jessica D. Sousa, Joana P. Monteiro-Cunha
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant social and economic disruptions, prompting a global effort to develop effective vaccines. Designing and developing vaccines involves multiple stages, including selecting appropriate platforms, conducting clinical trials, and scaling up production. The world is facing various challenges in combating the pandemic, requiring collaborative efforts to overcome them.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Marcos Vinicius Silva de Andrade, Renato Delmondez de Castro, Diego da Silva Cunha, Valdir Gomes Neto, Maria Gabriela Aparecida Carosio, Antonio Gilberto Ferreira, Lourdes Cardoso de Souza-Neta, Luzimar Gonzaga Fernandez, Paulo Roberto Ribeiro
Summary: Research demonstrates that Stevia rebaudiana's response to light conditions affects the accumulation of antioxidant-like metabolites in its leaves, possibly linked to total phenolic content. Variations in SOD activity among plants under different photoperiods suggest a synergistic interaction between SOD isoforms and phenolic compounds to mitigate oxidative stress caused by light exposure.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Valdir G. Neto, Renato D. de Castro, Bianca L. S. Lima, Camilo J. B. Vieira, Neucastle L. Rosario, Luzimar G. Fernandez, Eva Goudsmit, Wilco Ligterink, Henk W. M. Hilhorst, Paulo R. Ribeiro
Summary: The NF-YB gene family in R. communis has a similar or lower number of genes compared to other plants, regulated by temperature and germination stage with high expression levels in dry seeds and early imbibition. Ectopic expression of RcNF-YB8 affects flowering time, plant growth, and seed production in Arabidopsis.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lua Reis, Marilena Raciti, Patricia Gonzalez Rodriguez, Bertrand Joseph, Ibrahim Al Rayyes, Per Uhlen, Anna Falk, Suzana Telles da Cunha Lima, Sandra Ceccatelli
Summary: This study evaluated the long-term effects of subcytotoxic concentrations of GBH and GLY on the differentiation of human neuroepithelial stem cells (NES). It was found that GBH induced abnormal cellular differentiation, including immature neuronal profiles and a shift towards glial cell fate. These effects were associated with dysregulation of key genes involved in neurogenesis.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diego de Carvalho Carneiro, Lila Teixeira de Araujo, Girlaine Cafe Santos, Patricia Kauanna Fonseca Damasceno, Jaqueline Leite Vieira, Ricardo Ribeiro dos Santos, Josiane Dantas Viana Barbosa, Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a joint disease characterized by cartilage deterioration. Intra-articular injections of mesenchymal stem cells have shown promising results in animal models and humans. However, further clinical trials are needed to support the efficacy and safety of this approach in the regeneration of articular cartilage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Vivian Marina Gomes Barbosa Lage, Camila Dias Santana, Epaminondas Patrocinio, Rejane Peixoto Noronha, Ricardo Lopes de Melo, Cristiane de Jesus Barbosa, Suzana Telles da Cunha Lima
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of nosemosis and its agents, N. apis and N. ceranae, in honeybees in the state of Bahia, Brazil. PCR analysis revealed a wide presence of N. ceranae in bee samples from all six regions evaluated.
Article
Biology
Cintia Jesus Almeida, Diego de Carvalho Carneiro, Emerson Andrade Sales, Suzana Telles da Cunha Lima
BRAZILIAN ARCHIVES OF BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danilo Batista, Patricia Campos, Valdenizia R. Silva, Luciano de S. Santos, Daniel P. Bezerra, Milena B. P. Soares, Pio Colepicolo, Leonardo Zambotti-Villela, Ernani Pintos, Floricea M. Araujo, Dirceu Martins, Luzimar G. Fernandez, Wilco Ligterink, Gisele A. B. Canuto, Martins Dias de Cerqueira, Paulo R. Ribeiro