Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kornelius Zeth, Enea Sancho-Vaello
Summary: The human cathelicidin LL-37 is a versatile peptide with antimicrobial activity, playing a crucial role in targeting microorganisms. Recent structural studies have revealed the diversity and adaptability of LL-37 in interacting with lipid-like molecules. Complexes of LL-37 with detergents provide insights into mimicking lipids and inducing oligomerization and fibrillation, opening avenues for designing LL-37-derived peptides with enhanced antibiotic properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Doaa Jbara-Agbaria, Saskia Blondzik, Anke Burger-Kentischer, Majd Agbaria, Mirjam M. Nordling-David, Anna Giterman, Gil Aizik, Steffen Rupp, Gershon Golomb
Summary: This study identified a siRNA that can knock down the gene expression of ICP0, a key protein in HSV infection regulation. The siRNA was encapsulated in liposomes to improve stability and cell permeability. The optimal liposomal siHSV formulation showed desirable physiochemical properties and demonstrated significant antiviral activity.
Article
Microbiology
Gladys Pinilla, Yenifer Tatiana Coronado, Gabriel Chaves, Liliana Munoz, Jeannette Navarrete, Luz Mary Salazar, Carlos Pelleschi Taborda, Julian E. Munoz
Summary: Fungal infections have become a major problem in immunosuppressed or ICU patients, and the resistance of fungi to conventional antifungal treatments is increasing. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of LL-37 analogue peptides against Candida spp. The results suggest that LL37-1 and AC-2 have the best inhibitory effect on Candida strains.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
William F. Porto, Sergio A. Alencar
Summary: Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides, including LL-37, are important host defense peptides with various activities. We investigated the effects of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-driven point mutations on LL-37 structure and activity. Our results suggest that while the mutations had minimal impact on LL-37 activity, some mutations could reduce its antimicrobial activity and alter its structure.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR GRAPHICS & MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Malihe Mirzaee, Edita Holaskova, Alzbeta Micuchova, David J. Kopecny, Zhila Osmani, Ivo Frebort
Summary: This study demonstrates stable inheritance and expression of the LL-37 gene in barley over six generations, including two consecutive seasons of experimental field cultivation. The transgenic plants exhibited normal growth and remained fertile, with the produced LL-37 peptide retaining high antibacterial activity based on bacteria viability tests.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Kylen E. Ridyard, Joerg Overhage
Summary: LL-37 shows promise as an alternative to conventional antibiotics due to its broad spectrum antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties, but faces limitations such as high cost and toxicity to human cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paulina Piller, Heimo Wolinski, Robert A. Cordfunke, Jan Wouter Drijfhout, Sandro Keller, Karl Lohner, Nermina Malanovic
Summary: The development of antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria is crucial in the medical field. This study found that SAAP-148, an antimicrobial peptide, showed higher efficiency in killing bacteria and had stronger effects on membranes at both cellular and molecular levels compared to OP-145.
Article
Infectious Diseases
David A. Perez-Perez, Teresa De J. Villanueva-Ramirez, Adriana E. Hernandez-Pedraza, Nestor G. Casillas-Vega, Patricia Gonzalez-Barranco, Xristo Zarate
Summary: The study introduces a novel approach to producing biologically-active LL-37 peptide by tagging it with SmbP, a carrier protein that enhances production in Escherichia coli. The method allows for rapid expression, purification, and evaluation of LL-37's antimicrobial activity, with promising results against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Javier Sanchez-Pena, Maria de los Angeles Romero-Tlalolini, Honorio Torres-Aguilar, Diego Sait Cruz-Hernandez, Rafael Baltierrez-Hoyos, Sarai Remedios Sanchez-Aparicio, Alba Soledad Aquino-Dominguez, Sergio Roberto Aguilar-Ruiz
Summary: Research has shown that the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 activates the antimicrobial function of human platelets by increasing receptor expression and secreted antimicrobial molecules. It also enhances the binding of platelets to E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans, and inhibits the growth of these microorganisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yingxia Zhang, Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana, Qianhui Wu, Xiangli Dang, Guangshun Wang
Summary: The innate immune system in humans is crucial for protection from infections, with the cathelicidin LL-37 playing a key role. The SK-24 peptide, derived from LL-37, exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against bacterial membranes, potentially making it a valuable therapeutic template for human antimicrobial defense.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luogen Lai, Wanqing Zou, Yan Zhang, Yuanbiao Tu, Simeng Li, Tongxuan Xin, Tianyue Zhou, Shan Xu, Pengwu Zheng, Qingshan Pan, Wufu Zhu
Summary: Bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance have become a global healthcare crisis. In this study, a novel NIR imaging and synergistic antibacterial nano-system is reported for resistance bacterial infection therapy. The nano-system has the ability to monitor the progress of infection treatment and promote wound healing.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Virology
Niloofar Khairkhah, Azam Bolhassani, Farzad Rajaei, Reza Najafipour
Summary: Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 is the most common sexually transmitted virus associated with cervical cancer. In this study, optimal gRNA sequences targeting HPV16 E5, E6, E7, and p97 promoter for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing were designed. The E6 + E7-treated group showed the best treatment efficacy, with a high percentage of cleaved caspase-3 positive cells (45.75%) and a low mitotic index of 2-3. Additionally, the potential of LL-37 peptide to overcome the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery challenge was demonstrated for the first time. Overall, the study suggests that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing is an effective, specific, and nontoxic treatment for pre-existing tumors, and the future of precise gene therapy in cancer patients is very promising.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Gianluca Morroni, Laura Di Sante, Oriana Simonetti, Lucia Brescini, Wojciech Kamysz, Elzbieta Kamysz, Marina Mingoia, Andrea Brenciani, Eleonora Giovanetti, Patrizia Bagnarelli, Andrea Giacometti, Oscar Cirioni
Summary: The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 showed good activity against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains, especially when used in combination with colistin, demonstrating synergistic effects and the ability to reduce biofilm formation. This suggests a new possible clinical application for combating antibiotic resistance.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexander Jackson, Eryn L. Werry, James O'Brien-Brown, Paolo Schiavini, Shane Wilkinson, Erick C. N. Wong, Andre D. J. McKenzie, Alexandra Maximova, Michael Kassiou
Summary: Antagonists of the P2X7 receptor have therapeutic potential for diseases involving neuroinflammation. A recently developed structural hybrid compound showed insights into the interaction of antagonists with the P2X7R. LL-37 was found to enhance the ability of ATP to induce dye uptake.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filomena Battista, Rosario Oliva, Pompea Del Vecchio, Roland Winter, Luigi Petraccone
Summary: LL-III, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, exhibits strong toxicity to bacteria, fungi, and tumors, with low toxicity to eukaryotic cells. Studies have shown that LL-III interacts preferentially with anionic lipids, inducing the formation of lipid domains and increasing membrane permeability in a non-disruptive manner, indicating intracellular targeting mode of action. This peptide also shows interaction with plasmid DNA, suggesting a possible intracellular target.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Letter
Engineering, Biomedical
Jaywant Phopase
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gil Aizik, Nir Waiskopf, Majd Agbaria, Meital Ben-David-Naim, Mirjam M. Nordling-David, Doaa Jbara-Agbaria, Uri Banin, Gershon Golomb
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zbigniev Balion, Emilija Sipailaite, Gabija Stasyte, Agne Vailionyte, Airina Mazetyte-Godiene, Ieva Seskeviciute, Rasa Bernotiene, Jaywant Phopase, Aiste Jekabsone
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ujwala Ail, Jaywant Phopase, Jakob Nilsson, Zia Ullah Khan, Olle Inganas, Magnus Berggren, Xavier Crispin
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Polymer Science
Tobias Abrahamsson, Mikhail Vagin, Maria Seitanidou, Arghyamalya Roy, Jaywant Phopase, Ioannis Petsagkourakis, Nathalie Moro, Klas Tybrandt, Xavier Crispin, Magnus Berggren, Daniel T. Simon
Summary: By comparing a series of membranes based on ionically charged hyperbranched polyglycerol of different polymer sizes, the study investigates the structure-property relationship between polymer size and ionic conductivity. Increasing polymer size was found to lead to higher ionic conductivity and greater electrolyte exclusion, indicating an ion transport phenomenon not solely based on membrane electrolyte uptake. These findings provide valuable insights for the future design and synthesis of improved IEM polymers.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Irene Guzman-Soto, Christopher McTiernan, Mayte Gonzalez-Gomez, Alex Ross, Keshav Gupta, Erik J. Suuronen, Thien-Fah Mah, May Griffith, Emilio Alarcon
Summary: Biofilm formation is linked to infections and antibiotic resistance, making it crucial for the development of antibiofilm treatments. While decades of research have contributed to in vitro and in vivo biofilm models, there is still no universally applicable model available.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyauddin Khan, Ujwala Ail, Fatima Nadia Ajjan, Jaywant Phopase, Nara Kim, Divyaratan Kumar, Zia Ullah Khan, Jakob Nilsson, Olle Inganas, Magnus Berggren, Xavier Crispin
Summary: This article introduces a new type of electrolyte for printed organic batteries. The electrolyte has high ionic conductivity and adjustable viscosity, ensuring high power output for printed batteries, while also being low-cost and environmentally friendly.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Doaa Jbara-Agbaria, Saskia Blondzik, Anke Burger-Kentischer, Majd Agbaria, Mirjam M. Nordling-David, Anna Giterman, Gil Aizik, Steffen Rupp, Gershon Golomb
Summary: This study identified a siRNA that can knock down the gene expression of ICP0, a key protein in HSV infection regulation. The siRNA was encapsulated in liposomes to improve stability and cell permeability. The optimal liposomal siHSV formulation showed desirable physiochemical properties and demonstrated significant antiviral activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shira Hirsch, Liad Hinden, Meital Ben -David Naim, Saja Baraghithy, Anna Permyakova, Shahar Azar, Taher Nasser, Emma Portnoy, Majd Agbaria, Alina Nemirovski, Gershon Golomb, Joseph Tam
Summary: The overactivation of the endocannabinoid/CB1R system is a key feature of obesity and its related diseases. However, the use of drugs to block CB1R has been limited by their adverse effects. In this study, a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system was developed to encapsulate a CB1R antagonist for targeted treatment of obesity-related diseases.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Divyaratan Kumar, Ziyauddin Khan, Ujwala Ail, Jaywant Phopase, Magnus Berggren, Viktor Gueskine, Xavier Crispin
Summary: This study investigates the self-discharge mechanism of lignin-based batteries and the impact of critical chemical and physical parameters on self-discharge. It demonstrates a high-performing organic battery using potassium polyacrylate as the electrolyte, which exhibits good self-discharge behavior across a wide range of pH values.
ADVANCED ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ziyauddin Khan, Ujwala Ail, Fatima Nadia Ajjan, Jaywant Phopase, Zia Ullah Khan, Nara Kim, Jakob Nilsson, Olle Inganas, Magnus Berggren, Xavier Crispin
Summary: In electrochemical energy storage devices, the use of organic electrolytes presents challenges while water-based electrolytes have issues with self-discharge. Highly concentrated polymer electrolytes have been found to solve the self-discharge issue in organic electrolytes.
ADVANCED ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christopher D. McTiernan, Matias Zuniga-Bustos, Roberto Rosales-Rojas, Pablo Barrias, May Griffith, Horacio Poblete, Peter S. Sherin, Ismael Lopez-Duarte, Marina K. Kuimova, Emilio Alarcon
Summary: Our study suggests that incorporating a positive charge on the hydrophobic tail of the BODIPY molecular rotor enhances its specificity as a reporter for viscosity of collagen-like peptide solutions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zohra Khatoon, Irene Guzman-Soto, Christopher D. McTiernan, Caitlin Lazurko, Fiona Simpson, Li Zhang, David Cortes, Thien-Fah Mah, May Griffith, Emilio Alarcon
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Canyan Che, Mikhail Vagin, Ujwala Ail, Viktor Gueskine, Jaywant Phopase, Robert Brooke, Roger Gabrielsson, Magnus P. Jonsson, Wing Cheung Mak, Magnus Berggren, Xavier Crispin
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Etty Grad, Dikla Gutman, Mordechai Golomb, Roi Efraim, Amit Oppenheim, Ilan Richter, Haim D. Danenberg, Gershon Golomb
REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2019)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyuan Shi, Yong Hu, Xin Li
Summary: Controlled drug delivery systems that can respond to mechanical force offer a unique solution for on-demand drug activation and release. Among various mechanical stimuli, ultrasound (US) has advantages in achieving spatiotemporally controlled drug release. Traditional US-triggered drug release relies on heat-induced phase transitions or chemical transformations, while the cutting-edge approach of Sonopharmacology leverages polymer mechanochemistry. The remaining challenges and potential future directions in this field are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijie Zheng, Yuanzheng Chen, Xun Gu, Yingying Li, Hanqing Zhao, Wenjun Shao, Tao Ma, Chuanbin Wu, Qingqing Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel dosage form consisting of dissolving microneedles and an adhesive transdermal patch was developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of drugs delivered by this dosage form effectively reduced joint inflammation and damage.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyungjik Yang, Hwa Seung Han, Seung Hwan An, Kyung Hoon Park, Keonwook Nam, Shinha Hwang, Yuyeon Lee, Sung Yeon Cho, Taehyung Kim, Deokyeong Choe, Sang Won Kim, Wonkyu Yu, Hyunah Lee, Jiyong Park, Sangguan You, Dong- Gyu Jo, Ki Young Choi, Young Hoon Roh, Jae Hyung Park
Summary: This study developed CP-loaded CS microcapsules to enhance the oral bioavailability of CP through controlled gastrointestinal delivery. The optimized microcapsules exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, showed anti-photoaging effects via antioxidant activity, and achieved controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract. This research provides a simple and economical approach for enhancing the oral bioavailability of CP for customized bioactive compound administration.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huiyang Li, Shuo Liu, Wenjin Dai, Bingmei Yao, Yong Zhou, Sujia Si, Hairong Yu, Riguang Zhao, Fang Jin, Liqun Jiang
Summary: Changes in bodily fluid pressures are crucial in diseases like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Researchers have developed hydrostatic pressure-sensitive multivesicular liposomes (PSMVLs) that can release drugs in response to pressure changes, with potential applications in HAPE treatment. Animal experiments showed that this system provides better protection for lung tissues and respiratory function, reducing the occurrence of pulmonary edema.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Hu, Hongbing Lan, Yinmei Tian, Xiaonan Li, Mengmeng Wang, Jiao Zhang, Yulin Yu, Wei Chen, Li Kong, Yuanyuan Guo, Zhiping Zhang
Summary: Coacervate droplets formed through liquid-liquid phase separation have potential as delivery vesicles for therapeutics. However, their lack of physiological stability and membranes are challenges. In this study, polylysine-polynucleotide complex coacervate droplets with favorable stability were formulated to concentrate molecules and nanoparticles. Phospholipid membranes were further coated on the droplets to create coacervate-based artificial protocells (ArtPC) with membrane-like structures. These biofunctional ArtPC effectively reduced blood uric acid levels and prevented renal injuries.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaowei Wang, Hongwei Lu, Fang Luo, Dan Wang, Apeng Wang, Xuelei Wang, Wenkai Feng, Xiaobo Wang, Jiayi Su, Mingliang Liu, Guimin Xia
Summary: Four novel lipid-like GEM diesters were synthesized and encapsulated into liposomes to improve the antitumor efficacy of Gemcitabine. The liposomes loaded with dimyristoyl GEM (LipodmGEM) showed enhanced cellular uptake, improved inhibition of cell migration, and a greatly extended half-life compared to free Gemcitabine. LipodmGEM successfully enriched the drug in the tumor and exhibited excellent anticancer efficacy in vivo with negligible systemic toxicity.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengyu Li, Jieyi Pan, Yating Dong, Yingying Sun, Yalong Wang, Kang Liao, Yili Chen, Xin Deng, Shihui Yu, Haiyan Hu
Summary: Chronic pulmonary infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious public health problem with high mortality rates. In this study, infection-microenvironment responsive nanoparticles were developed to eradicate biofilms and inhibit virulence. These nanoparticles showed promising results in treating chronic pulmonary infections.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yajing Sun, Ze Lu, John A. Taylor, Jessie L. S. Au
Summary: A recent development in cancer chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxics to induce tumor-specific immune response through immunogenic cell death (ICD). This study describes a method that utilizes immunostaining and machine-learning to identify cells with ecto-CRT in intact 3-dimensional tissues. The method was successfully applied to study drug-induced ICD in human bladder cancer.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafat Ali, Shantanu Sen, Rohil Hameed, Aamir Nazir, Sandeep Verma
Summary: This review provides a focused overview of emerging strategies for delivering gasotransmitters in a controlled and sustained manner to reestablish neurophysiological homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Chen, Xinyi Zhang, Jinshen Zhang, Zhaoxia Wang, Guilan Zhu, Ming Geng, Jinmiao Zhu, Yajun Chen, Wei Wang, Youcui Xu
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional responsive hydrogel system was developed for synergistic reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal therapy. The hydrogel system showed both therapeutic effects against metastatic breast cancer and wound infection, making it a promising strategy for treating and preventing tumor recurrence and associated wound infection.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baoshan Huang, Na Zhang, Xinying Qiu, Rui Zeng, Shuimiao Wang, Mengxia Hua, Qing Li, Kaihui Nan, Sen Lin
Summary: This study revealed that robust ROS can oxidize mitochondrial DNA (ox-mtDNA) and cause its release into the cytosol, resulting in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. By using the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 and a novel mitochondria-targeted nanoparticle (SkQ1 NP), it was found that mitochondrial ROS scavenging could in situ inhibit DED-induced mtDNA oxidation and suppress NLRP3-mediated inflammation.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenqi Liu, Cheng Hu, Linyu Long, Shuyi He, Wen Zhang, Zhicun Wang, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, and current treatment methods have limitations. This study developed a smart carrier that can release different therapeutic substances for different pathological processes, effectively improving cardiac function, promoting cardiac repair, and preventing ventricular remodeling.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2024)