Article
Energy & Fuels
Serena Fiorito, Lucia Palumbo, Francesco Epifano, Daniele Fraternale, Chiara Collevecchio, Salvatore Genovese
Summary: This study found that supplementation with ferulic acid promoted the biosynthesis of umbelliferone and its farnesyloxy derivative umbrelliprenin in cultured calli of Ferulago campestris. Additionally, a novel metabolite from F. campestris was characterized.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana L. Rodrigues, Daniela Gomes, Ligia R. Rodrigues
Summary: Coumarins and furanocoumarins are plant secondary metabolites with known biological activities. While a biosynthetic pathway for coumarins has been successfully constructed in E. coli, the production of furanocoumarins remains challenging. Expressing enzymes for furanocoumarin biosynthesis in E. coli has not been successful, suggesting that alternative microbial enzymes may be needed for this pathway.
Article
Cell Biology
Paula Wroblewska-Luczka, Agnieszka Goralczyk, Jarogniew J. Luszczki
Summary: This study evaluates the anticancer potential of daphnetin and its combinations with five different cytostatic drugs for metastatic or drug-resistant melanoma. Results show that daphnetin exhibits anticancer activity against melanoma and demonstrates synergistic effects when combined with mitoxantrone and docetaxel, while antagonistic effects are observed when combined with vemurafenib and epirubicin.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
D. N. Olennikov
Summary: A chromatographic separation of constituents from the roots and fruit of Peucedanum morisonii Besser (Apiaceae) resulted in the isolation of 30 compounds, including four new coumarins. Two of these compounds showed inhibitory activity against cholinesterase, beta-secretase 1, and monoamine oxidase.
CHEMISTRY OF NATURAL COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfred Ngenge Tamfu, Selcuk Kucukaydin, Balakyz Yeskaliyeva, Mehmet Ozturk, Rodica Mihaela Dinica
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a severe neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 25 million people globally, with the main challenge being the development of new drugs for long-term treatment or prevention. Natural sources provide promising alternatives for this, with potential phytoconstituents showing low toxicity and high efficiency, serving as potential new therapeutic leads for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shiya Peng, Liuhanghang Cheng, Qian Wu, Yuanchao Li, Lei Ran, Wei Wang, Ke Huang, Rong Zhu, Sihong Xue, Chunli Zhou, Weidong Zhu, Biao Cheng, Xiaobing Fu, Rupeng Wang
Summary: This study successfully alleviated the symptoms of psoriasis in mice by using modified soluble microneedles loaded with daphnetin, and demonstrated the effectiveness of daphnetin in inhibiting inflammatory factors secretion in vitro. The novel route of Daph administration provides a new research direction for future psoriasis treatment.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alka Pawar, Chandrika Konwar, Prakash Jha, Ravi Kant, Madhu Chopra, Uma Chaudhry, Daman Saluja
Summary: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is classified as a 'Priority' two organism by the World Health Organization due to its increased resistance to antibiotics. This study identified esculetin as a potential lead compound for developing new drugs against multidrug-resistant strains of NG. Esculetin inhibited the growth of NG, caused cell wall damage, and inhibited the activity of an enzyme involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. These findings highlight the importance of exploring phytochemicals for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.
MOLECULAR DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruben M. de Boer, Dovydas Vaitkus, Kasper Enemark-Rasmussen, Soren Maschmann, David Teze, Ditte H. Welner
Summary: In this study, a large high performance liquid chromatography screening method was developed to discriminate the regioselectivity of various UGTs on different substrates. A nuclear magnetic resonance-based procedure was also developed to directly identify the site of glycosylation. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the molecular basis for the regioselectivity. The results showed that most UGTs can accommodate different substrate configurations and the nucleophilicity of hydroxyl groups is a strong predictor for regioselectivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hany S. Ibrahim, Mohamed A. Abdelrahman, Alessio Nocentini, Silvia Bua, Hatem A. Abdel-Aziz, Claudiu T. Supuran, Sahar M. Abou-Seri, Wagdy M. Eldehna
Summary: In this study, the effect of combining zinc-binding sulfonamide and carboxylic acid groups on the inhibitory potency and selectivity of carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors was investigated. The results showed that the coumarin derivatives with zinc-binding sulfonamide group showed strong inhibitory activity against tumor-associated CA isoforms, while the ones with carboxylic acid group exhibited weaker inhibitory activity. Interestingly, coumarin derivatives without zinc-binding group displayed high selectivity towards CA isoforms IX and XII over other off-target isoforms.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kun Shi, Ju-Mou Li, Zhi-Jun Zhang, Qi Chen, Jian-He Xu, Hui-Lei Yu
Summary: This study describes a protein structure prediction-based virtual screening method for the discovery of new carboxylic acid reductases (CARs). Five new CARs with broad substrate scope and high activity towards various di- and omega-aminated carboxylic acids were identified through virtual screening and functional detection. KiCAR showed high specificity towards adipic acid without detectable activity towards 6-ACA, indicating its potential for 6-ACA biosynthesis.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wanbin Xu, Xudong Gong, Abdullajon Odilov, Tianwen Hu, Xiangrui Jiang, Fuqiang Zhu, Shuang Guo, Dehui Jiang, Mingjun Wu, Jingshan Shen
Summary: The industrially scalable synthetic route for 5,7-dichlorotetrahydroisoquinoline-6-carboxylic acid (1) was described, with a total yield of 66% and HPLC purity of 99% by area achieved. The route features simplified steps and improved atom economy, providing a reliable method for lifitegrast synthesis.
ORGANIC PROCESS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Mina Saeedi, Aida Iraji, Yasaman Vahedi-Mazdabadi, Atiyeh Alizadeh, Najmeh Edraki, Omidreza Firuzi, Mahdieh Eftekhari, Tahmineh Akbarzadeh
Summary: Cinnamomum verum essential oil demonstrates potent inhibitory activity against BChE and may be considered for the treatment of advanced Alzheimer's disease.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
G. Balaj, Z. Tamanai-Shacoori, D. Olivier-Jimenez, A. Sauvager, M. Faustin, L. Bousarghin, S. David-Le Gall, S. Guyot, D. Nebija, S. Tomasi, M. L. Abasq
Summary: Microbiota plays a key role in metabolizing dietary polyphenols, and this study found that a gut bacterium, L. reuteri, is able to convert 5-CQA into various metabolites, including the previously unknown compound esculetin. This oxidative pathway occurring in vivo may have beneficial effects on the gut microbiota and should be further studied.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mingju Wen, Jianbo Sun, Miao Yang, Xueling Zhang, Yue Wang, Wen Zhou, Yuning Shi, Yujing Huang, Na Li, Li Chen
Summary: Twelve new hybrid compounds of Esculetin with nitric oxide (NO) donors and/or mitochondrial targeting groups were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti-tumor activity and mechanism in vitro and in vivo. The most potent compound A11 exhibited nanomolar antiproliferative activity on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells, with a selective inhibitory effect. The mechanism involved mitochondrial targeting, releasing a high concentration of NO, increasing the expression of CypD, and triggering cancer cell apoptosis through increased ROS production, along with cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Moreover, A11 demonstrated superior TNBC inhibition rate and reduced toxicity compared to doxorubicin (DOX) in vivo.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Wumao Peng, Yang Gao, Liang Jiang, Jinwei Liu, Linmao Qian
Summary: Smooth surfaces contribute to better lubrication of gears in mechanical systems. Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) was used in this study to polish 18CrNiMo7-6 case hardening steel, a common material for gears. The results showed that citric acid, when used as a complexing agent, had satisfactory performance without causing corrosion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Yousof Ali, Susoma Jannat, M. Mizanur Rahman
Summary: The study found that ginsenosides, particularly Rh2, Rh1, and compound K, demonstrate strong potential in inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), suggesting they may be promising agents for preventing diabetic complications.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Md Yousof Ali, Sumera Zaib, Susoma Jannat, Imtiaz Khan
Summary: Ginsenoside derivatives exhibit significant inhibitory effects on ACE, with protopanaxatriol, protopanaxadiol, and ginsenoside Rh2 showing the most potent inhibition. Molecular docking studies confirmed that ginsenosides inhibit ACE through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Additionally, ginsenosides also stimulate glucose uptake in insulin-resistant cells and have antioxidant properties.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abayomi S. Faponle, Anupom Roy, Ayodeji A. Adelegan, James W. Gauld
Summary: Cytochrome P450s (P450) are important enzymes with potential for oxy-functionalization of organic molecules, and recent research on a new member of the CYP116B family, P450-TT, suggests that it can control the entry of substrates to its active site through an elaborate substrate channel.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agustin Garcia-Caballero, Vinicius M. Gadotti, Md Yousof Ali, Chris Bladen, Eder Gambeta, Jeffrey F. Van Humbeck, Justin L. MacCallum, Gerald W. Zamponi
Summary: Cav3.2 calcium channels play a crucial role in the transmission of pain signals, and their aberrant expression is associated with chronic pain. A novel bioactive rhodanine compound (II-1) was identified as an inhibitor of the interaction between Cav3.2 and USP5, without affecting the enzymatic activity of USP5. In vivo experiments confirmed the analgesic effects of II-1, which were dependent on the presence of Cav3.2.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Yousof Ali, Seongkyu Park, Munseog Chang
Summary: Cassia obtusifolia L. is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its various pharmacological properties in treating a range of diseases, making it a natural remedy with therapeutic potential.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Yousof Ali, Susoma Jannat, Hyun-Ah Jung, Jae-Sue Choi
Summary: This study investigated the structure-activity relationship of hesperetin derivatives on inhibiting diabetes-related enzyme systems PTP1B and alpha-glycosidase. Among the derivatives, hesperetin 5-O-glucoside showed the strongest inhibitory activity on PTP1B, with a significant impact of the sugar moiety at the C-5 position. The study also revealed that the ability to inhibit PTP1B depends on the nature, position, and number of sugar moieties in the flavonoid structure.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Yousof Ali, Sumera Zaib, Susoma Jannat, Imtiaz Khan, M. Mizanur Rahman, Seong Kyu Park, Mun Seog Chang
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of certain ginsenosides in combating diabetes by effectively inhibiting enzyme activities, preventing sorbitol accumulation, and providing a new perspective for the development of therapeutic agents for diabetic complications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Yousof Ali, Gerald W. Zamponi, Su Hui Seong, Hyun Ah Jung, Jae Sue Choi
Summary: In this study, the antidiabetic potential of 6-formyl umbelliferone (6-FU), a furanocoumarin found in Angelica decursiva, was investigated. The results showed that 6-FU could inhibit several candidate-signaling molecules and increase glucose uptake in insulin-resistant cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anupom Roy, James W. Gauld
Summary: Collagen IV networks are crucial for the structural integrity of an organism's tissues. Improper functioning of these networks has been associated with diseases. Sulfilimine cross-links play a critical role in forming and stabilizing these networks. The dynamic nature of sulfilimine bonds in collagen IV is crucial for network formation. Protonation influences protein structure stability and hydrogen bond interactions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md. Yousof Ali, Sumera Zaib, Susoma Jannat, Imtiaz Khan
Summary: Gallagic acid, a constituent of pomegranate extract, shows potential in treating Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting BACE1 and AChE, thereby reducing Aβ peptide accumulation and intracellular reactive oxygen species production.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Yousof Ali, Vinicius M. Gadotti, Sun Huang, Agustin Garcia-Caballero, Flavia T. T. Antunes, Hyun Ah Jung, Jae Sue Choi, Gerald W. Zamponi
Summary: Cav3.2 channels are important in pain transmission, and ICA-II can inhibit these channels and has analgesic effects in mice.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Yousof Ali, Se Eun Park, Su Hui Seong, Gerald W. Zamponi, Hyun Ah Jung, Jae Sue Choi
Summary: This study found that ursonic acid (UNA) and ursolic acid (ULA), two main compounds in Artemisia montana, have inhibitory effects on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and alpha-glucosidase. UNA also increases glucose uptake and decreases PTP1B expression by activating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 signaling pathway, showing potential for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seon Min Ju, Md Yousof Ali, Seung-Mi Ko, Jung-Hye Ryu, Jae-Sue Choi, Hyun-Ah Jung
Summary: In this study, eight compounds were isolated from Morus bombycis leaves, and four of them showed strong anti-diabetic activity and antioxidant capacity, indicating that they could be potential therapeutic resources against diabetes and its complications.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Md Yousof Ali, Susoma Jannat, Mun Seog Chang
Summary: Major compounds in pomegranate extract can effectively inhibit ACE enzyme activity, enhance nitric oxide production, activate eNOS enzyme, and reduce reactive oxygen species production. These active compounds also improve glucose uptake in insulin-resistant muscle cells. These experimental results provide further support to the traditional medicine that uses pomegranates to treat cardiovascular diseases like hypertension.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anupom Roy, Taqred H. Alnakhli, James W. Gauld
Summary: Collagen IV is a vital component of the basement membrane in tissues, providing cellular structure through the formation of sulfilimine bonds. This study investigates the formation of sulfilimine bonds in Collagen IV using a multi-scale approach. The results suggest that sulfilimine bonds can be formed through either halosulfonium or haloamine pathways.