Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Uttpal Anand, Anna Shteinfer-Kuzmine, Gal Sela, Manikandan Santhanam, Benjamin Gottschalk, Rajaa Boujemaa-Paterski, Ohad Medalia, Wolfgang F. Graier, Varda Shoshan-Barmatz
Summary: The mitochondrial protein VDAC1 plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including metabolism, apoptosis, and cell signaling. In this study, a short peptide derived from the N-terminal region of VDAC1 was designed to improve cellular stability and activity. The peptide exhibited multiple effects on cancer cells, such as apoptosis induction, autophagy, senescence, and cell adhesion. Furthermore, the peptide altered the expression of proteins associated with cell metabolism and signaling. These findings highlight the importance of VDAC1 in controlling diverse cellular functions through its interaction with other proteins.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ming Yu, Yang Yu, Tianqi Song, Yunrui Zhang, Fan Wei, Jie Cheng, Bo Zhang, Xiaoke Zhang
Summary: Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are important transport proteins in the outer membrane of mitochondria, with critical roles in plant growth regulation and stress response. This study identified 26 VDAC genes in common wheat, classified into three groups based on phylogenetic and sequence alignment. The gene structure and protein conserved motif composition varied among different subfamilies, with predicted stress- and hormone-related elements in the promoter region of TaVDAC genes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Johanna Rueter, Gerald Rimbach, Christian Treitz, Anke Schloesser, Kai Lueersen, Andreas Tholey, Patricia Huebbe
Summary: The study identified protein-protein interactions of APOE with BCKDHA and VDAC1, suggesting a possible involvement of APOE in mitochondrial processes and adaptation to hepatic energy demands. The activity of the BCKD enzyme complex was higher in obese APOE4 mice, while the interaction with VDAC1 was induced upon dietary restriction.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Annika Wylie, Amanda E. Jones, Simanti Das, Wan-Jin Lu, John M. Abrams
Summary: This study reveals opposing features of p53-mediated transcriptional control, with transcriptional repression being achieved through DNA binding sites and correlated with H3K9me3 chromatin marks, independent of stress or Chk2. Targeted knockout of different p53 isoforms dissociated their opposing transcriptional activities, highlighting their important roles in repression and proper germ cell formation.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meghana Somlapura, Benjamin Gottschalk, Pooja Lahiri, Iris Kufferath, Daniela Pabst, Thomas Ruelicke, Wolfgang F. Graier, Helmut Denk, Kurt Zatloukal
Summary: The study reveals differences in the interaction with keratins 8 and 18 and in the cytoplasmic distribution and aggregation behavior of p62 isoforms p62-H1 and p62-H2, indicating the importance of considering p62 isoforms in protein aggregation disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Katrina F. Ostrom, Justin E. LaVigne, Tarsis F. Brust, Roland Seifert, Carmen W. Dessauer, Val J. Watts, Rennolds S. Ostrom
Summary: Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) catalyze the conversion of ATP to cAMP, serving as major effectors of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with varying expression patterns across tissues. Understanding the potential roles of each isoform holds promise for uncovering new therapeutic approaches.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Kai Weissenbruch, Justin Grewe, Marc Hippler, Magdalena Fladung, Moritz Tremmel, Kathrin Stricker, Ulrich Sebastian Schwarz, Martin Bastmeyer
Summary: Nonmuscle myosin II (NM II) plays a crucial role in cellular adhesion and migration, with its isoforms NM IIA and IIB essential for generating and stabilizing cellular tension. This study demonstrated that in a structured environment, cells can exhibit invaginated actin arcs even without NM IIA-induced contractility. Additionally, a novel role for NM IIC in establishing tensional homeostasis was identified through dynamic cell stretch/release experiments in a three-dimensional scaffold.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ningxia Zhang, Hongming Pan, Xiaojing Liang, Jiansheng Xie, Weidong Han
Summary: Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major calcium signaling pathway that regulates various biological processes. TMEM family proteins, including STIM and ORAI, play essential roles in SOCE. TMEM proteins are a large family of transmembrane proteins that span biological membranes. However, the functional knowledge about TMEM proteins is still limited.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Ashraf, Qionglei Mao, Jun Hong, Lei Shi, Xiaoruo Ran, Fiza Liaquat, Muhammad Uzair, Wanqi Liang, Alisdair R. Fernie, Jianxin Shi
Summary: Our study demonstrated that Arabidopsis HSP70-16 and VDAC3 work together to suppress seed germination under cold stress conditions by facilitating the efflux of ABA from the endosperm to the embryo. The interaction between HSP70-16 and VDAC3 activates the opening of the VDAC3 ion channel, which influences ABA efflux from endosperm to embryo and negatively regulates seed germination under cold stress.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Tatiana A. Tarasenko, Ekaterina S. Klimenko, Vladislav Tarasenko, Milana Koulintchenko, Andre Dietrich, Frederique Weber-Lotfi, Yuri M. Konstantinov
Summary: Mitochondria can import RNA and DNA fragments through distinct channels, which may be activated based on the size of the DNA substrate. Analysis of knockout lines in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed different VDAC isoforms' involvement in alternative channel formation. Several outer and inner membrane proteins are proposed as partners of VDAC in these pathways.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cong Liu, Hui-Juan Li, Wei-Xia Duan, Yu Duan, Qin Yu, Tian Zhang, Ya-Pei Sun, Yuan-Yuan Li, Yong-Sheng Liu, Shang-Cheng Xu
Summary: Cadmium (Cd) is a high-risk pathogenic toxin that induces hepatic diseases. Excessive mitophagy, regulated by upregulated mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) expression, plays a key role in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. Inhibition of MCU rescues mitochondrial dysfunction and promotes hepatocyte viability by attenuating excessive mitophagy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David P. Hoogerheide, Tatiana K. Rostovtseva, Daniel Jacobs, Philip A. Gurnev, Sergey M. Bezrukov
Summary: The naturally occurring nanopore VDAC can be used to trap and analyze proteins at the single-molecule level, revealing variations in unbinding times of alpha Syn on lipid surfaces. Unbinding times depend strongly on lipid composition, with lipid membranes where alpha Syn binds weakly showing slow electromechanical unbinding subpopulations. The conformation of alpha Syn on the membrane surface plays a crucial role in its unbinding process.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brenna Flowers, Oliwia Bochnacka, Allison Poles, Alan M. Diamond, Irida Kastrati
Summary: This review provides a summary of SELENOF's discovery, structure, cellular localization, and expression. It suggests a potential role for SELENOF in redox protein quality control, as well as lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism regulation. Recent evidence indicates that loss of SELENOF may contribute to prostate and breast cancer development, while its loss may be protective against colon cancer. Further investigation into SELENOF's molecular mechanisms and its impact on cancer is needed.
Article
Cell Biology
Ramoji Kosuru, Bandana Singh, Sribalaji Lakshmikanthan, Yoshinori Nishijima, Jeannette Vasquez-Vivar, David X. Zhang, Magdalena Chrzanowska
Summary: Rap1 plays a crucial role in maintaining endothelial cell homeostasis by promoting NO release, with Rap1A and Rap1B exerting distinct effects on endothelial function. Exogenous L-Arg administration can ameliorate endothelial dysfunction resulting from the deletion of both Rap1A and Rap1B isoforms. While Rap1B directly positively regulates eNOS activation, Rap1A prevents negative regulation of eNOS.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yingying Luo, Danfang Deng, Lamei Lin, Yikun Zhou, Lan Wang, Xinrong Zou, Xiaoqin Wang
Summary: This study found that different isoforms of FGF2 played different roles in EMT in diabetic nephropathy, with LMW FGF2 promoting the process and HMW FGF2 exerting a protective effect.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Costanzo, Maria Anna Rachele De Giglio, Giovanni Nicola Roviello
Summary: The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the current knowledge about prophylaxis achievements in the fight against Coronaviruses. The article summarizes the recent literature on vaccines effective against the most pathogenic Coronaviruses and focuses on the development and use of vaccines in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective is to understand the molecular level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 prophylactic intervention and provide an overall picture of innovative approaches for vaccine development against the most pathogenic Coronaviruses.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Denise Drongitis, Marianna Caterino, Lucia Verrillo, Pamela Santonicola, Michele Costanzo, Loredana Poeta, Benedetta Attianese, Adriano Barra, Gaetano Terrone, Maria Brigida Lioi, Simona Paladino, Elia Di Schiavi, Valerio Costa, Margherita Ruoppolo, Maria Giuseppina Miano
Summary: This study investigated the effects of mutations in the ARX gene on brain development and identified disrupted pathways related to cytoskeleton, protein synthesis, and splicing control. The study also found allele-dependent differences in neurite network organization, protein expression, and alternative splicing. Abnormal alternative splicing in the Neurexin-1 gene, which is involved in synaptic remodeling, was detected. These findings provide insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of ARX-related disorders and can inform the development of targeted therapies.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandro Di Minno, Monica Gelzo, Marianna Caterino, Michele Costanzo, Margherita Ruoppolo, Giuseppe Castaldo
Summary: Metabolomics plays a crucial role in characterizing and refining perturbations of biological pathways. Limitations in implementing metabolomics have been addressed, and potential biomarkers have been discovered. Metabolomics is critical for personalized diagnosis and treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Costanzo, Marianna Caterino, Roberta Fedele, Armando Cevenini, Mariarca Pontillo, Lucia Barra, Margherita Ruoppolo
Summary: This review summarizes the diverse knowledge acquired through the application of COVIDomics techniques, focusing on proteomics and metabolomics studies, to identify common dysregulation in proteins, metabolites, and pathways in COVID-19 disease. Exploring the multiomics perspective and data integration may lead to new therapeutic solutions against the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Iolanda Boffa, Elena Polishchuk, Lucia De Stefano, Fabio Dell'Aquila, Edoardo Nusco, Elena Marrocco, Matteo Audano, Silvia Pedretti, Marianna Caterino, Ilaria Bellezza, Margherita Ruoppolo, Nico Mitro, Barbara Cellini, Alberto Auricchio, Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
Summary: GACR is a chorioretinal degeneration caused by pathogenic variants in the gene encoding ornithine aminotransferase (OAT). The current therapies are unsatisfactory and this study investigates the efficacy of liver-directed AAV-mediated gene therapy using an intravenously injected AAV8 vector expressing OAT. The results show that this gene therapy effectively reduces ornithine concentrations and improves retinal function and structure in mouse models of OAT deficiency.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marianna Caterino, Roberta Fedele, Vincenzo Carnovale, Alice Castaldo, Monica Gelzo, Paola Iacotucci, Margherita Ruoppolo, Giuseppe Castaldo
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary metabolic disorder affecting chloride ions and water transport, resulting in inadequate hydration and dehydrated secretions. Understanding the metabolic alterations associated with the disease can help in developing targeted therapeutic strategies. This study used mass spectrometry analysis to investigate lipid metabolic changes in saliva samples from CF patients, associated with various complications.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefania Orru, Esther Imperlini, Daniela Vitucci, Marianna Caterino, Annalisa Mandola, Morten Bredsgaard Randers, Jakob Friis Schmidt, Marie Hagman, Thomas Rostgaard Andersen, Peter Krustrup, Margherita Ruoppolo, Pasqualina Buono, Annamaria Mancini
Summary: Lifelong football training has a positive impact on the oxidative capacity and body composition of elderly individuals, promoting successful aging. Furthermore, polyamines play an important role in muscle growth and hypertrophy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Costanzo, Maria Anna Rachele De Giglio, Giovanni Nicola Roviello
Summary: Some viruses can induce specific cancers by modulating metabolic pathways, inhibiting apoptosis, or enhancing cell proliferation. Seven oncogenic viruses have been identified in humans, including HPV, HBV, HCV, EBV, HTLV-1, KSHV, and MCPyV. Recent research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may increase the risk of cancer and accelerate its development. The effects of SARS-CoV-2 on cancer susceptibility involve the modulation of oncogenic pathways and promotion of chronic inflammation. Understanding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and cancer is important for prevention and therapeutic approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ferdinando Barretta, Fabiana Uomo, Simona Fecarotta, Lucia Albano, Daniela Crisci, Alessandra Verde, Maria Grazia Fisco, Giovanna Gallo, Daniela Dottore Stagna, Maria Rosaria Pricolo, Marianna Alagia, Gaetano Terrone, Alessandro Rossi, Giancarlo Parenti, Margherita Ruoppolo, Cristina Mazzaccara, Giulia Frisso
Summary: This study reports the diagnostic yield of genetic testing for MTHFR deficiency diagnosis in a reference Centre of Southern Italy between 2017 and 2022. The results showed that two NBS-positive newborns and one symptomatic patient had a genotype compatible with MTHFR deficiency. These findings strongly support the need for genetic testing to quickly support the definitive diagnosis of MTHFR deficiency and start therapy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michele Costanzo, Marianna Caterino
Summary: The dataset provides a targeted lipidomics analysis of COVID-19 patients' serum samples. The severity of patients varies, and this study is one of the first lipidomics studies conducted on samples collected during the early stages of the pandemic. Serum samples were obtained from hospitalized patients with a molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and categorized based on clinical descriptors. The lipidomic analysis was performed using mass spectrometry, and the dataset was characterized using statistical and bioinformatics tools.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilaria Campesi, Giampiero Capobianco, Antonella Cano, Valeria Lodde, Sara Cruciani, Margherita Maioli, Giovanni Sotgiu, Maria Laura Idda, Mariangela Valentina Puci, Margherita Ruoppolo, Michele Costanzo, Marianna Caterino, Francesca Cambosu, Andrea Montella, Flavia Franconi
Summary: This study found sex-related differences in amniotic fluid and amniotic fluid cells. Inflammation markers and certain metabolites were higher in female amniotic fluid, while other metabolites were higher in male amniotic fluid. Female amniotic fluid cells expressed more estrogen receptors and proteins associated with autophagy, while male amniotic fluid cells expressed more proteins associated with lysosomes.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lucia Santorelli, Marianna Caterino, Michele Costanzo
Summary: The majority of cellular processes are regulated by protein-protein interactions (PPI), and defining the dynamic interactome has great significance in postgenomic era. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) is a powerful tool for PPI discovery, providing insights into the three-dimensional protein complexes in vivo. This review discusses advanced XL-MS approaches and their applications in structural proteomics and systems biology.
OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Margherita Ruoppolo, Sabrina Malvagia, Sara Boenzi, Carla Carducci, Carlo Dionisi-Vici, Francesca Teofoli, Alberto Burlina, Antonio Angeloni, Tommaso Aronica, Andrea Bordugo, Ines Bucci, Marta Camilot, Maria Teresa Carbone, Roberta Cardinali, Claudia Carducci, Michela Cassanello, Cinzia Castana, Chiara Cazzorla, Renzo Ciatti, Simona Ferrari, Giulia Frisso, Silvia Funghini, Francesca Furlan, Serena Gasperini, Vincenza Gragnaniello, Chiara Guzzetti, Giancarlo La Marca, Luisa La Spina, Tania Lore, Concetta Meli, MariaAnna Messina, Amelia Morrone, Francesca Nardecchia, Rita Ortolano, Giancarlo Parenti, Enza Pavanello, Damiana Pieragostino, Sara Pillai, Francesco Porta, Francesca Righetti, Claudia Rossi, Valentina Rovelli, Alessandro Salina, Laura Santoro, Pina Sauro, Maria Cristina Schiaffino, Simonetta Simonetti, Monica Vincenzi, Elisabetta Tarsi, Anna Paola Uccheddu
Summary: Newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism is an advanced tool for early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Italy introduced expanded newborn screening in 2016-2017 and collected data from 15 Italian screening laboratories. Aminoacidemias were the most common inborn errors, and second-tier tests were effective in reducing false positives. The screening also identified conditions related to maternal deficiencies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEONATAL SCREENING
(2022)