Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chenlong Wang, Xiaohan Gao, Feng Zhang, Wanting Hu, Zhuxian Gao, Yuqi Zhang, Mingyu Ding, Qionglin Liang
Summary: A mussel inspired hydrogel has been developed to achieve both strong adhesion and easy detachment. The hydrogel can adhere to various material surfaces and tissues and can be easily peeled off by shear force. This work has important implications in electronic engineering and tissue repair.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rubayn Goh, Eric Yoshida, Eric Schaible, Rachel Behrens, Christophe A. Monnier, Bradley Killingsworth, Kiat Whye Kong, Shu Hui Hiew, Ali Miserez, Shawn Hoon, J. Herbert Waite
Summary: Nanoscopic structural control with long-range ordering poses a challenge in nanomaterial fabrication, but the nanoarchitectured egg cases of elasmobranchs provide a model for nanoscale self-assembly. Through RNA-seq and proteomic techniques, a cohort of nanolattice-forming proteins with a conserved molecular self-assembly strategy was identified. Mass spectrometry and in situ small-angle X-ray scattering elucidated the identity and stabilizing role of cross-links in protein-based liquid crystalline elastomers and nanolattices.
Review
Cell Biology
Mingyue Zheng, Guoxiang Jin, Zhongjun Zhou
Summary: Lamins, ancient intermediate filament proteins, are functionally regulated by post-translational modifications, contributing to various biological functions. Deregulation of lamins is associated with abnormal nuclear morphology and chromatin disorganization, leading to diseases. Understanding these modifications provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and potential therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Emily A. Roberts, Laura A. Newcomb, Michelle M. McCartha, Katie J. Harrington, Sam A. LaFramboise, Emily Carrington, Kenneth P. Sebens
Summary: The research demonstrates that the cost of producing specialized mechanical structures has a significant impact on the energetic state of organisms, particularly for mussels, where the energy cost of producing byssal threads constitutes a large proportion of the energy budget.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Dimitrios Tsikas
Summary: Lysine residues in proteins undergo various chemical modifications, including carbonylation by glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is another carbonyl species formed enzymatically and nonenzymatically. These carbonyl species can occur in free forms or be adducted to proteins, particularly lysine residues. MDA is commonly used as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, with plasma and serum being the most frequently analyzed samples. However, preanalytical factors, such as artificial MDA formation in lipid-rich samples, can greatly affect MDA concentrations.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Qibin Wu, Zhenxiang Li, Jingtao Yang, Fu Xu, Xueqin Fu, Liping Xu, Chuihuai You, Dongjiao Wang, Yachun Su, Youxiong Que
Summary: This study reports the first comprehensive analysis of protein lysine acetylation, 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation, and lysine lactylation in sugarcane. These post-translational modifications were found to be involved in energy metabolism and stress response. The results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of protein PTMs in sugarcane.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Laura Bryan, Martin Clynes, Paula Meleady
Summary: CHO cells are commonly used host cell lines for producing human therapeutic proteins. Research has focused on improving growth, titre, and productivity of CHO cells to reduce production costs. Recent interest in CHO cell engineering has led to studies on post-translational modifications affecting protein functionality.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li Cao, Moshe Beiser, Joseph D. Koos, Margarita Orlova, Hader E. Elashal, Hendrik V. Schroder, A. James Link
Summary: Lasso peptides are a family of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides with a threaded structure. PIMT enzymes play a new role in the post-translational modification of lasso peptides, methylating and converting L-aspartate residues to provide rigidity to the lasso peptide ring.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min-Seon Hwang, Jingyeong Park, Yunha Ham, In Hye Lee, Kyung-Hee Chun
Summary: Adipocyte senescence, caused by factors like DNA damage, oxidative stress, telomere dysfunction, and chronic lipid accumulation, can disrupt metabolic homeostasis and lead to various diseases and aging. Understanding the role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the regulation of adipocyte senescence is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat metabolic diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Zhe Xie, Guangen Xu, Fengze Miao, Hui Kong, Menghong Hu, Youji Wang
Summary: Trapped crabs have positive effects on the intestinal microbiota of mussels, activating their metabolism and immunity. On the other hand, free crabs make mussels more susceptible to disease and mortality, resulting in decreased biodiversity and increased pathogenic bacteria in their intestine.
Review
Oncology
Ana Gonzalez-Garcia, Antonio Garrido, Ana C. Carrera
Summary: Genetic alterations in the PI3-kinase/PTEN pathway are common in cancer cells. Current efforts to treat PTEN-dependent tumors mainly focus on PI3-kinase inhibition, but modulating PTEN post-translational modifications could provide alternative therapeutic strategies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yueyong Shang, Huaxin Gu, Shanglu Li, Xueqing Chang, Inna Sokolova, James K. H. Fang, Shuaishuai Wei, Xiang Chen, Menghong Hu, Wei Huang, Youji Wang
Summary: The study showed that starvation and microplastics had negative effects on the physical defense mechanisms of Mytilus coruscus, potentially impacting the survival and fitness of mussels under food limited conditions.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
William Agbemafle, Min May Wong, Diane C. Bassham
Summary: This review summarizes key regulatory mechanisms for modulating autophagy through post-translational modification or transcriptional regulation. Plants activate cellular responses to adapt to changing environmental conditions, one of which is autophagy, where cellular components are delivered to the vacuole for degradation. Autophagy is activated by various conditions, and the pathways controlling its activation are being elucidated. However, there is still much to discover regarding how these factors work together to properly modulate autophagy in response to specific signals.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mabel Buelna-Chontal, Wylly R. Garcia-Nino, Alejandro Silva-Palacios, Cristina Enriquez-Cortina, Cecilia Zazueta
Summary: Post-translational modifications based on redox reactions play a crucial role in regulating signaling pathways in physiological and pathological conditions. These modifications are dependent on the generation of redox components, such as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and can impact protective signaling in reperfused hearts. Cardioprotective conditioning strategies have been shown to influence these changes at various subcellular levels, particularly in mitochondria. Additionally, potential redox-based therapeutic strategies against reperfusion damage are discussed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Xia, Songhong Jiang, Shiqi Dong, Yonghong Liao, Yang Zhou
Summary: Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the production of active caspase-1, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and gasdermin D (GSDMD), resulting in pyroptosis and inflammation. Dysregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation is implicated in various diseases, making it a potential target for disease prevention and treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity. This review focuses on PTMs of NLRP3 inflammasome components and their impact on its activity regulation, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation and control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kim Sarah Koeck, Sahar Salehi, Martin Humenik, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: This study focuses on achieving good mechanical stability of collagen fibers through self-assembly during wet-spinning without the need for additional crosslinkers. The produced collagen fibers show fibril alignment and a unique D-band pattern, and are processed into hierarchical assemblies using textile-engineering techniques. These assemblies serve as excellent substrates for muscle microtissue formation, particularly at the muscle-tendon-junction (MTJ) where myoblasts and fibroblasts are co-cultured to develop an MTJ-model.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas J. Chan, Sarah Lentz, Paul A. Gurr, Shereen Tan, Thomas Scheibel, Greg G. Qiao
Summary: In this study, densely crosslinked polypeptide films with unusually high random coil content were successfully fabricated through continuous assembly polymerization. The method shows great potential for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gregor Lang, Carolin Grill, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: This study used spider silk proteins to produce Janus fibers with two different functional sides. Functionalization and coupling of gold nanoparticles were achieved through modification and post-treatment processes. The results demonstrated the potential of this silk-based system to realize complex bifunctional structures at the nano scale.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Simon A. B. Riedl, Matthias Voelkl, Anja Holzinger, Julia Jasinski, Valerie Jerome, Thomas Scheibel, Heike Feldhaar, Ruth Freitag
Summary: The intestinal cells of the earthworm Eisenia fetida are suitable for studying the toxic effects of environmental pollutants on a cellular level. Exposure to pollutants and soil elutriates led to a decrease in metabolic activity of the cells. Additionally, microplastic particles did not show active uptake, but had dose and size dependent effects on metabolism that may correlate with organismic effects.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Vanessa Tanja Trossmann, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Cell-adhesive materials are crucial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, especially for constructing hierarchically organized tissue structures with different cell types. Recombinant spider silk proteins offer promising scaffolds due to high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability for genetic modification. A genetically modified spider silk variant, eADF4(C16)-KGD, showed cell selectivity for C2C12 mouse myoblasts out of 11 tested cell lines. Co-culturing with B50 rat neuronal cells confirmed the cell-specific adhesion of eADF4(C16)-KGD material surfaces for C2C12 mouse myoblasts.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zan Lamberger, Shakir Zainuddin, Thomas Scheibel, Gregor Lang
Summary: Janus fibers are composite materials with mechanical, chemical, and biological functionality. Incorporating different materials and functionalities into micro- or nanoscale fibers allows for synergistic physicochemical effects and opens up unprecedented opportunities for technical or biomedical applications. This review article discusses the recent advancements in processing technologies and applications of polymeric Janus fibers, highlighting their potential in various fields such as textiles, catalysis, sensors, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sarah Lentz, Vanessa Tanja Trossmann, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: This study investigates the influence of topographical surface features on cell behavior and demonstrates that specific surface modifications can guide selective cell adhesion and influence cell morphology and alignment.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christina Heinritz, Xuen J. Ng, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Adhesives are sticky substances used to join surfaces, and bioadhesives are specifically designed for biological and living substrates. These bioadhesives need to be biocompatible, non-toxic, and degradable. Nature provides inspiration for bioadhesives, as certain organisms like mussels, sandcastle worms, and spiders use protein-based glues. This article focuses on the advances in developing protein-based adhesives for biomedical applications, with a wide range of reviews and books available on the topic of bioadhesives in various applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Ebbinghaus, Gregor Lang, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Biomimicry applies principles of natural materials, processes, and structures to technology. This review discusses the two strategies of biomimicry: bottom-up and top-down approaches, using biomimetic polymer fibers and spinning techniques as examples. Bottom-up biomimicry helps gain fundamental knowledge on biological systems for technological advancements, while top-down biomimicry seeks solutions from natural role models. Examples like silk and collagen fibers, spider webs, animal hair, and tissue structures are presented. The review also provides an overview of biomimetic filter technologies, textiles, and tissue engineering.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Merisa Saric, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Researchers have successfully engineered a two-in-one protein with high mechanical performance, combining the characteristics of two European garden spider proteins. This protein self-assembles into beta-sheet-rich superstructures, resulting in fibers with mechanical properties at least twice as high as individual or blended proteins. This processing route holds great potential for future applications of ecologically friendly high-performance fibers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natascha Schaefer, Mateo Andrade S. Mier, David Sonnleitner, Nicoletta Murenu, Xuen Jen Ng, Zan Lamberger, Margitta Buechner, Vanessa T. Trossmann, Dirk W. Schubert, Thomas Scheibel, Gregor Lang
Summary: The development of bio-inks for 3D-printing cell-containing bio-fabricates is challenging due to the need for shape fidelity. High polymer concentrations can achieve structural integrity but may hinder cell performance. This study investigates the impact of collagen-coated polycaprolactone fibers on cells printed in a hydrogel. The fibers reduce cell viability upon printing but enhance cell performance in the printed construct, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between in-print and post-print effects of fillers in bio-inks.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Julia Jasinski, Matthias Voelkl, Jonas Hahn, Valerie Jerome, Ruth Freitag, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: The impact of microplastic particles on organisms is currently under intense research. This study investigated the fate of polystyrene particles ingested by murine macrophages, including their distribution during cell division and possible mechanisms of excretion. The results showed that particle distribution during cell division was cell-specific, and no active excretion of microplastic particles was observed. Additionally, polarized macrophages exhibited higher phagocytic activity and particle uptake compared to non-polarized cells. Furthermore, it was found that submicron particles were co-localized with the endoplasmic reticulum, while 0.5μm particles were occasionally found in endosomes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Vanessa T. Trossmann, Sarah Lentz, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Biomaterials are crucial in biomedical research, but their biocompatibility is often insufficient, leading to inflammation and rejection reactions. Spider silk protein coatings offer a promising alternative due to their biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the biological response to spider silk coatings varies due to various factors, such as silk source, solvent, substrate, and processing techniques. Understanding these factors is important for tailoring spider silk coatings to specific applications. This article provides a summary of these factors, characterization methods, and highlights the importance of adaptability and biological response for specific applications.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Christoph Sommer, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Recombinant spider silk proteins can be processed into various materials such as coatings, hydrogels, particles, fibrils, and foams. Electrospinning produces submicron- and nanofibers with a high surface-to-volume ratio, making them ideal for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and filtration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephen Strassburg, Kai Mayer, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: Hybrid fibers consisting of biopolymers and inorganic nanoparticles have unique properties and a wide range of potential applications.
PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS
(2022)
