Article
Respiratory System
Anna Ermund, Lauren N. Meiss, Brendan Dolan, Florian Jaudas, Lars Ewaldsson, Andrea Bahr, Nikolai Klymiuk, Gunnar C. Hansson
Summary: The study revealed a novel form of mucus called “mucus threads” secreted from surface goblet cells, with a diameter less than two micrometers. Over time, mucus threads coalesced into larger mucus assemblies, effectively capturing particles. The complexity and variability of normal airway mucus structure and function were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of studying young subjects for understanding lung function.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Nora Botten, Robin R. Hodges, Jeffrey Bair, Tor P. Utheim, Charles N. Serhan, Menglu Yang, Darlene A. Dartt
Summary: The mucin layer of the tear film, produced by conjunctival goblet cells, is important for protecting the ocular surface. A lipid mediator called resolvin D2 (RvD2), derived from omega 3 fatty acids, has been found to stimulate mucin secretion from these goblet cells. This study aimed to identify the Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways involved in RvD2-induced secretion. The results showed that RvD2 activates multiple Ca2+-dependent pathways, along with one Ca2+-independent and one cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent pathway. These findings contribute to our understanding of ocular surface homeostasis and health.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Daniela Rothschild-Rodriguez, Morgen Hedges, Merve Kaplan, Sercan Karav, Franklin L. Nobrega
Summary: The interaction between the gut mucosa and the bacterial component of the microbiota in the human gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in digestion, immune regulation, and overall health. Gut bacteria residing in the mucus layer can influence the integrity of the mucosal barrier, affecting health or disease progression. The viral members, particularly bacteriophages, also have the potential to interact with gut mucus, but their effects remain largely unexplored. This review discusses the role of bacteriophages in influencing mucosal integrity and their potential impact on health and disease states.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuan Mei, Junlang Li, Zhenzhen Wang, Dashuai Zhu, Ke Huang, Shiqi Hu, Kristen D. Popowski, Ke Cheng
Summary: Researchers developed an inhalable bioadhesive hydrogel called SHIELD, which forms a dense hydrogel layer in the airway to enhance barrier properties against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The method was shown to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in mice and non-human primates.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valerie Cortez, Stacey Schultz-Cherry
Summary: Goblet cells are essential epithelial cells that protect the airways and intestines from infections. While their defenses against bacterial and parasitic infections are well-characterized, their responses to viral infections are still being explored. Viral interactions with the mucus barrier can alter the course of infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel Song, Ethan Iverson, Logan Kaler, Allison Boboltz, Margaret A. Scull, Gregg A. Duncan
Summary: This study investigates the roles of mucins MUC5B and MUC5AC in airway clearance and demonstrates their individual contributions to mucociliary transport and coordination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Van Acker, Bert Van den Bogerd, Zoe P. Van Acker, Agne Vailionyte, Michel Haagdorens, Carina Koppen, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Darlene A. Dartt, Isabel Pintelon
Summary: The presence of gel-forming mucins secreted by conjunctival goblet cells is crucial for tear film stability and ocular surface health. Dysfunction in these cells can lead to various inflammatory disorders and chronic injuries of the ocular surface.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ye Jin, Xiao-ying Gao, Jing Zhao, Wei-shun Tian, Yu-ling Zhang, Er-jie Tian, Bian-hua Zhou, Hong-wei Wang
Summary: The study found that fluoride exposure can damage the small intestinal mucosal barrier by causing injury to intestinal epithelial cells and inhibiting their proliferation. Additionally, fluoride disrupts cell-to-cell junctions and exacerbates mucosal injury.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Alexandre Loktionov
Summary: Little was known about mammalian colon mucus until the beginning of the 21st century. Since then, significant progress has been made in understanding its structure and functions. The integrity of colon mucus is crucial for preventing bacterial contact with the mucosal epithelium and maintaining gut homeostasis. Impairments in colon mucus can lead to barrier deterioration, bacterial access to the epithelium, and subsequent inflammation and disorders. Recent studies have linked the formation of bacterial biofilms within colon mucus to inflammation and cancer. Though there are still gaps in our knowledge, the importance of colon mucus in the pathogenesis of major colorectal diseases is recognized.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Jean Tyrrell, Arunava Ghosh, Nicholas D. Manzo, Scott H. Randell, Robert Tarran
Summary: Cigarette smoke exposure causes cytotoxicity, inflammation, and inhibits CFTR Cl- channel. Chronic exposure of bronchial epithelial cultures to cigarette smoke with serosal perfusion is suitable for measuring chronic exposure and studying the effects of new tobacco products.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samira P. Ibrahim, Renata O. Dias, Clelia Ferreira, Carlos P. Silva, Walter R. Terra
Summary: This study investigates the midgut structure of Zabrotes subfasciatus (Coleoptera) and suggests that the peritrophic gel found in the midgut may be a vertebrate-like mucus. Through histochemistry and gene expression analysis, mucins and peritrophins were identified along the midgut. The results show that peritrophins are mainly expressed in the posterior midgut, while mucins are expressed along the entire midgut. These findings contribute to our understanding of the functionality of the insect digestive system.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maxwell McDermott, Antonio R. Cerullo, James Parziale, Eleonora Achrak, Sharmin Sultana, Jennifer Ferd, Safiyah Samad, William Deng, Adam B. Braunschweig, Mande Holford
Summary: Mucins are glycosylated proteins secreted by animals for various functions, with snails producing them in mucus for purposes like microbial protection and lubrication. Recently, snail mucins have found applications in diverse fields such as skincare, wound healing, and biomedicine. Advancements in omics technologies have led to better understanding and utilization of gastropod mucins for novel biomaterials.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacob Vieira, Tara Gallagher, Hui-Yu Sui, Sirus Jesudasen, Katrine Whiteson, George A. O'Toole, Kurt Hanselmann, Peggy S. Lai
Summary: The study focuses on the role of airway microbial communities in cystic fibrosis and other chronic pulmonary diseases, particularly in understanding how high oxygen levels affect lung microbial communities. A new model using hyperoxic conditions in artificial sputum medium successfully cultured a variety of pathogens and commensals commonly found in CF sputum, leading to different culture phenotypes under varying oxygen conditions. This approach may provide insights into the effects of oxygen therapy in pwCF on airway microbial communities and respiratory pathogens.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Paola Paone, Francesco Suriano, Ching Jian, Katri Korpela, Nathalie M. Delzenne, Matthias Van Hul, Anne Salonen, Patrice D. Cani
Summary: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and gut microbiota plays a key role in influencing the host energy homeostasis. In this study, it was found that prebiotic treatment with oligofructose (FOS) not only prevented high-fat diet induced obesity in mice but also increased the expression of genes involved in mucus production, glycosylation, secretion, and the differentiation and number of goblet cells. Additionally, FOS significantly changed the gut microbiota composition, increasing the abundance of bacterial genera associated with markers of the mucus layer. These findings suggest that targeting the mucus and the gut microbiota using prebiotics could be beneficial in preventing or mitigating obesity and related disorders.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xueqin Sang, Qingyu Wang, Yueyan Ning, Huihui Wang, Rui Zhang, Yixuan Li, Bing Fang, Cong Lv, Yan Zhang, Xiaoyu Wang, Fazheng Ren
Summary: During aging, the protective function of mucus barrier, especially in the colon, decreases, leading to an increased incidence of colon-related diseases. This study investigated the changes in the colonic mucus barrier with aging and found that the aged colon exhibited dysfunction and altered properties in the mucus layer. The expression of goblet cells, glycosyltransferase, and enzymes involved in mucin core structure formation and glycan modification were affected by aging. The results indicate the importance of the goblet cells/glycosyltransferase/O-glycan axis in maintaining the physicochemical properties of colonic mucus and the stability of the intestinal environment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bijay Kumar Behera, Janmejay Parhi, Budheswar Dehury, Ajaya Kumar Rout, Ananya Khatei, Asem Lembika Devi, Sagar Chandra Mandal
Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of water transportation in AQP1 from walking catfish. Computational modelling and molecular dynamics simulation were used to explore the structural dynamics of CbAQP1. Unique structural dynamics and lipid binding sites were identified, providing insights into the transportation of water and small molecules in high osmotic environments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yachana Jha, Budheswar Dehury, S. P. Jeevan Kumar, Anurag Chaurasia, Udai B. Singh, Manoj Kumar Yadav, U. B. Angadi, Rajiv Ranjan, Minaketan Tripathy, R. B. Subramanian, Sunil Kumar, Jesus Simal-Gandara
Summary: The selected PGPR was found to induce modification in host plant at morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels by activating the expression of beta-1,3-glucanases gene in infected host plant. The docking results indicated that specific amino acids of glucanase formed crucial hydrogen bonds with the GTP, suggesting a hydrophilic interaction for induction of defense cascade.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pranaya Kumar Parida, Bijay Kumar Behera, Budheswar Dehury, Ajaya Kumar Rout, Dhruba Jyoti Sarkar, Anil Rai, Basanta Kumar Das, Trilochan Mohapatra
Summary: This study explored the microbial dynamics and functional potential of polluted sediments in the River Yamuna using whole-genome metagenomics. The results revealed differences in microbial community composition and identified various bacteria and fungi associated with pollution. Pathway analysis also highlighted genes involved in energy metabolism, xenobiotic degradation, and membrane transport. These findings provide important insights into microbial responses to pollution and can inform remediation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khyati Girdhar, Shilpa Thakur, Pankaj Gaur, Abhinav Choubey, Surbhi Dogra, Budheswar Dehury, Sunil Kumar, Bidisha Biswas, Durgesh Kumar Dwivedi, Subrata Ghosh, Prosenjit Mondal
Summary: An absolute or relative deficiency of pancreatic beta-cells mass and functionality is a crucial pathological feature common to type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. A small molecule PK2 has been found to stably bind with GLP1R, inducing insulin secretion and cell replication, protecting beta-cells against diabetes.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elizabeth Mahapatra, Debomita Sengupta, Ravindra Kumar, Budheswar Dehury, Salini Das, Madhumita Roy, Sutapa Mukherjee
Summary: Acquired cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer is mainly caused by reduced intracellular drug accumulation, which is a result of hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and overexpression of related proteins. The study suggests that PEITC may be a potential sensitizing agent that can restore the effectiveness of cisplatin.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Priya Rawat, Shilpa Thakur, Surbhi Dogra, Kajal Jaswal, Budheswar Dehury, Prosenjit Mondal
Summary: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease worldwide, and its development is closely related to chronic overnutrition, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance. A study finds that high-fat diet (HFD) induces the expression of hepatic serine/threonine kinase 38 (STK38), which further promotes inflammation, insulin resistance, and intrahepatic fat accumulation. This study identifies STK38 as a potential therapeutic target for hepatic and immune health.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bipasa Kar, Chanakya Nath Kundu, Mahender Kumar Singh, Budheswar Dehury, Sanghamitra Pati, Debdutta Bhattacharya
Summary: ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection is a serious global threat. Silibinin, a plant compound, has been found to have inhibitory and bactericidal effects against ESBL proteins. This study validated the inhibitory activity of silibinin through bioinformatics and microbiological analyses, suggesting it as a potential lead for further research.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madhusmita Rout, Suchanda Dey, Sarbani Mishra, Sunita Panda, Mahender Kumar Singh, Rohan Sinha, Budheswar Dehury, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: Monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak requires international attention. The study screened potential analogs of FDA approved drugs against P37 of MPXV using machine learning and computational techniques. The results provide a preferable understanding of molecular recognition and dynamics of ligand-bound states of P37, offering opportunities for development of new antivirals against MPXV.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Suchanda Dey, Madhusmita Rout, Sanghamitra Pati, Mahender Kumar Singh, Budheswar Dehury, Enketeswara Subudhi
Summary: In this study, the structure-function mechanism of the Small Multidrug Resistance efflux pump protein KpnE was elucidated, and potential inhibitors were identified through molecular dynamics simulations. The study identified semi-open and open conformations of KpnE, and highlighted the similarity between KpnE and EmrE in the binding cleft. Key amino acids Glu14, Trp63, and Tyr44 were found to be important for ligand recognition, and potential inhibitors like acarbose, rutin, and labetalol were recognized through molecular docking and binding free energy calculations.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soumya Prasad Panda, Pragyan Roy, Dhananjay Soren, Deepak Ranjan Sahoo, Budheswar Dehury, Ajaya Kumar Rout, Bijay Kumar Behera, Basanta Kumar Das
Summary: This study investigates the characterization and function of the Mx gene in Labeo catla induced by double-stranded RNA. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations were used to understand the structure and GTP recognition mode of the GTPase domain in Mx protein. The results show that the expression of the Mx gene is able to inhibit viral infection mediated by double-stranded RNA.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chita Ranjan Sahoo, Sudhir Kumar Paidesetty, Budheswar Dehury, Rabindra Nath Padhy
Summary: Nowadays, bacterial multidrug resistance has become a common problem in clinics due to various factors, including resistance obtained via bacterial consortia and non-uniform antibacterial policy. This study focuses on the design and development of two series of Schiff-based salicylaldehyde and furfuraldehyde molecules as potential anti-tubercular compounds. The synthesized hybrids show promising results and further pharmacological evaluations are needed.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mansi Dutt, Anuj Kumar, Madhusmita Rout, Budheswar Dehury, Gustavo Martinez, Pacifique Ndishimye, Alyson A. Kelvin, David J. Kelvin
Summary: This study modeled the 3D structure of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (DdRp) of Monkeypox and identified five drugs that have stable interactions with DdRp. These drugs have the potential to be used as therapeutics for Monkeypox.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Budheswar Dehury, Sarbani Mishra, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: The spread of different SARS-CoV-2 variants highlights the importance of understanding the structural properties of its proteins. This study reveals the structural dynamics of M-PRO, an attractive drug target for antiviral treatments, and identifies stable and compact conformations with intact catalytic sites and structural integrity.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Preety Sthutika Swain, Sunita Panda, Sanghamitra Pati, Budheswar Dehury
Summary: This study investigates the impact of TREM2 gene mutations on NHD and AD using 12 structure-based methods. The research findings highlight the significance of W50 and V126 in maintaining the structure of TREM2, and suggest a potential role for residue Y108 in TREM2's structure and function. Furthermore, the importance of R47 and R62 in the ligand binding region CDR loops is emphasized.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MODELING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sarbani Mishra, Mansi Sharma, Mahendra Kumar Singh, Sanghamitra Pati, Budheswar Dehury
Summary: The study explores the potential connection between LRRC15 and SARS-CoV-2 and investigates the structure-function mechanism and interaction mode. The findings suggest alternative binding modes between the RBD and LRR units of LRRC15, indicating their differential roles. However, further experimental validations are required to unravel the unknown mechanism and distinctive features of this host receptor in COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)