Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cassia A. Marquezin, M. Teresa Lamy, Eduardo S. de Souza
Summary: This study discusses molecular interactions in a lipid membrane using fluorescence spectroscopy data, and focuses on the fluorescence quenching mechanisms between Laurdan and 2-TSC. Results show that FRET is responsible for the non-radiative deexcitation of Laurdan in the presence of 2-TSC, providing insights into the localization of molecules in lipid membranes.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lorenzo Scipioni, Alessandro Rossetta, Giulia Tedeschi, Enrico Gratton
Summary: The Phasor S-FLIM technology combines multichannel digital frequency domain electronics with a multidimensional phasor approach to accurately extract photophysical information of fluorescent specimens, addressing common challenges in biological and biomedical fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sunghak Choi, Bongsu Kang, Shogo Taguchi, Hiroshi Umakoshi, Keesung Kim, Moon Kyu Kwak, Ho-Sup Jung
Summary: A novel method for DMPC/DHPC bicelle synthesis based on a microfluidic device without heating and freezing processes is proposed, enabling the continuous manufacturing of bicelles. Experimental and analytical studies reveal critical lipid concentration and mixing time in the microfluidic system, as well as a linear relation between the actual composition of bicelle and initial lipid ratio. This method allows for controlled size of bicelles.
Review
Biophysics
Leonel Malacrida, Suman Ranjit, David M. Jameson, Enrico Gratton
Summary: The phasor approach in fluorescence lifetime imaging has become a common method to analyze complex fluorescence signals in biological samples, providing insights into fundamental biological states and molecular interactions. It offers new avenues for disease characterization and diagnostics.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF BIOPHYSICS, VOL 50, 2021
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elena Piacenza, Kevin Sule, Alessandro Presentato, Frieda Wells, Raymond J. J. Turner, Elmar J. J. Prenner
Summary: Microbial nanotechnology is a growing research area focused on producing biogenic metal and metalloid nanomaterials using microorganisms. This study evaluated the toxicity of well-characterized biogenic selenium nanoparticles (bSeNPs) produced by the Stenotrophomonasmaltophilia strain SeITE02 on the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, comparing it to chemogenic selenium nanoparticles (cSeNPs). The results showed that the biogenic extract mediated changes in the fluidity of lipid vesicles, while the chemogenic nanoparticles had negligible effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarka Pokorna, Ana E. Ventura, Tania C. B. Santos, Martin Hof, Manuel Prieto, Anthony H. Futerman, Liana C. Silva
Summary: This study provides a thorough analysis of the factors that can lead to variability in Laurdan GP measurements and suggests approaches to improve data quality. It also demonstrates the impact of cell culture conditions on GP determination.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
William N. Zagotta, Brandon S. Sim, Anthony K. Nhim, Marium M. Raza, Eric G. B. Evans, Yarra Venkatesh, Chloe M. Jones, Ryan A. Mehl, E. James Petersson, Sharona E. Gordon
Summary: With the recent explosion in high-resolution protein structures, there is a new frontier in biology to elucidate the mechanisms of conformational rearrangements in proteins to meet the changing needs of cells. By rigorously measuring protein energetics and dynamics through new methods like tmFRET, differences in conformational states and accurate quantification of distributions can be revealed. This new approach using Acd for time-resolved tmFRET sets the stage for measuring the energetics of conformational rearrangements in soluble and membrane proteins in near-native conditions.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yating Lin, Haoyu Wang, Jianshu Xu, Yiming Huang, Wei Gong, Qiwen Wang, Zufang Huang, Shusen Xie, Juqiang Lin
Summary: By combining Iem-spFRET and E-FRET, the study investigated the kinetics of A(1)R and A(2A)R interaction, revealing that the activation or inhibition of these receptors leads to distinct and reversible responses. This combination showed high spatio-temporal resolution in measuring the interaction between A(1)R and A(2A)R.
JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justyna B. Startek, Alina Milici, Robbe Naert, Andrei Segal, Yeranddy A. Alpizar, Thomas Voets, Karel Talavera
Summary: The study demonstrates that TRPA1 channel can sense non-electrophilic compounds by inducing mechanical perturbations in the cell membrane, leading to TRPA1 activation. Non-electrophilic alkylphenols enhance the activation potency of TRPA1 by increasing lipid order and membrane rigidity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nina Gloeckner, Sven zur Oven-Krockhaus, Leander Rohr, Frank Wackenhut, Moritz Burmeister, Friederike Wanke, Eleonore Holzwart, Alfred J. Meixner, Sebastian Wolf, Klaus Harter
Summary: Protein-protein interaction studies are crucial for understanding cellular signaling. This study used three-fluorophore FRET and FRET-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy techniques to demonstrate the formation of a ternary complex involving Receptor-Like Protein 44, Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1, and Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1 Associated Kinase 1 in living plant cells. The researchers also found that this complex is localized in a distinct plasma membrane nanodomain.
Article
Spectroscopy
Anmol Arora, Kriti Sharma, S. K. Tripathi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of luminescent MoSe2 quantum dots on trypsin activity and found that MoSe2 quantum dots formed a stable complex with trypsin through electrostatic interactions. This finding is significant for the development of trypsin detection methods and understanding the bioavailability of MoSe2 quantum dots in biological systems.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valdecir Farias Ximenes
Summary: This study demonstrates that two ligands can be accommodated simultaneously in the binding site-I of human serum albumin (HSA). Experimental results using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) show that the presence of the protein alters the interaction between ligands and the protein microenvironment. These findings have important implications for understanding the drug transport mechanism of HSA.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yang Wang, Jingwen Ai, Xiaolin Nie, Zhuquan Li, Xin Xia, Tanveer Hussain, Qingqing Wang, Qufu Wei
Summary: This study focuses on porphyrin-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and their application in photodynamic inactivation. By encapsulating carbon quantum dots (CQDs) into the MOFs, the photodynamic activity is enhanced through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The CQDs@PCN-224 material is embedded into bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibrous membranes using a biosynthetic approach, which prevents material leakage and enhances antibacterial efficiency.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco J. Barrantes
Summary: This article discusses Erwin London's contributions to understanding lipid interactions with membrane-resident proteins and how these interactions shape lipid phases and domains. The authors have used and modified some of London's techniques to investigate lipid interactions with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) protein. They focus on the role of anionic phospholipid phosphatidic acid (PA) in stabilizing the functional form of the nAChR and its competition with cholesterol for binding sites on the protein.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xing-Long Li, Ying Wang, Ao Song, Ming-Hui Zhang, Man Jiang, Hui Liu, Rongzhou Wang, Shengsheng Yu, Ling-Bao Xing
Summary: An artificial light-harvesting system was constructed using PPTA and BSC4 supramolecular polymers, achieving efficient two-step energy transfer processes and promoting the dehalogenation reaction of alpha-bromoacetophenone with a high yield in aqueous solution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatrice Dufrusine, Silvia Valentinuzzi, Sandra Bibbo, Verena Damiani, Paola Lanuti, Damiana Pieragostino, Piero Del Boccio, Ersilia D'Alessandro, Alberto Rabottini, Alessandro Berghella, Nerino Allocati, Katia Falasca, Claudio Ucciferri, Francesco Mucedola, Marco Di Perna, Laura Martino, Jacopo Vecchiet, Vincenzo De Laurenzi, Enrico Dainese
Summary: This study identified significant changes in proteins involved in iron metabolism in COVID-19 patients and long-COVID patients. The activation of 5-LOX was also observed, possibly through an iron-dependent mechanism. Leukotriene B4 and lipocalin 2 were suggested as potential markers for COVID-19 and long-COVID.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Tortolani, Camilla Di Meo, Sara Standoli, Francesca Ciaramellano, Salam Kadhim, Eric Hsu, Cinzia Rapino, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Rare cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids (pCBs) have therapeutic potential in skin disorders and their anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in this study. The experiment involved using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and measuring the levels of pro-inflammatory interleukins. The results showed that pCBs significantly reduced the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins and modulated MAPK signaling, suggesting their potential as a treatment for inflammation-related skin pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Sallese, Konstantinos Efthymakis, Michele Marchioni, Benedetto Neri, Beatrice Dufrusine, Enrico Dainese, Marta Di Nicola, Matteo Neri
Summary: Coeliac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by gluten, involving autoimmune damage to the intestines and other systems. The Th1 inflammatory response and innate immune response play important roles in its pathogenesis. Gene expression analysis found key cytokines and immune pathways involved. Comparison with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) revealed molecular overlap, suggesting a common root (dysregulated long non-coding RNAs) for these diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Standoli, Cinzia Rapino, Camilla Di Meo, Agnes Rudowski, Nicole Kaempfer-Kolb, Luisa Michelle Volk, Dominique Thomas, Sandra Trautmann, Yannick Schreiber, Dagmar Meyer zu Heringdorf, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, have important roles in brain homeostasis and various neurological diseases. This study investigates the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate system in microglia. The results reveal that inhibiting the fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme and activating the cannabinoid 2 receptor have anti-inflammatory effects and prevent the transcription of pro-inflammatory SphK1 and SphK2 in microglia cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide. The findings suggest the development of inhibitors for these enzymes as potential treatments for neuroinflammatory diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annamaria Tisi, Giulia Carozza, Alessandro Leuti, Rita Maccarone, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: The study investigates the alterations of RvE1 metabolism and signaling in an animal model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and suggests a potentially relevant role of this pathway in AMD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianna Rossi, Valentina Di Nisio, Alessandro Chiominto, Sandra Cecconi, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of the main receptors and metabolic enzymes of the endocannabinoid system in the ovaries, oviducts, and uteri of mice at different reproductive stages. The results showed that TRPV1 receptor had the highest expression and significantly increased during aging, while NAPE-PLD, FAAH, and DAGL-beta enzymes were the most expressed in these organs and increased with age. Immunohistochemistry revealed the distribution of these proteins in specific cells in each organ. These findings provide new insights into the role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproduction and its therapeutic potential.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Lipids, traditionally known for their role as metabolic fuel and structural membrane components, have been found to act as authentic messengers between cells and regulate various biological processes in the body. This article focuses on endogenous bioactive lipids, particularly those derived from arachidonic acid (AA), and their interactions with other lipids, enzymes, and receptors. The metabolic and signal transduction pathways of classical eicosanoids, endocannabinoids, specialized pro-resolving mediators, and other bioactive lipids such as shingosine-1-phosphate and steroid hormones will be discussed.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mauro Maccarrone, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Jurg Gertsch, Uwe Grether, Allyn C. Howlett, Tian Hua, Alexandros Makriyannis, Daniele Piomelli, Natsuo Ueda, Mario van der Stelt
Summary: Marijuana, a widely used recreational drug, has seen a change in risk perception due to its legalization and medical use. Research has shown the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for various diseases, and our body's endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in this. Understanding the components and functions of this system can lead to new treatment opportunities.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Giulia Leanza, Caterina Conte, Francesca Cannata, Camilla Isgro, Alessandra Piccoli, Rocky Strollo, Carlo Cosimo Quattrocchi, Rocco Papalia, Vincenzo Denaro, Mauro Maccarrone, Nicola Napoli, Anna Maria Sardanelli
Summary: In this study, the oxidative stress states were compared between postmenopausal women with and without obesity. The results showed that women with obesity had doubled levels of oxidative stress markers compared to women of normal weight. The severity of oxidative stress was correlated with body mass index, visceral fat mass, and trunk fat percentage, but not with fasting glucose levels. These findings suggest that obesity and visceral fat increase oxidative stress in postmenopausal women, potentially increasing the risks of cardiometabolic and cancer diseases.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Giorgia Perpetuini, Alessio Pio Rossetti, Lucia Giordano, Marta Pulcini, Beatrice Dufrusine, Noemi Battistelli, Camillo Zulli, Giuseppe Arfelli, Alberto Palliotti, Enrico Dainese, Rosanna Tofalo
Summary: The aim of this study was to characterize the ampelographic and genetic profiles of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Nero Antico di Pretalucente and to describe the grape-borne fungal communities. The study also investigated the oenological characteristics and aroma profile of wine obtained by spontaneous fermentation. Results showed that this cultivar presented a unique profile, indicating that it is a distinct and autochthonous grape variety.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Valerio Morlacci, Massimiliano Aschi, Marco Chiarini, Antonio Massa, Antonio Arcadi, Laura Palombi
Summary: The target compound was synthesized by a one-pot cascade reaction of ethyl (E)-3-(2-aminophenyl) acrylate and 2-formylbenzonitrile in the presence of Cs2CO3 catalyst. The reaction pathway was rationalized as a base-catalyzed tandem addition/cyclization/rearrangement initiated by the aniline molecule, followed by sequential aza-Michael addition/dehydrogenation. The fluorescence properties were also explained by theoretical investigation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Gabriele, Marco Chiarini, Raimondo Germani, Nicoletta Spreti
Summary: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a green alternative to organic solvents, have high viscosity that limits their utilization. In this study, pure DESs based on choline chloride (ChCl) mixed with diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200), and ChCl/TEG/water mixtures were investigated. The effects of temperature on their properties and structures were studied. The results showed that temperature had slight influence on the structures of both DESs and DES/water systems, but significantly increased their transport properties.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annamaria Tisi, Sakthimala Palaniappan, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: This article presents the application of advanced omics techniques, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, in cochlear research. The article also introduces the latest technologies, including single-cell omics and spatial omics, for investigating molecular events at a single-cell resolution with spatial information.
Article
Neurosciences
Michela Bossa, Ornella Argento, Chiara Piacentini, Nicola Manocchio, Lucia Scipioni, Sergio Oddi, Mauro Maccarrone, Ugo Nocentini
Summary: This project aims to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of oral administration of N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through cognitive evaluation and biochemical analyses. The specific objectives are to determine whether PEA can affect neuropsychological and behavioral scores, change inflammatory and neuronal damage markers in MCI subjects, and if these changes correlate with clinical scores.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Caterina Momoli, Valerio Morlacci, Marco Chiarini, Laura Palombi, Antonio Arcadi
Summary: By optimizing the experimental conditions, two compounds with different regioisomers were successfully synthesized with high yield and selectivity. The structures of the synthesized compounds were definitively elucidated through detailed characterization.