Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taro Shimamoto, Tatsuki Nakakubo, Tomoyasu Noji, Shuhei Koeda, Keisuke Kawakami, Nobuo Kamiya, Toshihisa Mizuno
Summary: Research on a new solubilization surfactant DKDKC12K-PA(n) that can maintain binding with membrane proteins in aqueous buffer has potential applications in preserving the structure and function of solubilized membrane proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justin Amengual, Luke Notaro-Roberts, Mu -Ping Nieh
Summary: Bicellar systems have gained popularity in the fields of biochemistry, physical chemistry, and drug delivery technology due to their diverse morphology. They have been used as model membranes for studying transmembrane protein behavior and interactions with the cell. Additionally, they have shown potential as theranostic nanocarriers in biopharmaceutical and diagnostic research.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hikaru Kuroki, Erika Aida, Takuya Komine, Keisuke Matsuoka
Summary: The study demonstrated that surfactants with long EO chains are effective in solubilizing fullerene, while relatively shorter EO chains are more suitable for solubilizing naphthalene. Furthermore, the solubilization site of fullerene in micelles was found to be in the vicinity of EO chains.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tun Naw Sut, Elba R. Valle-Gonzalez, Bo Kyeong Yoon, Soohyun Park, Joshua A. Jackman, Nam-Joon Cho
Summary: Lipid bicelles have the potential to be designed as functional nanostructures with membrane-disruptive properties for anti-infective applications.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Miroslav Janata, Sachin Gupta, Eva Cadova, Pavla Angelisova, Bankala Krishnarjuna, Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, Vaclav Horejsi, Vladimir Raus
Summary: Amphiphilic polymers are widely used in the isolation and functional studies of membrane proteins. This study addressed the limitations of carboxylate groups in these polymers by replacing them with more acidic sulfonate groups. The newly synthesized copolymers solubilized membranes and liposomes, and remained soluble at low pH and in the presence of Mg2+ ions.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. Rajesh Banu, M. Dinesh Kumar, S. Kavitha, Jeong-Jun Yoon, Gopalakrishnan Kumar, Jeong-Hoon Park
Summary: This study successfully increased the biohydrogen production and solubilization of sea grass by utilizing surfactant induced sonic fission (SSF) method.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zoya Zaheer, Samia A. Kosa, Mohammad Osama, Mohd Akram
Summary: The study investigated the binding capabilities of flurbiprofen drug with a new type of gemini surfactant using spectroscopic methods, revealing significant interaction and a correlation with the chain length and critical micellar concentration of the surfactant.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina V. Goncharuk, Ekaterina V. Vasileva, Egor A. Ananiev, Andrey Y. Gorokhovatsky, Eduard V. Bocharov, Konstantin S. Mineev, Sergey A. Goncharuk
Summary: Integral membrane proteins are essential for cell function and require large amounts of protein for their structural and functional studies. Cell-free protein synthesis using Facade detergents has been shown to significantly increase the yield of active rhodopsin, making it a promising method for the production of membrane proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhiqiang Xu, Lankun Cai, Rumin Yang, Zhengyuan Zhou, Guilu Zeng, Shuguang Lyu
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of surfactants in surfactant-in situ chemical oxidation (S-ISCO) for enhanced degradation of perchlorinated organic contaminants. The addition of Tween-80 (TW-80) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in Fenton system resulted in a significant improvement in carbon tetrachloride (CT) removal, with TW-80 achieving a removal rate of 97.2% and SDS achieving a removal rate of 91.8%. The study also proposes possible degradation pathways of CT and assesses the impact of different solution matrixes and recovered surfactant solution on CT solubilization and removal.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
James L. Martin Robinson, Willem K. Kegel
Summary: Hydrophobic polyelectrolytes (HPEs) can solubilize bilayer membranes, form micelles, or reversibly aggregate with pH changes. These cooperative transitions can be explained using Monod- Wymann-Changeux (MWC) theory, originally formulated for allosteric interactions. In this study, we focus on the pH-dependent destabilization and permeation of bilayer membranes by HPEs and present general conditions for sharp conformational transitions mediated by concentration variations of molecular ligands. This opens potential applications in fields such as medicine and switchable materials.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shaeel Ahmad Al-Thabaiti, Zaheer Khan
Summary: The effects of CTAB and SDS on the optical sensing of AgNPs towards ferric ions were investigated, with CTAB catalyzing the oxidative dissolution rates of AgNPs and SDS inhibiting the reaction by coordinating with Fe3+. Activation parameters for aqueous and CTAB assisted dissolution of AgNPs were determined, and it was found that SDS reduces electron gaining tendency of Fe3+ by forming complexes.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wang Kai Tong, Chaomeng Dai, Jiajun Hu, Jixiang Li, Min-tian Gao, Zhi Li, Lang Zhou, Yalei Zhang, Long Kahon
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a significant threat to groundwater and soil environments, prompting researchers to focus on enhancing the efficiency of surfactant-enhanced remediation (SER) technique. This study introduced nanobubbles (NBs) to enhance the solubilization effect of cationic surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) on phenanthrene (PHE). The synergistic effect between NBs and DTAB resulted in an improved solubilization of DTAB to PHE by up to 30.4%. The stability of NBs was influenced by the concentration of DTAB, and the presence of OH- and inorganic ions in groundwater affected the formation of micelles and altered the electric layer thickness of bubbles, hence impacting NBs' stability.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nada Shaeel Al-Thabaiti, Qana A. AlSulami, Zaheer Khan
Summary: The effects of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) on the persulfate-based in-situ chemical oxidation were investigated. Both surfactants were found to retard the activation of S2O82-. The degradation rate of acid orange 7 (AO7) was significantly reduced in the presence of CTAB and SDS, with CTAB showing a stronger deactivation effect. The inhibitory role of CTAB micelles in the AO7 advanced oxidation process (AOP) was proposed based on the micellar-pseudo phase model.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyle A. Brown, Morgan K. Gugger, David S. Roberts, David Moreno, Pil Seok Chae, Ying Ge, Song Jin
Summary: We synthesized and characterized a new family of maltose-derived nonionic surfactants containing a photocleavable azo-sulfide linker (mAzo). The self-assembly properties of these surfactants were studied using various techniques, including surface tension measurements, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The photodegradation process of these surfactants was investigated, revealing the formation of a photo-stable surfactant post-degradation. Furthermore, these mAzo surfactants demonstrated potential in solubilizing challenging proteins from heart tissue.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xinsheng Luo, Chuyang Y. Tang, Xuewu Zhu, Daliang Xu, Jiajian Xing, Dachao Lin, Yatao Liu, Liu Yang, Jialin Song, Zhendong Gan, Guibai Li, Heng Liang
Summary: Hierarchical isoporous alumina ceramic membranes (IAMs) were prepared through self-assembly of polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide (PS-b-PEO) block copolymer, allowing for control over pore size and increased water permeability. The practicality and versatility of this method pave the way for high-performance isoporous ceramic membranes fabrication.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin O. Ezema, Kingsley O. Omeje, Roslyn M. Bill, Alan D. Goddard, Sabinus Oscar O. Eze, Alfred Fernandez-Castane
Summary: Lipolytic fungus Aspergillus flavus was isolated, and its lipase gene was sequenced and characterized. The study revealed the presence of a lipase consensus sequence and a catalytic active site lid domain in the Aspergillus flavus lipase sequence. Furthermore, the study provided insights into the structural and molecular properties of the lipase, which will be crucial for future biotechnology applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ian Winfield, Kerry Barkan, Sarah Routledge, Nathan J. Robertson, Matthew Harris, Ali Jazayeri, John Simms, Christopher A. Reynolds, David R. Poyner, Graham Ladds
Summary: This study investigates the role of the first intracellular loop (ICL1) and the eighth helix (H8) in signal transduction pathways of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The results suggest that mutations in ICL1 can affect cAMP production and Ca-i(2+) elevation, while having little impact on ERK1/2 activation. Additionally, an insertion in ICL1 is found to switch signaling bias between Ca-i(2+) and cAMP. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that changes in ICL1 alter the conformation of ICL2 and the H8/TM7 junction.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Markou, Lucas Unger, Mohammed Abir-Awan, Ahmed Saadallah, Andrea Halsey, Zita Balklava, Matthew Conner, Susanna Tornroth-Horsefield, Stuart D. Greenhill, Alex Conner, Roslyn M. Bill, Mootaz M. Salman, Philip Kitchen
Summary: Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins that facilitate water movement across biological membranes and the diffusion of small polar solutes. They have been recognized as potential drug targets for various disorders related to disrupted water or solute transport. However, drug discovery for AQPs has been challenging due to a lack of reproducible high-throughput assays and difficulties with the druggability of AQP proteins. Recent studies have suggested that targeting the trafficking of AQP proteins to the plasma membrane may be a viable alternative drug target.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Margot K. Vermeylen, Toby G. Knowles, Heather W. Barron
Summary: The study reveals an increasing trend of Karenia brevis red tides along Florida's coast, potentially caused by anthropogenic eutrophication, which results in an increased number of affected wildlife. Moreover, water discharges from the Okeechobee waterway are significantly correlated with K. brevis densities. Different species groups exhibit significant correlations with K. brevis cell counts, particularly the double-crested cormorants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Overduin, Troy A. Kervin, Anh Tran
Summary: Membrane recognition by viral spike proteins plays a critical role in virus infection. This study investigates the binding of different spike protein variants, including those from SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses, to host cell membranes. The results show that these variants exhibit increased membrane binding tendencies over time, with mutations in the spike head region, particularly in variant BA.1, affecting the affinity to cell membranes. Comparison of multiple structures reveals a progressive model of membrane docking, where spike protein trimers transition from perpendicular to tilted positions, facilitating viral particle adhesion to host cell membranes and potential engagement with ACE2 receptors. Enhanced membrane interactions in variants explain their unique cell fusion capacities and the transmission of COVID-19.
Article
Biology
Maryam Jama, Marawan Ahmed, Anna Jutla, Carson Wiethan, Jitendra Kumar, Tae Chul Moon, Frederick West, Michael Overduin, Khaled H. Barakat
Summary: This study utilized computational tools to screen over 6 million compounds and identified three potent allosteric inhibitors of SHP2. The binding affinities of these inhibitors to SHP2 were measured and found to be in the nanomolar range, suggesting their potential as improved allosteric inhibitors of SHP2.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Michael Overduin, Rakesh K. K. Bhat, Troy A. A. Kervin
Summary: Variants of the Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 exhibit strong membrane binding abilities and can evade antibodies from vaccinations and previous infections. Despite differences around mutated sites, they all maintain elevated membrane binding propensities and exhibit both closed and open states. These findings provide predictive criteria for future pandemic waves and strategies for combating multiple variants.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Overduin, Anh Tran, Dominic M. Eekels, Finn Overduin, Troy A. Kervin
Summary: Transmembrane membrane readers (TMMRs) are a class of proteins that have both transmembrane and peripheral domains, playing important roles in membrane fusion and signal recognition. They have crucial functions in cell biology and membrane trafficking, and are considered as drug targets for diseases like COVID-19.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hung M. Nguyen, Loan Q. Le, Luca Sella, Luke M. Broadbent, Roslyn M. Bill, Van V. Vu
Summary: This study successfully expressed MoAA16 heterologously in Pichia pastoris and revealed its cellulose-active PMO properties. MoAA16 can break down cellulose through oxidation and enhance cellulase hydrolysis, resulting in the production of more monosaccharide products. These findings highlight the potential of MoAA16 for applications in biofuel production and chemical synthesis.
ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Markou, Philip Kitchen, Ahmed Aldabbagh, Mariaelena Repici, Mootaz M. Salman, Roslyn M. Bill, Zita Balklava
Summary: The AQP4 water channel plays a crucial role in brain swelling following insults like traumatic injury or stroke, with its trafficking mechanisms involving early and recycling endosomes as well as cytoskeleton dynamics. AQP4 constantly cycles between the cell surface and intracellular vesicles in mammalian cells, with internalisation being dynamin-dependent. Targeting Rab5, Rab11, and cytoskeleton dynamics could provide potential avenues for edema treatment.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Antonio Carlesso, Raquel Delgado, Oriol Ruiz Isant, Owens Uwangue, Dylan Valli, Roslyn M. Bill, Kristina Hedfalk
Summary: This study emphasizes the importance of yeast as a production host for eukaryotic membrane proteins. Yeast remains a useful host for studying α-helical membrane proteins, with both homologous and heterologous production being common in different yeast hosts.
FEMS YEAST RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anh Tran, Troy A. Kervin, Michael Overduin
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of interaction between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and host cell membranes. Multiple binding sites between the spike protein and membranes are identified, which play a role in viral fusion, entry, assembly, and egress processes, as well as ACE2 receptor recognition. Antibodies targeting the spike protein block the membrane docking process that precedes ACE2 recognition.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tamim Al-Jubair, Jonas Hyld Steffen, Julie Winkel Missel, Philip Kitchen, Mootaz M. Salman, Roslyn M. Bill, Pontus Gourdon, Susanna Tornroth-Horsefield
Summary: This article describes a protocol for characterizing the interaction between a human AQP and a soluble interaction partner using microscale thermophoresis (MST). The protocol provides a high level of control over components and environment, allowing for investigation of AQP protein-protein interactions with low sample consumption and high detergent compatibility.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tamim Al-Jubair, Jonas Hyld Steffen, Julie Winkel Missel, Philip Kitchen, Mootaz M. Salman, Roslyn M. Bill, Pontus Gourdon, Susanna Tornroth-Horsefield
Summary: This article presents a protocol for high-yield recombinant expression and purification of human AQPs in the methylotropic yeast Pichia pastoris.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jonas Hyld Steffen, Julie Winkel Missel, Tamim Al-Jubair, Philip Kitchen, Mootaz M. Salman, Roslyn M. Bill, Susanna Tornroth-Horsefield, Pontus Gourdon
Summary: AQPs, as critical water channels, play an important role in maintaining water homeostasis. This protocol describes a method to determine the water permeation capacity of AQPs by tracking the change in proteoliposome size exposed to an osmogenic gradient.