Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ranran Sun, Xiaomeng Guo, Dawei Yang, Xinchen Cai, Qian Li, Li Yao, Hongxia Sun, Yalin Tang
Summary: SCA36 is caused by abnormal expansion of the GGGCCT repeat sequence in NOP56 intron 1, leading to the increased formation of RNA G-quadruplexes. The small-molecule compound TCB-1 has been developed as a selective and fluorescent probe for RNA G-quadruplexes, which can be used to sensitively detect cytoplasmic RNA G-quadruplexes in SCA36 model cells. This study not only offers new insights for designing small-molecule compounds targeting RNA G-quadruplexes in living cells, but also provides a potential tool for detecting SCA36 by demonstrating the increased formation of RNA G-quadruplexes caused by NOP56 gene mutation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petra Galer, Baifan Wang, Janez Plavec, Primoz Sket
Summary: This study revealed two distinct structures of the human telomere oligonucleotide TAGGG, which can serve as a potential system for pH-driven switches and nanotechnology applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhuohao Xie, Peng Li, Haonan Zhan, Liuyan Zhuang, Sijian Tao, Liehua Deng, Jiahao Huang
Summary: An allosterically modulated G-quadruplex-integrated aptamer is designed for efficient and accurate detection of melamine in dairy products. The method is label-free, turn-on, low-cost, and time-efficient, with high specificity and a low detection limit. This approach can be easily manipulated and provides ultra-sensitive detection, making it useful in the field of food safety, biomedical engineering, and clinical diagnosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ryu Hashimoto, Masafumi Minoshima, Souhei Sakata, Fumihito Ono, Hirokazu Ishii, Yuki Watakabe, Tomomi Nemoto, Saeko Yanaka, Koichi Kato, Kazuya Kikuchi
Summary: In this study, visible-light-sensitive protecting groups with high uncaging cross sections were developed for precise control of bioactivity. Two-photon photolysis reactions were achieved using near-infrared laser, and green-light illumination enabled optical control of biological functions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiaomeng Guo, Dawei Yang, Ranran Sun, Qian Li, Hongyan Du, Yalin Tang, Hongxia Sun
Summary: A new fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) switch was constructed that can track the progression and termination of mitophagy by identifying G-quadruplex structures. This provides a new strategy for constructing non-covalent FRET probes and offers a reliable tool for tracking mitophagy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sumon Pratihar, Ragini Agrawal, Virender Kumar Pal, Amit Singh, Thimmaiah Govindaraju
Summary: Identifying and characterizing a highly conserved antiparallel G-quadruplex (GQ)-forming DNA sequence within the SARS-CoV-2 genome, researchers developed a novel benzobisthiazole-based fluorogenic probe for specific target recognition. This probe, used in a cost-effective assay involving PCR amplification and endpoint fluorescence detection, demonstrates a potential diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples. The study suggests a general strategy that can be adapted for developing specific diagnostic assays targeting different noncanonical nucleic acid sequences.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenting Liu, Bo-Chen Zhu, Liu-Yi Liu, Xiao-Yu Xia, Zong-Wan Mao
Summary: This study elucidates the pathways of G4 transitions driven by a platinum(II) compound Pt-phen. The formation of complexes differs under physiological conditions compared to low potassium ion conditions. The results demonstrate the crucial role of Pt-phen binding sites in the G4 transition process.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Li, Jiajie Zhang, Qi Long, Weisheng Guo, Menghua Xiong
Summary: In this study, a class of pH-responsive helix-to-coil conformationally transitionable polypeptides (pCTPs) was developed by conjugating tertiary amine groups (TAs) to polylysine. The conformation of pCTPs can be controlled by the charge state of TAs and hydrophobicity, and this transition facilitates controlled drug release.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeffrey A. Purslow, Jolene N. Thimmesch, Valeria Sivo, Trang T. Nguyen, Balabhadra Khatiwada, Rochelle R. Dotas, Vincenzo Venditti
Summary: Enzyme I (EI) of the bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS) is a master regulator of bacterial metabolism and a potential target for broad-spectrum antibiotics. Research shows that the activity of EI is influenced by the conformational dynamics within the N-terminal domain (EIN), and engineering hybrid mesophilic/thermophilic chimeras can modulate these dynamics to affect enzyme activity. This study provides insights into the dynamics/function relationship in proteins and opens new possibilities in biophysics research.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yu Wang, Chunjie Li, Xueyu Hao, Liangpeng Wang, Xiaoye Ma, Rizhe Jin, Chuanqing Kang, Lianxun Gao
Summary: This study presented a non-covalent bond approach to construct G-quadruplex (GQ) ligands with an extended planar structure, stabilizing GQs and inducing conformational conversion of hybrid GQs through quadruplex intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The ligands exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells and effectively induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. These results demonstrate the feasibility of quickly building GQ ligands through intermolecular interactions, aiding in ligand design and establishing a ligand library efficiently.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anzhela Pavlova, Victoria Yu Savitskaya, Nina G. Dolinnaya, Mayya Monakhova, Anastasia Litvinova, Elena A. Kubareva, Maria Zvereva
Summary: By studying the promoter region of the human TERT oncogene, it was found that G-quadruplexes play a key role in the immortality of cancer cells and that G>A point substitutions can cause destabilization in the G4 structure.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu-Cheng Liu, Dah-Yen Yang, Sheh-Yi Sheu
Summary: G-quadruplexes have become attractive drug targets in cancer therapy, but the polymorphic nature of their structures makes understanding their conformational conversion mechanisms challenging. This study used molecular dynamics simulation to show that as salt concentration increases, the mechanism of conformational conversion shifts from multi-pathway to sequential pathways, with conformational conversion being more feasible upon K+ binding compared to Na+ binding in high-salt solutions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marijana Ugrina, Ines Burkhart, Diana Mueller, Harald Schwalbe, Nadine Schwierz
Summary: In this study, the folding pathways of a G-quadruplex from the telomeric repeat-containing RNA were characterized using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and circular dichroism experiments. The presence of ions stabilized the quadruplex fold, and the folding process was guided by the formation of an ion double layer surrounding the charged quadruplex. Coarse-grained simulations accurately captured the ionic double layer using a matching procedure based on all-atom simulations. The results showed that the folding progressed through a series of intermediate states, stabilized by transient Hoogsteen interactions, before reaching the final folded structure. The study also proposed that conformational entropy is a hallmark of rG4 folding, which was supported by the analysis of free energy landscapes and folding pathways of four rG4 systems with varying loop length.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Frazee, Blake Mertz
Summary: pH-Low Insertion Peptide (pHLIP) is a membrane-active peptide that can fold into a transmembrane alpha-helix under acidification, potentially serving as a drug vector for diseases characterized by acidosis. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the addition of ions can reduce the pKa of acidic residues in pHLIP, with the variant P20G exhibiting higher helicity and compactness. Sodium cations tend to localize to the C-terminus of the peptide, and the salt bridge between R11 and D14 is favored, especially in pHLIP at 150 mM NaCl.
JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anirban Ghosh, Eric Largy, Valerie Gabelica
Summary: This study focuses on using native mass spectrometry for drug screening on G-quadruplex DNA structures. By studying 28 sequences, a standardized screening method was established and recommendations for future research were provided. Furthermore, an R-based open-source application was developed to build and consult a database for further exploration.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Chui-Shan Tsang, Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee, Kwong-Chak Cheung, Pak-Ho Chan, Wing-Leung Wong, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: The study reveals that ligands with longer alkyl chains can effectively promote the conversion of Ru-III-OH to Ru-IV=O, and the presence of perchlorate anions can further enhance this conversion. Additionally, the alkyl chain on the ligands also helps promote the adsorption of ruthenium complexes on the electrode surface.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qi Xue, Ka Hin Chan, Cheuk Ki Yim, Bryan Kit Yue Ng, Tianxiang Chen, Sarah J. Day, Chiu Tang, Shogo Kawaguchi, Kwok-Yin Wong, Tsz Woon Benedict Lo
Summary: The guest-anion-induced photoluminescence enhancement of metalorganic frameworks was found to be significant only with carbonate and fluoride ions. These ions interact with framework amino functional groups through hydrogen bonds, forming a molecular bridge and perturbing electronic densities.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pei-Gang Chen, Zhiyong Li, Yun Qi, Tsz Wing Lo, Shubo Wang, Wei Jin, Kwok-Yin Wong, Shanhui Fan, Anatoly Zayats, Dangyuan Lei
Summary: The research demonstrates a valleytronic system based on high-quantum-yield trion emission in monolayer WS2, chirally coupled to a low-loss microfiber, achieving long-range directional routing of valley excitations and selective address of valley-dependent emission from different spatial locations. This valleytronic interface can be integrated with fiber communication devices, providing a new mechanism for optical information transport and manipulation in classical and quantum regimes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi Xue, Bryan Kit Yue Ng, Ho Wing Man, Tai-Sing Wu, Yun-Liang Soo, Molly Mengjung Li, Shogo Kawaguchi, Kwok Yin Wong, Shik Chi Edman Tsang, Bolong Huang, Tsz Woon Benedict Lo
Summary: Research focusing on precisely tuning the nuclearity of supported metal nanoclusters, particularly on the Zr-based metal-organic framework UiO-66-NH2, offers insights into the interplay between surface structures, adsorption configurations, and catalytic reactivities of Cu-oxo nanoclusters, providing critical information for the engineering of more superior catalytic systems.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Huaping Jia, Zhiyong Li, Bingzhe Wang, Guichuan Xing, Yat Lam Wong, Hui Ren, Mingjie Li, Kwok-Yin Wong, Dangyuan Lei, Lok-Wing Wong, Jiong Zhao, Wendong Zhang, Shengbo Sang, Aoqun Jian, Xuming Zhang
Summary: Metallic nanohole arrays that excite both surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in a single thin film have attracted great interest in the field of plasmonics. In this study, a novel design of photoelectrodes for solar photocatalysis applications was proposed by burying an Au nanohole array (AuNHA) under a thin TiO2 layer and decorating Pt nanoparticles randomly on the surface. The Pt/TiO2/AuNHA nanocomposite showed significant enhancements in photocurrent density, incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency, and degradation of methyl orange compared to the Pt/TiO2/Au film.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wai-Po Kong, Furong Gong, Pui-Kin So, Yu Wai Chen, Pak-Ho Chan, Yun-Chung Leung, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: In this study, the authors used hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to investigate the structural dynamic changes and binding interfaces within the FtsQBL protein complex in Escherichia coli. Their findings revealed the interactions between FtsB and FtsL at both the periplasmic and transmembrane regions, as well as the interaction between FtsB and FtsQ at its C-terminal region. The study provides valuable insights into the roles of FtsQBL complexation in regulating divisome activity.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Ying Wang, Ruolan Du, Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: Nanozymes, heterogeneous nanomaterials with enzyme-like characteristics, offer significant advantages as alternatives to natural enzymes. Single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes), composed of single-atomic active sites, have remarkable enzyme-like activity and specificity. This review provides an overview of SAzymes, including their discoveries, advantages, and classifications, as well as discussions on reaction mechanisms, design principles, and biosensing applications. The challenges and future perspectives of SAzymes as the next-generation nanozymes are also discussed.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xing Liu, Yanli Du, Stefanos Mourdikoudis, Guangchao Zheng, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: This review summarizes recent research works on the synthesis, properties, and applications of chiral magnetic oxide nanomaterials (CMONs), which combine the beneficial effects of chirality and magnetism in a single unit. The simultaneous presence of magnetic properties, catalytic activity, biocompatibility and optical activity, or magneto-optical effects, makes CMONs widely applicable in biomedical, optical, and electronic devices as well as in catalysis and sensing.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying Wang, Yong Wang, Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: This mini-review outlines the research progress and characterization techniques of dual-atomic-site catalysts (DACs) and presents representative examples of DAC-based nanozymes. It also provides current challenges and perspectives for researchers interested in this field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruo-Lan Du, Ning Sun, Yik-Hong Fung, Yuan-Yuan Zheng, Yu-Wei Chen, Pak-Ho Chan, Wing-Leung Wong, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: In this study, potential inhibitors of FtsZ were identified through virtual screening and bioassays, with one candidate, Dacomitinib (S2727), showing potent inhibitory activity against MRSA strains for the first time. The binding mode of Dacomitinib in FtsZ was analyzed by docking, revealing Asp(199) and Thr(265) as essential residues involved in the interactions.
RSC MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weiran Zheng, Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: Direct seawater electrolysis offers a new opportunity to reduce the cost of hydrogen production, but challenges in long-term performance stability must be addressed. Common causes of performance decline during seawater electrolysis are discussed, along with ongoing efforts in counter-measurements such as electrocatalyst optimization and cell design. The need for a consensus on evaluating the stability of seawater electrolysis is emphasized.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Wang, Zhiguang Liang, Yuanyuan Zheng, Alan Siu-Lun Leung, Siu-Cheong Yan, Pui-Kin So, Yun-Chung Leung, Wing-Leung Wong, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: A series of isatin derivatives with different substituent groups were systematically designed and synthesized to study their inhibition of bacterial enzyme activity and antimicrobial potency. Modifying the substituent positions can maximize the antimicrobial potency and inhibitory action against the bacterial enzyme, leading to better understanding of the structure-activity relationship.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ping Zeng, Lanhua Yi, Melody Wong, Sheng Chen, Kin-Fai Chan, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: Research has shown that zp16 can inhibit the growth of Pectobacterium carotovorum by affecting membrane potential and permeability, as well as triggering reactive oxygen accumulation. Furthermore, zp16 also kills the bacteria by affecting the expression of key proteins related to arginine and peptidoglycan biosynthesis.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guangchao Zheng, Jijun He, Vished Kumar, Shenli Wang, Isabel Pastoriza-Santos, Jorge Perez-Juste, Luis M. Liz-Marzan, Kwok-Yin Wong
Summary: Chiral objects lack mirror planes and inversion symmetry, exhibiting the same physical properties as their mirror images except for often opposite chiroptical activity. Recent studies have shown interesting implications of chirality on the optical properties of metal nanoparticles, specifically related to localized surface plasmon resonance phenomena.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. Prabakaran, Amit Alexander
Summary: The molecular interactions and mucoadhesive nature of chitosan-coated liposomes with mucin are crucial for the development of an effective drug delivery system. The positively charged SA-CH-LPs showed stronger interaction and better mucoadhesive properties compared to negatively charged SALPs, thereby improving drug retention in the nasal cavity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maryam Noei-Khesht Masjedi, Esmaeil Sadroddiny, Jafar Ai, Saeed Balalaie, Yazdan Asgari
Summary: This study discovered an effective strategy for cargo sorting within exosomes by incorporating an appropriate cleavage site, providing further insight into the potential of exosomes as nano-shuttles bearing therapeutic biomolecules.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pei -Gee Yap, Chee-Yuen Gan
Summary: This study collected the sequences of 128 tyrosinase inhibitory peptides and analyzed their hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity properties and amino acid profiles. Molecular docking analysis was used to investigate the binding interactions between peptides and tyrosinase. The study found that hydrophobic and/or polar neutral properties facilitate or stabilize peptide binding with tyrosinase, and short peptides with cysteine and tyrosine tend to bind to the active site of tyrosinase. These findings provide detailed explanations for the relationship between peptide/amino acid structures and tyrosinase inhibition, as well as potential anti-melanogenesis mechanisms for peptide-based treatments against skin hyperpigmentation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ye Yang, Hai-Lian Chen, Su Fang Wu, Wei Bao
Summary: The study found that CHMP4B and VPS4A play an important role in reversing GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis by facilitating cell membrane remodeling in endometrial carcinoma.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aya Al Othman, Dmitry Bagrov, Julian M. Rozenberg, Olga Glazova, Gleb Skryabin, Elena Tchevkina, Alexandre Mezentsev, Mikhail Durymanov
Summary: Arc protein is found in glutamatergic neurons of vertebrates and can be transferred between neurons in extracellular vesicles (EVs). In glioma cells, Arc protein is also present in EVs and can facilitate the transfer of mRNA, potentially contributing to tumor progression and affecting synaptic plasticity in cancer patients.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nan Zhang, Meng-yu Shen, Qing-li Meng, Hao-ping Sun, Fang-yi Fan, Hai Yi, Yong-jian Yang
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated for the first time that FAT1 inhibited AML proliferation by reducing autophagy level. FAT1 achieved this by decreasing the expression of ATG4B, which is related to autophagy. Mechanistically, FAT1 decreased the levels of phosphorylated and intranuclear smad2/3, thus decreasing the activity of the ATG4B gene promoter. It was also found that FAT1 competitively bound to TGF-beta R II, leading to reduced phosphorylation of TGF-beta R I and smad2/3. Knockdown of FAT1 promoted AML autophagy and proliferation in vivo.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oleh Demianchuk, Myroslava Vatashchuk, Dmytro Gospodaryov, Viktoria Hurza, Marian Ivanochko, Vitalii Derkachov, Vladyslav Berezovskyi, Oleh Lushchak, Kenneth B. Storey, Maria Bayliak, Volodymyr I. Lushchak
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) on the behavior, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress markers in the cerebral cortex of mice. The results showed that HFFD stimulated locomotion and defecation, while an AKG-supplemented diet had a tendency to promote anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, there were significant differences in glutathione-dependent detoxification and processes related to autophagy between the two diets.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yusaku Chukai, Ginga Ito, Yasuo Miki, Koichi Wakabayashi, Ken Itoh, Eriko Sugano, Hiroshi Tomita, Tomokazu Fukuda, Taku Ozaki
Summary: The study found that mitochondrial calpain-5 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of ischemia-reperfusion injury and is expressed in the human and mouse brains. Targeting the expression or activity of mitochondrial calpain-5 may have significant implications for suppressing inflammation during I/R injuries such as cerebrovascular diseases.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aline Dias da Purificaca, Victor Debbas, Leonardo Yuji Tanaka, Gabriele Veronica de Mello Gabriel, Joao Wosniak Junior, Tiphany Coralie De Bessa, Sheila Garcia-Rosa, Francisco Rafael Martins Laurindo, Percillia Victoria Santos Oliveira
Summary: The ER transmembrane chaperones DNAJB12 and DNAJB14 play important roles in protein folding and ER stress response. They are regulated by thiol redox processes and are involved in ER protein reflux.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekaterina O. Bryanskaya, Andrey Y. Vinokurov, Angelina I. Dolgikh, Andrey Dunaev, Plamena R. Angelova, Andrey Y. Abramov
Summary: FAD autofluorescence in cells can assess enzymatic activity, and its intensity variations may be related to different cell types and tissues. High levels of FAD autofluorescence can indicate cell pathology and potentially predict the occurrence of apoptosis and necrosis.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rumei Luan, Manyu Luo, Dongyan Ding, Xin Su, Junling Yang
Summary: Zinc deficiency can worsen obesity-related lung damage, and Nrf2 activation is one of the important mechanisms of this protective effect. Regulating zinc homeostasis can contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity-related lung injury.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)