Article
Neurosciences
Miriam Corraliza-Gomez, Manuela del Cano-Espinel, Diego Sanchez, Maria D. Ganfornina
Summary: Accumulated evidence suggests that Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), a lipocalin, plays a role in regulating the redox state of cellular and extracellular lipid structures. This study shows that ApoD interacts with specific subtypes of detergent-resistant microdomains (DRMs) and does not require Basigin for its membrane interaction and lipid-antioxidant function.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yoshimi Oka
Summary: Membrane-anchored proteins and their mimics, such as PNAs, show selective partitioning into lipid raft or non-raft domains based on their lipophilic anchors. In this study, anchor-matched PNA was found to be excluded from the lipid raft domains of giant unilamellar vesicles when hybridized with complementary flavin-labeled DNA. The distribution of PNA was not only dependent on the lipophilic anchor, but also on the structure of the hybridized DNA or PNA pair.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sheeba Malik, Smarajit Karmakar, Ananya Debnath
Summary: All-atom molecular dynamics simulations reveal a significant growth in the heterogeneity length scales of interface water (IW) in 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine lipid membranes across fluid to ripple to gel phase transitions. IW acts as an alternate probe to capture the ripple size of the membrane and follows an activated dynamical scaling within the gel phase. These results quantify the mostly unknown correlations between the spatiotemporal scales of IW and membranes at various phases under physiological and supercooled conditions.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Liangtao Lv, Kan He, Fan Sun, Xiao Lin, Liying Ye, Yansi Lyu, Lizhong Liu, Linlin Wang, Zhigang Liu, Xuli Wu
Summary: This study showed that lipid peroxidation can potentially reduce the allergenicity of alpha-lactalbumin by inducing structural changes that may affect epitope integrity. In vivo experiments demonstrated a significant decrease in IgE, histamine, and markers of mast cell activation after oxidation, highlighting the potential of lipid peroxidation to alter the allergenic properties of milk allergens.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Bosch-Morell, Enrique Garcia-Gen, Salvador Merida, Mariola Penades, Carmen Desco, Amparo Navea
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical characteristics and differences in lipid peroxidation in the subretinal fluid (SRF) of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients. Results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein content in the SRF increased in patients with high myopia and more extended retinal detachment, suggesting the importance of oxidative imbalance in managing these cases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Prashant Hitaishi, Meet Raval, Ajit Seth, Sandeep Kumar, Venus Singh Mithu, Veerendra K. Sharma, Sajal K. Ghosh
Summary: The impact of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) on model cell membranes with and without cholesterol has been studied. The IL reduces the area of the cholesterol-free membrane and increases the elasticity of the cholesterol-containing membrane. X-ray reflectivity measurements confirm the formation of IL-induced phase-separated domains in the pure lipid phase. These results suggest that IL may deform bacterial cell membranes without cholesterol, but may not be harmful to human cell membranes due to the presence of cholesterol.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Heimburg
Summary: The Fluid Mosaic Model proposed by Singer & Nicolson describes biological membranes as fluid lipid layers with embedded integral proteins. The membrane acts as a liquid where proteins can freely move and interact. However, there are melting transitions in biomembranes that occur slightly below physiological temperatures, and these transitions can be influenced by various factors. This melting transition affects the overall excitable nature of the membrane, leading to phase behavior, domain formation, and changes in membrane function. The lipids in the membrane play an active role and affect the elastic constants of the membrane, allowing for the generation of pulses and ion-channel-like pores. This goes beyond the original concept of Singer & Nicolson.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Santos-Pereira, Joana P. Guedes, Debora Ferreira, Ligia R. Rodrigues, Manuela Corte-Real
Summary: The milk-derived bovine lactoferrin (bLf) has selective anticancer activity against highly metastatic cancer cells with V-ATPase at the plasma membrane. It co-localizes with V-ATPase and cholesterol-rich lipid rafts, perturbs cellular trafficking, induces cholesterol accumulation and disrupts lipid rafts, downregulates PI3K and AKT/p-AKT, and inhibits glycolysis of cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Jose Pedro Friedmann Angeli, Thamara Nishida Xavier da Silva, Bastian Schilling
Summary: In this study, Liao et al. show that CD8(+) T cell-secreted IFN-γ rewires cancer cell lipid metabolism via ACSL4, activating polyunsaturated fatty acids and sensitizing cancer cells to ferroptosis in immunotherapy-relevant settings.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Tristan Wegner, Anna L. L. Matos, Karine Porte, Kira Mehring, Marco Pierau, Hendrik Horstmeier, Volker Gerke, Frank Glorius
Summary: Cholesterol is a vital lipid in cellular membranes and plays a role in various cellular processes. Diseases like immunological disorders and cancer have been associated with abnormalities in cholesterol homeostasis. Thus, there is a need for molecular tools to study cholesterol distribution and interactions. In this study, a novel bifunctional imidazolium-based cholesterol analog (X-CHIM) was synthesized, which can serve as a versatile tool for investigating cellular cholesterol distributions and cholesterol-protein interactions.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sergio Serrano-Buitrago, Monica Munoz-Ubeda, Victor G. Almendro-Vedia, Juan Sanchez-Camacho, Beatriz L. L. Maroto, Florencio Moreno, Jorge Banuelos, Inmaculada Garcia-Moreno, Ivan Lopez-Montero, Santiago de la Moya
Summary: A simple, small and symmetric molecular probe based on BODIPY has been developed as a bright, photostable and functionalizable probe for plasma membrane (PM). By incorporating lateral polar ammoniostyryl groups, the probe's amphiphilicity and lipid membrane partitioning were increased. This new BODIPY probe demonstrated decreased diffusion across lipid bilayers compared to its precursor and showed optical capabilities in the red region for bioimaging.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria C. Oliveira, Maksudbek Yusupov, Annemie Bogaerts, Rodrigo M. Cordeiro
Summary: The addition of lipid aldehyde molecules at the Lo/Ld domain interfaces of heterogeneous membranes increases membrane permeability, while their addition at homogeneous membranes does not have any effect. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the impact of oxidative stress on membranes and is significant for cancer treatment methods.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yajing You, Chenxi Liu, Tiantian Liu, Miaomiao Tian, Nijin Wu, Zhen Yu, Fenglin Zhao, Jianni Qi, Qiang Zhu
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of FNDC3B in protecting against hepatic steatosis and ferroptosis in response to chronic alcohol consumption. Our findings suggest that FNDC3B could be a potential therapeutic target for ALD.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raul Arcusa, Juan Angel Carillo, Begona Cerda, Thierry Durand, Angel Gil-Izquierdo, Sonia Medina, Jean-Marie Galano, Maria Pilar Zafrilla, Javier Marhuenda
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of long-term consumption of high polyphenolic content from fruits and vegetables (such as berries) as a nutraceutical against central nervous system lipid peroxidation, as assessed through urine biomarkers. The results showed significant reductions in AdA and DHA-derived metabolites after consumption of the nutraceutical, indicating its effectiveness in preventing CNS lipid peroxidation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenichi G. N. Suzuki, Akihiro Kusumi
Summary: This article discusses the understanding of biological membranes and their interactions with cortical actin filaments and the clustering of membrane constituent molecules. The article summarizes the current knowledge of these structures and emphasizes their interrelationships. Additionally, it reviews the structure, molecular dynamics, and function of raft domains, with a focus on glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) and their signal transduction mechanisms. The article also highlights the limitations of current optical microscopy methods for visualizing raft domains but emphasizes the ability of single-molecule imaging techniques to detect raft domains associated with molecules of interest in the PM.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siva Santhiya Arul, Brinda Balakrishnan, Savithri S. Handanahal, Sangita Venkataraman
Summary: Viral nanoparticles are self-assembling delivery systems used for vaccines and therapeutic agents. They have improved biocompatibility and are widely used in various biomedical applications. However, large-scale production of VNPs still faces challenges.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wisely Chua, Carl O. Marsh, Si En Poh, Winston LC. Koh, Melody Li Ying Lee, Li Fang Koh, Xin-Zi Emily Tang, Peter See, Zheng Ser, Shi Mei Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Thomas L. Dawson Jr, Yik Weng Yew, Steven Thng, Anthony J. O'Donoghue, Hazel H. Oon, John E. Common, Hao Li
Summary: In this study, the gene expression of enzymes secreted by Malassezia globosa in the skin was investigated using targeted RNA sequencing. The study found that the expression of these enzymes is regulated by the fungus's environment and differs significantly from healthy skin sites. Additionally, a pseudoprotease MGL_3331 was identified to elicit an immune reaction in patients with atopic dermatitis. This highlights the importance of studying fungal proteins in physiologically relevant environments and their role in host immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belisa Parmeggiani, Marian Flores Signori, Cristiane Cecatto, Marina Rocha Frusciante, Manuela Bianchin Marcuzzo, Debora Guerini Souza, Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro, Bianca Seminotti, Diogo Onofre Gomes de Souza, Cesar Augusto Joa o Ribeiro, Moacir Wajner, Guilhian Leipnitz
Summary: Non ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a disorder caused by mutations in the genes encoding glycine cleavage system proteins, leading to severe neurodegeneration and white matter alterations. The study found that glycine affects myelin structure, glutamatergic system, and induces oxidative stress in neonatal rats and MO3.13 oligodendroglial cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Rose Ndella Thiaw, Pascal Gantet
Summary: Mini zinc fingers play important roles in plant development, including control of cell division and expansion, meristem state transition, and growth and organ development. They have diverse modes of action, such as direct gene activation, interaction with specific transcription factors, and aggregation of protein complexes for chromatin remodeling. Further research is needed to explore their wider range of biological functions and their involvement in biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shao-Jui Lai, Takahiro Kameda, Maasa Morita, Yuka Yamagata, Kaoruko Nishizaka, Yuna Horiuchi, Yukihiro Kobayashi, Yoko Usami, Jun-Jen Liu, Takeshi Kasama, Minoru Tozuka, Ryunosuke Ohkawa
Summary: In this study, the co-modification and impact of chymase and MPO on HDL were investigated. Sequential treatment with MPO and chymase generated two novel apoA-I fragments from HDL, one of which has a specific immunological property and can be used to predict patients with normal HDL-C levels and cardiovascular diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Mi Sun, Asami Yoshida, Takuya Ishii, Yan-Rong Jiang, Yi-Li Gao, Mikinori Ueno, Katsuya Hirasaka, Kiyoshi Osatomi
Summary: This study found that infection with the causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis, Edwardsiella tarda NUF251, leads to the production of superoxide radicals, causing oxidative stress. The research on the Jfsod1 gene suggests that the transcription factor NF-IL6 plays a significant role in upregulating the transcriptional activity of the gene in response to oxidative stress induced by NUF251 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shane M. Carey, Sean P. Kearns, Matthew E. Millington, Gregory S. Buechner, Beda E. Alvarez Jr, Leily Daneshian, Brendan Abiskaroon, Maksymilian Chruszcz, Edward L. D'Antonio
Summary: The importance of F337 in TcGlcK was investigated using the hole mutagenesis approach, revealing its key interactions with aromatic tail groups in inhibitor molecules. Mutants retaining activity and structural similarity were obtained, suggesting the possibility of TcHxK existing as a monomer lacking the F337 residue. Similar D-glucosamine inhibitors may bind less strongly to TcHxK due to the absence of van der Waals contacts from residue side chains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Barria, Diogo Athayde, Guillem Hernandez, Leonor Fonseca, Jorge Casinhas, Tiago N. Cordeiro, Margarida Archer, Cecilia M. Arraiano, Jose A. Brito, Rute G. Matos
Summary: Ribonucleases play a crucial role in RNA regulation by processing, degrading, and quality controlling cellular transcripts. Campylobacter jejuni, the main cause of human gastroenteritis, relies on the exoribonuclease PNPase (CjPNP) for low-temperature survival, virulence factor synthesis, and swimming, cell adhesion/invasion, and chick colonization abilities. The crystallographic structure of CjPNP, along with SAXS analysis, confirms its trimeric arrangement and provides insight into domain arrangement and flexibility. Mutations in highly conserved residues reveal unexpected RNA degradation activity even under conditions favoring polymerization. These findings have significant implications for the development of strategies to combat C. jejuni infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elvira R. Shaykhutdinova, Maria S. Severyukhina, Inna V. Kholoshenko, Elena A. Gondarenko, Irina V. Shelukhina, Elena V. Kryukova, Alina M. Ismailova, Elena S. Sadovnikova, Igor A. Dyachenko, Arkady N. Murashev, Victor I. Tsetlin, Yuri N. Utkin
Summary: Evidence suggests that activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can reduce cardiac injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, the expression of a4, a6, and a132 nAChR subunits in the rat heart's left ventricle was demonstrated. The nAChR agonists cytisine and varenicline, commonly used for nicotine addiction treatment, were found to significantly reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, with varenicline showing greater protection. The presence of a4132, a7, and/or a6132-containing receptors suggests that the protective effect of varenicline may be mediated by these subunits. These findings indicate a potential new use for cytisine and varenicline as cardioprotective agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinhai Xiong, Wenjie Chen, Cheng Chen, Qi Wu, Chaopeng He
Summary: This article summarizes the important roles of Cx43 in disease development from the perspective of subcellular localization and provides new ideas for Cx43 as a therapeutic target and the search for related pathological mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Bastos, Simone Pascoal, Kamila Lopes, Marcia Mortari, Helena Oliveira
Summary: Cancer, especially melanoma, is a major global health problem due to its metastatic capacity, treatment resistance, and high mortality rates. The Chartergellus-CP1 peptide isolated from Chartergellus communis wasp venom showed selective cytotoxicity towards melanoma cell lines, inducing apoptosis, cell cycle impairment, and intracellular ROS increase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte Claeyssen, Nathan Bulangalire, Bruno Bastide, Onnik Agbulut, Caroline Cieniewski-Bernard
Summary: Maintenance of striated muscle tissue relies on a dynamic network of protein-protein interactions. Desmin intermediate filaments play a crucial role in heart and skeletal muscle by maintaining cell structure and contributing to various cellular processes. The assembly of desmin intermediate filaments requires aB-crystallin, which is involved in multiple cellular functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhritiman Dey, Adhiraj Dasgupta, Dipanjan Ghosh, Oindrila Bhattacharjee, Abhrajyoti Ghosh, Ayae Honda, Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay
Summary: This study successfully identified host factors that interact with Chandipura Virus (CHPV) and play a critical role in infection, including A2M, LRP1, and GRP78. Knocking out A2M has a severe effect on viral infection, indicating the potential role of these host proteins in viral entry into host cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Dotsenko, Igor Sinelnikov, Aleksandra Rozhkova, Ivan Zorov, Arkady Sinitsyn
Summary: Xylanases play important roles in various industrial applications, such as feed additives, pulp and paper bleaching, and the production of bread, food, and drinks. Xylanases from the GH10 family show high thermostability and resistance to protein inhibitors, making them promising candidates for these processes. This study successfully improved the thermostability and enzymatic activity of GH10 xylanase, which could enhance its effectiveness as a feed additive and during pulp and paper bleaching.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Jaquet, M. Bengue, K. Lambert, G. Carnac, D. Misse, C. Bisbal
Summary: Changes to our environment have led to the emergence of human pathogens such as chikungunya virus, which is now a major public health concern. In this study, the interconnection between skeletal muscle cells metabolism, their differentiation stage, and the infectivity of chikungunya virus was investigated. The results showed that chikungunya virus infectivity is dependent on cell differentiation and metabolism and that the virus interferes with cellular metabolism.