Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dawei Li, Xiyu Chen, Rumeng Yan, Zeshan Jiang, Bing Zhou, Bei Lv
Summary: It was found that oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing G-quadruplexes can efficiently inhibit the activity of DNA topoisomerase I. Among them, the parallel propeller-type G-quadruplex is the most effective inhibitor. Combining G-quadruplexes with duplexes to form hybrids can enhance the inhibition efficiency. Moreover, a circular ODN with a G-quadruplex motif and DNA topoisomerase I binding site showed high inhibitory efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vincenzo Vigna, Stefano Scoditti, Angelo Spinello, Gloria Mazzone, Emilia Sicilia
Summary: This study reports the mechanism of action of a Pt(IV) prodrug that can be reduced to an active Pt(II) complex capable of binding and stabilizing G-quadruplex DNA structures. The reduction mechanism of the Pt(IV) prodrug and the binding mechanism of the released Pt(II) complex were investigated using computational analysis and molecular dynamics simulations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Pirota, Enrico Lunghi, Alessandra Benassi, Emmanuele Crespan, Mauro Freccero, Filippo Doria
Summary: The study demonstrated the selective interaction of two new Cu(II)-NDI complexes towards parallel G4 structures, providing promising results for the development of new selective functional ligands for binding and restructuring parallel G4s.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Josephine Geertsen Keller, Kirstine Mejlstrup Hymoller, Maria Eriksen Thorsager, Noriko Y. Hansen, Jens Uldum Erlandsen, Cinzia Tesauro, Anne Katrine W. Simonsen, Anne Bech Andersen, Kamilla Vands-Petersen, Lise Lolle Holm, Magnus Stougaard, Brage Storstein Andresen, Peter Kristensen, Rikke Frohlich, Birgitta R. Knudsen
Summary: The function of human topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) in regulating G-quadruplex (G4) formation in the MYC P1 promoter has been investigated, revealing its involvement in the regulation of G4 formation and its potential as a regulator in gene expression.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Ferretti, Cristina P. Matos, Catarina Canelas, Joao Costa Pessoa, Ana Isabel Tomaz, Radoslaw Starosta, Isabel Correia, Ignacio E. Leon
Summary: Due to the prevalence of cancer diseases, new therapeutic options are urgently needed. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of mixed-ligand Fe(III)-aminophenolate complexes, which showed high affinity for biomolecules and demonstrated significant activity in various human cancer cell lines.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yating Chen, Zhilin Ke, Lingyu Yuan, Meixiang Liang, Shuhua Zhang
Summary: We synthesized and analyzed nine unique copper(II) hydrazylpyridine salicylaldehyde and 1,10-phenanthroline complexes. It was found that these complexes exhibited higher anticancer activity and lower cytotoxicity towards normal cells compared to other substances. Specifically, Cugdupt1 and Cugdupt8 induced cell death through ATP depletion and activation of mitophagy pathways.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Chiara Platella, Ettore Napolitano, Claudia Riccardi, Domenica Musumeci, Daniela Montesarchio
Summary: Naphthalene diimides (NDIs) show high potential as anticancer agents by targeting multiple G-quadruplexes simultaneously and demonstrating strong, selective anticancer activity. Analysis of biophysical and biological data yields structure-activity correlations, while in-depth discussion of NDI binding modes to G-quadruplexes is based on available structural models.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huiling Shu, Rongxin Zhang, Ke Xiao, Jing Yang, Xiao Sun
Summary: G-quadruplexes are non-canonical secondary nucleic acid structures that play important roles in genome regulation. Interactions between G-quadruplexes and proteins have diverse biological functions and potential therapeutic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Efres Belmonte-Reche, Alessandra Benassi, Pablo Penalver, Anne Cucchiarini, Aurore Guedin, Jean Louis Mergny, Frederic Rosu, Valerie Gabelica, Mauro Freccero, Filippo Doria, Juan Carlos Morales
Summary: Glycosyl conjugation to drugs is a strategy that takes advantage of the overexpression of glucose transporters (GLUT) in cancer cells to achieve targeted therapy. In this study, a series of thiosugar naphthalene diimide conjugates were synthesized and the effects of modifications to the amino sidechain on their antiproliferative activity, antiparasitic activity, ability to bind quadruplexes, cellular uptake, and location were investigated.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Dong, Ming-Hao Hu
Summary: A minimalistic fluorescent probe has been developed in this study, which exhibits selective detection and mapping of parallel topology of cellular RNA G4.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jaroslav Malina, Hana Kostrhunova, Nicholas P. Farrell, Viktor Brabec
Summary: The study showed that inherently flexible anticancer substitution-inert polynuclear platinum(s) complexes (SI-PPCs) can stabilize DNA G-quadruplex structures and terminate DNA polymerization on templates containing G4 sequences, leading to reduced expression of G4-regulated genes.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Poulomi Das, Khac Huy Ngo, Fernaldo Richtia Winnerdy, Arijit Maity, Blaz Bakalar, Yves Mechulam, Emmanuelle Schmitt, Anh Tuan Phan
Summary: This study investigates the adaptability of left-handed G4 structures towards the presence of bulges, presenting the structural characteristics of left-handed G4s accommodating varying numbers of bulges. Bulges in left-handed G4s exhibit distinct features compared to those in right-handed G4s, and elucidation of the intricate structural details may enhance understanding of the potential roles and limitations of these unique structures.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hsin-Yung Yen, Ali Jazayeri, Carol Robinson
Summary: GPCRs are important drug targets due to their involvement in physiological processes. Mass spectrometry techniques, such as HDX-MS and native-MS, provide opportunities to investigate GPCR pharmacology and discover new drugs. This review highlights the potential of MS techniques for in-depth investigations of GPCR biology.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haibo Wang, Xuexin Bai, Yahui Huang, Yueru Chen, Guoqiang Dong, Tianmiao Ou, Shanchao Wu, Defeng Xu, Chunquan Sheng
Summary: Inspired by the indolopyridoquinazoline scaffold of natural products evodiamine and rutaecarpine, novel triple G4 and Top1/2 ligands were designed and synthesized. Compound 15g, discovered through systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, effectively induced and stabilized G4 and inhibited Top1/2 with potent antitumor activity. Compound 15g represents a valuable chemical tool or lead compound for antitumor drug discovery. This proof-of-concept study also validated the feasibility of using planar natural products scaffold as templates to design new G4 ligands.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinbo Zhu, Zhiqiang Yan, Filip Boskovic, Cally J. E. Haynes, Marion Kieffer, Jake L. Greenfield, Jin Wang, Jonathan R. Nitschke, Ulrich F. Keyser
Summary: The study demonstrates the binding between DNA G4 and a self-assembled metal-organic cage, resulting in aggregate formation that protects the DNA G4 from cleavage. Experiment results show that the cage interacts with a wide range of G4s and serves as a protective barrier for DNA G4.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohd Hadzdee Mohd Din, Anusha Nair, Malihe Masomian, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman
Summary: The LIP2 gene of oil palm mesocarp lipase was isolated, expressed, purified and characterized. It showed distinctive lipolytic properties, optimal temperature and pH, increased stability with metal ions and organic solvents, and suitable substrate specificity. The thermal denaturing point of LIP2 was at 66 degrees C with a composition of random patterns, alpha-helix, turns, and beta-sheet. The successful purification and characterization of LIP2 allows for further exploration of its potential in industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ren Kai Edward Neo, Han Wee Ong, Zhen Xuan Wong, Elumalai Kumaran, Rakesh Ganguly, Weng Kee Leong, Yong Leng Kelvin Tan
Summary: Thermal activation of Ru-4(mu-H)(4)(CO)(12) results in the formation of substitution products 2a and 2b with diphenylvinylphosphine ligands terminally bound to ruthenium centers. The clusters retain their structural integrity at elevated temperatures and maintain the D2d symmetry of the parent cluster 1.
JOURNAL OF CLUSTER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Siti Nor Hasmah Ishak, Nor Hafizah Ahmad Kamarudin, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Adam Thean Chor Leow, Fairolniza Mohd Shariff, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman
Summary: The 5M mutant lipase was obtained through cumulative mutagenesis with a decreased thermostability compared to the wild-type T1 lipase. The three-dimensional structure analysis of the 5M mutant lipase revealed a decrease in molecular interactions, emphasizing the importance of hydrogen bonds and ion interactions for protein stability. Substrate specificity analysis showed changes in substrate preference, with molecular dynamics simulation validating the preference of 5M lipase towards long-chain p-nitrophenyl-esters.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nur Aliyah Mohd Azrin, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman, Siti Nurbaya Oslan, Noor Dina Muhd Noor
Summary: Subtilisin, a thermostable and pH compatible enzyme, is commonly used as an additive in detergents. It is derived from various bacterial species and has properties such as broad specificity and calcium-dependent stability, making it versatile for applications in industries such as detergent, food processing, and waste management.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Muhamad Nadzmi Omar, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman, Noor Dina Muhd Noor, Wahhida Latip, Victor Feizal Knight, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
Summary: Aminopeptidase P is a metal-ion-dependent enzyme that cleaves N-terminal amino acids, sharing similar structure and catalytic mechanism with other enzymes. It is widely used in various industries and requires metal ions for enzymatic activity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sayangku Nor Ariati Mohamad Aris, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Mohd Anuar Jonet, Taiki Motomura, Noor Dina Muhd Noor, Fairolniza Mohd Shariff, Kai-Cheng Hsu, Thean Chor Leow
Summary: Over the past decade, Malaysia has seen a rise in reported cases of leptospirosis, resulting in a significant number of deaths. Researchers have focused on riboflavin synthase as a potential target for antimicrobial agents due to its importance in the biosynthesis pathway of microorganisms. They cloned and expressed the riboflavin synthase from a pathogenic bacterium called Leptospira kmetyi, and analyzed its crystal structure. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted to study the potential inhibitors. The findings shed light on the development of new antibacterial drugs for the treatment of leptospirosis and other related infectious diseases.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nur Ezzati Rosli, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Nor Hafizah Ahmad Kamarudin, Malihe Masomian, Wahhida Latip, Shazleen Saadon, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman
Summary: This study investigates the structural and biochemical features of ALDH from thermophilic bacterium, Anoxybacillus geothermalis strain D9. The enzyme exhibited remarkable thermostability and tolerance to non-polar organic solvents, making it a potential candidate for industrial applications.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nur Farah Anis Abd Halim, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Adam Thean Chor Leow, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman
Summary: Fatty acid desaturase plays a crucial role in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with limited research on membrane fatty acid desaturases due to challenges in recombinant production. However, technological advancements have shown progress in elucidating the crystal structures of membrane fatty acid desaturases.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Rose Syuhada Basri, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman, Nor Hafizah Ahmad Kamarudin, Wahhida Latip, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
Summary: This study successfully immobilized a moderate thermophile Mycobacterium phlei carboxylic acid reductase (MpCAR) onto a polymeric support, Seplite LX120, showing improved catalytic performance and stability. The immobilized MpCAR exhibited optimal activity at high temperature and alkaline conditions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lloyd Ling, Ahmed Faris Aldoghachi, Zhi Xiong Chong, Wan Yong Ho, Swee Keong Yeap, Ren Jie Chin, Eugene Zhen Xiang Soo, Jen Feng Khor, Yoke Leng Yong, Joan Lucille Ling, Naing Soe Yan, Alan Han Kiat Ong
Summary: miRNAs in liquid biopsies are considered potential alternatives or complements to breast cancer biomarkers, with the potential to play a significant role in BC management. The utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms on the big data of miRNAs can help in a more comprehensive assessment of cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Faris Aldoghachi, Zhi Xiong Chong, Swee Keong Yeap, Soon Keng Cheong, Wan Yong Ho, Alan Han Kiat Ong
Summary: Cancer recurrence, drug resistance, and metastasis are common challenges in cancer management. The use of stem cells in cancer therapy is gaining popularity as it offers unique tumor-homing activities and anti-cancer properties. This review focuses on the interactions between different stem cell types (including mesenchymal stroma/stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, and cancer stem cells) and cancer, particularly in terms of paracrine signaling activities, exosomal miRNA interactions, and their therapeutic potential in delivering anti-cancer agents. Furthermore, the role of exosomal miRNA released by cancer stem cells in cancer recurrence and metastasis is discussed, providing insights into their potential use as non-cell-based cancer therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wei Xiang Koh, Jia Li Fong, Ping Xuan Goh, Andrea Paris Gomez, Zhen Xuan Wong, Weng Kee Leong
Summary: This study found that the respective organometallic complexes can react with diphenyl dichalcogenides under visible light irradiation, resulting in the photocleavage of the metal-metal bond. The measurements of reaction rates indicate a preference of the organoruthenium radical for sulfur and the organomolybdenum radical for selenium.
JOURNAL OF ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ummie Umaiera Mohd. Johan, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman, Nor Hafizah Ahmad Kamarudin, Wahhida Latip, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
Summary: This study successfully immobilized the hyperthermostable carboxylesterase from Anoxybacillus geothermalis D9, improving its stability and reusability. The immobilized enzyme demonstrated broad thermal stability and pH tolerance, as well as improved stability towards various organic solvents. Through immobilization, the enzyme can be reused for up to seven cycles. This study highlights the improvement of operational stability and properties of the immobilized enzyme for practical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wahhida Latip, Nur Ezzati Rosli, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Nor Hafizah Ahmad Kamarudin, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman
Summary: In this study, ALDH was successfully immobilized onto Seplite LX120 via physical adsorption and showed improved stability in high temperature and broad pH range. The immobilized ALDH also exhibited good long-term storage stability and reusability. The improved enzyme stability of immobilized ALDH is of great significance for future applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samah Hashim Albayati, Malihe Masomian, Siti Nor Hasmah Ishak, Adam Thean Chor Leow, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali, Fairolniza Mohd Shariff, Noor Dina Muhd Noor, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman
Summary: The regioselectivity of lipases allows for the construction of novel molecule units and modifications of fats. Geobacillus zalihae T1 lipase hydrolyzes the sn-1,3 acylglycerol chain. Through mutagenesis, the novel lipase mutant 3M switches the regioselectivity to sn-3. This mutant also alters pH, selectivity, and maintains catalytic efficiency.