Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thilo Kohler, Alexandre Luscher, Lena Falconnet, Gregory Resch, Robert McBride, Quynh-Anh Mai, Juliette L. Simonin, Marc Chanson, Bohumil Maco, Raphael Galiotto, Arnaud Riat, Shawna McCallin, Benjamin Chan, Christian van Delden
Summary: The study documents the successful treatment of a male patient with life-threatening multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection using personalized phage therapy and intravenous antibiotics. This indicates that phage therapy can be an alternative or complementary strategy for multidrug resistant bacterial infections.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vandna Devi, Pamita Awasthi
Summary: Ethyl 3-(2-(4-chlorophenoxy)acetamido)propanoate is synthesized and studied as an insect growth regulator, showing promising results in comparison to a commercial IGR. Various spectroscopic and computational techniques are used to confirm the structure and analyze the bioactivity, providing a foundation for further research and applications.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Orlando Poma, Betty Ricce, Jeyson Beraun, Jackson Edgardo Perez Carpio, Hugo Fernandez, Juan Soria
Summary: Plastic pollution, resulting from the long decomposition time of most single-use plastics, is a grave environmental problem. This study evaluates the efficacy of G. mellonella in biodegrading LDPE in the district of Pangoa, Junin, Peru. The results suggest that the best treatment is conditioning G. mellonella with beeswax and carrying out the treatment for 36 hours.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Enas Mamdouh Hefzy, Mahmoud A. F. Khalil, Amal A. Ibrahim Amin, Hossam M. Ashour, Yasser Fathy Abdelaliem
Summary: The study showed that BLISs from lactobacilli and streptococci have inhibitory effects on Candida species, with good stability against heat, pH, and surfactants but sensitivity to proteases. In vivo testing using Galleria mellonella larvae model demonstrated that BLISs significantly improved survival rates when treated with Candida isolates, suggesting the potential of BLISs as biotherapeutic agents in vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Article
Microbiology
Dan-Tiberiu Furnica, Silke Dittmer, Maike Isabell Sanders, Joerg Steinmann, Peter-Michael Rath, Lisa Kirchhoff
Summary: Aspergillus fumigatus has become a significant threat in clinical settings, with increasing cases of invasive infections caused by azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates (ARAF). This study investigated the in-vitro and in-vivo activity of the imidazole luliconazole (LLCZ) against clinical ARAF. The results showed that LLCZ has inhibitory effects on the planktonic cells and early biofilms of ARAF.
Article
Immunology
Nathalia Ferreira Fregonezi, Lariane Teodoro Oliveira, Junya de Lacorte Singulani, Caroline Maria Marcos, Claudia Tavares dos Santos, Maria Lucia Taylor, Maria Jose Soares Mendes-Giannini, Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira, Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
Summary: This study investigated the influence of Hsp60 on biofilm features of H. capsulatum and its effect in the G. mellonella model. The results showed that the Hsp60 antibody (mAb 7B6) was effective in reducing metabolic activity and biomass of the fungus, resulting in thinner biofilms with lower cell and matrix content, as well as increased survival of infected larvae. The findings suggest a different pattern of fungus-host interaction in the invertebrate model compared to a murine model, highlighting the importance of Hsp60 in biofilm establishment and larval infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Laura Moya-Anderico, Joana Admella, Eduard Torrents
Summary: This study presents an optimized and novel protocol for clearing Galleria mellonella larvae, allowing for visualization of internalized fluorescent nanoparticles using confocal microscopy and opening doors to a wide range of applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Adam J. Mulkern, Linda B. Oyama, Alan R. Cookson, Christopher J. Creevey, Toby J. Wilkinson, Hamza Olleik, Marc Maresca, Giarla C. da Silva, Patricia P. Fontes, Denise M. S. Bazzolli, Hilario C. Mantovani, Bamu F. Damaris, Luis A. J. Mur, Sharon A. Huws
Summary: This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from the rumen microbiome against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. All AMPs exhibited antimicrobial activity against the strains tested, with no decrease in activity. The AMPs Lynronne 1 and 2 showed efficacy in an in vivo infection model. These findings highlight the potential of microbiome-derived AMPs for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuai Wang, Wei Shi, Zhichu Huang, Nihong Zhou, Yanling Xie, Yu Tang, Fuliang Hu, Guangxu Liu, Huoqing Zheng
Summary: Plastic-eating insects like the greater wax moth show promise in reducing plastic pollution through biodegradation, with the potential for enhanced metabolism with the involvement of gut microbiota. This study found that polystyrene microplastics can be depolymerized and digested in greater wax moths independently of gut microbiota, indicating efficient biodegradation by the insects' enzymes. Proposed potential metabolic pathways for polystyrene degradation in the insects' intestines provide insight for further research on enzyme identification and catalytic mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lynn El Haddad, Georgios Angelidakis, Justin R. Clark, Jesus F. Mendoza, Austen L. Terwilliger, Christopher P. Chaftari, Mark Duna, Serena T. Yusuf, Cynthia P. Harb, Mark Stibich, Anthony Maresso, Roy F. Chemaly
Summary: Phages specific to Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci were successfully isolated from sewage samples and found to be safe and effective in the Galleria mellonella model, making them potential agents for therapy against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana Admella, Eduard Torrents
Summary: Galleria mellonella is an advantageous animal model for infection research, as it is easy and inexpensive to maintain and rear. Its use is ethically acceptable and it has a conveniently manipulable size. Additionally, its immune system shares similarities with mammalian immune systems. Hemocytes, the immune cells, play a crucial role in encapsulating and eliminating pathogens and foreign particles. However, culturing G. mellonella hemocytes in vitro presents challenges.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Javier A. Garcia, Kiem Vu, George R. Thompson, Angie Gelli
Summary: This study examined the growth and morphology of a Coccidioides posadasii strain and revealed unexpected cellular changes. The findings suggest that this strain is a useful model for studying the mechanisms underlying the transition from parasitic to saprophytic growth.
Article
Immunology
Vanessa Rafaela Milhomem Cruz-Leite, Mariana Vieira Tomazett, Juliana Santana de Curcio, Nicolau Sbaraini, Alexandre Melo Bailao, Relber Aguiar Goncales, Dayane Moraes, Maristela Pereira, Marilene Henning Vainstein, Augusto Schrank, Roberta Peres da Silva, Matthias Brock, Celia Maria de Almeida Soares
Summary: The study aimed to generate bioluminescent reporter strains of Paracoccidioides spp. by incorporating a thermostable luciferase gene under the control of different promoters. The transformation experiments and detection of luciferase confirmed the successful construction of the strains. Additionally, an in vivo model was proposed for the systemic study of paracoccidioidomycoses.
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Sanghyun Ahn, Jung -Soo Suh, Yoon-Kwan Jang, Heonsu Kim, Kiseok Han, Yerim Lee, Gyuho Choi, Tae-Jin Kim
Summary: The TAUCON and TAUCOM biosensors, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), can accurately detect abnormal conformational changes in tau protein at the single-cell level. These biosensors provide valuable tools for investigating the initial causes, mechanisms, progression, and treatment of tauopathies.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Guillaume Menard, Astrid Rouillon, Gevorg Ghukasyan, Mathieu Emily, Brice Felden, Pierre-Yves Donnio
Summary: Utilizing a G. mellonella infection model allows for rapid and effective research on the roles of Staphylococcus aureus sRNAs during infection, providing important insights into the involvement of sRNAs as transcriptional regulators in staphylococcal virulence.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elzbieta Wieczorek, Sylwia Kedracka-Krok, Dominika Bystranowska, Maciej Ptak, Karolina Wiak, Zofia Wygralak, Urszula Jankowska, Andrzej Ozyhar
Summary: This study found that Ca2+ does not induce TTR dissociation or oligomerization, but does alter the conformational flexibility of TTR and its interactions with solvent molecules, leading to the formation of non-native TTR conformers and destabilization of TTR structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rafal Holubowicz, Andrzej Ozyhar, Piotr Dobryszycki
Summary: This study demonstrates how natural variants in the gC1q domain of otolin-1 affect protein stability and calcium binding ability, and how these mutations can impact the function of otolin-1.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Skorupska, Rafal Lenda, Andrzej Ozyhar, Dominika Bystranowska
Summary: Nucb2 is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes, including carcinogenesis. Studies have shown that Nucb2 and its derivative nesfatin-1 play a dual role in tumorigenesis, with both pro-metastatic and anti-metastatic effects depending on the tissue. The multifaceted nature of Nucb2/nesfatin-1 in carcinogenesis and the apoptosis process is highlighted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rafal Holubowicz, Andrzej Ozyhar, Piotr Dobryszycki
Summary: The study revealed that the structural stability of zebrafish gC1q domain was lower than the human counterpart under all conditions and required higher concentrations of Ca2+ for stabilization. In contrast, the human gC1q otolin-1 seemed to be optimized to function efficiently at lower concentrations of Ca2+, consistent with reported Ca2+ levels in the endolymph of fish and mammals.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Elzbieta Wieczorek, Andrzej Ozyhar
Summary: TTR plays multiple roles in the body, serving as an indicator of nutrition status and a neuroprotective factor. The structural stability of TTR is closely linked to oxidative stress and Ca2+, which may contribute to the development of TTR-related diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Monika Szefczyk, Katarzyna Ozga, Magda Drewniak-Switalska, Ewa Rudzinska-Szostak, Rafal Holubowicz, Andrzej Ozyhar, Lukasz Berlicki
Summary: The relationship between monomer structure and conformational properties at the oligomer level in foldamers remains a key issue in research. This study focused on the folding of peptidomimetic foldamers and factors affecting their conformational stability, specifically exploring the impact of peptide peripheral modification with trans- and cis-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid (ACPC) on the structure and stability of a model coiled-coil. The results showed significant differences in conformational stability between mutants containing trans-ACPC and cis-ACPC, despite differing only in one peripheral stereogenic center.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Soltys, Aneta Tarczewska, Dominika Bystranowska, Nikola Sozanska
Summary: Liquid-liquid phase separation is a new paradigm in cell biology and one of the mechanisms for the formation of membraneless organelles. Bacterial cells also undergo phase transitions and form structures resembling eukaryotic cellular condensates. This review provides an overview of microbial biomolecules that undergo liquid-liquid phase separation and the formation and organization of biomacromolecular condensates within cells. The challenges in investigating bacterial biomacromolecular condensates are discussed.
Article
Cell Biology
Rafal Lenda, Michal Padjasek, Artur Krezel, Andrzej Ozyhar, Dominika Bystranowska
Summary: This study analyzed the effect of Zn(II) and Ca(II) on the structure of human nesfatin-1, -2, and -1/2. The results revealed that human nesfatin-1 is an intrinsically disordered protein, while nesfatin-2 and nesfatin-1/2 have globular structures with intrinsically disordered regions. Zn(II) treatment led to structurization and compaction of nesfatin-1, as well as destabilization of nesfatin-2 and nesfatin-1/2. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 and -2 seemed to be interdependent when linked together, as the properties of nesfatin-1/2 were not a simple sum of the properties exhibited by the individual peptides.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elzbieta Wieczorek, Zofia Wygralak, Sylwia Kedracka-Krok, Patrycja Bezara, Dominika Bystranowska, Piotr Dobryszycki, Andrzej Ozyhar
Summary: TTR is a protein that transports thyroid hormones and retinol and functions as a neuro-protective factor and sensor of oxidative stress. This study found that the stability of TTR is influenced by calcium ions and other factors, resulting in the formation of blue autofluorescent compounds. The redox state of TTR affects the dynamics and properties of these compounds.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aneta Tarczewska, Klaudia Bielak, Anna Zoglowek, Katarzyna Soltys, Piotr Dobryszycki, Andrzej Ozyhar, Miroslawa Rozycka
Summary: Some animal organs contain mineralized tissues, mainly deposits of calcium salts. Ear stones in the inner ear are essential for maintaining body balance. Intrinsically disordered proteins play a significant role in shaping and sizing otoliths.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miroslawa O. Rozycka, Klaudia Bielak, Maciej Ptak, Benjamin Jost, Gabriela Melo Rodriguez, Joachim Schoelkopf, Jaroslaw Stolarski, Piotr Dobryszycki, Andrzej Ozyhar
Summary: The biomineralization of fish otoliths is regulated by macromolecules, such as proteins, particularly intrinsically disordered proteins like the Starmaker-like protein. Bioinspired mineralization experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of this protein on calcium carbonate biominerals, considering prior exposure to calcium or carbonate ions. The presence of the Starmaker-like protein significantly affected the morphology and protein distribution within the crystals, highlighting the importance of environmental conditions on its action.
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Skorupska-Stasiak, Dominika Bystranowska, Jozef Ba Tran, Artur Krezel, Andrzej Ozyhar
Summary: This study investigated the structural and biochemical properties of the C-terminal half of Nucb2 and found that its product, nesfatin-3, had completely different properties from its precursor protein. Despite their similarities, nesfatin-3 is likely to play different roles in physiological processes and have different effects on tissue function, metabolism, and its regulation. The results of this study clearly demonstrated that nesfatin-3 possesses divalent metal ion binding properties that were not found in the nucleobindin-2 precursor protein.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Monika Szefczyk, Natalia Szulc, Marlena Gasior-Glogowska, Dominika Bystranowska, Andrzej Zak, Andrzej Sikora, Oliwia Polanska, Andrzej Ozyhar, Lukasz Berlicki
Summary: In this paper, a hierarchical approach for constructing nanofibrils based on alpha,beta-peptide foldamers is proposed as a rational method for designing novel self-assembled nanomaterials. The incorporation of a specific amino acid residue resulted in the formation of helical foldamers, which was confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. The obtained alpha,beta-peptides showed a strong tendency to aggregate and form self-assembled nanostructures, as revealed by assays and microscopy. The location of the beta-amino acid in the coiled-coil structure affected the secondary structure and morphology of the self-assembled nanostructures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dominika Bystranowska, Anna Skorupska, Katarzyna Soltys, Michal Padjasek, Artur Krezel, Andrzej Zak, Magdalena Kaus-Drobek, Michal Taube, Maciej Kozak, Andrzej Ozyhar
Summary: Studies show that binding of Mg2+ leads to changes in oligomerization state of Nucb2 with no significant structural alterations, while binding of Zn2+ has a more pronounced effect on the structure of Nucb2, causing local destabilization at the N-terminal half and inducing changes within the C-terminal half, resulting in oligomerization and/or aggregation of Nucb2 molecules. The results help to elucidate the structure of Nucb2, which can be divided into two parts: the Zn2+-sensitive N-terminal half and the Ca2+-sensitive C-terminal half, opening up new discussions on the roles of metal cations in regulating the structure and physiological functions of Nucb2.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hsiao-Chieh Tsai, Ching-Hong Huang, Ling-Hsien Tu
Summary: Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a polypeptide hormone co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta-cells. It tends to aggregate into soluble oligomers, which are considered one of the hallmarks of type II diabetes. This study successfully grafted the aggregation-induced emission molecule TPE onto IAPP, allowing real-time monitoring of IAPP oligomer formation and potential application in the diagnosis of T2D.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aristeidis Papagiannopoulos, Aggeliki Sklapani, Nikolaos Spiliopoulos
Summary: This study presents a method for preparing Hb-based nanoparticles (NPs) using a fully biocompatible approach. These NPs have a spherical structure with a diameter ranging from 50 to 100 nm, and can form electrostatic complexes with CS at pH 4. The NPs can be pH-tunable and stable in solutions with high salt content, making them suitable for nanodelivery of nutrients and drugs.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrey V. Struts, Alexander V. Barmasov, Steven D. E. Fried, Kushani S. K. Hewage, Suchithranga M. D. C. Perera, Michael F. Brown
Summary: This article summarizes and reviews the osmotic stress studies of G-protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin. It is found that water plays an important role in the activation of the receptor, with at least 80 water molecules entering the receptor in the transition to the active state. If water influx is prevented, the functional transition of the receptor is reversed. These findings reveal the phenomenon of solvent swelling in the activation mechanism of rhodopsin, with water acting as an allosteric modulator of function for rhodopsin-like receptors in lipid membranes.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Chiara Saija, Adela Melcrova, Wojciech Pajerski, Itay Schachter, Matti Javanainen, Marek Cebecauer, Lukasz Cwiklik
Summary: We used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effects of palmitoylation on a transmembrane peptide in different lipid environments. The study found that palmitoylation reduces the peptide's impact on membrane thickness, particularly in lipid-ordered and boundary environments. The hydrophobic palmitoyl chains on the peptide did not significantly affect membrane hydration. Interestingly, the boundary membrane environment was found to be highly compatible with the palmitoylated peptide. These findings have important implications for understanding cell signaling, membrane organization, and optimizing lipid membrane-based drug delivery systems.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Achanta Rishisree, Brayer Mallory, Karnaukhova Elena, Jankovic Teodora, Zdunic Gordana, Savikin Katarina, Jeremic Aleksandar
Summary: Pomegranate peel, ironwort, and chokeberry leaf extracts exhibit anti-aggregative and antitoxic properties against human amylin. They can prevent amyloidosis and cell loss in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
