Article
Chemistry, Applied
Karolina Kocourkova, Lenka Musilova, Petr Smolka, Ales Mracek, Martin Humenik, Antonin Minarik
Summary: The study examined the network-forming and aggregation properties of hyaluronan on the mica surface, showing that factors such as molecular weight, concentration, dissolution conditions, and storage time all influence the morphology and size of the aggregates. Understanding the conformational variability of hyaluronan is crucial for its physiological functions, processability, and usability in pharmacological and biomaterial applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Irem Demir, Ines Luechtefeld, Claude Lemen, Etienne Dague, Pascal Guiraud, Tomaso Zambelli, Cecile Formosa-Dague
Summary: Studying the interactions between bubbles and bio-surfaces is a challenge, but a new method can be used to understand and engineer bubble-(bio)surfaces interactions.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Damla Yesilpinar, Bertram Schulze Lammers, Alexander Timmer, Zhixin Hu, Wei Ji, Saeed Amirjalayer, Harald Fuchs, Harry Moenig
Summary: Dedicated methods in atomic force microscopy provide fundamental insights into atomic interactions by measuring threshold forces needed to move single adsorbed atoms or molecules. However, the chemical and structural properties of the probe-tip can significantly influence the results, emphasizing the importance of establishing atomically defined contacts.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Prachi Ghoderao, Sanjay Sahare, Shern-Long Lee, Prashant Sonar
Summary: Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful technique that allows for the observation and analysis of nanoscale materials and biological molecules through the use of sharp probes that scan the sample surface. This method, which includes scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), provides valuable insights into the properties and behavior of these materials at a molecular level. This review highlights the applications of SPM in biomolecule imaging and the study of physiological processes, as well as the challenges and potential solutions in biological sample preparation. It also discusses the recent advancements in STM and AFM applications on biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates, and their potential applications in fields like drug delivery and biosensors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengyu Xu, Qingtai Li, Yaying Huang, Kaiqiang Guo, Bin Xue, Yi Cao, Yiran Li
Summary: Nonspecific interactions play a significant role in various physiological processes and require effective control in scientific and biomedical applications. This study introduces Y-shape PEG as a promising candidate for minimizing nonspecific binding, demonstrated through single-molecule force spectroscopy and fluorescence staining imaging experiments. The results indicate that Y-shape PEG effectively blocks nonspecific interactions and offers potential applications in surface modification and adhesives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jingyi Wang, Jiawen Zhang, Sijia Li, Dengfeng Liu, Akhilesh Bhambhani, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: This article highlights the importance of characterizing the morphology and intermolecular interactions of RNA and lipid molecules using atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as the application of AFM in this field. The first section introduces the use of AFM imaging to obtain high-resolution morphologies and nanostructures of RNA molecules in air and liquid, and discusses the application of AFM force spectroscopy to understand the nanomechanical properties and molecular interactions of RNA molecules. The second section focuses on the studies of lipid and RNA-lipid complexes using AFM, including sample preparation and factors influencing their morphology and structure. The future perspectives and challenges in the characterization of RNA and lipid using AFM techniques are also discussed.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiangxiang Sun, Yumei Yu, Ahmed S. M. Saleh, Xinyu Yang, Jiale Ma, Wenhao Li, Dequan Zhang, Zhenyu Wang
Summary: This study investigated the influence of constant heating treatment on the structural and adsorption properties of chicken myofibrillar proteins (MPs). The results showed that heat treatment increased the exposure of sulfhydryl groups and improved the hydrophobicity of MPs' surface. The particle size distribution, alpha-helix and beta-sheet structures, as well as the formation of aggregates, viscosity, surface roughness, and zeta potential of MPs were significantly affected by heat treatments. Additionally, the binding interactions between MPs and flavors of spices varied depending on the nature of MPs, flavor compounds, and heat treatment duration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keivan Asadi, Junghoon Yeom, Hanna Cho
Summary: Investigating internal resonance (IR) mechanisms in micro/nanoresonators reveals that intermodal coupling between second and third flexural modes in asymmetric structures provides an optimal condition for strong IR, with high energy transfer to the resonated mode. This study introduces design strategies that can be easily integrated into typical micro/nanoelectromechanical systems, offering potential for paradigm-shifting applications in micro/nanosystems.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mingyan Gao, Jing Hu, Jianfei Wang, Mengnan Liu, Xiaona Zhu, Sadaf Saeed, Cuihua Hu, Zhengxun Song, Hongmei Xu, Zuobin Wang
Summary: In this study, the effects of DNA concentration, magnetic field intensity and direction, and modification of mica surface on DNA self-assembly were investigated using atomic force microscopy. The results showed that these factors play important roles in DNA self-assembly.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Lo Giudice, Jinsung Yang, Megane A. Poncin, Laurent Adumeau, Martin Delguste, Melanie Koehler, Koen Evers, Andra C. Dumitru, Kenneth A. Dawson, David Alsteens
Summary: This passage discusses the mechanisms by which silica nanoparticles trigger immune responses in vital organs such as the liver and lungs, highlighting the critical role of scavenger receptor A1 in mediating NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human macrophages. Cellular mechanical changes are identified as clear indicators of inflammasome activation, advancing our understanding of the interaction between nanomaterials and innate immunity.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Telmo O. Paiva, Albertus Viljoen, Yves F. Dufrene
Summary: Advancements in atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques and methodologies in microbiology have enhanced our understanding of microbial cell surfaces. Recent studies have shown that AFM imaging of cells and membranes at or near molecular resolution enables detailed visualization of membrane-drug interactions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Maria Pedrosa, Julia Maldonado-Valderrama, Maria Jose Galvez-Ruiz
Summary: This study investigates the interactions between curcumin, a bioactive natural compound with anti-cancer properties, and both healthy and cancerous cell membrane models. The results show that curcumin has a destabilizing effect on the cancerous cell membrane model, while enhancing cohesion in the healthy membrane model. These findings are valuable for improving the selectivity of drugs and avoiding adverse side effects of current anticancer therapies.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Tan, Jinliang Pan, Yangfan Wu, Peng Xu, Luye Sun, Kui Hu, Xia Qiu, Menglei Li, Mengxi Liu, Donglin Ma, Xiaohui Qiu
Summary: In this study, the formation of stable Na3Cl nanoclusters and a Na3Cl4 monolayer was directly observed using scanning tunneling microscopy and non-contact atomic force microscopy. The stability of these structures was confirmed through density functional theory calculations. The study also found that charge transfer between the nanoclusters and the metal substrate stabilized NaCl of non-1:1 stoichiometry.
Article
Physics, Applied
Shiquan Lin, Zhong Lin Wang
Summary: Inspired by TENG, scanning TENG is proposed for local surface charge density measurement using atomic force microscopy. The technique taps a conductive tip above a charged dielectric surface to induce an AC, with Fourier analysis showing a linear relation to surface charge density. Results demonstrate its power in probing nanoscale charge transfer in contact-electrification.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Isabel Perez-Guillen, Oscar Domenech, Adria Botet-Carreras, Alexandra Merlos, Josep M. Sierra, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. de la Torre, M. Teresa Montero, Miguel Vinas, Jordi H. Borrell
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between super-cationic peptide dendrimers (SCPD) and membranes using biophysical and microbiological approaches. The results suggest that SCPD is associated with the surface and the hydrophobic-hydrophilic region of phospholipids, leading to cell membrane disruption and osmotic stress.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pia Jeggle, Ewan St. J. Smith, Andrew P. Stewart, Silke Haerteis, Christoph Korbmacher, J. Michael Edwardson
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2015)
Article
Neurosciences
Marc-David Ruepp, James A. Brozik, Iwan J. P. de Esch, Richard W. Farndale, Ruth D. Murrell-Lagnado, Andrew J. Thompson
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ligia S. Antonio, Pia Jeggle, Lesley J. MacVinish, James C. Bartram, Henry Miller, Gavin E. Jarvis, Flavia M. Levy, Mariana R. Santesso, Aline L. Leite, Rodrigo C. Oliveira, Marilia A. R. Buzalaf, J. Michael Edwardson
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Cell Biology
Shyam Srivats, Dilshan Balasuriya, Mathias Pasche, Gerard Vistal, J. Michael Edwardson, Colin W. Taylor, Ruth D. Murrell-Lagnado
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2016)
Editorial Material
Physiology
Ruth D. Murrell-Lagnado
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew P. Stewart, Richard N. Sandford, Fiona E. Karet Frankl, J. Michael Edwardson
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ruth D. Murrell-Lagnado, Manfred Frick
CURRENT OPINION IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Neurosciences
Paul Beswick, Ben Wahab, Mark A. Honey, Michael Paradowski, Ke Jiang, Martin Lochner, Ruth D. Murrell-Lagnado, Andrew J. Thompson
Article
Toxicology
Mariana R. Santesso, Flavia A. Oliveira, Cintia K. Tokuhara, Gabriela S. N. Oliveira, Flavia M. Levy, Ligia S. Antonio, Marilia A. R. Buzalaf, Rodrigo C. Oliveira
Summary: This study found that fluoride at micromolar concentrations can impact the viability of renal epithelial cells and the expression of epithelial sodium channel subunit genes. This is likely to significantly affect molecular signaling in kidney cells.
TOXICOLOGY MECHANISMS AND METHODS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sin-Lih Tan, Muruj Barri, Peace Atakpa-Adaji, Colin W. Taylor, Ewan St John Smith, Ruth D. Murrell-Lagnado
Summary: It was found that lysosomal P2X4 receptors are activated downstream of plasma membrane P2X7 and H-1 histamine receptor stimulation. The activation of P2X4 receptors results in an increase in near-lysosome cytosolic [Ca2+] and triggers changes in lysosome properties, including enlargement and redistribution within the cell. The findings suggest that lysosomal P2X4 receptors play a role in regulating lysosomal Ca2+ release and membrane trafficking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephanie Chadet, Jordan Allard, Lucie Brisson, Osbaldo Lopez-Charcas, Roxane Lemoine, Audrey Heraud, Stephanie Lerondel, Roseline Guibon, Gaelle Fromont, Alain Le Pape, Denis Angoulvant, Lin-Hua Jiang, Ruth Murrell-Lagnado, Sebastien Roger
Summary: The P2X4 purinergic receptor is upregulated in breast cancer patients and primarily localised in endolysosomes. It promotes breast cancer invasion, tumour growth, and metastasis by regulating lysosome acidity, promoting autophagy and cell survival. It is also associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and plays a more significant role under metabolic challenges.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandra M. Riding, Kevin W. Loudon, Andrew Guo, John R. Ferdinand, Laurence S. C. Lok, Nathan Richoz, Andrew Stewart, Tomas Castro-Dopico, Zewen Kelvin Tuong, Remi Fiancette, Georgina S. Bowyer, Aaron Fleming, Eleanor S. Gillman, Ondrej Suchanek, Krishnaa T. Mahbubani, Kourosh Saeb-Parsy, David Withers, Gordan Dougan, Simon Clare, Menna R. Clatworthy
Summary: Bladder infection affects a hundred million people annually, but our understanding of bladder immunity is incomplete. Our research found that type 17 immune response genes were highly active in the bladder after exposure to uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Group 3 innate lymphoid cells were identified as the source of cytokines involved in the immune response, and their proliferation post infection contributed to an enhanced immune response in the bladder.
Review
Immunology
Emily Naish, Alexander J. T. Wood, Andrew P. Stewart, Matthew Routledge, Andrew Conway Morris, Edwin R. Chilvers, Katharine M. Lodge
Summary: Neutrophils, the most abundant circulating leukocytes, play a crucial role in the initial innate immune response to infection. They eliminate pathogens through phagocytosis and a complex interplay of multiple systems and mechanisms within the phagosome creates an antimicrobial environment. However, gaps in knowledge and controversies exist regarding how neutrophil phagosomes optimize pathogen killing.
IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Akimichi Inaba, Zewen Kelvin Tuong, Tian X. X. Zhao, Andrew P. P. Stewart, Rebeccah Mathews, Lucy Truman, Rouchelle Sriranjan, Jane Kennet, Kourosh Saeb-Parsy, Linda Wicker, Frank Waldron-Lynch, Joseph Cheriyan, John A. A. Todd, Ziad Mallat, Menna R. R. Clatworthy
Summary: Activation of B cells expressing CD25 can be enhanced by low-dose recombinant IL-2, leading to increased secretion of IL-10. Administration of low dose IL-2 to patients results in an increase in IL-10-producing B cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals enrichment of regulatory B cell gene signature in plasma cell populations from IL-2-treated patients, with significant down-regulation of the transcriptional repressor BACH2. BACH2 suppression leads to increased B cell IL-10, suggesting its role in promoting an immunoregulatory phenotype in B cells through IL-2 modulation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Laura Janks, Ligia Subitioni Antonio, Jeroen R. Coppens, Terrance M. Egan
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2018)