Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miao Xia, Xuefei Zhang, Zailai Xie
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology offers a powerful method for converting biomass into new carbonaceous materials. This study presents an acid-assisted HTC strategy to fabricate hydrothermal carbons with super-high surface areas from nucleoside precursors. The HTC carbons derived from guanosine exhibit layered graphitic characteristics, while those prepared from inosine and adenosine consist of large-size spherical carbon particles.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Valentina Bordano, Gemma K. Kinsella, Stefania Cannito, Chiara Dianzani, Casimiro Luca Gigliotti, John C. Stephens, Chiara Monge, Claudia Bocca, Arianna C. Rosa, Gianluca Miglio, Umberto Dianzani, John B. C. Findlay, Elisa Benetti
Summary: This study evaluated the role of GPR21 in human macrophages, finding its involvement in cell migration and cytokine release, and the inhibition of its activity by the drug GRA2. GRA2 reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines from M1 macrophages and promoted the migration of M2 macrophages. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of GPR21 may be important in pathological conditions characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengjia Liu, Ying He, Chuan Shan, Lukasz Wojtas, Ion Ghiviriga, Omar Fathalla, Yu Yan, Xiaopeng Li, Xiaodong Shi
Summary: Systematic investigations were conducted on the effects of various substituted groups at C8 purine and ribose on pentaplex formation. Modification on ribose with the deoxy isoG derivative showed better assembly with Cs+ cation. Solvent and anion effects were found to play a critical role in the formation of stable isoG pentaplexes.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vanessa Pereira, Juri Aparicio Arias, Amadeu Llebaria, Cyril Goudet
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a challenging condition to manage. In this study, the role of the amygdala in regulating neuropathic pain was investigated. The activation of mGlu4 receptors in the amygdala was found to alleviate sensory and depressive-like symptoms in a mouse model of neuropathy.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Estefaniia Delgado-Pinar, Matilde Medeiros, Telma Costa, J. Sergio Seixas de Melo
Summary: Chemical derivatives of PEI with either TPA or Cou can form stable complexes with adenine and guanine nucleotides in water based on noncovalent interactions such as pi-pi stacking and hydrogen bonding. PEI-TPA acts as a chemosensor with recognition based on AIE and pi-pi interaction, while the Cou derivative relies on electrostatic interaction. The study provides valuable insights into designing receptors for selective recognition of nucleotides in water.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nathan R. Strogulski, Marco Antonio Stefani, Ana Elisa Bohmer, Gisele Hansel, Marcelo S. Rodolphi, Afonso Kopczynski, Vitoria G. Oliveira, Eduarda T. Stefani, Juliana Portela, Andre P. Schmidt, Jean Pierre Oses, Douglas H. Smith, Luis Portela
Summary: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with high mortality and long-term disability. This study investigated the changes in purine levels in TBI patients and their potential as biomarkers for predicting mortality and long-term dysfunction.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mingchun Liu, Huaiqing Chen, Yuhan Huang, Jian Liu, Qianfeng Chen, Hua Zuo, Liang Fang, Chengde Mao
Summary: This study designed a series of DNA oligomers rich in thymine to enrich adenosine. The binding affinity of these DNA oligomers to adenosine varied based on their secondary structures, with a clamped hairpin structure showing the highest binding affinity. These thymine-rich DNAs could be used to enrich and separate adenosine.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shoshana Sedley, Jeetendra Kumar Nag, Tatyana Rudina, Rachel Bar-Shavit
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR(4)) in the maintenance of colon cancer stem cells. PAR(4) and PAR(2) drive the association between methyltransferase EZH2 and beta-catenin, resulting in beta-catenin methylation and suppression of its ubiquitination. This leads to increased stability and transcriptional activity of beta-catenin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sergi Ferre, Francisco Ciruela, Carmen W. Dessauer, Javier Gonzalez-Maeso, Terence E. Hebert, Ralf Jockers, Diomedes E. Logothetis, Leonardo Pardo
Summary: The study proposes the concept of GPCR-effect assemblies (GEMMAs), which are pre-assembled before receptor activation and allow more efficient interactions between specific signaling components. This offers an alternative model to the conventional collision coupling model and explains the differential properties of GPCRs in different cellular environments.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wojciech Pietrus, Rafal Kurczab, Dagmar Stumpfe, Andrzej J. Bojarski, Juergen Bajorath
Summary: The study showed that introducing fluorine can significantly increase ligand potency, but the effect of fluorination on affinity varies depending on the fluorination position. Fluorination of the aromatic ring at the ortho position is favorable for potency enhancement, while fluorination of aliphatic fragments more often leads to a decrease in biological activity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kunpeng Liu, Xiaogao Jin, Xiaoying Zhang, Hongkai Lian, Jianping Ye
Summary: Insulin resistance is a major factor in metabolic disorders associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. While the roles of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids in insulin resistance have been extensively studied, the activities of nucleotides in regulating insulin sensitivity remain to be fully reviewed. This article examines the activities of nucleotides, such as ATP, NADH, and cGAMP, in insulin signaling and resistance and discusses their potential as biomarkers. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in uncovering the mechanisms of insulin resistance.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Achla Gupta, Srinivas Gullapalli, Hui Pan, Dinah L. Ramos-Ortolaza, Michael D. Hayward, Malcom J. Low, John E. Pintar, Lakshmi A. Devi, Ivone Gomes
Summary: Activation of mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors by endogenous opioid peptides plays a crucial role in regulating emotional and physiological responses. Knockout experiments showed that the absence of endogenous opioid peptides significantly affects the levels of Leu-enkephalin, highlighting the importance of proenkephalin as the major source of this peptide. Additionally, the lack of beta-endorphin and/or proenkephalin leads to differential modulation of opioid receptors in a region- and gender-specific manner. These findings demonstrate the importance of endogenous opioid peptides in modulating the expression and activity of opioid receptors in the brain.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Denes Berta, Sascha Gehrke, Kinga Nyiri, Beata G. Vertessy, Edina Rosta
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism of GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by the Ras.GAP complex and determines the reaction pathways of oncogenic Ras mutants. A fast and accurate program is designed to design GAP mutants that activate G12D Ras, and a machine learning model is built for ultrafast screening. This work provides a method for designing protein sequences with enhanced catalytic activity and predicts that some GAP mutants can reactivate oncogenic G12D.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Prachi Ojha, Subhajit Pal, Samarjit Bhattacharyya
Summary: Norbin protein plays a critical role in the internalization process of Group I mGluRs and may be associated with mGluR-mediated synaptic plasticity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emma Mulry, Arka Prabha Ray, Matthew T. Eddy
Summary: Research found that under specific culture conditions, the expression yield of human histamine H-1 receptor (H1R) in methylotrophic yeast was increased by tenfold, and it responded to known H1R ligands.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raffaele Pugliese, Martina Bartolomei, Carlotta Bollati, Giovanna Boschin, Anna Arnoldi, Carmen Lammi
Summary: Food bioactive peptides are widely used in food products and functional biomaterials, but their practical applications are limited due to their instability and low bioavailability. In this study, the self-assembling peptide RADA16 was functionalized with two synthetic analogues of food bioactive peptides to improve their nanostructures and biological features. The co-assembly of the functionalized food bioactive peptides with RADA16 was found to enhance their bioactivity and potential for the prevention of metabolic syndrome.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jianqiang Li, Carlotta Bollati, Martina Bartolomei, Angelica Mazzolari, Anna Arnoldi, Giulio Vistoli, Carmen Lammi
Summary: The study found that H3 peptide derived from hempseed protein hydrolysis has hypocholesterolemic effects. It inhibits HMGCoAR activity, activates SREBP-2 transcription factor, and increases LDLR protein levels. Furthermore, H3 peptide regulates HMGCoAR activity through the AMPK pathway and reduces PCSK9 protein levels and secretion. These findings suggest that H3 peptide may be used for the development of dietary supplements or peptidomimetics for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmen Lammi, Enrico M. A. Fassi, Jianqiang Li, Martina Bartolomei, Giulia Benigno, Gabriella Roda, Anna Arnoldi, Giovanni Grazioso
Summary: By utilizing a computational approach, we optimized the primary structure of P5 and obtained new analogs with improved affinity to PCSK9. Biological assays were then conducted to fully characterize the dual cholesterol-lowering activity of these P5 analogs using both biochemical and cellular techniques.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Innocent U. Okagu, Timothy P. C. Ezeorba, Rita N. Aguchem, Ikenna C. Ohanenye, Emmanuel C. Aham, Sunday N. Okafor, Carlotta Bollati, Carmen Lammi
Summary: The search for alternatives to drugs with hazardous side effects in treating bone diseases is ongoing. Natural products, mainly of plant origin, show promise in treating these diseases with minimal side effects. However, the lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind their effects on bone remodeling has hindered their adoption. This review discusses the pathological development of bone diseases, targeted components of natural products, and the signaling pathways involved in bone remodeling. Despite most studies being conducted on animals and ex vivo, the use of natural products for treating human bone diseases and future prospects remain promising.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Carlotta Bollati, Ruoxian Xu, Giovanna Boschin, Martina Bartolomei, Fabrizio Rivardo, Jianqiang Li, Anna Arnoldi, Carmen Lammi
Summary: This study characterized the potential pleotropic activity of two commercially available soybean and pea protein hydrolysates, revealing their ability to inhibit DPP-IV and ACE activity. These findings suggest that these hydrolysates could be used in the development of innovative multifunctional foods and nutraceuticals for the prevention of metabolic syndrome.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Carmen Lammi, Giovanna Boschin, Martina Bartolomei, Anna Arnoldi, Gianni Galaverna, Luca Dellafiora
Summary: This study combined computational and in vitro investigations to precisely describe the chemical basis of potent inhibitory peptides. A novel and potent ACE inhibitory peptide was discovered, and the findings could serve as a blueprint for designing new inhibitory peptides.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Andrea Cerrato, Carmen Lammi, Anna Laura Capriotti, Carlotta Bollati, Chiara Cavaliere, Carmela Maria Montone, Martina Bartolomei, Giovanna Boschin, Jianqiang Li, Susy Piovesana, Anna Arnoldi, Aldo Lagana
Summary: This study aims to develop a valuable mixture of short-chain peptides from hempseed for the prevention of metabolic syndrome worldwide. A dedicated analytical platform was developed to isolate and characterize over 500 short-chain peptides, which showed higher activity in inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV, and modulating cholesterol metabolism through low-density lipoprotein receptor.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Martina Bartolomei, Janna Cropotova, Carlotta Bollati, Kristine Kvangarsnes, Lorenza d'Adduzio, Jianqiang Li, Giovanna Boschin, Carmen Lammi
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the biological activities of low molecular weight peptides isolated from rainbow trout obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis. The fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) showed antioxidant, ACE inhibitory, and DPP-IV inhibitory activities. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using various assays, while cell-free ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory activity assays were also conducted. The results suggest that peptides derived from Oncorhynchus mykiss may have potential applications as health-promoting ingredients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlotta Bollati, Stefania Marzorati, Lorenzo Cecchi, Martina Bartolomei, Jianqiang Li, Maria Bellumori, Lorenza d'Adduzio, Luisella Verotta, Laura Piazza, Anna Arnoldi, Nadia Mulinacci, Carmen Lammi
Summary: To improve the management of the production chain of PGI Mantua pears, fruits with diseases or defects were used to produce dried rounds of pears, extending the remaining life. The secondary and residual by-products of the pears were then utilized to extract valuable phytocompounds using traditional and green extraction methods. The extracted compounds showed antioxidant activity, suggesting their potential use in dietary supplements and functional foods.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Carmen Lammi, Enrico M. A. Fassi, Marco Manenti, Marta Brambilla, Maria Conti, Jianqiang Li, Gabriella Roda, Marina Camera, Alessandra Silvani, Giovanni Grazioso
Summary: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a key target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we discovered Rim13, a polyimidazole derivative that inhibits the interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR. Through computational design, we optimized the shape of PCSK9/ligand complementarity and identified potent diimidazole derivatives. Compound Dim16 showed improved PCSK9 inhibitory activity and some compounds in this series also showed hypocholesterolemic activity by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lorenzo Cecchi, Giulia Ghizzani, Maria Bellumori, Carmen Lammi, Bruno Zanoni, Nadia Mulinacci
Summary: Olives are rich in phenolic compounds that have health-promoting properties. This study analyzed the phenolic composition of olive seeds from Tuscan cultivars over the course of maturation. The most abundant compounds in the seeds were nuzhenide and nuzhenide 11-methyl oleoside. The total amount of phenols in the seeds was significant, reaching approximately 100 g/kg.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ivan Cruz-Chamorro, Guillermo Santos-Sanchez, Ana Isabel Alvarez-Lopez, Justo Pedroche, Patricia Judith Lardone, Anna Arnoldi, Carmen Lammi, Antonio Carrillo-Vico
Summary: In the past 20 years, the demand for meat-free food has increased, leading to research on vegetable compounds as beneficial agents for human health. Particularly, protein hydrolysation has gained much interest as it releases peptides with biological activities. Lupinus spp. protein hydrolysates (LPHs) have been extensively studied for their biological activities, and they have shown antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. LPHs could potentially be used as nutraceuticals to prevent or treat chronic diseases, and the development of nanonutraceuticals to enhance their stability and bioactivity has been discussed.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guillermo Santos-Sanchez, Gilda Aiello, Fabrizio Rivardo, Martina Bartolomei, Carlotta Bollati, Anna Arnoldi, Ivan Cruz-Chamorro, Carmen Lammi
Summary: Hempseed is a promising source of plant proteins, with approximately 24% protein content, and edestin makes up the majority of its proteins. Two hempseed protein hydrolysates (HH1 and HH2) were produced using enzymes from different strains for different time periods. These hydrolysates exhibited strong direct antioxidant activity and certain peptides within them were found to be transported across intestinal cells, retaining their antioxidant activity. This suggests that these hempseed hydrolysates could be utilized as sustainable antioxidant ingredients in nutraceutical and/or food industries.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Badini, Stefano Regondi, Carmen Lammi, Carlotta Bollati, Giordana Donvito, Raffaele Pugliese
Summary: This study uses 3D printing technology to design and fabricate two lattice structures inspired by silkworm cocoons, for the production of hand-wrist orthosis to assist MND patients with muscle atrophy. Finite element method analysis is used to study mechanical behavior and stress distribution of the lattice structures, and biocompatibility with human skin fibroblasts is confirmed. Semi-structured interviews with patients are conducted to gather feedback and develop form-fitting prototypes of 3D-printed orthosis.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Carmen Lammi, Carlotta Bollati, Laura Fiori, Jianqiang Li, Melissa Fanzaga, Lorenza d'Adduzio, Martina Tosi, Alberto Burlina, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Elvira Verduci
Summary: Phenylketonuria is the most common genetic disorder affecting amino acid metabolism. Early diagnosis and proper diet can lead to positive neurological outcomes. However, the restricted diet may cause oxidative stress in PKU patients. It is believed that mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress contribute to the development of PKU. There is a potential correlation between PKU and the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
