Review
Neurosciences
Adam S. Deardorff, Shannon H. Romer, Robert E. W. Fyffe
Summary: The balance of spinal alpha-motoneuron intrinsic membrane conductances plays a crucial role in motor processing, with various potassium channel subtypes showing unique kinetics to shape the firing properties of alpha-MNs. Recent studies have demonstrated the effective regulation of alpha-MN firing by Kv2.1 channels during periods of high activity, with disruption of clustered Kv2.1 channels in alpha-MNs observed during intense activity or cell injury.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lei Zhang, Chenyang Zhang, Xin Dong, Zeyuan Dong
Summary: In this study, artificial supramolecular lithium channels composed of pore-containing small aromatic molecules were developed for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. These channels showed unprecedented transmembrane transport of exogenous lithium ions with high selectivity. The discovery of the basic requirements for ion transport function in these channels may have important implications in studying the physiological role of intracellular lithium ions and treating psychiatric disorders.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioana Stejerean-Todoran, Ivan Bogeski
Summary: Recent research reveals a crucial role of Na+ leak channel NALCN in metastatic prostate cancer, as it promotes metastasis by regulating Ca2+ signaling. This finding contributes to our understanding of the involvement of ion channels in cancer cell biology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Toby G. Johnson, Amir Sadeghi-Kelishadi, Matthew J. Langton
Summary: A synthetic molecular machine-like ion transport relay has been developed, allowing controlled ion transport across lipid bilayer membranes. This research opens up new possibilities for applications in biology.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Afeesh Rajan Unnithan, Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala, Bishnu Kumar Shrestha, Alex Lincoln, Thomas Thomson, Alicia J. El Haj
Summary: Non-invasive approaches using remotely controllable nanomaterials, such as the developed GOMNP composite, have shown potential in enhancing treatment efficacy in regenerative medicine and tissue repair. Remote activation of mechanotransduction pathways through functionalized GOMNPs has led to enhanced bone formation.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Shen, Changliang Ren, Huaquiang Zeng
Summary: Both biological and artificial membrane transporters regulate the transport of materials across cells through different mechanisms. Recent studies have discovered unconventional membrane transporters such as molecular swings, ionfishers, and ion swimmers, which have different transport mechanisms and ion selectivities. These findings contribute to our understanding and design of artificial ion transporters, with potential implications for future medical research.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan J. Nogueira
Summary: Mous et al. have recently reported the molecular mechanism of chloride transport through a light-activated pumping rhodopsin, highlighting its significance in cellular functions and its potential for advancements in photopharmacology and computational modeling.
TRENDS IN BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emmanuelle Bignon, Marco Marazzi, Antonio Monari
Summary: This study reports on how the SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a permeabilizes the lipid membrane in a model lipid bilayer, forming a water channel to ensure ion transport. The important role of ORF3a in the viral cycle and its high conservation among coronaviruses may make it a target for future antiviral development.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christophe Simard, Margaux Aize, Sebastien Chaigne, Harlyne Mpweme Bangando, Romain Guinamard
Summary: The role of ion channels in cardiac activity, morphological remodeling, and valve development and remodeling is discussed. Mutation in ion channel genes is observed in patients with malformation, such as bicuspid aortic valve. Ion channels are also involved in the morphological remodeling of valves, leading to aortic stenosis. Understanding the role of ion channels in the progression of aortic stenosis is crucial for developing new therapeutic approaches to avoid valve replacement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manoj Yadav, Prem Prashant Chaudhary, Brandon D'Souza, Grace A. Ratley, Jacquelyn Spathies, Sundar Ganesan, Jordan Zeldin, Ian Myles
Summary: We used EPA databases to identify that isocyanates, especially toluene diisocyanate (TDI), have the strongest association with atopic dermatitis (AD) in terms of spatiotemporal and epidemiologic factors. Our findings suggest that isocyanates disrupt lipid homeostasis and have a beneficial effect on commensal bacteria like Roseomonas mucosa by disrupting nitrogen fixation. Additionally, TDI activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in mice, contributing to AD symptoms. Our study demonstrates that TDI induces skin inflammation and calcium influx in human neurons through TRPA1, and TRPA1 blockade combined with R. mucosa treatment improves TDI-independent AD models. We also show that the effects of TRPA1 on cells are related to the balance of tyrosine metabolites epinephrine and dopamine. This work provides valuable insights into the potential role and therapeutic potential of TRPA1 in AD pathogenesis.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Murat Oz, Dietrich E. Lorke, Frank C. Howarth
Summary: Capsaicin, derived from chili pepper, has various pharmacological actions, including analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, and antioxidant effects. It acts on not only TRPV1 receptor, but also other ion channels and enzymes. This study categorizes the non-TRPV1 targets of capsaicin and discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms of its TRPV1-independent effects.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mengyao Song, Mingxia Zhang, Sixuan He, Le Li, Huijing Hu
Summary: Ultrasound neuromodulation technology is a promising approach for noninvasive and targeted therapy. It can alter neuronal excitability by activating mechanosensitive ion channels, but the underlying biological mechanism is still poorly understood. This review provides an overview of ultrasound properties, specific mechanosensitive ion channel structures, and their role in ultrasound neuromodulation.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anu Tyagi, Tofayel Ahmed, Shi Jian, Saumya Bajaj, Seow Theng Ong, Stephanie Shee Min Goay, Yue Zhao, Igor Vorobyov, Changlin Tian, K. George Chandy, Shashi Bhushan
Summary: This study reports two structures of the human voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 – apo-Kv1.3 and dalazatide-Kv1.3. Both structures are in an activated state and show remarkable rearrangements in the selectivity filter. In apo-Kv1.3, the aromatic residue Y447 adopts a unique position diverging from other K+ channels, while in dalazatide-Kv1.3, binding of dalazatide narrows the selectivity filter and stabilizes Y447 in a position similar to other K+ channels. These structural changes play a crucial role in Kv1.3's transition into the drug-blocked state.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gonzalo Ferreira, Axel Santander, Romina Cardozo, Luisina Chavarria, Lucia Dominguez, Nicolas Mujica, Milagros Benitez, Santiago Sastre, Luis Sobrevia, Garth L. Nicolson
Summary: Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are important for maintaining membrane potential and potassium homeostasis. These channels have various subtypes and can be regulated by molecules found in nutrients, such as phosphoinositols, polyamines, and Mg2+. Changes in Kir channels can affect metabolism and the ability to absorb nutrients and electrolytes. The study of nutrigenomics of ion channels is crucial for understanding how diet and nutrients can impact ion channel function, expression, and lead to pathological conditions that affect diet and electrolyte intake.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kosuke Nishio, Kohei Toh, Amelie Perron, Masato Goto, Masahiro Abo, Yuichi Shimakawa, Motonari Uesugi
Summary: This study reports a method to generate tailored functional materials in pigment-producing cells by chemically fabricating intracellular melanin. The approach exploits synthetic tyrosine derivatives to hijack the melanin biosynthesis pathway, allowing for magnetic control of specific cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Lynne M. Quarmby
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura K. Hilton, Mark C. White, Lynne M. Quarmby
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2009)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura K. Hilton, Kavisha Gunawardane, Joo Wan Kim, Marianne C. Schwarz, Lynne M. Quarmby
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lynne Quarmby
Article
Cell Biology
Jeremy D. K. Parker, Laura K. Hilton, Dennis R. Diener, M. Qasim Rasi, Moe R. Mahjoub, Joel L. Rosenbaum, Lynne M. Quarmby
Article
Cell Biology
Nathan J. Bialas, Peter N. Inglis, Chunmei Li, Jon F. Robinson, Jeremy D. K. Parker, Michael P. Healey, Erica E. Davis, Chrystal D. Inglis, Tiina Toivonen, David C. Cottell, Oliver E. Blacque, Lynne M. Quarmby, Nicholas Katsanis, Michel R. Leroux
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2009)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
John F. O'Toole, Yangjian Liu, Erica E. Davis, Christopher J. Westlake, Massimo Attanasio, Edgar A. Otto, Dominik Seelow, Gudrun Nurnberg, Christian Becker, Matti Nuutinen, Mikko Karppa, Jaakko Ignatius, Johanna Uusimaa, Salla Pakanen, Elisa Jaakkola, Lambertus P. van den Heuvel, Henry Fehrenbach, Roger Wiggins, Meera Goyal, Weibin Zhou, Matthias T. F. Wolf, Eric Wise, Juliana Helou, Susan J. Allen, Carlos A. Murga-Zamalloa, Shazia Ashraf, Moumita Chaki, Saskia Heeringa, Gil Chernin, Bethan E. Hoskins, Hassan Chaib, Joseph Gleeson, Takehiro Kusakabe, Takako Suzuki, R. Elwyn Isaac, Lynne M. Quarmby, Bryan Tennant, Hisashi Fujioka, Hannu Tuominen, Ilmo Hassinen, Hellevi Lohi, Judith L. van Houten, Agnes Rotig, John A. Sayer, Boris Rolinski, Peter Freisinger, Sethu M. Madhavan, Martina Herzer, Florence Madignier, Holger Prokisch, Peter Nurnberg, Peter Jackson, Hemant Khanna, Nicholas Katsanis, Friedhelm Hildebrandt
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2010)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Edgar A. Otto, Melissa L. Trapp, Ulla T. Schultheiss, Juliana Helou, Lynne M. Quarmby, Friedhelm Hildebrandt
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2008)
Article
Cell Biology
M. Qasim Rasi, Jeremy D. K. Parker, Jessica L. Feldman, Wallace F. Marshall, Lynne M. Quarmby
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2009)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alejandro Frid, Lynne Quarmby
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Lynne M. Quarmby, Michel R. Leroux
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2010)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kurt M. Yakimovich, Nick P. G. Gauthier, Casey B. Engstrom, Thomas Leya, Lynne M. Quarmby
Summary: Five microalgal strains were isolated from alpine snow near Vancouver, Canada, displaying morphological features reminiscent of the genera Koliella and Raphidonema. Molecular analysis revealed that the novel isolates fell within the Raphidonema genus, leading to the proposal of two new species. Epitypes were assigned for existing Raphidonema species based on ITS2 analysis, with amended diagnoses for more reliable identification using DNA sequence data.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Breanna B. Raymond, Casey B. Engstrom, Lynne M. Quarmby
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kurt M. Yakimovich, Lynne M. Quarmby
Summary: This study reports a partial bacterial metagenome from snow algal microbiomes and identifies the classification of these bacteria. The study found that these bacterial metagenomes have the potential to synthesize vitamins and growth hormones to support algal growth, and also adapt to the low oxygen environment of biofilms.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)