Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marcel Passon, Stefaan De Smedt, Hristo L. Svilenov
Summary: In contrast to other species, cattle possess exceptional antibodies with ultra-long complementarity-determining regions (u1CDRs) that can consist of 40-70 amino acids. The bovine u1CDR is folded into a stalk and a disulfiderich knob domain, which enable binding to different antigens. This article summarizes the current knowledge of the u1CDR structure, discusses approaches to discover u1CDRs against novel antigens, and outlines protein engineering approaches inspired by natural u1CDRs. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of using isolated bovine knobs, known as picobodies, as small antigen-binding domains derived from natural antibodies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanjie Zhao, Yi Wang, Weijun Su, Shuai Li
Summary: Nanobodies, consisting of single monomeric variable antigen-binding domains, can act as modulators of cellular phenotypes and specifically target hard-to-display transmembrane proteins in mammalian cells. Researchers have developed two novel methods for constructing nanobody libraries in mammalian cells, involving PCR incorporation of random complementarity-determining region sequences. These methods have successfully generated over a million unique nanobody sequences, with Nocodazole identified as a small molecule enhancer for one of the methods.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Danjing Yang, Liang Zhu, Xiangyu Lin, Jiaming Zhu, Yusheng Qian, Wenhui Liu, Jianjun Chen, Chuncai Zhou, Jing He
Summary: This study assesses the potent tumoricidal capacities of short amphiphilic triblock AMP analogues against human lung cancer cells and explores the underlying mechanism. The results demonstrate that precise modification of the peptides' primary sequences can modulate their tumoricidal potency, with positive charge and hydrophobicity as key driving forces. Among the peptides tested, K4F6K4 exhibits the most remarkable tumoricidal activity.
Article
Cell Biology
Shuai Lu, Xi-xiu Xie, Lei Zhao, Bin Wang, Jie Zhu, Ting-rui Yang, Guang-wen Yang, Mei Ji, Cui-ping Lv, Jian Xue, Er-hei Dai, Xi-ming Fu, Dong-qun Liu, Lun Zhang, Sheng-jie Hou, Xiao-lin Yu, Yu-ling Wang, Hui-xia Gao, Xue-han Shi, Chang-wen Ke, Bi-xia Ke, Chun-guo Jiang, Rui-tian Liu
Summary: The study reveals that predicted epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 effectively induce antibody production, with some being immunodominant. There are differences in immunodominant epitopes between individuals with domestic and imported SARS-CoV-2, possibly due to mutations on the proteins. Several epitopes on the S protein elicit neutralizing antibodies against different variants of SARS-CoV-2, showing potential for vaccine design against coronaviruses.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hassan Traboulsi, Mohammed A. Khedr, Yasair S. S. Al-Faiyz, Rafea Elgorashe, Amr Negm
Summary: The study demonstrates the greater stability and superior antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2's RBD of cyclic epitopes compared to linear ones. This indicates a potential roadmap for developing superior antibodies to inhibit the activity of SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmed Abdul Kareem Najm, Ahmad Azfaralariff, Herryawan Ryadi Eziwar Dyari, Babul Airianah Othman, Muhammad Shahid, Nahid Khalili, Douglas Law, Sharifah Sakinah Syed Alwi, Shazrul Fazry
Summary: This study demonstrated the anticancer activity of AMPs extracted from A.testudineus, specifically AtMP1 and AtMP2, which exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis through upregulation of p53.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Wanze Zhang, Bingxin Yu, Qingyu Meng, Luya Pu, Bin Liu, Fan Li
Summary: The novel IFN-like protein Novaferon, generated through gene shuffling, enhances the antitumor activity of NK cells by increasing the secretion of cytokines and upregulating activating receptors. In experiments, NK92-nova cells demonstrated stronger antitumor activity, inhibiting the growth of HepG2 cells without causing systemic toxicity.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alba S. Aquino-Dominguez, Maria de los A. Romero-Tlalolini, Honorio Torres-Aguilar, Sergio R. Aguilar-Ruiz
Summary: Platelets are not only responsible for maintaining vascular integrity but also play a crucial role in responding against microorganisms by releasing molecules with antimicrobial activity. Multiple discoveries have led to the identification and characterization of platelet microbicidal proteins, kinocidins, and CHDPs, broadening the understanding of platelet participation in normal and pathological conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mamta Chahal, Sudeep Dhillon, Priyanka Rani, Ginna Kumari, Deepak Kumar Aneja, Mayank Kinger
Summary: The aim of this review is to summarize the synthetic protocols and medicinal aspects of a wide range of heterocyclic compounds using the Vilsmeier-Haack (V.H.) reagent. These derivatives serve as excellent precursors with different aryl ring functionalities and can be used for the synthesis of various heterocyclic scaffolds. The V.H. reagent, a versatile reagent in organic chemistry, is used to formylate diverse heterocyclic compounds of medicinal interest, which play a significant role in bridging biology and chemistry by serving as constituents in novel medications.
Review
Microbiology
Esther Badosa, Marta Planas, Lidia Feliu, Laura Montesinos, Anna Bonaterra, Emilio Montesinos
Summary: The search for effective methods to control plant diseases caused by bacteria is crucial for food security. Functional peptides, both natural and synthetic, have shown great potential as biopesticides due to their strong bactericidal activity, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Current research focuses on identifying peptide sequences that can be used to develop novel biopesticides.
Review
Oncology
Enaya Mohiuddin, Hiroaki Wakimoto
Summary: The extracellular matrix plays a crucial role in tumor research, the composition of tumor ECM affects angiogenesis, invasion, and therapeutic resistance, therapeutic strategies targeting ECM offer new opportunities, such as antibodies or ligands, RNA interference, etc.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfredo Cruz-Gregorio, Ana Karina Aranda-Rivera, Edda Sciutto, Gladis Fragoso, Jose Pedraza-Chaverri
Summary: Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and although cancer mortality has decreased in recent years, some forms of cancer are resistant to immunotherapies. Antitumor and immunomodulatory peptides are a promising approach due to their ability to activate immune cells and have fewer side effects. The regulation of the redox state, which has been poorly studied, plays a crucial role in the immune system's response to these peptides. This review focuses on understanding the redox state regulated by these peptides in cancer development and its potential as a therapy.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pedro Quintero-Campos, Roberto Gozalbo-Rovira, Jesuis Rodriguez-Diaz, Aingel Maquieira, Sergi Morais
Summary: The global prevalence of β-lactam allergy poses a challenge in administering first-line antibiotics. This study introduces a synthetic IgE specific to β-lactam antibiotics, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity, and potential for clinical applications.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ricardo Ribeiro, Eugenia Pinto, Carla Fernandes, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Marine cyclic peptides are a diverse group of compounds with broad antimicrobial activities, showing promising potential as novel therapeutic agents. These compounds have unique structural characteristics and have demonstrated interesting antimicrobial activities against drug-resistant microorganisms. Marine cyclic peptides are not only potent in vitro, but also show promising results in vivo, making them an important resource for the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Malgorzata Lesiuk, Malgorzata Paduszynska, Katarzyna E. Greber
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides and their synthetic analogs have diverse structures and functions, and can combat infectious diseases while also regulating the immune system. They offer a potential new strategy to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
Article
Oncology
Maria L. L. Barreto do Nascimento, Antonielly Campinho dos Reis, Jose V. O. Santos, Helber A. Negreiros, Felipe C. Carneiro da Silva, Paulo M. P. Ferreira, Juan C. R. Goncalves, Dalton Dittz, Debora C. Braz, Adriana M. V. Nunes, Rodrigo L. O. R. Cunha, Ana A. C. Melo-Cavalcante, Joao Marcelo de Castro e Sousa
Summary: The study evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic activity of organoteluran RF07 in the S-180 cell line. Results showed significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of RF07, especially inducing apoptosis as the main cell death type at 5 mu M concentration.
ANTI-CANCER AGENTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tecla Ciociola, Pier Paolo Zanello, Tiziana D'Adda, Serena Galati, Stefania Conti, Walter Magliani, Laura Giovati
Review
Microbiology
Tecla Ciociola, Laura Giovati, Stefania Conti, Walter Magliani
Summary: Mycoses remain significant opportunistic infections globally, with a need for new therapeutic approaches due to increasing resistance of fungal pathogens to existing antifungal agents. Synthetic peptides derived from antibodies have shown promise as potential treatments for these infections.
Article
Microbiology
Tecla Ciociola, Thelma A. Pertinhez, Tiziano De Simone, Walter Magliani, Elena Ferrari, Silvana Belletti, Tiziana D'Adda, Stefania Conti, Laura Giovati
Summary: The study analyzed the biological and structural properties of peptides derived from killer peptide (KP) and found that changing the first amino acid residue can affect the conformation of the peptide and its activity against Candida. The peptides were able to penetrate C. albicans cells and cause significant morphological alterations, indicating potential as antimicrobial agents.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriela Dias-da-Silva, Rodrigo L. O. R. Cunha, Mauricio D. Coutinho-Neto
Summary: This study utilized density functional theory to investigate the active inhibitor form of hypervalent selenium and tellurium compounds in aqueous solution. The results suggest that the protonated selenoxide is the most probable active chemical species in biological media, leading to a covalent inhibition of cysteine proteases through exergonic reactions. Another pathway was also uncovered, with a direct reaction to chalcogenonium cation as the inhibition step.
JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Laura Giovati, Tecla Ciociola, Tiziano De Simone, Stefania Conti, Walter Magliani
Summary: This review explores the potential implications and applications of the yeast killer phenomenon in combating infectious diseases, focusing on wide-spectrum killer toxins produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus and related species. The study discusses the potential uses of these killer toxins in the medical field, such as using killer strains directly, utilizing killer toxins as therapeutic agents, and developing immunological derivatives of killer toxins for anti-infective therapeutics. It also describes research on immunological derivatives of killer toxins for vaccine development.
Article
Microbiology
Paola Di Fermo, Tecla Ciociola, Silvia Di Lodovico, Simonetta D'Ercole, Morena Petrini, Laura Giovati, Stefania Conti, Mara Di Giulio, Luigina Cellini
Summary: This study demonstrated the significant antimicrobial activity of the antifungal peptide L18R against wound pathogens, with differential reduction in biomass of monomicrobial biofilms but limited impact on polymicrobial biofilms. Further studies are recommended to explore its potential role in chronic wound management in combination with conventional antibiotics or alternative treatments.
Article
Microbiology
Tecla Ciociola, Walter Magliani, Tiziano De Simone, Thelma A. Pertinhez, Stefania Conti, Giorgio Cozza, Oriano Marin, Laura Giovati
Summary: This study conducted in silico analysis to identify novel antifungal candidates by studying antibody-derived peptides with recognized antifungal activity. The newly designed peptides proved to be more active and therapeutic in vitro against candidal infection, without causing toxic effects on mammalian cells. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed different structural organization of the peptides, validating a consensus sequence that may be useful in the development of novel antimicrobial molecules.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emerenziana Ottaviano, Elisa Borghi, Laura Giovati, Monica Falleni, Delfina Tosi, Walter Magliani, Giulia Morace, Stefania Conti, Tecla Ciociola
Summary: The synthetic peptide F11A showed significant candidacidal activity in vitro and improved survival in Galleria mellonella larvae infected with Candida albicans by modulating the host immune system and enhancing antifungal capabilities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stella Hernandes Maganhi, Ignez Caracelli, Julio Zukerman-Schpector, Rodrigo L. O. R. Cunha, Mauricio Angel Veja-Teijido, Edward R. T. Tiekink
Summary: The molecular structures of three derivatives share similar coordination geometries, inhibiting cathepsin S to varying extents with compound 2 being the most effective. Molecular docking calculations show that compound 2 blocks the entrance to the channel and occupies a crucial subsite on the protein, leading to its higher experimental second order inactivation rate.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivanildo A. Brito, Fernanda Thevenard, Thais A. Costa-Silva, Samuel S. Oliveira, Rodrigo L. O. R. Cunha, Emerson A. de Oliveira, Patricia Sartorelli, Rafael C. Guadagnin, Maiara M. Romanelli, Andre G. Tempone, Joao Henrique G. Lago
Summary: This study describes the isolation of two natural acetylene acetogenins from Porcelia macrocarpa seeds and evaluates their activity against Leishmania infantum. The results suggest that seeds of Porcelia macrocarpa are a promising source for the discovery of new antileishmanial drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Karina P. Morelli Frin, Leonardo Henrique de Macedo, Samuel Santos de Oliveira, Rodrigo L. O. R. Cunha, Jesus Calvo-Castro
Summary: Novel polypyridine rhenium(I) complexes coordinated with an organoselenide ligand show excellent photophysical properties, particularly in the generation of singlet oxygen, making them promising photosensitizer agents with significantly higher quantum yields compared to related complexes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giovanni Mergoni, Maddalena Manfredi, Pio Bertani, Tecla Ciociola, Stefania Conti, Laura Giovati
Summary: Enterococcus faecalis is a common cause of biofilm-associated infections, and two antifungal peptides showed promising activity in inhibiting E. faecalis biofilm formation. L18R demonstrated better anti-biofilm and bactericidal effects, while also showing no cytotoxicity to murine fibroblasts.
Article
Microbiology
Leonardo Mancabelli, Tecla Ciociola, Gabriele Andrea Lugli, Chiara Tarracchini, Federico Fontanta, Alice Viappiani, Francesca Turroni, Andrea Ticinesi, Tiziana Meschi, Stefania Conti, Marco Ventura, Christian Milani
Summary: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in studying the human microbiota of the upper airways. This study investigates the impact of sampling method and microbial DNA extraction on downstream analyses. Results show significant differences between different sampling methods and DNA extraction processes.
JOURNAL OF ORAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mariana Gallo, Laura Giovati, Walter Magliani, Thelma A. Pertinhez, Stefania Conti, Elena Ferrari, Alberto Spisni, Tecla Ciociola
Summary: The study reveals that the metabolism of Candida albicans differs under different environmental conditions, affecting its growth morphology and pathogenicity.