Article
Immunology
Regina Michelis, Lama Milhem, Evleen Galouk, Galia Stemer, Ariel Aviv, Tamar Tadmor, Mona Shehadeh, Lev Shvidel, Masad Barhoum, Andrei Braester
Summary: This study found for the first time that serum levels of A2M are significantly increased in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and are correlated with disease severity and chronic complement activation. Additionally, A2M production by malignant B-lymphocytes may be one of the reasons for this increase.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Naseba Naseraldeen, Regina Michelis, Masad Barhoum, Judith Chezar, Tamar Tadmor, Ariel Aviv, Lev Shvidel, Adi Litmanovich, Mona Shehadeh, Galia Stemer, Ety Shaoul, Andrei Braester
Summary: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults in the western world. Immunotherapy is one of the treatments offered for CLL, which activates the complement system through the formation of IgG-hexamers. The presence of higher levels of IgG-aggregates in CLL patients and their ability to activate the complement system more efficiently than in normal controls suggest potential for improving current immunotherapy regimens.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandr Viktorovich Protasov, Olga Alexandrovna Mirgorodskaya, Yuri Petrovich Kozmin, Johan Gobom
Summary: In this study, we found that amyloid beta (A beta) peptides inhibit their binding with alpha-2-macroglobulin, affecting the ability of trypsin to cleave alpha 2M 705-715. Complete inhibition requires two A beta peptide molecules attached to one alpha 2M molecule, and proteolytic cleavage and oxidation also affect the inhibitory action of A beta peptides.
Article
Oncology
Jisu Lee, Hyun Sik Park, Seung Ro Han, Yun Hee Kang, Ji Young Mun, Dong Wook Shin, Hyun-Woo Oh, Yoon-Kyoung Cho, Myung-Shin Lee, Jinsung Park
Summary: Extracellular vesicles derived from urine, specifically urinary EVs (uEVs), have shown promise as diagnostic biomarkers for urogenital cancers. This study identified uEV-derived alpha-2-macroglobulin (a2M) as a novel diagnostic biomarker for bladder cancer (BC) and validated its upregulation in patient uEVs. The use of the centrifugal microfluidic tangential flow filtration device ExoDisc was found to be more effective for uEV protein analysis compared to classical differential centrifugation. These findings suggest that this approach for EV analysis can lead to the identification of clinically meaningful uEV-based biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yunlai Liang, Yating Ma, Kun Wang, Manglin Xiang, Bin Yi
Summary: The association of NUCB-2/Nesfatin-1 with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was unclear, so this study aimed to clarify its role in the development, progression, and diagnosis of NPC. The results showed that NUCB-2 level was higher in NPC tissue than in rhinitis tissue, and suppression of NUCB-2 inhibited NPC cell proliferation while improvement of NUCB-2 promoted cell propagation. Moreover, serum NUCB-2 level could potentially be a serological marker for the early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lydia Gonzalez-del-Barrio, Laura Perez-Alos, Leon Cyranka, Anne Rosbjerg, Simon Nagy, Zoltan Prohaszka, Peter Garred, Rafael Bayarri-Olmos
Summary: The complement system is a complex cascade involved in pathogen defense and disease pathogenesis. Complement modulators, such as the fused MAP-2:CD55(1-4) inhibitor, show promising potential for treating complement-driven inflammatory diseases. This chimeric inhibitor effectively inhibits complement activation at multiple levels and demonstrates strong inhibitory activity in vitro.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi-Da Zhang, Yan-Ping Shi
Summary: A cost-efficient and easy-to-use approach called dual molecular imprinting immunosandwich colorimetric strategy (DMI-ICS) was constructed for detection of alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha 2MG) using janus imprinted nanoparticles. This strategy showed great performance with lower detection limit and could be a versatile tool for point-of-care diagnosis.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kohki Okada, Hiroshi Itoh, Masaki Ikemoto
Summary: The study found that serum levels of C3 complement and alpha-2 macroglobulin in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were correlated with disease activity index, serving as good indicators of the severity of UC.
Article
Hematology
Bojun Li, Clement Bechtler, Lorenz Jenny, Daniel Ricklin, Verena Schroeder
Summary: This study reveals that free FXIII-B has no direct role in regulating the complement system, despite its structural similarity to major complement regulators. Alpha 2MG is identified as a potential binding partner for free FXIII-B, although its direct interactions and functional effects remain to be validated.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Soraia R. Mendes, F. Xavier Gomis-Rueth, Theodoros Goulas
Summary: Human alpha(2)-macroglobulin (h alpha M-2) is a large homotetrameric protein involved in the broad inhibition of endopeptidases. After cleavage, h alpha M-2 undergoes conformational changes and eventually entraps the peptidase through a Venus flytrap mechanism. Biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified h alpha M-2 from fresh or frozen plasma showed no differences in molecular or functional properties, indicating that native h alpha M-2 remains functional despite freezing.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Georges Jourdi, Imane Boukhatem, Pablo F. Barcelona, Samuel Fleury, Melanie Welman, H. Uri Saragovi, Samuela Pasquali, Marie Lordkipanidze
Summary: Recent research has shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has activating effects on isolated platelets. However, since BDNF circulates in plasma, it is necessary to find a mechanism to prevent constant activation of platelets. In this study, α2M was identified as a physiological regulator of BDNF bioavailability and an inhibitor of BDNF-induced platelet activation.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Hematology
Jeremy Lagrange, Thomas Lecompte, Tanja Knopp, Patrick Lacolley, Veronique Regnault
Summary: A2M is an antiproteinase that plays an inhibitory role by trapping proteinases with its unique cage structure. Its synthesis increases in inflammatory diseases and it can trap various proteinases involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis. Therefore, A2M plays an important role in the balanced regulation of hemostasis.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Jennifer Vandooren, Yoshifumi Itoh
Summary: Alpha-2-macroglobulin is known for its role as a broad-spectrum protease inhibitor and has additional functions such as regulating proteolysis, promoting cell migration, and binding cytokines, especially crucial in immune-cell function. This review provides an overview of all functions of Alpha-2-macroglobulin in the context of inflammation, immunity, and infections.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Xinyi Cao, Zhao Cao, Yuyin Shao, Chao Liu, Guoquan Yan, Xinmin Meng, Lei Zhang, Chen Chen, Guiyue Huang, Hong Shu, Haojie Lu
Summary: The diagnosis of AFP-negative HCC relies on imaging and pathological examinations due to lack of reliable markers. N-glycosylation, a crucial post-translation process, has been linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer, including HCC. The study found differences in serum N-linked glycopeptides between AFP-negative HCC and cirrhosis patients, particularly in relation to PON1 glycosylation. These variations in PON1 glycosylation may serve as potential biomarkers to distinguish AFP-negative HCC from cirrhosis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Meng-Xia Zhang, Li Wang, Lei Zheng, Zi-Wei Tu
Summary: The study revealed that LCN2 is associated with radioresistance and recurrence in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, potentially facilitating the development of a radioresistant phenotype through interaction with HIF-1A. The data suggest that LCN2 is a promising target for predicting and overcoming radioresistance in NPC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Perumal Subramanian, Jaime Jacqueline Jayapalan, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman
Summary: Proteomics has played a crucial role in uncovering molecular mechanisms of cancer processes, leading to the discovery of numerous biomarkers for timely cancer detection. Despite advancements, challenges in resolving and quantifying low abundance proteins still exist, calling for the development of better methods in cancer management based on proteome studies.
CURRENT PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kar-Cheng Wong, Srivani Sankaran, Jaime J. Jayapalan, Perumal Subramanian, Puteri S. Abdul-Rahman
Summary: The study found that melatonin can improve behavioral abnormalities in lgl mutant flies, restore redox homeostasis and metabolic reprogramming, indicating that melatonin may serve as oncostatic and cytoprotective agents in Drosophila.
ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biology
Perumalip Subramanian, Jaime Jacqueline Jayapalan, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman
Summary: The perception of energy homeostasis involves the regulation between biological clock and cell metabolism, where the temporal regulation of metabolism, physiology, and behavior in mammals is coordinated by a complex system of cellular clocks synchronized by a master clock in the hypothalamus. Disruption of circadian rhythms, as seen in shift-workers, can lead to negative mental and metabolic disturbances, highlighting the close relationship between metabolic processes and the biological clock. Further research is needed to fully understand the functional connections between circadian rhythms and metabolism at different levels from molecular to organismic.
BIOLOGICAL RHYTHM RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Nundisa Jaulin, Ruszymah Hj Idrus, Aminuddin Saim, Wan Izlina Wan-Ibrahim, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman, Yogeswaran Lokanathan
Summary: This study analyzed the fibroblast secreted proteins that enhance wound healing of the airway epithelium and successfully identified various secretory proteins that play important roles in wound healing.
CURRENT PROTEOMICS
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Soon Hong Kwan, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman
Summary: Human milk is recommended by WHO, but many mothers face insufficient milk supply; plant galactagogue can promote lactation; 14 types of plants have undergone clinical studies globally to verify their galactagogic activity.
PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohamad Fairus Abdul Kadir, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman, Kavitha Nellore, Shatrah Othman
Summary: This study aimed to increase cell sensitivity to BQR by inhibiting UCK2 activity. Results showed that while the uridine reversal effect was abrogated in UCK2 knockdown cells, there was no enhancement of BQR-mediated cell proliferation inhibition.
Article
Ophthalmology
Ai Lin Daphne Teh, Jaime Jacqueline Jayapalan, Mun Fai Loke, Azida Juana Wan Abdul Kadir, Visvaraja Subrayan
Summary: This study used a non-targeted metabolomics approach to investigate metabolite differences between patients with keratoconus and control subjects, identifying potential serum biomarkers. The identified metabolites, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and eicosanoids, showed significant upregulation in keratoconus patients. Glycerophospholipid PS(17:2(9Z,12Z)/20:4 (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)) was significantly upregulated in control subjects. These differentially regulated metabolites provide insights into the pathophysiology of keratoconus and could potentially be utilized as biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina Jane Vellan, Jaime Jacqueline Jayapalan, Boon-Koon Yoong, Azlina Abdul-Aziz, Sarni Mat-Junit, Perumal Subramanian
Summary: PDAC is a highly aggressive malignancy usually detected at an advanced stage, with the current biomarker CA 19-9 having low sensitivity. There is an urgent need to identify reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ayesha Fahim, Wan Harun Himratul-Aznita, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman, Mohammad K. Alam
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of a combination of garlic and bakuchiol against candida virulent genes and their secreted proteins. The combination showed antimicrobial effects on both single and mixed species biofilms. These findings provide insights for alternative treatments for resistant candida infections.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nazirah Amran, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of Tualang honey (TH) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The results show that TH modulates relevant cancer-related proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, and induction of angiogenesis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for NSCLC.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kar-Cheng Wong, Jaime J. Jayapalan, Perumal Subramanian, Mohd Nazri Ismail, Puteri S. Abdul-Rahman
Summary: Mass spectrometry-based proteomics was used to investigate the changes in protein expression in Drosophila melanogaster in response to lgl mutation and melatonin treatment. The study revealed significant alterations in protein expression related to metabolism and protein synthesis and degradation. Melatonin was found to mitigate the deleterious effects of lgl mutation by reversing the changes in protein expression.
ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Noor Nazirahanie Abrahim, Norhaniza Aminudin, Puteri Shafinaz Abdul-Rahman
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different varieties of Ficus deltoidea leaves on fatty liver disease. The results show that Ficus deltoidea var. kunstleri has the ability to reduce lipid accumulation, improve redox status, and maintain protein homeostasis. Several proteins involved in oxidative stress, protein homeostasis, and degradation pathways were identified.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
A. Nazirah, Puteri A. R. Shafinaz
Summary: This study investigates the apoptosis-inducing effect of Tualang honey (TH) on lung adenocarcinoma cells and identifies the modulation of upstream and downstream proteins of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The results suggest that TH promotes apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells by altering the expression of certain proteins in the signaling pathway.
MEDICINE AND HEALTH
(2022)
