Article
Virology
Claudia Istrate, Jessica Marques, Pedro Bule, Silvia Correia, Frederico Aires-da-Silva, Marlene Duarte, Ana Luisa Reis, Miguel Machuqueiro, Alexandre Leitao, Bruno L. Victor
Summary: This study focuses on the structural protein p10 of African swine fever virus, identifying motifs and residues that regulate its interaction with DNA. A helix-turn-helix motif at the C-terminal region was found to be crucial for binding to dsDNA, while serine and lysine-rich regions in the helices played key roles in DNA recognition, as confirmed by experimental binding assays.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hayden C. Metsky, Nicole L. Welch, Priya P. Pillai, Nicholas J. Haradhvala, Laurie Rumker, Sreekar Mantena, Yibin B. Zhang, David K. Yang, Cheri M. Ackerman, Juliane Weller, Paul C. Blainey, Cameron Myhrvold, Michael Mitzenmacher, Pardis C. Sabeti
Summary: The design of nucleic acid-based viral diagnostics typically follows heuristic rules, but researchers have proposed an optimized design method using a learned model to enhance diagnostic effectiveness in the face of viral variation. By utilizing a deep neural network and combinatorial optimization, the researchers successfully designed highly sensitive diagnostic tools that can be customized for various vertebrate-infecting viral species within a short period of time.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Guanming Wang, Chunfu Zheng
Summary: Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are a large family of structurally diverse proteins characterized by zinc ion coordinating, playing important roles in host-virus interactions and viral infections by recognizing viral genomes and host mRNAs. They can exert multiple functions in antiviral immunity.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaare Teilum, Johan G. Olsen, Birthe B. Kragelund
Summary: Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) share similar specificity with globular proteins quantitatively, but have larger interactome sizes, adaptability, and a higher degree of multivalency. This allows for new interaction mechanisms and challenges traditional concepts of specificity.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Fenglin Wang, Qinmin Liang, Rongman Lv, Shakeel Ahmad, Mishal Bano, Guangzhen Weng, Ronghui Wen
Summary: A rapid isotherm nucleic acid amplification method was developed for detecting Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV). The reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) method exhibited superior specificity, sensitivity, and reliability compared to RT-PCR in SrMV detection. With its high sensitivity, rapid reaction time, and minimal equipment requirements, this method presents a promising diagnostic tool for the reliable and expedited detection of SrMV.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yunlong Yan, Maoxi Huang, Li Wang, Wei Xue, Xin Xie, Xiangyang Li
Summary: In this study, a rapid screening model for anti-CMV compounds was established using labeled CMV particles and commercial compounds. The results showed that both commercial compounds and synthesized compounds had inhibition effects on CMV, which is significant for the development of anti-CMV drugs.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhi-Yong Yan, Xiao-Jie Xu, Le Fang, De-Jie Cheng, Yan-Ping Tian, Chao Geng, Xiang-Dong Li, Jari P. T. Valkonen
Summary: The study revealed that the two basic residues R-192 and K-225 in potyviral CP are crucial for viral RNA binding and cell-to-cell movement, with mutations in these residues affecting virus replication and movement between plant cells.
MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Gabriela Llauger, Roberto Melero, Demian Monti, Gabriela Sycz, Cristian Huck-Iriart, Maria L. Cerutti, Sebastian Klinke, Evelyn Mikkelsen, Ariel Tijman, Rocio Arranz, Victoria Alfonso, Sofia M. Arellano, Fernando A. Goldbaum, Yann G. J. Sterckx, Jose-Maria Carazo, Sergio B. Kaufman, Pablo D. Dans, Mariana del Vas, Lisandro H. Otero
Summary: The mal de Rio Cuarto virus (MRCV) is a major cause of maize disease in Argentina, replicating in various plants and insects. The C-arm region of the major viroplasm protein P9-1 is essential for the formation of viroplasm-like structures and RNA binding. The study uncovers the structural versatility of a fijivirus major viroplasm protein and provides insights into its mechanism of action.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayyub Patel, Basiouny El-Gamal, Mohamed Abd Ellatif, Hani Alothaid, Tarek M. Mirdad, Waleed Hassan Almalki, Afaf S. Alwabli
Summary: Dengue virus (DENV) is a common mosquito-borne viral disease that has seen a significant increase in global incidence. The study focused on the characterization of the Dengue virus helicase ATP binding domain (HABD) protein, which has been found to possess RNA-dependent ATPase and unwinding activity.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Angela Valentic, Jakob Mueller, Juergen Hubbuch
Summary: This study investigates the potential of HBcAg VLPs with a nucleic acid binding region as nanocarriers for gene therapy. HBcAg VLPs with different lengths of the nucleic acid binding region were produced and evaluated for their attributes and loading capacity. It was found that the length of the binding region and the liquid phase conditions had a significant impact on the disassembly and purification process of the HBcAg VLPs.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Soumen Das, Mei-Kwan Yau, Jeffery Noble, Lucrezia De Pascalis, M. G. Finn
Summary: This study identified a simple general method for non-covalent packaging and subsequent release of functional molecules inside nucleoprotein nanocages, independent of modifications to the capsid protein.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nitika Gaurav, Praveen Kumar Tripathi, Vivek Kumar, Archana Chugh, Monica Sundd, Ashok Kumar Patel
Summary: The study reveals that the capsid of CHIKV has DNA binding and delivery functions in the nucleus, with the NLS1 sequence playing a key role in successful plasmid DNA delivery. The research explores the impact of nonspecific interactions on cellular processes and highlights the significance of Nuclear Localization Signal sequences in the multifunctionality of CHIKV capsid protein.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Dao Chen, Hui-Ying Zhang, Shu-Ming Hu, Meng-Yuan Tian, Zong-Ying Zhang, Ying Wang, Li-Ying Sun, Cheng-Gui Han
Summary: The P1 protein encoded by WYMV RNA2 acts as a viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR), inhibiting the defense mechanism in wheat and facilitating virus infection. It interacts with gene silencing-related protein NbCaM and calmodulin-binding transcription activator 3 (NbCAMTA3) to interfere with antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) defense.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xiao-Fei Chen, Xin Zhao, Zifeng Yang
Summary: Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules selected in vitro that exhibit high affinity and specificity in binding to a wide range of targets. They show promise as alternatives to conventional anti-infective agents and have potential in combating infectious diseases, including drug-resistant strains and biofilms. Aptamer-mediated drug delivery and controlled release strategies are also important in therapeutic approaches using aptamers.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryan Weber, Martin McCullagh
Summary: Research has identified four structural states of RNA-nsp13 that exhibit different RNA-binding poses and characteristics, supporting the inchworm mechanism for ATP-dependent RNA translocation. Understanding these structures and mechanisms provides novel targets for the further development of antiviral therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ibtehaj Naqvi, Nicholas Giroux, Lyra Olson, Telmo Llanga, Tolu O. Akinade, Yuefei Zhu, Yiling Zhong, Shree Bose, Stephanie Arvai, Karen Abramson, Lingye Chen, Loretta Que, Bryan Kraft, Xiling Shen, Jaewoo Lee, Kam W. Leong, Smita K. Nair, Bruce Sullenger, Sarah Anh Morrison
Summary: It has been found that severely ill COVID-19 patients in the ICU display a hyper-stimulation of TLR signaling, with nucleic acid-sensing TLR agonists present in their blood and lungs. CD16+ monocytes from deceased ICU patients show a TLR-tolerant phenotype and a deficient anti-viral response. Treatment with MnO nanoparticles effectively neutralizes TLR activation by nucleic acid-containing DAMPs/PAMPs in the lungs and blood.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Linsley Kelly, Lyra B. Olson, Rachel E. Rempel, Jeffrey Everitt, Dana Levine, Smita K. Nair, Mark E. Davis, Bruce A. Sullenger
Summary: The study investigates a novel anti-inflammatory agent, a linear beta-cyclodextrin-containing polymer (CDP), which effectively inhibits NA-containing DAMP-mediated activation of Toll-like receptors and improves healing in lupus mice while enhancing survival in animals infected with influenza.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Imran Ozer, Garrett Kelly, Renpeng Gu, Xinghai Li, Nikita Zakharov, Parul Sirohi, Smita K. Nair, Joel H. Collier, Michael S. Hershfield, Angus M. Hucknall, Ashutosh Chilkoti
Summary: Protein therapeutics, especially those with PEG decoration, face challenges of short half-life and immunogenicity. The authors developed a poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA) conjugate to improve the stability and immunogenicity of PEGylated proteins. The uricase-POEGMA conjugate demonstrated enhanced pharmacokinetics and reduced immunogenicity compared to traditional PEGylated proteins.
Article
Anesthesiology
Kristin M. Corey, Lyra B. Olson, Ibtehaj A. Naqvi, Sarah A. Morrison, Connor Davis, Shahid M. Nimjee, Loretta G. Que, Robin E. Bachelder, Bryan D. Kraft, Lingye Chen, Smita K. Nair, Jerrold H. Levy, Bruce A. Sullenger
Summary: This study confirms the association between coagulopathy and hypoxemia in critically ill COVID-19 patients. It identifies several coagulation and inflammatory biomarkers that are associated with severe hypoxemia and major thrombotic events in these patients.
Letter
Oncology
Justin T. Low, Vidyalakshmi Chandramohan, Michelle L. Bowie, Michael C. Brown, Matthew S. Waitkus, Aaron Briley, Kevin Stevenson, Rebecca Fuller, Zachary J. Reitman, Andrea M. Muscat, Seethalakshmi Hariharan, Janell Hostettler, Sarah Danehower, Ali Baker, Mustafa Khasraw, Nicholas C. Wong, Simon Gregory, Smita K. Nair, Amy Heimberger, Matthias Gromeier, Darell D. Bigner, David M. Ashley
Letter
Pediatrics
Rajeev Kumar Thapar, Smita Nair
INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Garrett Kelly, Joshua J. Milligan, Eric M. Mastria, Sarah Kim, Stephanie R. Zelenetz, Jarrett Dobbins, Leon Y. Cai, Xinghai Li, Smita K. Nair, Ashutosh Chilkoti
Summary: Combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy using biomaterial-based approaches can effectively improve the outcomes of metastatic cancer treatment. This study developed an injectable depot that can continuously deliver a radionuclide and an immunostimulant to the tumor, leading to controlled tumor growth and distant metastasis. The results showed that this combination therapy had a synergistic effect and significantly improved mouse survival.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Austin M. Eckhoff, Ashley A. Fletcher, Karenia Landa, Matthew Iyer, Daniel P. Nussbaum, Chanjuan Shi, Smita K. Nair, Peter J. Allen
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Austin M. Eckhoff, Ashley A. Fletcher, Karenia Landa, Matthew Iyer, Daniel P. Nussbaum, Chanjuan Shi, Smita K. Nair, Peter J. Allen
Summary: The immune infiltrate in IPMN consists mainly of T cells and macrophages. Regions of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) appear to have relatively fewer T cells and a trend towards macrophage enrichment compared to regions of low-grade dysplasia (LGD).
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Corrine A. Nief, Alana Gonzales, Erika Chelales, Julia Sroda Agudogo, Brian T. Crouch, Smita K. Nair, Nirmala Ramanujam
Summary: In the study, it was found that pre-treating tumors with sodium bicarbonate and low-dose cyclophosphamide, followed by tumor ablation, can elicit an anti-tumor immune response in TNBC models. The treatment showed significant therapeutic effects and induced immune memory.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ericka Chorniak, Yang Liu, Ren Odion, Wiguins Etienne, Aidan Canning, Smita K. Nair, Paolo Maccarini, Gregory M. Palmer, Brant A. Inman, Tuan Vo-Dinh
Summary: Bladder cancer is a common cancer with a high proportion of late stage diagnoses. This study developed a novel treatment for bladder cancer using a combination of gold nanostar-mediated photothermal therapy and checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. The results showed that this combined therapy was more effective than individual treatments. The study also used intravital optical imaging to investigate immune responses and immune cell accumulation in distant tumors following the treatment. The findings suggest that intravital optical imaging is an efficient tool for studying the mechanisms of photoimmunotherapy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caleb A. Starr, Smita Nair, Sheng-Yuan Huang, Michael F. Hagan, Stephen C. Jacobson, Adam Zlotnick
Summary: A viral-like particles (VLPs) that can release its cargo in response to a trigger was designed by chemically redesigning the dimeric hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid protein. The VLPs could gradually dissociate and release its contents when exposed to a reducing agent, indicating a responsive behavior to external stimuli.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Adam Zlotnick, Smita Nair, Sarah P. Katen
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caleb A. Starr, Smita Nair, Sheng-Yuan Huang, Michael F. Hagan, Stephen C. Jacobson, Adam Zlotnick
Summary: To create a virus-like particle (VLP) that can release its cargo upon triggering, a chemical biology approach is employed to destabilize a self-assembling capsid. By redesigning the dimeric hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid protein (Cp) with differentially addressable cysteines, the resulting construct forms VLPs that can undergo triggered dissociation. The VLPs are stable until exposed to reducing agent, causing slow dissociation and release of cargo.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Austin Eckhoff, Ashley Fletcher, Matthew Iyer, Chanjuan Shi, Daniel Nussbaum, Smita Nair, Peter Allen
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
