Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anastasia V. Strokotova, Elvira V. Grigorieva
Summary: Glucocorticoids are commonly used to treat various diseases but can cause side effects. Recent studies suggest that the toxic effects of glucocorticoids on key extracellular components in the brain may be an underlying mechanism for these side effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuhei Yamada, Shuji Mizumoto
Summary: This study characterized the properties of HYAL4 and found that it is a specific CS endoglycosidase. It is ubiquitously expressed in various organs in mice and is involved in the intracellular catabolism of CS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayumu Mubuchi, Shoo Katsumoto, Makoto Tsuboi, Hideaki Ishikawa, Yoshihiro Nomura, Kyohei Higashi, Shinji Miyata
Summary: Chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate are sulfated glycosaminoglycan chains with different levels of sulfation and disaccharide compositions. The sulfated glycosaminoglycans from Perna canaliculus show potential as biomaterials for studying the structure-function relationships.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Alexandra Y. Tsidulko, Oleg B. Shevelev, Anna S. Khotskina, Mariia A. Kolpakova, Anastasia Suhovskih, Galina M. Kazanskaya, Alexander M. Volkov, Svetlana Aidagulova, Evgenii L. Zavyalov, Elvira Grigorieva
Summary: The study found that changes induced by systemic chemotherapy in the glycosylated components of brain extracellular matrix can impact the fate of residual glioblastoma cells and contribute to glioblastoma relapse. Therefore, ECM-targeted therapy may be a useful strategy to mitigate the negative effects of adjuvant treatment on glioblastoma patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Saber Shakibi, Patrick R. R. Onck, Erik van der Giessen
Summary: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are polysaccharides that play crucial roles in biological processes. They are important structural components of cartilage and the extracellular matrix of the brain. Coarse-grained modeling is essential due to the large size of GAGs.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL THEORY AND COMPUTATION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Carla Martin, Helena Ordiales, Francisco Vazquez, Marta Pevida, David Rodriguez, Jesus Merayo, Fernando Vazquez, Beatriz Garcia, Luis M. Quiros
Summary: This study found that cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are involved in the adhesion of acne-related bacteria to skin cells, with different bacteria affecting different cell types. Bacterial adherence also led to changes in gene expression in skin cells, affecting the structure of GAG chains.
Review
Polymer Science
Qingchi Wang, Lianli Chi
Summary: This review investigates the structural alterations and roles of GAGs/PGs in various diseases, and discusses their potential in disease diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and drug development.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gabor Toth, Domonkos Pal, Simon Sugar, Ilona Kovalszky, Katalin Dezso, Gitta Schlosser, Laszlo Drahos, Lilla Turiak
Summary: This study investigated the content and sulfation pattern of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS) in human hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhotic liver tissues, considering the etiology of the diseases. Major differences were observed in the total abundance and sulfation pattern of CS and HS chains, providing important insights into the molecular mechanisms of chronic liver diseases.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andreas Haryono, Koji Ikeda, Dhite Bayu Nugroho, Takehiro Ogata, Yumika Tsuji, Satoaki Matoba, Kensuke Moriwaki, Hiroshi Kitagawa, Michihiro Igarashi, Ken-ichi Hirata, Noriaki Emoto
Summary: This study revealed the cardioprotective effects of CS-GAGs and suggested that they may play a biphasic role in the development of heart failure.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena Crijns, Lowie Adyns, Eva Ganseman, Seppe Cambier, Eline Vandekerckhove, Noemie Poertner, Lotte Vanbrabant, Sofie Struyf, Tanja Gerlza, Andreas Kungl, Paul Proost
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteins, as well as the structural requirements for binding. Through peptide design and experiments, it was found that the affinity and specificity of peptides for GAGs can be tuned by adapting their amino acid sequence and the number of GAG-binding motifs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Htoo Zarni Oo, Zoltan Lohinai, Nastaran Khazamipour, Joey Lo, Gunjan Kumar, Jessica Pihl, Hans Adomat, Noushin Nabavi, Hakhamanesh Behmanesh, Beibei Zhai, Robert Dagil, Swati Choudhary, Tobias Gustavsson, Thomas M. Clausen, Jeffrey D. Esko, Jeffrey W. Allen, Michael A. Thompson, Nhan L. Tran, Judit Moldvay, Balazs Dome, Ali Salanti, Nader Al-Nakouzi, Glen J. Weiss, Mads Daugaard
Summary: Targeting oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains can serve as a prognostic and therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with high expression associated with poorer outcomes. Both clinical and preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of oncofetal CS as a actionable prognostic marker and therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weijiao Zhang, Ruirui Xu, Jiamin Chen, Haibo Xiong, Yang Wang, Bo Pang, Guocheng Du, Zhen Kang
Summary: This review summarizes the advances in biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and its oligosaccharides. The use of cell-free enzyme catalyzed systems and de novo biosynthesis strategies allows for the regulation of CS sulfonated pattern and molecular weight, addressing the limitations of animal-derived CS and enabling the production of CS oligosaccharides with defined structures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Egorova, Yoshihiro Nomura, Shinji Miyata
Summary: Hyaluronan (HA) plays a crucial role in the brain by affecting neural development and plasticity. This study reveals that the molecular weight (MW) of HA differs in two types of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the brain, with higher MW HA found in the condensed ECM and lower MW HA in the diffuse ECM. The high MW HA is localized to perineuronal nets, while the low MW HA is widely distributed throughout the brain.
Article
Polymer Science
Dongyang Li, Wataru Takarada, Minoru Ashizawa, Takuya Yamamoto, Hidetoshi Matsumoto
Summary: Deuteration of polymeric nanofibers using deuterated solvents led to improved thermal and mechanical properties, as well as increased crystallinity. The partial exchange of amide linkages in PAs due to deuteration resulted in higher melting and glass transition points, along with substantially enhanced Young's moduli and tensile strengths of the NF sheets.
Article
Oncology
Ji-Yong Sung, Jae-Ho Cheong
Summary: Our study suggests a correlation between the high-matrisome group and stem-like phenotype in gastric cancer. We found that glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate metabolic reprogramming is associated with poor prognosis. These findings provide a possibility for precision medicine in anticancer therapies.
Article
Microbiology
Christian Jacoby, Christa Ebenau-Jehle, Katharina Saum, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Thomas Bruls, Matthias Boll
Summary: This study investigated the degradation pathway of the quaternary carbon-containing model compound pivalate in the denitrifying bacterium Thauera humireducens strain PIV-1, providing insights into the activation and carbon skeleton rearrangement processes. The results highlight the potential for biodegradation of similar quaternary carbon-containing compounds based on the identified gene clusters and enzymatic activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kristin M. Junge, Lisa Buchenauer, Sandra Strunz, Bettina Seiwert, Loreen Thuermann, Ulrike E. Rolle-Kampczyk, Stefan Roeder, Michael Borte, Wieland Kiess, Martin von Bergen, Jan C. Simon, Ana C. Zenclussen, Torsten Schoeneberg, Gabriele I. Stangl, Gunda Herberth, Irina Lehmann, Thorsten Reemtsma, Tobias Polte
Summary: This article explores the importance of parents, especially in the development of a baby. Mothers play a crucial role in meeting the baby's basic needs, such as feeding and diaper changing. Fathers, on the other hand, serve as playmates and educators, engaging with the baby and teaching them new things. The support system provided by both parents is vital to the baby's development.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simon A. Schroeter, Damien Eveillard, Samuel Chaffron, Johanna Zoppi, Bernd Kampe, Patrick Lohmann, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Carlos Sanchez-Arcos, Georg Pohnert, Martin Taubert, Kirsten Kuesel, Gerd Gleixner
Summary: The study reveals that functions within decomposer communities are redundantly distributed under different types of litter sources, but their relative expressions are rapidly optimized to address specific litter properties. Furthermore, the decomposer community may be influenced by DOM containing natural antibiotics, leading to specialization towards specific litter sources and decomposition states.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Zhang, Marina Toplak, Raspudin Saleem-Batcha, Lars Hoeing, Roman Jakob, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Timm Maier, Robin Teufel
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to human health, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial. This study discovered and characterized oxidoreductases that inactivate the broad-spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol through dual oxidation of the C3-hydroxyl group. These enzymes also enable the inactivation of related compounds but not the fluorinated derivative. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that distinct isofunctional enzymes evolved independently in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Mechanistic and structural studies provide insights into the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes, which have both negative and positive impacts on antibiotic resistance and chloramphenicol bioremediation.
Article
Ecology
Nelson Khan, Edward Muge, Francis J. Mulaa, Benson Wamalwa, Martin von Bergen, Nico Jehmlich, Lukas Y. Wick
Summary: Fungi play a crucial role in the biodegradation of soil organochlorine pesticides by facilitating bacterial dispersal and nutrient release. Experimental results indicate that the transfer of nutrients from fungi to bacteria can enhance the degradation of organic pollutants, highlighting the importance of fungal-bacterial interactions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ibrahim E. Sallam, Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk, Stephanie Serena Schaepe, Soumaya S. Zaghloul, Riham S. El-Dine, Ping Shao, Martin von Bergen, Mohamed A. Farag
Summary: This study assessed the effect of gut microbiota on the biotransformation of O. ficus-indica metabolites. The results showed that flavonoid glycosides were converted to two major metabolites, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid and phloroglucinol, in vitro at 24 h. In the ex vivo assay, flavonoid glycosides were completely absent in the treated sample, indicating their conversion. The antioxidant potential also declined after biotransformation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lisa Buchenauer, Kristin M. Junge, Sven-Bastiaan Haange, Jan C. Simon, Martin von Bergen, Anna-Lena Hoh, Gabriela Aust, Ana C. Zenclussen, Gabriele I. Stangl, Tobias Polte
Summary: Exposure to low-dose glyphosate in mothers has an immunosuppressive effect on their female offspring, which is not observed in the second generation. The altered microbiota composition might mediate this immune response modulation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Gloria Ruiz-Gomez, Juliane Salbach-Hirsch, Jan-Niklas Duerig, Linda Koehler, Kanagasabai Balamurugan, Sandra Rother, Sophie-Luise Heidig, Stephanie Moeller, Matthias Schnabelrauch, Giulia Furesi, Sophie Paehlig, Pedro M. Guillem-Gloria, Christine Hofbauer, Vera Hintze, M. Teresa Pisabarro, Joerg Rademann, Lorenz C. Hofbauer
Summary: The WNT signaling pathway is important for bone development and regeneration, and abnormalities in WNT ligands and inhibitors are associated with various bone diseases. This study focused on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) recognition by DKK1, a WNT inhibitor, and aimed to develop WNT signaling regulators. Through a multidisciplinary approach, researchers designed and synthesized GAG derivatives with improved neutralizing properties for DKK1. These derivatives showed increased WNT pathway activity and improved bone regeneration in experimental models. The findings suggest that rationally engineered GAG variants could be used as novel therapeutic approaches.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lydia Behring, Gloria Ruiz-Gomez, Christian Trapp, Maryann Morales, Robert Wodtke, Martin Koeckerling, Klaus Kopka, M. Teresa Pisabarro, Jens Pietzsch, Reik Loeser
Summary: The potential of designing irreversible alkyne-based inhibitors of cysteine cathepsins was explored by isoelectronic replacement in reversibly acting potent peptide nitriles. The synthesis of dipeptide alkynes and analogous nitriles was developed and investigated for their inhibition of cathepsins B, L, S, and K. Extensive structure-activity relationships were derived, and the selectivity profiles of alkynes do not necessarily reflect those of the nitriles. The inhibitory activity at the cellular level was demonstrated for selected compounds.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjawan Tanunchai, Li Ji, Olaf Schroeder, Susanne Julia Gawol, Andreas Geissler, Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan, Francois Buscot, Stefan Kalkhof, Ernst-Detlef Schulze, Matthias Noll, Witoon Purahong
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) and its plastisphere microbiome in forest ecosystems. The results showed that forest type significantly affected the richness and fungal community composition of the plastisphere microbiome. Bacterial community composition was mainly governed by stochastic processes, while fungal community composition was influenced by both stochastic and deterministic processes. Potential keystone taxa involved in PBSA degradation, such as fungal PBSA decomposers (Tetracladium) and N2-fixing bacteria, were identified.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Johannes R. Schmidt, Janine Haupt, Sina Riemschneider, Christoph Kaempf, Dennis Loeffler, Conny Blumert, Kristin Reiche, Ulrike Koehl, Stefan Kalkhof, Joerg Lehmann
Summary: In this study, the effects of high-affinity AhR ligand benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and low-affinity AhR ligand indole-3-carbinol (I3C) on gene expression patterns in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were compared using mRNA sequencing. The results showed that AhR regulated the expression of over 1,000 genes, involving cellular processes, immune functions, and phenotypic transformation of the cells. Some of the identified genes were previously known to be regulated by AhR, while others were newly discovered to be AhR-regulated.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Markus Krueger, Narendrakumar Chaudhari, Bo Thamdrup, Will A. Overholt, Laura A. Bristow, Martin Taubert, Kirsten Kuesel, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Martina Herrmann
Summary: The study reveals that complete ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (CMX) of the genus Nitrospira have a competitive advantage over ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers, due to their ecophysiological characteristics and wide occurrence in groundwater. However, their specific contribution to nitrification processes has been unclear. The research aimed to unravel the contribution of CMX, AOA, and AOB to nitrification and identify the environmental drivers of their niche differentiation in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Hoen, Daniel Pfeffer, Johannes R. Schmidt, Johannes Kraft, Janosch Hildebrand, Stefan Kalkhof
Summary: Elderly patients are vulnerable to dehydration due to factors such as decreased thirst and total body water. This study investigates the impact of moderate dehydration or hyperhydration on the blood proteome. Blood samples were collected from 131 geriatric patients, and the analysis shows that hydration status affects the plasma proteome, with proteins involved in wound healing and keratinization being dysregulated.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadine Kiefer, Moritz Nichterlein, Fabienne Rei, Madeleine Runge, Ulf Biermann, Thomas Wieland, Matthias Noll, Stefan Kalkhof
Summary: This study examined the ecotoxicological effects of leachates containing biocides from building materials on sediment and aquatic organisms. The results showed that in-can preservatives leach out rapidly at the beginning of a facade lifetime and impose a significant stress factor on the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Johannes Schmidt, Vivien Wiltzsch, Daniela Sofia Bastos Dias, Joerg Lehmann, Jan Baumbach, Patrina Su Ping Poh, Stefan Kalkhof
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
K. Ramki, G. Thiruppathi, Selva Kumar Ramasamy, P. Sundararaj, P. Sakthivel
Summary: A chromone-based ratiometric fluorescent probe L2 was developed for the selective detection of Hg(II) in a semiaqueous solution. The probe exhibited enhanced fluorescence in its aggregated state and even higher fluorescence when chelated with Hg(II). The probe demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for Hg(II) detection and was successfully applied for imaging Hg(II) in a living model.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qun Zhang, Rui Yang, Gang Liu, Shiyan Jiang, Jiarui Wang, Juqiang Lin, Tingyin Wang, Jing Wang, Zufang Huang
Summary: This research aims to develop a cost-effective and portable method for measuring creatinine levels using the enhanced Tyndall effect phenomenon. The method offers a promising solution for monitoring renal healthcare in resource-limited settings.