Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philipp Kemp, Wadim Weber, Charlotte Desczyk, Marwan Kaufmann, Josefine Panthel, Theresa Wo''rmann, Viktor Stein
Summary: Membranes play a crucial role in defining cell boundaries and facilitating communication and nutrient uptake. However, our understanding and manipulation of the permeation of solutes across biological membranes, especially in Gram-negative bacteria, is limited. In this study, the authors use a small-molecule-responsive fluorescent protein sensor to analyze the permeability of the E. coli cell envelope. They investigate the permeation of the biotechnologically relevant macrolide rapamycin and find that recombinant expression of a nanopore in the outer membrane can enhance its permeability. This study provides insights into studying and controlling small molecule permeation in prokaryotic cells.
Article
Biology
Thushani D. Nilaweera, David A. Nyenhuis, David S. Cafiso
Summary: Pulse EPR measurements on the E. coli vitamin B-12 transporter BtuB revealed that substrate binding causes a structural transition in the protein, shifting an extracellular substrate binding loop towards the periplasm, regulated by an ionic lock broken upon TonB binding. This structural transition was not observed when BtuB was reconstituted into phospholipid bilayers, suggesting an alternative to existing models of transport and emphasizing the importance of studying outer membrane proteins in their native environment.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jiaxin Sun, Avinash Kumar Thakur, Liviu Movileanu
Summary: The binding affinity and concentration of protein ligands are key factors determining the nature of current noise, with 1/f noise absent when ligands are captured at a much lower concentration than their equilibrium dissociation constant. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of protein recognition events in current noise fluctuations across biological membranes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bernd A. Nebel, Michael Breuer, Andreas Schneider, Benjamin Aberle, Stephan C. Hammer, Per-Olof Syren, Martin J. Weissenborn, Bettina M. Nestl
Summary: This article reflects on Professor Bernhard Hauer's distinguished career in biocatalysis and highlights his contributions to the application and development of enzymes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Motahareh Ghahari Larimi, Jeung-Hoi Ha, Stewart N. Loh, Liviu Movileanu
Summary: This study focused on the development of novel protein nanopores, anchoring exogenous proteins within the aqueous phase via flexible peptide tethers. By examining the pore-forming properties of these modular protein nanopores, differences in conductance and current fluctuations were observed based on the positioning of the exogenous proteins. The research revealed a platform for further advancements in protein engineering of transmembrane pores and biosensor technology.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Jessica M. Lewis, Kathryn E. Janda, David B. Kotter, Julianne H. Grose, William R. McCleary
Summary: Receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) allow phages to attach to host cells and initiate infection. A study isolated and published the genomes of three new FhuA-dependent coliphages to further understand phage attachment. The study identified the regions of FhuA involved in phage attachment using mutant alleles. The findings highlight the conservation of certain dependence patterns among different FhuA-dependent phages.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muyuan Chen, Xiaodong Shi, Zhili Yu, Guizhen Fan, Irina I. Serysheva, Matthew L. Baker, Ben F. Luisi, Steven J. Ludtke, Zhao Wang
Summary: This study presents the in situ structure of full-length Escherichia coli AcrAB-ToIC obtained by electron cryo-tomography, revealing the configuration and mechanism of this transmembrane efflux pump. The study suggests that AcrA acts as a bridge between the inner membrane and AcrB, enabling the transmission of drug-induced signals from AcrB to the ToIC channel within the pump.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rik Dhar, Joanna S. G. Slusky
Summary: Outer membrane proteins have a consistent structure, composed of repeated I3-hairpins, which allows for the investigation of the evolution of these repetitive structures. Research into outer membrane protein evolution can be used for designing novel outer membrane proteins.
CURRENT OPINION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sandra L. Wolin
Summary: The author is honored to receive the award from the American Society for Cell Biology and thanks previous awardees for their inspiration. The essay describes the author's career to emphasize the support needed to achieve a career in science.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. Narinc, E. Aydemir
Summary: The production quantity of poultry products is increasing, and chick quality is crucial for the poultry industry. Environmental factors have a significant impact on chick quality, emphasizing the importance of providing ideal conditions right from incubation.
WORLDS POULTRY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhenhua Li, Sathishkumar Chinnasamy, Yonghong Zhang, Dong-Qing Wei
Summary: Microcins are small bacterial inhibitory molecules produced by ribosomes, with Microcin J25 having a unique lasso-like structure. The binding of Microcin J25 to its target receptor FhuA is essential for its inhibitory function, with specific amino acid mutations affecting the binding energy.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shi Chen, Yan Xue, Huaruo Chen, Hairong Ling, Jiajing Wu, Xueying Gu
Summary: Career commitment is essential for sustainable career development, and this study examined the impact of career concern on career commitment among 1105 high school students. Results indicated that career concern influenced career commitment through career exploration and Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy. These findings have important implications for enhancing high school students' career commitment and sustainability in career development.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jingyuan Chen, Xiaoxia Zhang
Summary: Learning engagement is crucial for academic success and educational quality. This study examined the impact of career calling on learning engagement among vocational nursing students, and found that career adaptability and career commitment mediated this relationship.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Tara Catanzano, Nupur Verma, David Sarkany, Tan-Lucien Mohammed, Priscilla J. Slanetz
Summary: The professional development needs of radiologists encompass their entire careers, with limited attention given to late-career development needs. This article focuses on highlighting the needs and currently available resources for late-career radiologists.
ACADEMIC RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Muhammad Aemaz Ur Rehman, Hareem Farooq, Muhammad Ebaad Ur Rehman, Muhammad Mohsin Ali, Amjad Zafar, Muhammad Abbas Khokhar
Summary: Despite the increasing cancer burden, early career doctors are reluctant to join oncology. Curricular, infrastructural and policy changes are needed at the level of medical school, oncology training and practice to recruit more young doctors and minimize the existing paucity of the oncologic workforce.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2022)