Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicola Pellicciotta, Matteo Paoluzzi, Dario Buonomo, Giacomo Frangipane, Luca Angelani, Roberto Di Leonardo
Summary: By modulating bacterial motility with light, researchers have found a way to control the transport direction and speed of microscopic particles by adjusting the active pressure gradients. This discovery provides new insights into the potential use of active pressure for controlled transport of microscopic objects.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Spela Gruden, Natasa Poklar Ulrih
Summary: Lactoferrins and their derivatives have important protective roles in the body, including antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. While their antimicrobial activity has been extensively studied, the specific mechanisms behind their actions are still not fully understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Kang Chen, Xuetao Wei, Raghunath Pariyani, Maaria Kortesniemi, Yumei Zhang, Baoru Yang
Summary: This study compared the effects of nonacylated and acylated anthocyanins on hepatic gene expression and metabolic profiles in diabetic rats. Both types of anthocyanin extracts restored the levels of multiple metabolites and expression of genes involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, but with some differences in specific gene and metabolite regulations.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joanna Loch, Barbara Imiolczyk, Joanna Sliwiak, Anna Wantuch, Magdalena Bejger, Miroslaw Gilski, Mariusz Jaskolski
Summary: The authors present high resolution crystal structures of Rhizobium etli L-asparaginase that contains a Zn2+ binding site without a catalytic role, indicating a unique catalytic activity. The enzyme ReAV from Rhizobium etli, despite structurally resembling glutaminases and beta-lactamases, shows no activity of glutaminase or lactamase but instead a relatively high allosteric asparaginase activity. The active site of ReAV includes specific Zn2+ binding site and residues with unusual chemical properties, confirming its catalytic mechanism.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Weichun Xie, Liying Song, Xueying Wang, Yigang Xu, Zengsu Liu, Dongfang Zhao, Shubo Wang, Xiaolong Fan, Zhaorui Wang, Chong Gao, Xiaona Wang, Li Wang, Xinyuan Qiao, Han Zhou, Wen Cui, Yanping Jiang, Yijing Li, Lijie Tang
Summary: LR-LFCA can colonize the intestines of piglets, improve growth performance, enhance immune response, and benefit intestinal health by improving intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbiota composition. LR-LFCA attenuated weight loss and diarrhea incidence in piglets infected with ETEC, by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, increasing tight junction proteins expression, and enhancing antioxidant capacity. LR-LFCA may activate MLCK and inhibit NF-kappa B pathways, providing a promising alternative therapeutic method for intestinal inflammation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elise Rouleau-Turcotte, Dragomir B. Krastev, Stephen J. Pettitt, Christopher J. Lord, John M. Pascal
Summary: PARP1 can rapidly detect DNA strand break damage and activate the production of poly(ADP-ribose) by signaling break detection to its catalytic domain. This study provides insights into the contributions of the regulatory helical domain (HD) to PARP1 allostery and the interaction with DNA damage, as well as the mechanisms of PARP1 catalytic activation and retention on DNA damage.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Delia Tomoiaga, Jaclyn Bubnell, Liam Herndon, Paul Feinstein
Summary: Griffith proposed the concept of DNA transfer between bacteria in 1928. Researchers have demonstrated that E. coli can accept multiple plasmids simultaneously, resulting in widespread aclonality during colony development. Tracking clonally related bacteria allows for mosaic analysis of gene function. Additionally, it was discovered that clonally related bacterium rods self-organize fractally and can remain linked during colony growth, presenting a potential target for controlling microbiota growth.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wen Liu, Linbo Wei, Dongmei Wang, Chengye Zhu, Yuting Huang, Zhengjun Gong, Changyu Tang, Meikun Fan
Summary: This study proposes a method to enhance the differentiation of bacterial SERS spectra by applying external environmental stress. The results show that appropriate stress can increase the differences in bacterial SERS spectra.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa Bellavita, Falanga Annarita, Francesco Merlino, Gabriella D'Auria, Nicola Molfetta, Anella Saviano, Francesco Maione, Umberto Galdiero, Maria Rosaria Catania, Galdiero Stefania, Paolo Grieco, Emanuela Roscetto, Lucia Falcigno, Buommino Elisabetta
Summary: This study investigated the antifungal properties of acylated Temporin L derivatives against Candida albicans, including multidrug-resistant strains. The acylated peptides showed good antifungal activity against both reference and clinical strains, with no cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes. Furthermore, they exhibited a synergistic or additive effect with voriconazole on voriconazole-resistant Candida strains. The mechanism of action was found to involve an initial electrostatic interaction with the fungal membrane, followed by aggregation and insertion into the lipid bilayer, causing membrane perturbation.
JOURNAL OF ENZYME INHIBITION AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Kaleb Abram, Zulema Udaondo, Carissa Bleker, Visanu Wanchai, Trudy M. Wassenaar, Michael S. Robeson, David W. Ussery
Summary: In this study, over 100,000 publicly available Escherichia coli and Shigella genome sequences were analyzed using Mash-based analysis to identify 14 unique phylogroups. The results revealed that most of the sequenced E. coli genomes belong to four distinct phylogroups.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andreea Gostaviceanu, Simona Gavrilas, Lucian Copolovici, Dana Maria Copolovici
Summary: Membrane-active peptides (MAPs) have unique properties that make them valuable tools for studying membrane structure and function and promising candidates for therapeutic applications. They can selectively interact with multiple membranes and disrupt lipid bilayers through different pathways. MAPs have shown antimicrobial activity, selective targeting of cancer cells, and drug delivery capabilities, making them a fascinating class of biomolecules with significant potential in basic research and clinical applications.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gillian A. M. Tarr, Joshua Rounds, Madhura S. Vachon, Kirk Smith, Carlota Medus, Craig W. Hedberg
Summary: This study examines the incidence and risk factors of different serogroups of STEC infections in Minnesota. The results indicate variations in transmission routes and risk factors among different serogroups, suggesting the need for serogroup-specific disease control strategies.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Irene Marzuoli, Carlos H. B. Cruz, Christian D. Lorenz, Franca Fraternali
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanism, stability, and interaction of antibacterial nanocapsules with model membranes, using Molecular Dynamics and protein design strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yilan Shao, Xiaona Wang, Fengsai Li, Shaohang Ma, Jiaxuan Li, Jia He, Yanping Jiang, Wen Cui, Li Wang, Xinyuan Qiao, Han Zhou, Zhifu Shan, Yijing Li, Lijie Tang
Summary: Porcine lactoferricin has various functions including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, tumor-growth inhibiting, and immune-enhancing effects. In this study, recombinant strains of Enterococcus faecium expressing porcine lactoferricin were generated, which exhibited antibacterial effects against multiple pathogenic bacteria. Oral immunization of mice with these recombinant strains resulted in improved weight gain, feed intake, lactic acid bacteria level, and immune indicators, as well as protection against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Julia Kleetz, Georgios Vasilopoulos, Simon Czolkoss, Meriyem Aktas, Franz Narberhaus
Summary: Escherichia coli is a common model bacterium with a membrane composition that can be readily tailored to include non-native lipids such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) for biotechnology applications.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anze Verbic, Arne Praznik, Roman Jerala
Summary: Synthetic biology aims to engineer natural and synthetic biological parts into new combinations and systems for novel therapies, diagnostics, and bioproduction systems. Researchers have demonstrated a wide array of signal sensing, processing, and propagation modules to program new function for cell rewiring. The toolbox for synthetic network design is continuously advancing and has ample room to grow.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theresa Maxian, Lisa Gerlitz, Sabrina Riedl, Beate Rinner, Dagmar Zweytick
Summary: The study shows that incorporating D-amino acids can enhance the stability of antitumor peptides, leading to effective antitumor activity against cancer cells such as melanoma and glioblastoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silke Schrom, Thomas Hebesberger, Stefanie Angela Wallner, Ines Anders, Erika Richtig, Waltraud Brandl, Birgit Hirschmugl, Mariangela Garofalo, Claudia Bernecker, Peter Schlenke, Karl Kashofer, Christian Wadsack, Ariane Aigelsreiter, Ellen Heitzer, Sabrina Riedl, Dagmar Zweytick, Nadine Kretschmer, Georg Richtig, Beate Rinner
Summary: Melanomas present challenges in treatment during pregnancy, but through culturing and studying melanoma cells, new model systems and treatment options have been discovered, providing new possibilities for studying melanoma heterogeneity and pregnancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mojca Pavlin, Jasna Lojk, Klemen Strojan, Iva Hafner-Bratkovic, Roman Jerala, Adrijana Leonardi, Igor Krizaj, Natasa Drnovsek, Sasa Novak, Peter Veranic, Vladimir Bostjan Bregar
Summary: This study correlates the physicochemical properties and protein corona of nanoparticles with the response of immune cells, and investigates their relationship with toxicological endpoints. The results reveal that different engineered nanoparticles can induce moderate toxicity and transient inflammatory response, with a strong correlation between nanoparticle size and cytokine secretion. This study provides new insights into the understanding of the immune response to nanoparticles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katja Leben, Ziga Strmsek, Tina Lebar, Anze Verbic, Matej Dragovan, Neza Omersa, Gregor Anderluh, Roman Jerala
Summary: DNA transcription is regulated by various mechanisms, mainly through the recruitment of RNA polymerase complex by transcription factors. In this study, we found that a TALE lacking an activation domain can enhance transcription in mammalian cells without direct interaction with multiple transcription factors. TALEs can exert their effects over a long distance and enhance the transcriptional regulation of other factors. This mechanism may involve an allosteric effect on DNA structure or dynamics.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dusko Lainscek, Vida Forstneric, Veronika Mikolic, Spela Malensek, Peter Pecan, Mojca Bencina, Matjaz Sever, Helena Podgornik, Roman Jerala
Summary: The CRISPR/Cas system, when coupled with Exonuclease III, can enhance gene editing efficiency and lead to significant gene knock-out effects, especially in cell lines, primary cells, and in vivo. This approach has great potential for treating diseases with a genetic etiology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jana Aupic, Fabio Lapenta, Ziga Strmsek, Estera Merljak, Tjasa Plaper, Roman Jerala
Summary: Researchers have developed coiled-coil dimers that can assemble diverse protein architectures through dynamic self-assembly and respond to metal ions, providing a versatile tool for designing functional polypeptide nanostructures.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Spela Mirosevic, Shivang Khandelwal, Petra Susjan, Nina Zakelj, David Gosar, Vida Forstneric, Dusko Lainscek, Roman Jerala, Damjan Osredkar
Summary: The CTNNB1 Syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with wide genotypic and phenotypic variability. The clinical features include developmental delay, intellectual disability, delayed or absent speech, facial dysmorphisms, microcephaly, motor disabilities, language and cognitive impairments, and behavioral abnormalities. The location of mutations, particularly in the C-terminal protein region (exons 13, 14, 15), is generally associated with a milder phenotype.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maximiliane Wussmann, Florian Kai Groeber-Becker, Sabrina Riedl, Dina Alihodzic, Daniel Padaric, Lisa Gerlitz, Alexander Stallinger, Bernadette Liegl-Atzwanger, Dagmar Zweytick, Beate Rinner
Summary: The host defense derived peptide RDP22 has shown promising potential against the highly aggressive NRAS mutated melanoma cell line MUG-Mel2, inducing cell death both in vitro and in vivo. The peptide effectively targets the tumor cells and leads to tumor regression and reduction in proliferation, highlighting its specificity and efficacy in combating melanoma.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Estera Merljak, Benjamin Malovrh, Roman Jerala
Summary: New protein assemblies can be generated by fusing selected proteins with di/oligomerization domains that specifically interact with their partners. This study demonstrates the segmentation of a single four-helical bundle protein into multiple parts, allowing for the reconstitution of enzymes, gene expression, or CAR-T cell regulation. Understanding protein-protein interactions can have important implications for various biological processes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Dusko Lainscek, Anja Golob-Urbanc, Veronika Mikolic, Jelica Pantovic-Zalig, Spela Malensek, Roman Jerala
Summary: CAR-T cells provide an effective therapeutic option for malignant diseases by recognizing tumor surface markers independently of MHC. However, their potent killing activity can lead to serious side effects, necessitating careful control. Researchers have developed a system to regulate CAR proliferation and activation through chemically induced heterodimerization of downstream NFAT transcription factors.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tea Romih, Nikola Tasic, Lea Bibic, Ajda Beltram, Ika Fazarinc, Mojca Bencina, Roman Jerala, Samo B. Hocevar
Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global pandemic, emphasizing the need for affordable diagnostic systems. We developed an electrochemical immunosensor for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, which showed a linear response and low detection limit. It demonstrated good reproducibility and agreement with traditional ELISA methods, and optional amplification steps further improved its performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tadej Satler, San Hadzi, Roman Jerala
Summary: Coiled-coil protein origami (CCPO) is used to design polyhedral structures distinct from natural globular proteins. The crystal structure of a single-chain CCPO in the shape of a triangle was determined, and it was stabilized by a GCN(2) homodimer. The structure validates the design strategy and provides new opportunities for protein design.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
W. Clifford Boldridge, Ajasja Ljubetic, Hwangbeom Kim, Nathan Lubock, Daniel Szilagyi, Jonathan Lee, Andrej Brodnik, Roman Jerala, Sriram Kosuri
Summary: The authors developed an assay and computational methods to identify more orthogonal coiled-coil pairs, which are crucial for biological processes and drug design.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arne Praznik, Tina Fink, Nik Franko, Jan Lonzaric, Mojca Bencina, Nina Jerala, Tjasa Plaper, Samo Roskar, Roman Jerala
Summary: This article presents two genetically encoded secretion systems that can release proteins by chemical signal-regulated proteolytic removal. These systems provide a platform for fast-responsive and tightly-controlled protein secretion in multicellular organisms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)