Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chandamita Saikia, Orly Dym, Hagit Altman-Gueta, Dalia Gordon, Eitan Reuveny, Izhar Karbat
Summary: This study investigates the blocking effects of two highly similar toxins from cone venom on the fruit fly Shaker channel, revealing differences in their binding poses and biophysical assays. Conkunitzin-S1 acts via a pore-collapse mechanism, while Conkunitzin-C3 utilizes a molecular-lid mechanism involving an Arg residue to divert permeant ions.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mariana Barboza, Kemal Solakyildirim, Trina A. Knotts, Jonathan Luke, Melanie G. Gareau, Helen E. Raybould, Carlito B. Lebrilla
Summary: This study utilized a novel technology to analyze the N-glycome of different brain regions, revealing distinct expression profiles of glycans in functional brain areas, laying the foundation for studying the specific roles of N-glycans in brain health and disease. By studying the cell membrane N-glycome, it demonstrated the spatial distribution of glycan variations in different brain regions, providing insights into the complex glyco-architecture of the brain.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ali K. Khan, Maciej Jagielnicki, Brad C. Bennett, Michael D. Purdy, Mark Yeager
Summary: Connexins play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication by forming hexameric hemichannels and dodecameric intercellular conduits. The conformational flexibility of extracellular loops is essential for surveillance of hemichannels and intercellular docking.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Joachim Meess, Manuel Anasenzl, Ralf Ossenbrink, Vesselin Michailov, Reeti Singh, Jan Kondas
Summary: This study focuses on the process optimization and specific properties of cold gas spray inner diameter coatings with cylinder inner diameters > 70 mm. The results show that the properties of cold gas spray coatings are comparable to those of twin wire arc coatings. Further investigations are needed to determine the feasibility of cold gas spraying as an alternative production process for cylinder surface coatings.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL SPRAY TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Wen Zhang, Shuai-shuai Li, Ying Han, Xiao-Hong Xu
Summary: This study revealed significant differences in the electrophysiological properties of mPOA neurons between males and females, with males showing higher input resistance and post-inhibitory rebound. Additionally, the current mediated by the T-type Ca(2+) channel was found to be larger in male mPOA neurons.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yankai Zhou, Qian Che, Weifeng Zhang, Hao Li, Xuyang Wei, Xitong Liu, Liping Wang, Gui Yu
Summary: This study reports a series of polymers based on Isoquinoline-1,3-dione (IQD), a novel electron-withdrawing building block. The polymers were synthesized through aldol condensation reactions between IQD and the dialdehyde of thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (TT), 2,2 '-bithiophene (BT), and (E)-2(2-(thiophen-2-yl)vinyl)thiophene (TVT). The resulting polymers showed high charge transport properties, with P2 and P3 exhibiting p-type behavior and among the highest hole mobilities reported for IQD-based polymers.
Article
Soil Science
Xinliang Wu, Chongfa Cai, Zaijian Yuan, Dingqiang Li, Jinxing Zhou, Chao Huang
Summary: This study aimed to explore the geographic evolution mechanisms of soil organic matter (SOM) from the perspective of soil intrinsic properties. The results showed that soil horizon, soil type, and land use significantly influenced the indicators of SOM. Besides traditional predictors, soil structural properties had the greatest impact on SOM. This study unravels the direct and indirect effects of climate on SOM and highlights the predominant roles of soil structural properties at the regional scale.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Ilsbeth G. M. van Herck, Vincent Seutin, Bo H. Bentzen, Neil V. Marrion, Andrew G. Edwards
Summary: The functional properties of two unrelated SK channel inhibitors, apamin and AP14145, in atrial fibrillation treatment are poorly understood. This study investigated their impact on SK channel function and found that both inhibitors induce long-lived channel closures and alter gating kinetics and unitary current. These unique effects are crucial for understanding the functional differences of each inhibitor in the context of cyclical Ca2+-dependent channel activation in vivo.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Q. Y. Xiong, S. Y. Huang, Z. G. Yuan, K. Jiang, S. B. Xu, Y. Y. Wei, J. Zhang, Z. Wang, L. Yu, R. T. Lin, Y. Y. Li
Summary: This study investigates the changes in electron energy during magnetic reconnection using full kinetic particle-in-cell simulation. The results reveal that the electron energy gain rate is dependent on the traveling time and path in the inner electron diffusion region.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Huimin Han, Li Wei, Nizar Faisal Alkayem, Maosen Cao
Summary: The mechanical properties of ice in cold regions are influenced by temperature variations. Current methods using one-off and destructive compression and strength experiments cannot capture the varying properties of ice due to temperature changes. An embedded ultrasonic system is proposed to inspect the mechanical properties of ice in real-time. This system can continuously measure the wave propagation velocity in ice and obtain ice properties, outperforming existing methods and holding promise for monitoring ice conditions in cold regions.
Article
Soil Science
Jue Peng, QingSong Yang, ChenYang Zhang, Shimin Ni, Junguang Wang, Chongfa Cai
Summary: Long-term cultivation leads to thinning and disappearance of Mollisols, limiting sustainable agriculture. This study examines the response of soil aggregate pore structure, stability, and biochemical properties during degradation due to long-term cultivation. Results show that with increasing cultivation duration, soil stability and biochemical properties degrade, while soil bulk density increases. Pore structure in aggregates becomes simplified, with elongated pores and porosity decreasing over time.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Xin Zhao, Chuanfeng Zhao, Yikun Yang, Yue Sun, Yan Xia, Xin Yang, Tianyi Fan
Summary: Dust aerosols have significant impacts on cloud properties and development, serving as cloud condensation nuclei and/or ice nuclei. The study finds that the cloud particles in the dust polluted region have a smaller effective radius, and the increase in dust aerosol optical depth leads to a decrease in cloud particle size. Additionally, the increase in dust AOD likely promotes the release of latent heat and enhances convection, resulting in stronger cloud development.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Georgia C. Caso, Mark S. McClain, Amanda L. Erwin, Mandy D. Truelock, Anne M. Campbell, Catherine S. Leasure, Marcus Nagel, Kevin L. Schey, D. Borden Lacy, Melanie D. Ohi, Timothy L. Cover
Summary: The study investigates the mechanisms of VacA oligomerization and its activity, demonstrating that amino acid mutations and paired cysteine substitutions at interprotomer contact sites affect VacA assembly and function. Wild-type VacA oligomers disassemble under acidic pH, while mutant proteins with paired cysteine substitutions remain in an oligomeric state. The findings enhance our understanding of the molecular interactions required for VacA oligomerization and support a model where toxin activity depends on interactions with host cells.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xuzhang Shen, Qiming Zhou, Siyuan Cheng, Wenjun Zheng, Peizhen Zhang, Dongli Zhang, Yipeng Zhang, Wentian Wang, He Huang, Liuting Huang, Jinyu Lv, Zhanyan Yu, Xiuping Mei
Summary: High-resolution images of the crust were obtained from a temporary dense seismic array, revealing contrasting crustal structures beneath the southwest Ordos block and its adjacent regions. The bending of the Moho indicates absence of large-scale deformation in the west Liupanshan, while the Moho transition zone beneath the Weihe graben and southwest corner of the Ordos block can be attributed to the eastward extrusion of hot uppermost mantle from the Tibetan Plateau driven by mantle flow.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ming Ren, Aaron L. Randolph, Claudia Alvarez-Baron, Donglin Guo, Phu N. Tran, Nicolas Thiebaud, Jiansong Sheng, Jun Zhao, Wendy W. Wu
Summary: This study examined the experimental factors that could impact Ca(V)1.2 pharmacology and found that the characteristics of whole cell Ca(V)1.2 current also played a role in affecting pharmacology. The effects of drugs on Ca(V)1.2 channels appear to be more complex than a simple pore block mechanism.
Article
Physiology
Esteban Suarez-Delgado, Teriws G. Rangel-Sandin, Itzel G. Ishida, Gisela E. Rangel-Yescas, Tamara Rosenbaum, Leon D. Islas
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biology
Gisela Rangel-Yescas, Cecilia Cervantes, Miguel A. Cervantes-Rocha, Esteban Suarez-Delgado, Anastazia T. Banaszak, Ernesto Maldonado, Ian Scott Ramsey, Tamara Rosenbaum, Leon D. Islas
Summary: The study identified the presence of genes encoding voltage-dependent proton channels in reef-building corals and characterized their biophysical properties. An allosteric gating model was developed to provide mechanistic insight into the modulation of voltage-dependence by protons.
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Leon D. Islas
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Tamara Rosenbaum, Sara L. Morales-Lazaro, Leon D. Islas
Summary: Recent studies on transient receptor potential (TRP) channel structure have provided valuable insights into their role in normal sensations and pain. This review article examines the recent advances in understanding the relationship between the structure and function of TRP ion channels and their involvement in pain. The perception of nociceptive signals and the avoidance of pain are crucial for survival. TRP channels, as transducers of harmful signals, play a significant role in detecting and translating these signals into pain. Cryogenic electron microscopy has allowed researchers to explore the molecular details of TRP channels, complementing functional studies and enhancing our understanding of their contribution to pain generation and maintenance.
NATURE REVIEWS NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Miguel Benitez-Angeles, Ana E. Lopez Romero, Itzel Llorente, Ileana Hernandez-Araiza, Ariela Vergara-Jaque, Fernando H. Real, Oscar Eduardo Gutierrez Castaneda, Marcelino Arciniega, Luis E. Morales-Buenrostro, Francisco Torres-Quiroz, Refugio Garcia-Villegas, Luis B. Tovar-y-Romo, Wolfgang B. Liedtke, Leon D. Islas, Tamara Rosenbaum
Summary: In this study, it was found that the TRPV4 channel is activated by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), making it one of the few known endogenous agonists for TRPV4. Mechanistic details of the activation of TRPV4 by LPA and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) were also provided, demonstrating that LPA interacts with both the N- and C-terminal regions of TRPV4 to activate this channel. Furthermore, it was shown that LPC activates TRPV4 by producing an open state with a different conductance than LPA.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cesar Arcos-Hernandez, Esteban Suarez-Delgado, Leon D. Islas, Francisco Romero, Ignacio Lopez-Gonzalez, Hui-Wang Ai, Takuya Nishigaki
Summary: Heterologous expression systems are important for studying protein function, but some proteins can be toxic to bacteria, hindering vector preparation. In this study, we overcame this problem by inserting amber stop codons or synthetic introns, allowing successful expression of the protein of interest in HEK293 cells.
PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Esteban Suarez-Delgado, Maru Orozco-Contreras, Gisela E. Rangel-Yescas, Leon D. Islas
Summary: Through patch-clamp fluorometry combined with the incorporation of fluorescent non-canonical amino acid Anap, we have obtained data on the voltage-dependent opening mechanism of H(V)1 channels. Our results suggest that motion of the S4 helix relative to an aromatic residue in the S2 helix leads to fluorescence increases upon depolarization, and Anap is quenched by this residue. Additionally, we found that the absolute value of the pH can impact the movement of the voltage sensor after channel opening.
Article
Biology
Miguel Benitez-Angeles, Emmanuel Juarez-Gonzalez, Ariela Vergara-Jaque, Itzel Llorente, Gisela Rangel-Yescas, Stephanie C. Thebault, Marcia Hiriart, Leon D. Islas, Tamara Rosenbaum
Summary: The TRPV4 ion channel, present in various tissues, has been associated with diseases such as skeletal dysplasias, neuromuscular disorders, and respiratory malfunction. This study reveals that the bronchodilator salbutamol can inhibit TRPV4's activation by interacting with specific residues and causing channel closing through an allosteric mechanism.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Tamara Rosenbaum, Leon D. Islas
Summary: The ability to detect environmental stimuli is crucial for survival, and ion channels, such as TRP proteins, play a key role in this process. The TRPV subfamily, which belongs to the TRP family, responds to various chemical and physical changes. Despite intensive research in the past two decades, controversies still exist regarding the function of these proteins due to their complexity. In this article, we discuss important features of their regulation and highlight efforts to advance the field.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frank Yeh, Andres Jara-Oseguera, Richard W. Aldrich
Summary: Temperature influences dynamics and state-equilibrium distributions in molecular processes, and animals have evolved sensory ion channels to detect temperature changes with remarkable sensitivity. The molecular mechanisms behind the temperature-sensitivity of these channels and the adaptations that make them heat- or cold-activated are not well understood. This study challenges the assumption that the heat capacity difference (ACp) is constant by investigating the consequences of a temperature-dependent ACp on ion channel equilibrium and proposes new possibilities for ion channel gating models.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Miriam Garcia-Avila, Javier Tello-Marmolejo, Tamara Rosenbaum, Leon D. Islas
Summary: TRPV1 ion channels play important roles in thermal and chemical sensation, as well as in pathological states. This study reveals that large cations are more permeable than smaller ones and uncovers fast conformational changes modulated by the cation occupying the pore. The findings also demonstrate that ion permeation influences the voltage dependence of TRPV1 channels.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)