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
Biology
Xiaoxiao Zhang, Xinyue Liu, Guowei Su, Miaomiao Li, Jian Liu, Chunyu Wang, Ding Xu
Summary: Researchers identified Cystatin C as a new heparan sulfate (HS) binding protein, but only under acidic conditions (pH <= 6.5). They found two separate HS binding motifs on Cystatin C that must come together to form a complete HS-binding site, a unique property among known HS binding proteins.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Ghadah A. Karasneh, Divya Kapoor, Navya Bellamkonda, Chandrashekhar D. Patil, Deepak Shukla
Summary: The increased levels of HPSE can reduce syncytial plaque formation and promote viral egress and release. Transiently enhanced expression of HPSE does not affect HSV-1 entry into cells but facilitates extracellular release of mature virions.
Article
Immunology
Kari Vaahtomeri, Christine Moussion, Robert Hauschild, Michael Sixt
Summary: Chemokine CCL21, necessary for dendritic cell migration, does not require heparan sulfates on lymphatic endothelial cells for gradient formation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohit Chhabra, Gareth G. Doherty, Nicholas W. See, Neha S. Gandhi, Vito Ferro
Summary: Heparan sulfate is a complex polysaccharide widely expressed on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix, interacting with numerous proteins to mediate various biological and pathological processes. Developing synthetically tractable HS mimetics with fewer side effects has become an attractive approach for treating cancer and infectious diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hassiba Outilaft, Caroline Bund, Martial Piotto, Izzie J. Namer
Summary: The use of C-13-labeled molecular probes is crucial for studying altered metabolic pathways in human pathologies. Analyzing the different C-13 isotopologues resulting from these changes is essential for understanding the underlying biological processes. We propose an NMR methodology, conducted under HRMAS conditions, to explore metabolic pathways in unprocessed pathological cells and tissues. This methodology has the potential to advance the study of human pathologies and therapeutic treatments.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin H. Mayo
Summary: Extra- and intra-cellular activity occurs under the direction of inter-molecular interactions. Galectins and chemokines are small protein effector molecules that mediate various cellular functions. Previous research has neglected the importance of their interactions in the same cellular environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Alexandra De Zutter, Helena Crijns, Nele Berghmans, Melissa Garcia-Caballero, Lotte Vanbrabant, Noemie Poertner, Vincent Vanheule, Paulien Verscheure, Mohammad Mairaj Siddiquei, Ahmed M. Abu El-Asrar, Peter Carmeliet, Pieter Van Wielendaele, Ingrid De Meester, Jo Van Damme, Paul Proost, Sofie Struyf
Summary: This study aimed to reduce angiogenesis by interfering with growth factor-HSPG interactions using a high-affinity CXCL9-derived peptide, CXCL9(74-103). Results showed that CXCL9(74-103) effectively reduced angiogenic processes mediated by EGF, VEGF165, and FGF-2 without exerting cytotoxic effects. The peptide interfered with growth factor signaling pathways and demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in in vitro and in vivo models.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengliang L. Wu, James M. Ertelt
Summary: The study focused on assays for endoglycosidases and demonstrated the substrate specificities and activities of HYALs under different pH conditions. It was also found that the activities of HYALs must be strictly regulated by pH levels. The research suggests the potential of designing novel therapeutics by targeting these important enzymes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brigida Bochicchio, Giselle C. Yeo, Pearl Lee, Deniz Emul, Antonietta Pepe, Antonio Laezza, Nicola Ciarfaglia, Daniela Quaglino, Anthony S. Weiss
Summary: This study identifies novel cell-adhesive sites in the tropoelastin N-terminal region between domains 12 and 16, which interact with alpha V and alpha 5 beta 1 integrin receptors to facilitate cell attachment and spreading. The findings suggest that domains 12-16 of tropoelastin direct initial cell attachment through cell-surface heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans, followed by integrin-promoted attachment and spreading, advancing our understanding of elastin matrix biology.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Michael Sorrell, Arnold Caplan
Summary: White adipose tissues are crucial endocrine organs that release adipokines, affecting other major organ systems. The development and functions of adipose tissues rely heavily on the glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate, which regulates cellular physiology and communication. Understanding the role of heparan sulfates in the regulation of adipokine production and release could provide valuable insights into tissue engineering and experimental studies.
Article
Cell Biology
Anna L. Gray, Richard Karlsson, Abigail R. E. Roberts, Amanda J. L. Ridley, Nabina Pun, Bakhtbilland Khan, Craig Lawless, Rafael Luis, Martyna Szpakowska, Andy Chevigne, Catherine E. Hughes, Laura Medina-Ruiz, Holly L. Birchenough, Iashia Z. Mulholland, Catherina L. Salanga, Edwin A. Yates, Jeremy E. Turnbull, Tracy M. Handel, Gerard J. Graham, Thomas A. Jowitt, Ingo Schiessl, Ralf P. Richter, Rebecca L. Miller, Douglas P. Dyer
Summary: Leukocyte recruitment from the vasculature into tissues plays a crucial role in the immune system and inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying this process, particularly the function of CXCL4, have not been well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that CXCL4 binds to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sugars on proteoglycans in the endothelial extracellular matrix, leading to increased leukocyte adhesion, vascular permeability, and non-specific recruitment of various leukocytes. This research provides mechanistic insights into chemokine biology and offers potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rupert Derler, Nikola Kitic, Tanja Gerlza, Andreas J. Kungl
Summary: This study isolated and characterized heparan sulfate from human lung tissues, identifying syndecans as the predominant proteoglycan class in human lungs. The disaccharide composition was found to vary among individuals according to sex, age, and health stage. Differences in the composition affected the binding affinities of chemokines, suggesting selective immune cell responses depending on the relative chemokine-glycan affinities. This provides important new insights for potentially developing individualized therapies for lung immunological disorders targeting HS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyejin Park, Shannon Eriksson, Warren S. Warren, Qiu Wang
Summary: In this study, novel N-15 and C-13-labeled NO-sensing probes were designed and developed for real-time detection of NO. These probes undergo selective and rapid reaction with NO, generating detectable AZO products that can be monitored using nuclear magnetic resonance signals. The study also compares the performance of N-15 and C-13 nuclei in hyperpolarized reaction-based probes.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Balaji Nagarajan, Samuel G. Holmes, Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan, Umesh R. Desai
Summary: This article discusses the use of molecular dynamics (MD) to understand the properties of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in free solution and their interaction with proteins. The results of MD studies suggest that the recognition of GAGs by proteins varies from highly selective to fully non-selective, with intermediate levels of selectivity and plasticity.
CURRENT OPINION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Felix Tobola, Martin Lepsik, Syeda Rehana Zia, Hakon Leffler, Ulf J. Nilsson, Ola Blixt, Anne Imberty, Birgit Wiltschi
Summary: This study introduced non-canonical tryptophan analogues into the ligand binding site of Galectin-1 and found two variants with reduced affinity for certain sugars. Through fluorescence polarization competition assay and molecular modeling, the researchers provided structural clues for the changes in affinity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lukas Gajdos, Matthew P. Blakeley, Michael Haertlein, V. Trevor Forsyth, Juliette M. Devos, Anne Imberty
Summary: The study investigates the interaction mechanism between Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin and host cells through neutron crystallography, providing insights for designing anti-adhesive compounds against multi-resistance bacterial infections.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simona Notova, Nathan Cannac, Luca Rabagliati, Maeva Touzard, Josselin Mante, Yotam Navon, Liliane Coche-Guerente, Olivier Lerouxel, Laurent Heux, Anne Imberty
Summary: The cell wall is a crucial component of plant cells, providing mechanical resistance and flexibility. In this study, the researchers successfully assembled complete plant cell wall mimics by bridging pectin to the cellulose/hemicellulose network using an engineered chimeric protein. This artificial cell wall serves as a basis for the development of plant cell mechanical models and enhances understanding of the principles underlying various aspects of plant cells and tissues.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eva Zahorska, Francesca Rosato, Kai Stober, Sakonwan Kuhaudomlarp, Joscha Meiers, Dirk Hauck, Dorina Reith, Emilie Gillon, Katharina Rox, Anne Imberty, Winfried Roemer, Alexander Titz
Summary: The researchers have successfully improved the solubility and stability of divalent galactosides and used them to inhibit the biological activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is important for the treatment of related infections.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sakonwan Kuhaudomlarp, Anne Imberty
Summary: This article reviews the current knowledge on protein-glycan interactions that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 host entry, with a special focus on sialoglycans present on both the virions and host cell surfaces. The authors also analyze how this information provides opportunities and challenges in glyco-based inhibitors.
Article
Microbiology
Federica. A. A. Falchi, Rebecca. J. J. Taylor, Sebastian. J. J. Rowe, Elisabete C. C. M. Moura, Tiago Baeta, Cedric Laguri, Jean-Pierre Simorre, Daniel. E. E. Kahne, Alessandra Polissi, Paola Sperandeo
Summary: The presence of external LPS layer in Gram-negative bacteria makes them resistant to antibiotics. LPS is transported to the cell surface by a molecular machine made of seven essential proteins. LptC plays a role in coordinating energy production and LPS transport in the ABC transporter LptB(2)FGC.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Notova, Anne Imberty
Summary: Lectins are glycan binding proteins that can decode the structure and function of complex glycans. They are used as biomarkers for monitoring glycosylation changes in diseases and have therapeutic applications. Manipulating lectin specificity and topology is crucial for improving their utility, and combining lectins with additional domains can provide novel functionalities. We discuss current strategies, particularly synthetic biology approaches, that enable the generation of lectins with enhanced specificity and novel applications in biotechnology or therapy.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Boris Schnider, Yacine M'Rad, Jalaa el Ahmadie, Alexandre G. de Brevern, Anne Imberty, Frederique Lisacek
Summary: The UniLectin portal is a website that centralizes curated and predicted data on lectins and provides support for the study of lectomes. The latest update includes new modules and details our knowledge of the human lectome, featuring 215 unevenly characterized lectins, with a focus on structural information.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alicja Razew, Cedric Laguri, Alicia Vallet, Catherine Bougault, Magdalena Kaus-Drobek, Izabela Sabala, Jean-Pierre Simorre
Summary: NMR and mass spectrometry were used to investigate the interaction between short peptidoglycan fragments and two evolutionarily related peptidases of the M23 family, lysostaphin and LytM. The study reveals that peptidoglycan cross-linking affects the activity and specificity of these enzymes differently.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jana Tomisch, Vincent Busse, Francesca Rosato, Olga N. Makshakova, Pavel Salavei, Anna-Sophia Kittel, Emilie Gillon, Levin Lataster, Anne Imberty, Ana Valeria Melendez, Winfried Roemer
Summary: The study demonstrates the selective targeting of Gb3-positive cancer cells using the StxB-scFv UCHT1 lectibody, which induces a killing effect of up to 80% on Gb3-overexpressing cancer cells in vitro. This highlights the potential of lectibodies and lectins in general for enhancing the efficacy of established cancer treatments through immunotherapeutic approaches.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katherine F. Warfel, Eugenie Laigre, Sarah E. Sobol, Emilie Gillon, Annabelle Varrot, Olivier Renaudet, Jerome Dejeu, Michael C. Jewett, Anne Imberty
Summary: Researchers have developed a new method for efficient expression of multivalent, disulfide bond-rich, rhamnose-binding lectins. This method allows for rapid expression and characterization without purification. The workflow enables determination of lectin substrate specificity and binding affinity. This method facilitates high-throughput expression, screening, and characterization of new and engineered multivalent lectins for synthetic glycobiology applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Massilia Abbas, Meriem Maalej, Ferran Nieto-Fabregat, Michel Thepaut, Jean-Philippe Kleman, Isabel Ayala, Antonio Molinaro, Jean-Pierre Simorre, Roberta Marchetti, Franck Fieschi, Cedric Laguri
Summary: Lipopolysaccharides, a characteristic of gram-negative bacteria, play a crucial role in bacterial integrity. The immune system recognizes lipopolysaccharides through C-type lectin receptors. A study on macrophage galactose lectin reveals a unique structure that allows high-affinity binding to lipopolysaccharides on the bacterial surface.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Notova, Lina Siukstaite, Francesca Rosato, Federica Vena, Aymeric Audfray, Nicolai Bovin, Ludovic Landemarre, Winfried Roemer, Anne Imberty
Summary: Synthetic biology is a rapidly growing field with applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Engineered chimeric lectins have been developed to produce tools with precise topology and specificity. The novel engineered lectin can bind fucose and a-galactose simultaneously and form tissue-like structures through cross-linking of glycosylated giant unilamellar vesicles. This study explores the importance of protein engineering.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)