Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Hakan Wennerstroem, Emma Sparr, Joakim Stenhammar
Summary: Biological membranes change their shape in response to external stimuli. This article analyzes the mechanical stability of a spherical vesicle exposed to external osmotic pressure, including the effect of thermal fluctuations. The results show that the inclusion of thermal fluctuations renders the vesicle deformation continuous, but the critical pressure associated with global vesicle deformation remains the same as when thermal fluctuations are neglected.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinmao Wang, Yangruizi Zhang, Maobin Xie, Zhibiao Wang, Hai Qiao
Summary: This paper used giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) as a cell model to investigate the relationship between environmental temperature changes and the evolution of unicellular to multicellular life. The zeta potential of GUVs and the conformation of the headgroup of phospholipid molecules at different temperatures were examined. The study found that increasing temperature reduced the repulsive forces between cells models and promoted their aggregation. This research contributes to our understanding of the evolution of primitive unicellular to multicellular life.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Rita Ferreira, Mariana Ferreira, Claudia Nunes, Salette Reis, Catia Teixeira, Paula Gomes, Paula Gameiro
Summary: Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) like W-BP100 can counteract bacterial resistance by targeting the cell membrane. It has been observed that W-BP100 can promote the aggregation and fusion of anionic vesicles, leading to changes in lipid structures. Biophysical tools have been used to study this behavior.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sharif Hasan, Mohammad Abu Sayem Karal, Salma Akter, Marzuk Ahmed, Md. Kabir Ahamed, Shareef Ahammed
Summary: This study investigates the interaction mechanism between nanoparticles and cell membranes, and finds that the sugar concentration affects the adhesion of nanoparticles to cell membranes. The presence of sugar provides additional structural stability and reduces the effects of nanoparticles on cell membranes. These differences can be explained by the change in the type of interaction between sugar molecules and lipid membranes, as well as the surface charge density of the lipid bilayer.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mun'delanji C. Vestergaard, Yuki Nishida, Lihn T. T. Tran, Neha Sharma, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Masayuki Nakamura, Auriane F. Oussou-Azo, Tomoki Nakama
Summary: In this study, copper nanoforms (Cu NFs) were synthesized using ascorbic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The in-house Cu NFs showed high purity and better distribution compared to commercially sourced Cu NFs. Antimicrobial study demonstrated the effective inhibition of the in-house Cu NFs on the growth of the plant pathogen. The size and oxidation state of Cu NFs played a role in its effect on the fungus. The fungus showed defense mechanism by producing melanin in response to Cu NFs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Salma Akter, Mohammad Abu Sayem Karal, Sharif Hasan, Md Kabir Ahamed, Marzuk Ahmed, Shareef Ahammed
Summary: Cholesterol content has significant effects on the deformation and poration of GUVs induced by magnetic nanoparticles. Increasing cholesterol content leads to decreased compactness and enhanced inhibition of poration in GUVs.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mu-Yueh Chang, Hirotaka Ariyama, Wilhelm T. S. Huck, Nan-Nan Deng
Summary: The bottom-up construction of a living cell using non-living materials is a major challenge in science and technology. Reproduction of cells into similar offspring is crucial for life, and therefore, building a synthetic cell that can autonomously divide is a fundamental task in bottom-up synthetic biology. In this review, we summarize the strategies of inducing synthetic division using physical, chemical, and biological stimuli, and highlight the future challenges in constructing autonomous synthetic cell division.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Naroa Serna, Hector Lopez-Laguna, Patricia Aceituno, Mauricio Rojas-Pena, Eloi Parlade, Eric Volta-Duran, Carlos Martinez-Torro, Julieta M. Sanchez, Angela Di Somma, Jose Vicente Carratala, Andrea L. Livieri, Neus Ferrer-Miralles, Esther Vazquez, Ugutz Unzueta, Nerea Roher, Antonio Villaverde
Summary: Both nanostructure and multivalency enhance the biological activities of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In addition, slow-release drug formulations based on nanostructured and recombinant AMPs have the potential to fight against bacterial infections.
Article
Biophysics
Viviane N. Ngassam, Wan-Chih Su, Douglas L. Gettel, Yawen Deng, Zexu Yang, Neven Wang-Tomic, Varun P. Sharma, Sowmya Purushothaman, Atul N. Parikh
Summary: A study found distinct differences in the way single giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) rupture and the dynamics of their burst-resesl processes on hydrophobic and solid hydrophilic surfaces. The competition process in these rupture events determines the course of the topological transition under surface-energy-dependent adhesion.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
James A. Goodchild, Danielle L. Walsh, Harrison Laurent, Simon D. Connell
Summary: PDMS is a versatile substrate for biophysical experiments on cell membranes, but it has its limitations and the extent to which it affects membrane behavior has not been fully explored.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nojoud Al Fayez, Roland Bottger, Elham Rouhollahi, Pieter R. Cullis, Dominik Witzigmann, Shyh-Dar Li
Summary: The study demonstrated that phospholipid-free small unilamellar vesicles composed of Tween80 and cholesterol could effectively encapsulate and deliver primaquine (PQ) to hepatocytes, reducing exposure to red blood cells and hemolytic toxicity. This approach showed potential in improving the efficacy of PQ for treating liver-stage malaria.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ayari Miyajima, Hiroyuki Nakao, Keisuke Ikeda, Minoru Nakano
Summary: Biological membranes approach each other in various biological phenomena, leading to changes in the interbilayer space and lipid dynamics. By using static and dynamic small-angle neutron scattering, we investigated the structure and dynamics of vesicles aggregated due to depletion attraction caused by polyethylene glycol (PEG). Manipulating the interbilayer distance using PEG-conjugated lipids revealed rapid lipid transfer between vesicles when the opposing bilayers were within -2 nm of each other, a region where water molecules were more structured. Kinetic analysis suggested that the decrease in water entropy drove the lipid transfer. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamic function of biomembranes in confined regions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manami Tsukamoto, Emanuele Zappala, Gregory A. Caputo, Jun-ichi Kikuchi, Kayvan Najarian, Kenichi Kuroda, Kazuma Yasuhara
Summary: The study identified the membrane-disrupting mechanisms of cationic amphiphilic polymers, showing that BMA formed pores in lipid bilayers while MMA caused vesicles to burst. These findings provide insights into the role of hydrophobic groups in optimizing antimicrobial activity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tracey Luu, Wenyi Li, Neil M. O'Brien-Simpson, Yuning Hong
Summary: AMPs are being intensively researched as promising alternatives to antibiotics due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Development of fluorescent probes, particularly AIE probes, has facilitated the understanding of AMPs mechanisms and properties, sparking increased interest in using AIE probes for AMP studies.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shivani Bansal, Kiem Vu, Ruiwu Liu, Yousif Ajena, Wenwu Xiao, Suvidha M. Menon, Amelia Bennett, Angie Gelli, Kit S. Lam
Summary: This work describes the discovery of bead-bound fungal giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) over mammalian GUVs, and the optimization of a peptide, K-oLBF127, with higher antifungal activity, lower hemolytic activity, and cytotoxicity. Animal experiments showed that K-oLBF127 has the potential to effectively reduce fungal burden in vivo.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Josephine Nocillado, Nguyen Dinh Quang Duy, Hoang Dinh Chieu, Luke Turner, Ross A. D. Bathgate, Tianfang Wang, Mohammed Akhter Hossain, Nguyen Van Hung, Nguyen Huu Ninh, Scott F. Cummins, Abigail Elizur
Summary: The study demonstrated the maturation-inducing role of relaxinlike gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) in sea cucumbers, with recombinant and synthetic RGPs showing bioactivity in various species. This provides a reliable breeding method for sea cucumbers and has significance for their sustainable aquaculture and conservation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenyi Li, Feng Lin, Andrew Hung, Anders Barlow, Marc-Antoine Sani, Rita Paolini, William Singleton, James Holden, Mohammed Akhter Hossain, Frances Separovic, Neil M. O'Brien-Simpson, John D. Wade
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effective against drug-resistant bacteria and possess immunomodulatory activity. Dimerization of AMPs using bifunctional tethers enhances their antimicrobial activity, especially against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Article
Cell Biology
Ada Koo, Ruslan Pustovit, Orla R. M. Woodward, Jo E. Lewis, Fiona M. Gribble, Mohammed Akhter Hossain, Frank Reimann, John B. Furness
Summary: The gastrointestinal hormone INSL5 stimulates the release of 5-HT from endocrine cells through the RXFP4 receptor, which in turn act on 5-HT3 receptors of enteric sensory neurons to elicit propulsive reflexes.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biology
Md Lutful Kabir, Feng Wang, Andrew H. A. Clayton
Summary: Cancer is a major global cause of death, and the development of anti-cancer drugs is crucial for combating this disease. However, current drugs face challenges such as side-effects and disease resistance. Spectroscopic methods, particularly fluorescence, can provide important information on drug-target and drug-non-target interactions. Understanding the intrinsic fluorescence of drugs can aid in the development of future drugs with improved side-effects and reduced disease resistance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanja Pajic, Natasa Todorovic, Miroslav Zivic, Stanko N. Nikolic, Mihailo D. Rabasovic, Andrew H. A. Clayton, Aleksandar J. Krmpot
Summary: The utilization of Third-Harmonic Generation microscopy for label-free live cell imaging of lipid droplets in filamentous fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus is reported. The study showed that THG microscopy combined with Particle Size Analysis and Image Correlation Spectroscopy is a reliable method for in vivo quantification of lipid droplets in fungal hyphae without the need for labeling and/or fixation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fariha Alam, Tracey A. Gaspari, Barbara K. Kemp-Harper, Edward Low, Aaron Aw, Dorota Ferens, Iresha Spizzo, Ann-Maree Jefferis, Praveen Praveen, Robert E. Widdop, Ross A. D. Bathgate, Mohammed Akhter Hossain, Chrishan S. Samuel
Summary: This study found that B7-33 can retain the cardioprotective effects of RLX and has a better therapeutic effect compared to the ACE inhibitor perindopril. Therefore, B7-33 could be considered as a cost-effective cardioprotective therapy.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Praveen Praveen, Chao Wang, Thomas N. G. Handley, Hongkang Wu, Chrishan S. S. Samuel, Ross A. D. Bathgate, Mohammed Akhter Hossain
Summary: Human relaxin-2 (H2 relaxin) has therapeutic importance due to its anti-fibrotic, vasodilatory, and cardioprotective effects. Relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), the receptor for relaxin, is a potential target for treating fibrosis and related disorders. A single-chain agonist, B7-33 peptide, has been developed based on the B-chain of H2 relaxin but has a short circulation time in vitro.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengjie Liu, Qingyang Li, Carlie Delaine, Hongkang Wu, Yanni Arsenakis, Barbara F. White, Briony E. Forbes, Chaitra Chandrashekar, Mohammed Akhter Hossain
Summary: Commercially available insulins for diabetes treatment are produced using recombinant methods. We developed a novel thiol-insulin scaffold (CysB29-insulin II) by substituting the LysB29 residue in insulin with CysB29 residue, and conjugated it with a fatty acid moiety (palmitic acid, C16) using a highly efficient and selective thiol-maleimide conjugation reaction. The resulting palmitoyl-insulin showed structural similarity to insulin, maintained biological activity, and exhibited slow and long-acting effects unlike native insulin.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mohammed Akhter Hossain, Praveen Praveen, Nurhayati Ahmad Noorzi, Hongkang Wu, Ian P. Harrison, Thomas Handley, Stavros Selemidis, Chrishan S. Samuel, Ross A. D. Bathgate
Summary: H2 relaxin is a peptide hormone that acts through the RXFP1 receptor and has important biological functions. Overexpression of H2 relaxin and RXFP1 in prostate cancer suggests their potential as targets for inhibiting tumor growth. In this study, a novel high-affinity RXFP1 antagonist, H2 B-R13HR, was developed and shown to inhibit relaxin-mediated tumor growth in a mouse model. This compound provides insights into relaxin actions through RXFP1 and may have therapeutic potential for prostate cancer.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Li, Thomas N. G. Handley, Wenyi Li, Neil M. O'Brien-Simpson, Mohammed Akhter Hossain, John D. Wade
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is increasing and causing 700,000 deaths worldwide in 2020. Antimicrobial peptides are effective against drug-resistant pathogens and have a lower risk of developing resistance. Dimerisation of antimicrobial peptides through disulfide bonds can enhance antimicrobial activity and reduce toxicity.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas N. G. Handley, Praveen Praveen, Julien Tailhades, Hongkang Wu, Ross A. D. Bathgate, Mohammed Akhter Hossain
Summary: H2 relaxin is a peptide hormone with vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Researchers have developed B7-33, a derived peptide from H2 relaxin, which showed equivalent potency and anti-fibrotic effects in fibroblasts. B7-33 also reversed organ fibrosis in pre-clinical animal studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ross A. D. Bathgate, Praveen Praveen, Ashish Sethi, Werner I. Furuya, Rishi R. Dhingra, Martina Kocan, Qinghao Ou, Adam L. Valkovic, Isis Gil-Miravet, Moinica Navarro-Sanchez, Francisco E. Olucha-Bordonau, Andrew L. Gundlach, K. Johan Rosengren, Paul R. Gooley, Mathias Dutschmann, Mohammed Akhter Hossain
Summary: Researchers have developed a novel noncovalent stapling strategy using an unnatural amino acid called & alpha;-methyl-l-phenylalanine (& alpha;F) to stabilize peptides. They successfully created a peptide mimetic of human relaxin-3 (H3 relaxin) with high stability and biological function similar to H3 relaxin. This peptide mimetic, H3B10-27(13/17 & alpha;F), holds great potential as a drug lead and as a tool for studying the physiological functions of RXFP3.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengjie Liu, Qingyang Li, Carlie Delaine, Hongkang Wu, Yanni Arsenakis, Barbara F. White, Briony E. Forbes, Chaitra Chandrashekar, Mohammed Akhter Hossain
Summary: Commercially available insulins for diabetes treatment are obtained through recombinant methods. By replacing the LysB29 residue in insulin with the CysB29 residue, we chemically synthesized a thiol-insulin scaffold (CysB29-insulin II) and conjugated it with palmitic acid using a highly efficient and selective thiol-maleimide reaction. The resulting palmitoyl-insulin, which is structurally similar to insulin, exhibits slow and long-acting properties in vitro and in vivo without significant byproduct formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bruce Lin, Andrew Hung, William Singleton, Kevion K. Darmawan, Rachael Moses, Bicheng Yao, Hongkang Wu, Anders Barlow, Sani Marc-Antoine, Alastair J. Sloan, Mohammed Akhter Hossain, John D. Wade, Yuning Hong, Neil M. O'Brien-Simpson, Wenyi Li
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives to antibiotics, and their attachment to lipid carbon chains can enhance their functionality in membrane interactions and antimicrobial activity. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity, oligomerization propensity, and lipid-membrane binding interactions of N-terminal lipidated analogs of MSI-78 (4-20) and pardaxin (1-22). Molecular modeling suggests that lipidation may confer greater structural stability and depth of membrane insertion to the AMPs. Experimental and computational findings shed light on how lipidation alters the conformation and functional properties of AMPs.
