Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuanming Wang, Zepeng Kang, Lingling Zhang, Zhiguang Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the interactions between PfSHI and carbon nanotubes, revealing that electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions play a crucial role in the interaction between PfSHI and electrodes. Based on these findings, a high-performance biofuel cell was constructed, demonstrating an improved power output.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jinhua Yang, Zheng Peng, Qi Zhu, Juan Zhang, Guocheng Du
Summary: This study proposes a strategy to increase the acid tolerance of Escherichia coli cells by strengthening intracellular proton conversion. It was found that enhancing the expression of hydrogenase accessory proteins HypB and HypC can significantly improve cell survival rate and D-lactate production in acidic fermentation environment.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgio Caserta, Sven Hartmann, Casey Van Stappen, Chara Karafoulidi-Retsou, Christian Lorent, Stefan Yelin, Matthias Keck, Janna Schoknecht, Ilya Sergueev, Yoshitaka Yoda, Peter Hildebrandt, Christian Limberg, Serena DeBeer, Ingo Zebger, Stefan Frielingsdorf, Oliver Lenz
Summary: In this study, the maturation process of [NiFe]-hydrogenase was investigated using biochemical analysis and various spectroscopic techniques, providing detailed insights into its complex maturation mechanism.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuan Xie, Shaogang Wang, Mingyi Li, Lei Diao, Xingyu Pan, Jijun Chen, Weiguo Zou, Xu Zhang, Wenfeng Feng, Lan Bao
Summary: The post-translational modification α-TubK40me3 plays a crucial role in neuronal polarization and migration by promoting microtubule formation. This modification is enriched in the mouse cerebral cortex during embryonic development, and its deficiency leads to defects in neuronal migration that can be rescued by overexpression of specific proteins. Additionally, α-TubK40me3 potently promotes tubulin nucleation and is involved in tubulin acetylation regulation, highlighting its importance in microtubule dynamics and neuronal development.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rieke Haas, Vera Engelbrecht, Oliver Lampret, Shanika Yadav, Ulf-Peter Apfel, Silke Leimkuehler, Thomas Happe
Summary: The active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenases contains a cubane [4Fe4S]-cluster and a unique diiron cluster with biologically unusual CO and CN ligands. The biogenesis of the diiron site, termed [2FeH], requires the involvement of maturation proteins HydE, HydF, and HydG. However, our study suggests that the proposed binding mechanism and the presence of a [4Fe-4S]-cluster in HydF are not involved in the binding or transfer of [2Fe(P)].
Article
Microbiology
Alexander Haase, R. Gary Sawers
Summary: The biosynthesis of the NiFe(CN)(2)CO organometallic cofactor of [NiFe]-hydrogenase (Hyd) involves several discreet steps, including the synthesis of the Fe(CN)(2)CO group on a HypD-HypC scaffold complex. This study demonstrates that a conserved histidine residue helps enhance the interaction of the chaperone with HypD, but additionally, and in E. coli only for HybG, acts as a determinant to prevent the inadvertent maturation of the wrong large-subunit precursor.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdul A. Waheed, Yanan Zhu, Eva Agostino, Lwar Naing, Yuta Hikichi, Ferri Soheilian, Seung- Wan Yoo, Yun Song, Peijun Zhang, Barbara S. Slusher, Norman J. Haughey, Eric O. Freed
Summary: This study demonstrates the essential role of nSMase2 in the morphogenesis and maturation of HIV-1 particles, as well as other primate lentiviruses. Inhibition or depletion of nSMase2 results in the production of immature and non-infectious viral particles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tao Kang, Shengyou Zhao, Lina Shi, Jianzhen Li
Summary: The study reveals the significant role of glucose in oocyte maturation in zebrafish, suggesting its importance in inducing oocyte maturation in vitro. Glucose transport and metabolic pathways play crucial roles in this process, with the pentose phosphate pathway identified as essential for oocyte maturation.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sven T. Stripp, Jonathan Oltmanns, Christina S. Mueller, David Ehrenberg, Ramona Schlesinger, Joachim Heberle, Lorenz Adrian, Volker Schuenemann, Antonio J. Pierik, Basem Soboh
Summary: The study demonstrates that the [Fe](CN)2CO cofactor and the [4Fe-4S] cluster of the HypCD complex have redox activities, with potential-dependent interconversion processes. Furthermore, potential-dependent disulfide formation between the metal centers may suggest an electron confurcation step.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Urte Neniskyte, Ugne Kuliesiute, Auguste Vadisiute, Kristina Jevdokimenko, Ludovico Coletta, Senthilkumar Deivasigamani, Daina Pamedytyte, Neringa Daugelaviciene, Daiva Dabkeviciene, Emerald Perlas, Aditya Bali, Bernadette Basilico, Alessandro Gozzi, Davide Ragozzino, Cornelius T. Gross
Summary: The mature mammalian brain connectome develops through the extension and pruning of neuronal connections. Glial cells, particularly phospholipid scramblase Xkr8, play a crucial role in the elimination of unnecessary neuronal synapses and projections. This study highlights the importance of phospholipid scrambling by Xkr8 in the pruning of developing neuronal projections, with implications for brain development and hyperconnectivity.
Article
Cell Biology
Natalie J. Foot, Macarena B. Gonzalez, Kelly Gembus, Pamali Fonseka, Jarrod J. Sandow, Thuy Tien Nguyen, Diana Tran, Andrew I. Webb, Suresh Mathivanan, Rebecca L. Robker, Sharad Kumar
Summary: Studies have shown that Arrdc4 is involved in the normal development and maturation of sperm, affecting sperm function by controlling the biogenesis and release of extracellular vesicles.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liansheng Li, Junlin Li, Li Yuan
Summary: Primary cilia are crucial for mammalian development and tissue homeostasis, and defects in primary cilia can lead to various disorders. This study demonstrates that CENTLEIN depletion causes the accumulation of RABIN8 on the pericentrosome, resulting in the loss of primary cilia. CENTLEIN directly interacts with RABIN8, and this interaction is important for ciliogenesis.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Suchetana B. Dutta, Gerit Arne Linneweber, Maheva Andriatsilavo, Peter Robin Hiesinger, Bassem A. Hassan
Summary: The development of neuronal connectivity requires stabilization of dynamic axonal branches at synapse formation sites. In the study using Drosophila brain as a model system, it was found that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity plays a crucial role in regulating circuit wiring during two distinct temporal intervals. EGFR is required for primary axonal branching early on, and then independently required later to prevent degradation of the synaptic active zone protein Bruchpilot (Brp). This temporally restricted molecular mechanism is essential for coupling axonal branching and synaptic stabilization.
Article
Cell Biology
Haiyuan Mu, Ting Zhang, Ying Yang, Danru Zhang, Jie Gao, Junhong Li, Liang Yue, Dengfeng Gao, Bingbo Shi, Yue Han, Liang Zhong, Xinze Chen, Zhen-Bo Wang, Zhen Lin, Ming-Han Tong, Qing-Yuan Sun, Yun-Gui Yang, Jianyong Han
Summary: m(6)A modification plays essential roles in follicle development and oocyte growth, regulating oocyte meiosis by enhancing RNA stability.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Naomi Goldman, Aditi Chandra, Isabelle Johnson, Matthew A. Sullivan, Abhijeet R. Patil, Ashley Vanderbeck, Atishay Jay, Yeqiao Zhou, Emily K. Ferrari, Leland Mayne, Jennifer Aguilan, Hai-Hui Xue, Robert B. Faryabi, E. John Wherry, Simone Sidoli, Ivan Maillard, Golnaz Vahedi
Summary: The functional and mechanistic importance of an intrinsically disordered region of TCF-1 in T cell development is shown in this study. Deletion of this region leads to an early developmental block in T cells and causes lineage infidelity. The intrinsically disordered N terminus of TCF-1 is critical for T cell lineage fidelity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yonglun Zeng, Baiying Li, Changyang Ji, Lei Feng, Fangfang Niu, Cesi Deng, Shuai Chen, Youshun Lin, Kenneth C. P. Cheung, Jinbo Shen, Kam-Bo Wong, Liwen Jiang
Summary: This study uncovered a novel role of a specific Sar1 homolog, AtSar1d, in plant autophagy in coordination with a unique Rab1/Ypt1 homolog, AtRabD2a. The research identified mechanistic connections between ATG machinery and specific COPII components, with a dominant negative mutant of AtSar1d showing distinct inhibition on YFP-ATG8 vacuolar degradation upon autophagic induction. AtRabD2a was found to be essential for bridging the specific AtSar1d-positive COPII vesicles to the autophagy initiation complex and contributing to autophagosome formation in plants.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ho Sing Lo, Kenrie Pui Yan Hui, Hei-Ming Lai, Xu He, Khadija Shahed Khan, Simranjeet Kaur, Junzhe Huang, Zhongqi Li, Anthony K. N. Chan, Hayley Hei-Yin Cheung, Ka-Chun Ng, John Chi Wang Ho, Yu Wai Chen, Bowen Ma, Peter Man-Hin Cheung, Donghyuk Shin, Kaidao Wang, Meng-Hsuan Lee, Barbara Selisko, Cecilia Eydoux, Jean-Claude Guillemot, Bruno Canard, Kuen-Phon Wu, Po-Huang Liang, Ivan Dikic, Zhong Zuo, Francis K. L. Chan, David S. C. Hui, Vincent C. T. Mok, Kam-Bo Wong, Chris Ka Pun Mok, Ho Ko, Wei Shen Aik, Michael Chi Wai Chan, Wai-Lung Ng
Summary: Simeprevir has been identified as a promising repurposable drug for treating COVID-19, reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load significantly and synergizing with remdesivir in vitro. Additionally, Simeprevir inhibits key viral proteins and modulates host immune responses.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rukmini Mukherjee, Anshu Bhattacharya, Denisa Bojkova, Ahmad Reza Mehdipour, Donghyuk Shin, Khadija Shahed Khan, Hayley Hei-Yin Cheung, Kam-Bo Wong, Wai-Lung Ng, Jindrich Cinatl, Paul P. Geurink, Gerbrand J. van der Heden van Noort, Krishnaraj Rajalingam, Sandra Ciesek, Gerhard Hummer, Ivan Dikic
Summary: Famotidine has no effect on viral replication but can modulate specific signaling pathways, reducing TLR3-dependent signaling processes and subsequent activation of IRF3 and the NF-kappa B pathway, leading to control of antiviral and inflammatory responses.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shuangli Sun, Lanlan Feng, Kin Pan Chung, Ka-Ming Lee, Hayley Hei-Yin Cheung, Mengqian Luo, Kaike Ren, Kai Ching Law, Liwen Jiang, Kam-Bo Wong, Xiaohong Zhuang
Summary: The study uncovered an atypical interaction mode of Arabidopsis ATG8f with the plant unique adaptor protein SH3P2, showing unique conformational changes in ATG8f upon binding to the AIM sequence of the autophagic receptor NBR1. Additionally, the gel filtration assay revealed that the ubiquitin-associated domain of NBR1 outcompetes the SH3 domain of SH3P2 for ATG8f interaction. Biochemical and cellular analysis demonstrated distinct interfaces used by ATG8f to interact with NBR1 and SH3P2.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Adam G. Bond, Conner Craigon, Kwok-Ho Chan, Andrea Testa, Athanasios Karapetsas, Rotimi Fasimoye, Thomas Macartney, J. Julian Blow, Dario R. Alessi, Alessio Ciulli
Summary: This study describes the design and development of a new protein degradation system utilizing a variant of the Brd4 bromodomain as a degradation tag. The system effectively degrades BromoTagged proteins in a fast, selective manner, showing favorable pharmacokinetic profile in mice. This system expands the arsenal of chemical genetic degradation tools for manipulating protein levels and exploring therapeutic potential in cells and in vivo.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satomi Imaide, Kristin M. Riching, Nikolai Makukhin, Vesna Vetma, Claire Whitworth, Scott J. Hughes, Nicole Trainor, Sarah D. Mahan, Nancy Murphy, Angus D. Cowan, Kwok-Ho Chan, Conner Craigon, Andrea Testa, Chiara Maniaci, Marjeta Urh, Danette L. Daniels, Alessio Ciulli
Summary: Tri-valent PROTACs with increased binding valency enhance protein degradation efficacy and anti-cancer activity, forming highly stable ternary complexes with positive cooperativity. SIM1 engages with both BET bromodomains with high avidity and forms a productive 1:1:1 complex with VHL, demonstrating prolonged residence time and improved functional outcomes.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yiping Wang, Yingying Wu, Huan Zhong, Shuai Chen, Kam-Bo Wong, Yiji Xia
Summary: This study reveals the critical roles of PUB2 and PUB4 in plant immunity, as they positively regulate defense responses by connecting PTI components and enhancing their interactions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hsi-En Tsao, Shu Nga Lui, Anthony Hiu-Fung Lo, Shuai Chen, Hiu Yan Wong, Chi-Kin Wong, Liwen Jiang, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: In Arabidopsis, vacuolar sorting receptor isoform 1 (VSR1) plays a key role in directing 12S globulins and other storage proteins to the protein storage vacuoles during seed development. The crystal structure of VSR1-PA in complex with the C-terminal pentapeptide of cruciferin 1 sheds light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the sorting process. The study provides insights into how VSR1 recognizes and interacts with the C-terminal sorting determinants of various storage proteins, which could potentially aid in targeting recombinant proteins to seed storage vacuoles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Yang, Ka-Ming Lee, Conny Wing-Heng Yu, Hirotatsu Imai, Andrew Kwok-Ho Choi, David K. Banfield, Kosuke Ito, Toshio Uchiumi, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: The N-terminal residues of uL11 are flexible and become structured when bound to ribosomes. The conserved MPPKFDP motif of the N-terminus interacts with uL10 and plays a role in the ribosome function and protein synthesis.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jia-Qi Lu, Kam-Bo Wong, Pang-Chui Shaw
Summary: Tian Hua Fen, a herbal extract used in traditional Chinese medicine, contains trichosanthin (TCS) and is used for abortifacient purposes. Research and development on TCS have expanded the knowledge and applications of ribosome-inactivating proteins, demonstrating the scientific basis of traditional Chinese medicine.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chen Xiao, Kaien Li, Jingmin Hua, Zhao He, Feng Zhang, Qiongfang Li, Hailei Zhang, Lei Yang, Shuying Pan, Zongwei Cai, Zhiling Yu, Kam-Bo Wong, Yiji Xia
Summary: Arabidopsis DXO1 is an essential component in the methylation of the guanosine cap to form the m(7)G cap. It activates RNA guanosine-7 methyltransferase (AtRNMT1) to catalyze this conversion. This study reveals an important mechanism in m(7)G capping in plants and the role of DXO1 in this process.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amit Kumar Gaurav, Marjia Afrin, Xian Yang, Arpita Saha, S. K. Abdus Sayeed, Xuehua Pan, Zeyang Ji, Kam-Bo Wong, Mingjie Zhang, Yanxiang Zhao, Bibo Li
Summary: Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes human African trypanosomiasis. TbRAP1, a telomere protein, has been shown to silence VSG genes by binding to dsDNA. However, the mechanism by which TbRAP1 allows the expression of a single active VSG gene was unknown. In this study, the researchers unexpectedly discovered an RNA Recognition Motif (RRM) in TbRAP1, which is unprecedented for RAP1 homologs. They found that TbRAP1 RRM, assisted by a specific patch, can recognize and bind to the 3'UTR sequences of VSG genes. Mutating the conserved residues in RRM abolished RNA binding activity, significantly decreased the level of active VSG RNA, and derepressed silent VSG genes. Their findings suggest a monoallelic expression mechanism for VSG genes, in which the abundant RNA of the active VSG gene antagonizes TbRAP1's silencing effect.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yap Shing Nim, Ivan Yu Hang Fong, Justin Deme, Ka Lung Tsang, Joseph Caesar, Steven Johnson, Longson Tsz Hin Pang, Nicholas Man Hon Yuen, Tin Long Chris Ng, Tung Choi, Yakie Yat Hei Wong, Susan M. Lea, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: Urease is an essential enzyme for the colonization of Helicobacter pylori in the human stomach, and cells have evolved metallochaperones to deliver toxic nickel ions to specific protein complexes. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of H. pylori and Klebsiella pneumoniae UreFD/urease complexes reveal the formation of a 100-angstrom-long tunnel through which the nickel ion is delivered to the active site of urease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sascha Roth, Nur Mehpare Kocaturk, Preethi S. Sathyamurthi, Bill Carton, Matthew Watt, Thomas J. Macartney, Kwok-Ho Chan, Albert Isidro-Llobet, Agnieszka Konopacka, Markus A. Queisser, Gopal P. Sapkota
Summary: Targeted protein degradation is an important drug discovery approach for previously undruggable disease-causing proteins. This study identified several new E3 ligases that can be utilized for the development of small-molecule degraders. The study also demonstrated the degradation of HALO-GFP protein in cells using a peptide-based PROTAC connected to KLHDC2.
CELL CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ka Lung Tsang, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: Nickel ions play vital metabolic functions in life, but their cytotoxicity requires specific protein complexes to transfer them to the active sites of nickel-containing enzymes without releasing the toxic metal. Metallochaperones and accessory proteins form these complexes, allowing the trafficking of nickel along the hydrogenase and urease maturation pathways.