Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shruti Chatterjee, Shankar V. Kundapura, Aditya J. Basak, Debangshu Mukherjee, Sagarika Dash, Namrata Ganguli, Amit K. Das, Gayatri Mukherjee, Dibyendu Samanta, Udupi A. Ramagopal
Summary: Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily transmitted through inhaling droplets from infected individuals. Mycobacteria use pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on their surface to enter alveolar macrophages by recognizing pattern recognition receptors on host cells. One important PAMP is the 19 kDa surface antigen LpqH, which plays a critical role in host-pathogen interactions and immune regulation. This study presents the crystal structure of non-acylated LpqH and demonstrates its functionality in inducing apoptosis in human monocytic cell line THP-1. Conservation analysis reveals a patch of conserved residues on the protein surface, potentially involved in binding partner recognition during host-pathogen interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hetao Chen, Hang Zhang, Pu Chen, Song Xiang
Summary: This study elucidated the interaction mechanism between CRTCs and 14-3-3, as well as their crucial roles in nuclear translocation and activation of gene transcription. The discovery of a novel salt bridge structure expanded the understanding of this interaction.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Alena Kroupova, Fabian Ackle, Igor Asanovic, Stefan Weitzer, Franziska M. Boneberg, Marco Faini, Alexander Leitner, Alessia Chui, Ruedi Aebersold, Javier Martinez, Martin Jinek
Summary: RtcB enzymes are RNA ligases that are essential for various cellular processes, including tRNA splicing and RNA repair. In metazoa, RtcB functions as part of a larger tRNA ligase complex, with different subunits playing crucial roles in maintaining complex integrity. The crystal structures of key subunits provide insights into the catalytic mechanism and molecular architecture of the human tRNA ligase complex, shedding light on its functions in cellular RNA metabolism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sunbin Deng, Jiaxi Cai, Stephen C. Harrison, Huilin Zhou, Stephen M. Hinshaw
Summary: Successful mitosis relies on the correct attachment of chromosomes to microtubules. The kinetochore plays a crucial role in this process by recognizing specific chromatin and ensuring the formation of only one kinetochore per chromatid at the correct location. The crystal structure of the Cse4 peptide bound to the inner kinetochore Okp1-Ame1 complex provides insights into centromere recognition and the organization of the inner kinetochore.
Article
Microbiology
Jose A. Manso, Arturo Carabias, Zsuzsa Sarkany, Jose M. de Pereda, Pedro Jose Barbosa Pereira, Sandra Macedo-Ribeiro
Summary: The ability of Candida albicans to switch between yeast and hyphal forms is important for its pathogenicity, with CaRas1 playing a key role in this process. This study provides insights into the structure and activation of CaRas1, and identifies a synthetic peptide that can specifically inhibit its activation. These findings open up new possibilities for combating Candida albicans infections.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oliver F. Harder, Sarah V. Barrass, Marcel Drabbels, Ulrich J. Lorenz
Summary: Microsecond time-resolved cryo-EM allows for observation of fast protein dynamics, as demonstrated by the contraction of the CCMV capsid induced by a pH jump.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Brian J. Goodfellow, Filipe Freire, Ana Luisa Carvalho, Susana S. Aveiro, Peggy Charbonnier, Jean-Marc Moulis, Leonildo Delgado, Gloria C. Ferreira, Joao E. Rodrigues, Pierre Poussin-Courmontagne, Catherine Birck, Alastair McEwen, Anjos L. Macedo
Summary: The SOUL family represents a group of evolutionary conserved putative heme-binding proteins found in animal, plant, and bacterial species. The interaction between tetrapyrroles and HEBP1 was initially thought to involve hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, but new data confirms the hydrophobic nature of the heme-HEBP1 interaction. The structures of HEBP1 and HEBP2 differ, with HEBP1 maintaining a rigid structure upon heme binding while HEBP2 does not interact with heme at all.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Tamar Skaist Mehlman, Justin T. Biel, Syeda Maryam Azeem, Elliot R. Nelson, Sakib Hossain, Louise Dunnett, Neil G. Paterson, Alice Douangamath, Romain Talon, Danny Axford, Helen Orins, Frank von Delft, Daniel A. Keedy, Qiang Cui
Summary: Much of our understanding of protein-ligand interactions comes from X-ray crystal structures determined at cryogenic temperature. However, the impact of room-temperature crystallography on protein-ligand complexes is not well understood. Our study shows that at room temperature, fewer ligands bind and often with weaker affinity, but with temperature-dependent differences in binding poses, solvation, binding sites, and protein conformational responses. This work suggests that existing cryo-temperature structures may provide an incomplete picture and highlights the potential of room-temperature crystallography in revealing distinct conformational modes of protein-ligand systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Ostertag, Liujuan Zheng, Karina Broger, Thilo Stehle, Shu-Ming Li, Georg Zocher
Summary: Prenylation plays a crucial role in primary and secondary metabolism, contributing to chemical diversity in natural systems. Recent structural studies on prenyltransferases shed light on their catalytic mechanisms and key residues, but the control of regioselectivity and chemoselectivity remains a challenge. Site-directed mutagenesis has been successfully utilized to modify prenyl donor specificity and switch the regioselectivity of prenyltransferases, showing potential for production of novel prenylated compounds.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naotaka Tsutsumi, Sunhee Hwang, Deepa Waghray, Simon Hansen, Kevin M. Jude, Nan Wang, Yi Miao, Caleb R. Glassman, Nathanael A. Caveney, Claudia Y. Janda, Rami N. Hannoush, K. Christopher Garcia
Summary: Wnt morphogens play critical roles in embryonic development and tissue regeneration. They initiate β-catenin signaling by forming ternary receptor complexes composed of tissue-specific Frizzled receptors and shared LRP5/6 coreceptors. The cryo-EM structure of an affinity-matured XWnt8-Frizzled8-LRP6 complex reveals the mechanism of coreceptor discrimination by canonical Wnts through their N termini and linker domains. Chimeric Wnts with modular linker grafts transfer LRP6 domain specificity and enable non-canonical Wnt5a to signal through the canonical pathway.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theerawat Prasertanan, David R. J. Palmer, David A. R. Sanders
Summary: This study introduces the biosynthetic pathway of kanosamine and determines the functions of enzymes involved, specifically focusing on KabA. The high-resolution structures of KabA in different forms provide insights into how the enzyme recognizes substrates during its catalytic process.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Ruszkowska, Ya Ying Zheng, Song Mao, Milosz Ruszkowski, Jia Sheng
Summary: The G·U wobble base pair is frequently found in RNA structures and has unique chemical, thermodynamic, and structural properties that are widely used in RNA biology. It plays important roles in folding, ribozyme catalysis, and protein interactions. The metal binding affinity of G·U pairs in tandem motifs differs due to variations in electrostatic potentials, which is essential for RNA folding, catalysis, and other interactions.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiuxiu Ma, Meng Wang, Fan Wang, Jiao Li, Zhengguang Zhang, Jiapeng Zhu, Bing Liu
Summary: In this study, a small-molecule BRD4 inhibitor named compound 3 was identified as an effective inhibitor of BRD4 activity. Co-crystal structure analysis revealed that compound 3 occupies the KAc recognition pockets of BRD4 by forming key hydrogen bonds with Asn140 and engaging in hydrophobic interactions, thereby hindering the binding of acetylated lysine to BRD4. These findings suggest that compound 3 can serve as a lead compound for the development of structurally novel BRD4 inhibitors.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elise Kaplan, Nicholas P. Greene, Abigail E. Jepson, Vassilis Koronakis
Summary: In gram-negative bacteria, the Lol system plays a vital role in transporting triacylated lipoproteins from the inner membrane to the outer membrane. LolA, the periplasmic chaperone protein, is crucial for this process. This study presents the crystal structure of liganded LolA, providing molecular details of lipoprotein association and demonstrating how LolA accommodates different lipoproteins by interacting with their acyl chains. Additionally, the comparison of LolA structures reveals that the insertion of lipoprotein acyl chains disrupts the interaction between LolA and LolC. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the trafficking pathway in gram-negative bacteria.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ghodrat Mahmoudi, Ennio Zangrando, Barbara Miroslaw, Atash V. Gurbanov, Maria G. Babashkina, Antonio Frontera, Damir A. Safin
Summary: A new Hg(II) coordination compound with a unique pentacoordinated structure was synthesized, forming a 1D polymeric chain and a 2D layer with a binodal 3,4-connected hcb topology. The crystal packing is mainly characterized by intermolecular contacts, including H?H, H?C, H?N, H?S and C?C interactions.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Dehui Wu, Shibin Lin, Hongfu Chen, Xiaohong Wang
Summary: An analytical model for calculating the mutual inductance between coplanar rectangular spiral coils was developed in this study. The model is applicable to PCB-based spiral coils in eddy-current testing probes and can simplify the calculation process while maintaining accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NUMERICAL MODELLING-ELECTRONIC NETWORKS DEVICES AND FIELDS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Weijia Zheng, YangQuan Chen, Xiaohong Wang, Yong Chen, Meijin Lin
Summary: In this paper, an enhanced fractional order sliding mode control (FOSMC) method is proposed to improve the control performance of fractional order uncertain systems with multiple mis-matched disturbances. The multiple disturbances and uncertainties are estimated by finite-time disturbance observers and a fractional order extended state observer. A fractional order switching law is designed for fast convergence of system states. The proposed method incorporates feedforward compensation, the fractional order switching law, and an auxiliary state for input saturation. Numerical examples and a motor speed control problem are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method through performance comparisons with existing control methods.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Fei Shan, Suchang Yoo, Jae-Yun Lee, Han-Lin Zhao, Xiao-Lin Wang, Seong Gon Choi, Heung Gyoon Ryu, Yong Jin Jeong, Sung-Jin Kim
Summary: In this paper, a multi-stacked IZO TFT with exceptional electronic characteristics is prepared, and the plasma treatment is used to improve the performance of the device and optimize the crystal structure and surface smoothness.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Linli Hu, Jieqiang Lv, Qianhong Ma, Xiujuan Chen, Xiaohong Wang, Xiaoyan Liang, Dingfei Xu, Yanping Li, Yuanhua Huang, Lina Hu, Xiaohui Deng, Jing Wei, Feng Zhou, Songying Zhang, Jie Wang, Fang Ma, Yingpu Sun
Summary: The study aimed to compare the equivalence of QL1012 and Gonal-f((R)) in ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology. The results showed that there were no significant differences between QL1012 and Gonal-f((R)) in the primary endpoint of oocytes retrieved, and they had similar safety profiles.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jie Dong, Qian Xu, Shuqiang Chen, Hui Lei, Jingjing Wang, Song Yan, Chenxi Qian, Xiaohong Wang
Summary: "Offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have an increased risk of gestational complications, which are related to placental dysfunction. This study used proteomics and phospho-proteomics to investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the changes in ART placentas. The findings suggest that ART leads to altered cell junctions, renin-angiotensin system, amino acid transport, and increased mTOR signaling in mouse placentas."
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Huiyang Li, Xiaoyu Liang, Youlu Chen, Kaijing Liu, Xue Fu, Chuangnian Zhang, Xiaoli Wang, Jing Yang
Summary: In this study, a wound dressing composed of konjac glucomannan and gallic acid was developed, which could accelerate wound healing by promoting macrophage polarization and reducing reactive oxygen species levels. In vivo experiments showed that it had excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Zhifei Xu, Zizheng Gao, Huangxi Fu, Yan Zeng, Ying Jin, Bo Xu, Yuanteng Zhang, Zezheng Pan, Xueqin Chen, Xiaochen Zhang, Xiaohong Wang, Hao Yan, Xiaochun Yang, Bo Yang, Qiaojun He, Peihua Luo
Summary: This study identified a distinct mechanism of trastuzumab-induced cardiac complications through the promotion of PTX3 excretion in vascular endothelial cells, leading to impaired contractility of cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of the EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway reduced the release of PTX3, thereby blocking the cardiac side effects caused by trastuzumab.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hao Liu, Jingxuan Wang, Mei Liu, Xia Zhang, Ying Liang, Jinshui Wang
Summary: Self-assembled fibrillation of wheat gluten is a common phenomenon in the production and processing of wheat flour products. The breakage of hydrogen bonds, strengthening of hydrophobic interactions, and SH-SS exchange reactions play important roles in fibrillation. Wheat gluten with higher degrees of hydrolysis show a greater propensity for worm-like aggregation.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Baiyang Xu, Mengxue Yao, Zilu Liu, Shanshan Zhang, Bin Wang, Yanquan Han, Jiarong Gao, Deling Wu, Xiaoli Wang
Summary: The combination of Stephania tetrandra and Astragalus membranaceus has positive effects on the treatment of nephrotic syndrome by reducing renal injury and improving the condition. It achieves this by inhibiting the IL-13/STAT6 signal pathway, regulating endogenous metabolic pathways, and inhibiting the expression of AQP2 and AVP genes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiong Wang, Xiao-Hong Wang, Qing Pan, Hai Chang, Hong-Jian Yu, Wei-Qiang Pang
Summary: The thermal behaviors of nano-scale composite energetic materials composed of ADN and NC were studied using various instruments. The results showed that the interaction mechanism between ADN and NC is crucial for the design and safety of these materials. The mixture of NC and ADN exhibited different thermal decomposition characteristics compared to NC or ADN alone. ADN initiated the interaction with NC, leading to the formation of oxidative gases. The thermal decomposition process of ADN dominated the initial stage of the mixture, followed by the oxidation of NC and the cation of ADN.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiachen Yan, Guohong Liu, Hanle Chen, Song Hu, Xiaohong Wang, Bing Yan, Xiliang Yan
Summary: A comprehensive online database on the toxicity of ionic liquids (ILs) has been developed to aid in the design of environmentally friendly ILs using machine learning. The ILTox database contains manually curated data, including 1183 ILs and over 6700 pieces of toxicity data across different organisms. Machine learning models have been constructed using this database to analyze the relationship between IL structures and toxicities. The database has been used for virtual screening of desired IL properties from a large pool of ILs and has proven to be a valuable resource in understanding IL toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lingze Yang, Lei Bao, Tong Dong, Honghao Xie, Xiaohong Wang, Huili Wang, Jingbo Wu, Chen Hao
Summary: In this study, Typha angustifolia was chemically modified with potassium permanganate to obtain modified Typha angustifolia (MTC), and then compounded with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and guar gum (GG) to prepare the CMC/GG/MTC composite hydrogel. The optimal adsorption conditions were determined, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Cu2+, Co2+, and methylene blue (MB) were calculated. The results showed that the main mechanism of removing pollutants by the adsorbent is surface complexation and electrostatic attraction. The CMC/GG/MTC adsorbent exhibited good adsorption and regeneration capacity after five cycles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Dongxu Xu, Qian Duan, Hui Yu, Wenyue Dong
Summary: Porphyrins and their derivatives have excellent properties that make them attractive for various applications, but their limitations hinder their use in biomedicine. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a promising solution by combining the unique properties of porphyrins and MOFs. This article reviews the synthetic strategies and recent research achievements in forming porphyrin-based MOFs and their applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and tumor therapy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caiyan Lai, Bingdong Yan, Run Yuan, Delun Chen, Xiaohong Wang, Mingyu Wang, Heyu He, Jinchun Tu
Summary: In this study, a heterojunction composed of a TiO2 nanosheet and layered Ti3C2 was synthesized. The TiO2/Ti3C2 composites exhibited increased surface area and extended light absorption range, leading to prolonged lifetime of photogenerated carriers. A photoelectrochemical DNA biosensor based on the TiO2/Ti3C2 heterostructure was constructed and comprehensively studied. The sensor displayed stability and sensitivity for DNA detection in the range of 10 nM-10 fM, with a lower detection limit of 6 fM. It provided potential for early diagnosis of various diseases by detecting target DNA.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fan Yao, Guangzheng Ye, Weixiao Peng, Guangyi Zhao, Xiaohong Wang, Yuqin Wang, Wenfu Zhu, Yujun Jiao, Haomin Huang, Daiqi Ye
Summary: This study investigates the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of glucose and precisely determines the pore structure of the obtained hydrochar by controlling the main factors of the hydrothermal process. The results provide guidance and an effective reference for the pore size adjustment of porous-activated biochar developed for the adsorption of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
