Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Waseem Ali, Salma Jamal, Abhinav Grover, Sonam Grover
Summary: This study used docking and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the impact of mutations on the affinity of TlyA enzyme for SAM and the development of capreomycin resistance. The results revealed that mutations reduced the affinity of SAM for TlyA and destabilized the structure of TlyA.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Waseem Ali, Salma Jamal, Abhinav Grover, Sonam Grover
Summary: The study revealed that mutations in a conserved SAM binding motif in TlyA enzyme reduce the affinity of SAM, with alanine mutants showing the most significant effect. These mutations result in the loss of hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions, as well as large-scale movement of atoms, indicating their destabilizing impact on TlyA.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Raluca Elena Patrascu, Andrei Ionut Cucu, Claudia Florida Costea, Mihaela Cosman, Laurentiu Andrei Blaj, Adriana Hristea
Summary: Tuberculosis, also known as the white plague, is a contagious disease that has been a concern for humanity throughout history. It was not until the late 19th century that the pathogenic agent was discovered, leading to advancements in treatment methods.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yanmei Feng, Yue Xu, Yuan Yang, Guangzhao Yi, Huan Su, Hong Chen, Rui Guo, Jinwei Jia, Pu Wang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for severe pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and positive tubercle bacilli in sputum in China. The findings showed that smoking was associated with higher risk of positive tubercle bacilli in sputum and severe PTB. Smoking cessation interventions should be implemented to prevent severe PTB and reduce the transmission of PTB.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kohta Saito, Saurabh Mishra, Thulasi Warrier, Nico Cicchetti, Jianjie Mi, Elaina Weber, Xiuju Jiang, Julia Roberts, Alexandre Gouzy, Ellen Kaplan, Christopher D. Brown, Ben Gold, Carl Nathan
Summary: Mtb can enter a differentially detectable state under sublethal oxidative stress, causing damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, and delaying the replication process. These findings have important implications for tuberculosis management and treatment.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Christopher S. Ealand, Astika Sewcharran, Julian S. Peters, Bhavna G. Gordhan, Mireille Kamariza, Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Ziyaad Waja, Neil A. Martinson, Bavesh D. Kana
Summary: Oral and tongue swabs have shown potential for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but improvements are needed for culture-based diagnosis. The use of culture filtrate as a growth supplement may enhance the detection of TB, especially in HIV-positive individuals. Further research on a larger scale is necessary to confirm these findings.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hongwei Su, Kan Lin, Divya Tiwari, Claire Healy, Carolina Trujillo, Yao Liu, Thomas R. Ioerger, Dirk Schnappinger, Sabine Ehrt
Summary: By transiently depleting biotin protein ligase and thioredoxin reductase, mouse models of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection have been established. These models show different patterns of latent infection, with one requiring adaptive immunity for control and having a high relapse frequency, while the other is independent of adaptive immunity and has low relapse rates.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatiana F. Vieira, Fabio G. Martins, Joel P. Moreira, Tiago Barbosa, Sergio F. Sousa
Summary: This study utilized a computational approach to identify six potential compounds as inhibitors of PknB, providing structural information for further experimental testing and the design of more effective derivatives.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richa Mishra, Vikas Yadav, Madhura Guha, Amit Singh
Summary: The successful treatment of tuberculosis relies on eradicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the host, but the emergence of drug-resistant strains hampers antibiotic effectiveness. Host immunity creates diverse microenvironments exploited by the bacteria, amplifying pre-existing heterogeneity and impacting disease pathology and therapy outcomes. Understanding phenotypic heterogeneity may lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting host-pathogen interactions for TB cure.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xinpeng Li, Qihua Jiang, Xiaolan Yang
Summary: Through molecular docking virtual screening, this study identified compounds with potential anti-tuberculosis activity, among which CUDC-101 and Ixazomib Citrate showed high inhibitory potency and could be promising leads for anti-tuberculosis drugs.
MOLECULAR INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Hanif, Sara Khan, Umar Farooq, Faisal Nouroz, Rizwana Sarwar
Summary: The goal of this study was to find new compounds to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis by targeting Chorismate synthase. The findings suggest that compounds ZF1 and ZF2 may be more effective and selective anti-TB agents than currently available drugs. The study also revealed the role of L19 in the retention of ligand inside the active pocket.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Binda T. Andongma, Yazheng Huang, Fang Chen, Qing Tang, Min Yang, Shan-Ho Chou, Xinfeng Li, Jin He
Summary: Tuberculosis is a global health threat causing 1.5 million deaths annually. This study designed a multi-epitope vaccine against TB using an immuno-informatics approach. The predicted vaccine showed stability, safety, high antigenicity, and immunogenicity, indicating its potential as a global TB vaccine.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Juliana Carolina Amorim, Andrea E. Cabrera Bermeo, Viviana E. Vasquez Urgiles, Maritza R. Martinez Leon, Juan M. Carpio Arevalo
Summary: The World Health Organization warns that tuberculosis remains one of the top ten threats to public health globally, with drug-resistant strains being a major cause for limited treatment effectiveness. Researchers tested a large number of anthraquinone compounds for their competitive inhibitor activity and identified a novel synthetic anthraquinone with potential to inhibit M. tuberculosis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander D. H. Kingdon, Luke J. Alderwick
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of TB and drug resistance is a growing issue, necessitating the need for novel antimycobacterial drugs. Increased knowledge of gene essentiality and compound databases can aid in the discovery of new drug compounds. The increasing number of protein structures allows for investigation of novel targets.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Alberto Aguilar-Pineda, Camilo Febres-Molina, Cinthia C. Cordova-Barrios, Lizbeth M. Campos-Olazaval, Bruno A. Del-Carpio-Martinez, Flor Ayqui-Cueva, Pamela L. Gamero-Begazo, Badhin Gomez
Summary: The increasing emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains resistant to traditional anti-tuberculosis drugs has raised concerns in global health services. Researchers have identified the erp gene as a potential therapeutic target since its disruption inhibits Mtb replication. In this study, five nicotine analogs were discovered to inhibit the formation of protein complexes involved in Mtb multiplication. The results suggest that four of these compounds could be potential candidates for new tuberculosis therapies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alejandra Gonzalez, Ricardo Sanchez, Milena Camargo, Sara Cecilia Soto-De Leon, Luisa Del Rio-Ospina, Luis Hernando Mora, Edwin Ramirez, Anny Alejandra Rodriguez, Paula Hurtado, Manuel Elkin Patarroyo, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
Summary: This study identified factors associated with attendance to cervical cancer screening programmes among women in the Amazon region of Colombia. Factors such as age of first intercourse, frequency of contraceptive use, awareness of programme participation age, knowledge about cytology's usefulness, and importance of cytology were positively associated with programme attendance. Women living in rural areas were less likely to adhere to the programmes. Innovative strategies, education activities, and raising awareness regarding prevention could further increase programme attendance and compliance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena Maya-Hoyos, Dulce Mata-Espinosa, Manuel O. Lopez-Torres, Blanca Tovar-Vazquez, Jorge Barrios-Payan, Juan C. Leon-Contreras, Marisol Ocampo, Rogelio Hernandez-Pando, Carlos Y. Soto
Summary: Identification and targeting of CtpF as a potential attenuation target for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has shown reduced proliferation and virulence in mouse models, while maintaining immunogenicity. Differential expression levels of ctpF in latent and progressive TB mouse models suggest its involvement in Mtb persistence. Possible complementary mechanisms for Ca2+ transport deficiencies mediated by P-type ATPases are also indicated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alejandra Ruiz-Laiton, Norela Molano-Ayala, Sebastian Garcia-Castiblanco, Angie Melissa Puentes-Orozco, Ana Carolina Falla, Milena Camargo, Leonardo Roa, Alexander Rodriguez-Lopez, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo, Catalina Avendano
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and genotype of Chlamydia psittaci in parrots confiscated in Colombia, finding a high presence of genotype A. It is the first report of endemicity of C. psittaci genotype A in captive psittacines in Colombia, emphasizing the zoonotic risk associated with keeping these birds as pets.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Jessica Molina-Franky, Manuel Elkin Patarroyo, Markus Kalkum, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
Summary: This article discusses the cellular and molecular events during the invasion of red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum and the alterations that occur in the infected cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Manuel E. Patarroyo, Laura Pabon, Martha P. Alba, Adriana Bermudez, Maria Teresa Rugeles, Diana Diaz-Arevalo, Wildeman Zapata-Builes, Maria Isabel Zapata, Cesar Reyes, Carlos F. Suarez, William Agudelo, Carolina Lopez, Jorge Aza-Conde, Miguel Melo, Luis Escamilla, Jairo Oviedo, Fanny Guzman, Yolanda Silva, Martha Forero, Lizdany Florez-alvarez, Wbeimar Aguilar-Jimenez, Armando Moreno-Vranich, Jason Garry, Catalina Avendano
Summary: This study selected peptides from functionally relevant SARS-CoV-2 proteins and developed a supramutational peptide mixture for SARS protection. The modified peptides induced high antibody titres and neutralising antibodies in monkeys, making it a promising vaccine for COVID-19 control.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cesar Reyes, Manuel A. Patarroyo
Summary: Adjuvants play a crucial role in vaccine development by allowing the inclusion of previously discarded antigens and expanding the range of candidates. The research on adjuvant development has grown alongside the increasing knowledge of immune systems and their recognition of foreign microorganisms. Although the mechanism of action for alum-derived adjuvants is not fully understood, they have been used in human vaccines for years. The number of adjuvants approved for human use has recently increased, reflecting the efforts to interact with and stimulate the immune system. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of adjuvants, focusing on those approved for human use, their mechanism of action, and their importance in vaccine candidate formulations. The review also discusses the future prospects in this growing research field.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Christian. D. Sanchez-Barinas, Valentina Vergara-Vanegas, Claudia. M. Gamboa-Hernandez, Marisol Ocampo, Angela Cuello-Oliveros, Manuel. A. Patarroyo, Manuel. E. Patarroyo
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a highly successful pathogen causing tuberculosis in humans. It blocks the host's immune system, leading to active tuberculosis. Peptide-based synthetic vaccines are a potential alternative, but peptide antigens are not recognized by the host's immune system. This study explores the use of dendritic cells as immunomodulators to enhance the antigenic capacity of synthetic peptides. By modifying the amino acid sequences of the peptides, researchers were able to trigger a lymphocyte response that controls the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in infected macrophages.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bibiana Chavarro-Portillo, Carlos Y. Soto, Martha Inirida Guerrero
Summary: This study assessed the infectivity in Schwann cells (SCs) of recurrent and non-recurrent Mycobacterium leprae strains and their correlation with genes involved in phenolic glycolipid I (PGL-I) biosynthesis. The initial infectivity of non-recurrent strains in SCs was higher than a recurrent strain, and both strains showed increased infectivity as the trials progressed. However, non-recurrent strains displayed the maximum infectivity at 12 days post-infection. Furthermore, qRT-PCR experiments revealed that key genes involved in PGL-I biosynthesis were transcribed faster in non-recurrent strains compared to the recurrent strain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Cuy-Chaparro, Cesar Reyes, Eliana Vanessa Diaz-Guiot, Darwin Andres Moreno-Perez, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
Summary: Bovine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by Babesia parasites. Babesia bovis is the most severe species associated with the disease, leading to high economic losses. The traditional approach of using live attenuated vaccines against B. bovis has limitations, prompting researchers to explore alternative methodologies for vaccine production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Richar Torres, Adriana Barreto-Santamaria, Gabriela Arevalo-Pinzon, Carolina Firacative, Beatriz L. Gomez, Patricia Escandon, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo, Julian E. Munoz
Summary: The study evaluated the antifungal activity of three synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against Candida species, including the multidrug-resistant Candida auris. The AMPs showed antifungal activity against all Candida species tested and had effects on biofilm formation and cell viability in C. auris and C. albicans. The study suggests that these AMPs are potential therapeutic alternatives against important Candida species.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rafael Almeida Da Silva, Nelson Enrique Arenas, Vera Lucia Luiza, Jorge Antonio Zepeda Bermudez, Sian E. Clarke
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem, and UN multilateral agencies are urging all countries to improve antibiotic stewardship. South American countries have made changes to antibiotic use in livestock production. This literature review examines the progress made in terms of legislation in the five largest meat-producing countries in South America. Although progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in the distribution, use, and disposal of antibiotics. Compliance with existing legislation and the use of additional tools to drive behavioral change among stakeholders should be further explored.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alejandro Sierra, Danna Camelo, Camila Lota, Nelson Enrique Arenas, Carlos Y. Soto
Summary: In this study, a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP-PCR) targeting the Region of Difference 12 (RD12) of the M. bovis genome was designed for the rapid and specific detection of M. bovis in small and medium-sized livestock. The LAMP method allowed for the positive identification of M. bovis within 30 minutes through a basic colorimetric reaction visible to the naked eye under natural light. The detection limit of the method was approximately 50 fg of M. bovis genomic DNA, equivalent to about 10 copies of the genome.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica Molina-Franky, Cesar Reyes, Yelson Alejandro Picon Jaimes, Markus Kalkum, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
Summary: The translation identifies the differences in the invasion mechanisms of P. vivax and P. falciparum and highlights the challenges in studying the invasion mechanism of P. vivax. It also mentions the current knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of parasite invasion and the need for developing new methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Nelson Enrique Arenas, Gilles Pieffet, Cristian Rocha-Roa, Martha Inirida Guerrero
Summary: A LAMA2-based peptide was designed to target PGL-1 from M. leprae, showing stability in structure and interaction with PGL-1. This peptide has the potential to block the key molecule involved in the initial contact between leprosy bacilli and Schwann cells.
MEMORIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zaida Araujo, Jacobus H. de Waard, Milena Camargo, Juan Ernesto Lopez-Ramos, Carlos Fernandez de Larrea, Magnolia Vanegas, Manuel A. Patarroyo
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of serological response to synthetic peptides from Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens for distinguishing between active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection in Warao Amerindians.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS
(2022)