Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ralph Maier, Rodrigo Cuevas Arenas, Fajun Zhang, Ana Garcia-Saez, Frank Schreiber
Summary: This study investigates the use of polymer-bounded nanodiscs to study the lipid model system. The size of nanodiscs formed with styrene maleic acid (SMA) is smaller compared to diisobutylene maleic acid (DIBMA). Increasing polymer concentration leads to a decrease in nanodisc size. The stability of nanodiscs formed with SMA is less affected by temperature compared to those formed with DIBMA in phosphate buffer. These findings contribute to the development of protocols for studying membrane proteins in similar membrane mimics.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carola Sparn, Annalena Meyer, Roberto Saleppico, Walter Nickel
Summary: In recent years, research has revealed a complex picture of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi-independent secretory pathways, including the discovery of several routes with different molecular mechanisms and machineries. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) has been found to be secreted through an unconventional protein secretion (UPS) pathway that involves direct translocation across the plasma membrane. This process has been shown to involve glypican-1 (GPC1), a GPI-anchored heparan sulfate proteoglycan located on cell surfaces. These findings not only provide insight into the molecular mechanism of this process but also highlight the important relationship between FGF2 and GPC1 in tumor progression and metastasis.
TRENDS IN BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Marijke R. Murray, Steffen P. Graether
Summary: Plants have evolved mechanisms, such as the expression of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, to protect against damage caused by cold temperatures. One of the most studied LEA proteins is the type II LEA protein, known as dehydrins. Dehydrins help prevent membrane damage by binding to membranes during abiotic stress and lowering the transition temperature. The structure and interactions of dehydrins with membranes have been investigated using biophysical techniques.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Simon Umbach, Roman Levin, Sebastian Neumann, Torsten Steinmetzer, Volker Doetsch, Frank Bernhard
Summary: Nanodiscs are a transfer vector for inserting recombinant membrane proteins into living cell membranes. This approach, combined with cell-free expression technologies, allows the analysis of challenging membrane proteins in complex cellular environments. The transfer process is efficient, controllable, and can be applied to different cell lines. Nanodiscs disassemble during transfer, and only lipids and membrane proteins are transferred into cell membranes. The transferred membrane proteins retain their functionality in the cell environment.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chien-Chieh Hu, Cheng-Yu Wang, Meng-Che Tsai, Rumwald Leo G. Lecaros, Wei-Song Hung, Hui -An Tsai, Kueir-Rarn Lee, Juin-Yih Lai
Summary: This study developed a Janus membrane capable of simultaneously capturing and converting carbon dioxide from air. The selective layer and reactive layer design allowed for efficient concentration and conversion of CO2 to CO. By adjusting the copper doping amount, optimal photocatalytic activity was achieved. This research provides a new approach for the simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2 from air using Janus membranes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Joanne Lemieux, Michael Overduin
Summary: The field of membrane structural biology is rapidly evolving, with developments such as native nanodiscs and memteins changing the way we understand biological membranes. Tools like cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are advancing, but challenges remain in understanding how lipids and ligands interact at an atomic level.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florian Mahler, Annette Meister, Carolyn Vargas, Gregory Durand, Sandro Keller
Summary: The use of specific amphiphilic molecules can directly assemble lipids and membrane proteins to form native nanodiscs, rather than mixed micelles. Detailed investigation into the lipid bilayer integrity and membrane protein activity in these nanodiscs reveals gentle effects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liyuan Zhu, Harold M. McNamara, Jared E. Toettcher
Summary: This article introduces a method for generating and screening a library of potential optogenetic tools directly in mammalian cells, and demonstrates its utility through the study of the Gal4-VP64 transcription factor.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Radu Custelcean
Summary: The research on direct air capture of CO2 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory over the past five years focused on initial discovery, fundamental and applied research, and commercialization through collaboration with industry.
Review
Thermodynamics
Peng Zhang, Jingjing Tong, Kevin Huang, Xuefeng Zhu, Weishen Yang
Summary: In recent years, the concept of direct CO2 capture and conversion has attracted significant interest due to its potential to address global warming, fossil fuel depletion, and carbon neutral ecosystem. While current CO2 capture technologies are energy intensive and costly, CO2 conversion technologies are still in their early stages with technical challenges to overcome. The emerging high-temperature electrochemical CO2 transport membranes offer a promising approach for capturing and converting CO2 in a single catalytic reactor, with potential for future development.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guining Chen, Guozhen Liu, Yang Pan, Gongping Liu, Xuehong Gu, Wanqin Jin, Nanping Xu
Summary: This article provides a brief overview of the importance and fabrication approaches of zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as adsorbents and membranes. It explores the separation mechanisms based on pore sizes and the chemical properties of nanochannels and emphasizes the judicious selection and design of zeolites and MOFs for gas separation purposes. Additionally, it discusses the feasibility of zeolites and MOFs for gas separation from adsorption to membrane separation and addresses the challenges and perspectives of this cutting-edge area.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hui Xu, Renxi Jin, Casey P. O'Brien
Summary: In this study, a membrane-based system was developed to capture CO2 from dilute mixtures and convert it into value-added products continuously and under mild conditions. The quaternized poly-(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) membranes were found to be selective for CO2 separation and catalytically active for cyclic carbonate synthesis. The integration of CO2 capture and conversion in the catalytic membrane provides an energy-efficient alternative to traditional methods of capture, compression, transport, and storage. Furthermore, the membrane can potentially be tuned for the conversion of CO2 into various products, bringing a transformative shift in carbon capture and utilization technology.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng Tian, Xianglei Liu, Chenxi Liu, Shaoyang Li, Qiyan Li, Nan Sun, Ke Gao, Zhixing Jiang, Kun Chang, Yimin Xuan
Summary: Propose a novel dual functional catalyst-sorbent for direct capture and solar-driven conversion of CO2 into clean fuels, providing a solution to energy and environmental problems. The material offers economic and operational advantages and can carry out the reaction in a single reactor without additional trapping devices. It also exhibits outstanding stability performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nikolas K. Teiwes, Ingo Mey, Phila C. Baumann, Lena Strieker, Ulla Unkelbach, Claudia Steinem
Summary: This study demonstrates the generation of planar supported plasma membranes and pore-spanning plasma membranes (PSPMs) from pure GPMVs on different substrates, providing a new avenue for bioanalytical and sensing applications on complex cell surfaces.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zahra Zolfaghari, Alireza Aslani, Amirhosein Moshari, Mohammadreza Malekli
Summary: This study investigates the current status and future prospects of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology through bibliometric analysis and data mining. It identifies key research gaps for commercialization and highlights opportunities for development, such as new designs, catalyst improvements, economic optimization, and integration with renewable energy sources.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Timothy M. Fan, Ryan D. Roberts, Michael M. Lizardo
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Corey F. Saba, Craig Clifford, Kristine Burgess, Brenda Phillips, David Vail, Zachary Wright, Katie Curran, Timothy Fan, Robyn Elmslie, Gerald Post, Douglas Thamm
VETERINARY AND COMPARATIVE ONCOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Amy K. LeBlanc, Christina N. Mazcko, Aswini Cherukuri, Erika P. Berger, William C. Kisseberth, Megan E. Brown, Susan E. Lana, Kristen Weishaar, Brian K. Flesner, Jeffrey N. Bryan, David M. Vail, Jenna H. Burton, Jennifer L. Willcox, Anthony J. Mutsaers, J. Paul Woods, Nicole C. Northrup, Corey Saba, Kaitlin M. Curran, Haley Leeper, Heather Wilson-Robles, Brandan G. Wustefeld-Janssens, Stephanie Lindley, Annette N. Smith, Nikolaos Dervisis, Shawna Klahn, Mary Lynn Higginbotham, Raelene M. Wouda, Erika Krick, Jennifer A. Mahoney, Cheryl A. London, Lisa G. Barber, Cheryl E. Balkman, Angela L. McCleary-Wheeler, Steven E. Suter, Olya Martin, Antonella Borgatti, Kristine Burgess, Michael O. Childress, Janean L. Fidel, Sara D. Allstadt, Daniel L. Gustafson, Laura E. Selmic, Chand Khanna, Timothy M. Fan
Summary: Using sirolimus as an mTOR inhibitor in treating appendicular osteosarcoma in pet dogs did not extend disease-free interval or survival.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hilary A. Levitin, Kari D. Foss, Zhong Li, Jennifer M. Reinhart, Devon W. Hague, Timothy M. Fan
Summary: This study compared the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous (SC) and constant rate infusion (CRI) protocols of cytosine arabinoside (CA) in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology (MUE). The SC protocol showed significantly higher peak CA concentration and sustained levels compared to the CRI protocol, with higher concentrations observed at 1h and 8h following treatment initiation.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Emily J. Tonogai, Shan Huang, Rachel C. Botham, Matthew R. Berry, Stephen K. Joslyn, Gregory B. Daniel, Zixin Chen, Jianghong Rao, Xiang Zhang, Falguni Basuli, John H. Rossmeisl, Gregory J. Riggins, Amy K. LeBlanc, Timothy M. Fan, Paul J. Hergenrother
Summary: The study found that PAC-1 + TMZ may be an effective combination for treating meningioma, and the participation of pet dogs with meningioma in the study also demonstrated the utility of evaluating anticancer strategies.
Article
Cell Biology
Matthew W. Boudreau, Darjan Duraki, Lawrence Wang, Chengjian Mao, Ji Eun Kim, Madeline A. Henn, Bingtao Tang, Sean W. Fanning, Jeffrey Kiefer, Theodore M. Tarasow, Elizabeth M. Bruckheimer, Ramon Moreno, Spyro Mousses, Geoffrey L. Greene, Edward J. Roy, Ben Ho Park, Timothy M. Fan, Erik R. Nelson, Paul J. Hergenrother, David J. Shapiro
Summary: The compound ErSO was discovered to effectively induce necrosis of ERα-positive breast cancer cell lines and trigger tumor regression in vivo, including regression of metastases. ErSO was well tolerated in mice, rats, and dogs and had minimal impact on normal tissues expressing ER.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Alycen P. Lundberg, Matthew W. Boudreau, Kim A. Selting, Lindsay E. Chatkewitz, Jonathan Samuelson, Joshua M. Francis, Elizabeth I. Parkinson, Anne M. Barger, Paul J. Hergenrother, Timothy M. Fan
Summary: Developing effective therapies for advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenging, with NQO1 being a promising target. This study involves preclinical assessment using felines and FOSCC patients to identify potential drugs with increased tolerability and efficacy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riley L. Svec, Sydney A. McKee, Matthew R. Berry, Aya M. Kelly, Timothy M. Fan, Paul J. Hergenrother
Summary: This article describes a novel compound, CPZ, which shows promising activity against GBM by overcoming MGMT resistance and being effective regardless of MMR status. CPZ has better blood-brain barrier penetration and comparable tolerability to TMZ, making it a potential candidate for GBM treatment, especially in TMZ-resistant cases.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zunaira Shoaib, Timothy M. Fan, Joseph M. K. Irudayaraj
Summary: Osteosarcoma, a common primary bone tumor, is influenced by mechanobiology in its pathogenesis. Mechanobiology-driven therapies can curb tumor progression by altering the physical microenvironment or inhibiting proteins associated with metastasis.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Matthew W. Boudreau, Michael P. Mulligan, David J. Shapiro, Timothy M. Fan, Paul J. Hergenrother
Summary: Approximately 75% of breast cancers are ER alpha-positive, and current therapeutic strategies targeting ER alpha have limitations. A recent study identified a compound called ErSO that induces ER alpha-dependent cancer cell death through a unique mechanism and shows potential as a new drug. Modified versions of ErSO were constructed and one variant, ErSO-DFP, demonstrated enhanced selectivity for ER alpha-positive cancer cells and good tolerability in rodents. ErSO-DFP and related compounds may represent a novel class of treatments for ER alpha-positive cancers.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lianghui Zhang, Soumajit Dutta, Shiqin Xiong, Matthew Chan, Kui K. Chan, Timothy M. Fan, Keith L. Bailey, Matthew Lindeblad, Laura M. Cooper, Lijun Rong, Anthony F. Gugliuzza, Diwakar Shukla, Erik Procko, Jalees Rehman, Asrar B. Malik
Summary: This study demonstrates that engineered ACE2 proteins with augmented binding affinities for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein show broad efficacy against multiple variants, indicating their therapeutic potential.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Samantha K. Von Rueden, Timothy M. Fan
Summary: The interplay between tumor and immune response is a dynamic process that determines the formation and growth of tumors through various mechanisms. Understanding the continuous adaptation of tumor and host immune systems throughout the tumor lifecycle is crucial for developing effective immunotherapies. This review summarizes the steps of the cancer-immunity cycle and highlights key factors that favor cancer regression for optimizing treatment outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Matthew R. Lowerison, Wei Zhang, Xi Chen, Timothy M. Fan, Pengfei Song
Summary: In this paper, the authors applied super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) to study the effects of antiangiogenic agent and chemotherapy on colorectal carcinoma xenograft model. The results demonstrated that ULM can detect vascular changes caused by the treatments and provide quantitative indices for evaluating therapy response. The study highlights the importance of ULM in evaluating treatment effect.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Pathology
Anne Barger, Kate Baker, Elizabeth Driskell, Will Sander, Patrick Roady, Matthew Berry, Amy Schnelle, Timothy M. Fan
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of four immunohistochemistry markers to distinguish osteosarcoma from other primary bone tumors. The combination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runx2 showed high sensitivity and specificity, making them useful for diagnostic purposes.
VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Joe L. Rowles, Matthew A. Wallig, Kimberly A. Selting, Timothy M. Fan, Rita J. Miller, William D. O'Brien, John W. Erdman
Summary: The study showed that dietary lyophilized tomato paste (TP) reduced radiation-induced apoptosis in nonneoplastic tissues in TRAMP mice, without affecting apoptosis within the prostate tumor. Further studies are needed to confirm and expand upon these findings.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
