Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jenna M. Greve, J. A. Cowan
Summary: Antibiotic resistance calls for innovative strategies and treatments. The tested antimicrobial peptides in this study exhibited broad-spectrum synergy and the ability to interact with various bacterial membranes. In most cases, the presence of the ATCUN motif enhanced the activity of the combined peptides. Additionally, the multifaceted peptide CP10A was found to have both cell membrane and intracellular activity, acting as a chameleon to enhance the activity of other peptides when needed. The results highlight the importance of diverse modes of action and the value of the metal-binding domain in enhancing the activity of antimicrobial peptides in combination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rachita Dash, Surajit Bhattacharjya
Summary: Thanatin, an AMP with broad-spectrum activity, shows high potency in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi at considerably low concentrations. Recent interest has been focused on understanding its modes of action, in vivo activity, and therapeutic potential against drug-resistant pathogens. Further research is needed to develop novel molecules for treating infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Leah Mendelson, Alexandra H. Techet
Summary: Study on the archer fish jumping behavior found that interactions between fins and tail affect the propulsion and trajectory control, suggesting that these interactions compensate for kinematic variations and aiming postures. The fish utilize multiple propulsive vortices in the wake to reach necessary prey heights, demonstrating that beneficial hydrodynamic interactions can be generated effectively using a single set of actuators in high-performance scenarios.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Nour Mammari, Elsa Salles, Audrey Beaussart, Sofiane El-Kirat-Chatel, Mihayl Varbanov
Summary: Squalamine and its derivatives have shown potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoa, and antiviral activities. They also exhibit potential positive effects in cancer treatment and other diseases. This review provides an overview of the various effects of squalamine and its derivatives, as well as the mechanisms of their actions on the human organism and different pathogens.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dian H. O. Howan, Sandor Jenei, Janos Szolomajer, Gabriella Endre, Eva Kondorosi, Gabor K. Toth
Summary: Medicago truncatula in symbiosis with its rhizobial bacterium partner produces a diverse range of nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides, many of which have antimicrobial activity and the potential to combat antimicrobial resistance. This study focuses on the antibacterial activity of NCR169 peptide derivatives, specifically the C-terminal sequence of NCR169 (NCR169C(17-38)), which has been shown to have antifungal activity. The results demonstrate that NCR169C(17-38) and its substituted derivatives are capable of killing ESKAPE pathogens, and the presence of modified fluorotryptophans can enhance their antimicrobial activity without notable hemolytic effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Radoslaw Kotuniak, Wojciech Bal
Summary: Cu(II)-peptide complexes, as models for biological peptides and proteins, play a direct role in copper homeostasis and dyshomeostasis in human diseases. High-affinity ATCUN/NTS motifs are considered as Cu(II) transport agents for copper delivery to cells. Recent kinetic studies show promise in explaining the mechanisms of copper trafficking.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduardo Lanzagorta Garcia, Marija Mojicevic, Dusan Milivojevic, Ivana Aleksic, Sandra Vojnovic, Milena Stevanovic, James Murray, Olivia Adly Attallah, Declan Devine, Margaret Brennan Fournet
Summary: Curcumin and triangular silver nanoplates (TSNP) incorporated bacterial cellulose (BC) films are highly effective antimicrobial materials with low toxicity. These films inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus without causing significant harm to human cells and model organisms. The combination of curcumin and TSNP with BC has great potential for clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Daniela Correia da Silva, Peter J. Jervis, Jose A. Martins, Patricia Valentao, Paula M. T. Ferreira, David M. Pereira
Summary: Inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress often occur together in chronic diseases. Fisetin, a dietary flavonol, has multiple bioactivities and may be used as a pharmacological approach against ER stress and inflammation. New derivatives of fisetin were synthesized and tested, some of which are more potent inhibitors of inflammation and ER stress signaling than the parent compound.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arun Teotia, Isabella Lauren, Sedigheh Borandeh, Jukka Seppala
Summary: Cationic polysaccharides, specifically quaternary chitosans (QCs), have shown significant antimicrobial properties and can be potential antiviral agents. This study aimed to develop metal-free and environmentally friendly QCs with long-lasting virucidal activity. The influence of quaternary functional group, charge density, and molecular weight on the antiviral properties of QCs was investigated. The findings demonstrated that heterogeneously functionalized chitosan derivatives exhibited excellent antiviral activity and have promising potential in various biomedical applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Huiting Sang, Yingna Huang, Yuanxin Tian, Miaomiao Liu, Liurong Chen, Lin Li, Shuwen Liu, Jie Yang
Summary: Myricetin, a natural flavonol compound found in edible plants, shows anti-influenza activity by inhibiting viral replication and inflammatory pathways. It has low cytotoxicity and potential dual inhibition properties, making it a promising candidate for antiviral drug development against influenza A virus.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Pezhman Mahmoudi, Mohammad Reza Akbarpour, Hengame Babaei Lakeh, Fengjuan Jing, Mohammad Reza Hadidi, Behnam Akhavan
Summary: Titanium implants are widely used in bone surgery due to their mechanical properties, biological compatibility, and corrosion resistance. However, they are prone to bacterial infection, which can be addressed by incorporating copper into the alloy system. This review provides insight into the mechanisms and engineering strategies behind the antibacterial activity of Ti-Cu implants.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoyan Hou, Jianlong Li, Huaqiao Tang, Qingye Li, Guanghui Shen, Shanshan Li, Anjun Chen, Zixin Peng, Yu Zhang, Chaowei Li, Zhiqing Zhang
Summary: Our study investigated the physicochemical properties of antibacterial peptide NP-6 and elucidated its antimicrobial mechanisms against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that NP-6 can disrupt the bacterial cell membrane and inhibit the activity of intracellular enzymes. These findings suggest that NP-6 has the potential to be a promising candidate for combating Staphylococcus aureus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jing Zhang, Shaobin Gu, Tianrong Zhang, Ying Wu, Jinliang Ma, Lina Zhao, Xin Li, Jie Zhang
Summary: Bacillus coagulans CGMCC 9951, a conventional probiotic, was found to produce two bacteriocins with potential antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria. These bacteriocins primarily inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria by damaging the cell membrane and causing leakage of cell contents and inactivation of genomic DNA, ultimately affecting bacterial growth and reproduction.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yusi Tai, Mei Pu, Luyang Yuan, Huijie Guo, Junwen Qiao, Henglei Lu, Guanghui Wang, Jing Chen, Xinming Qi, Zhouteng Tao, Jin Ren
Summary: miR-34a-5p suppresses PINK1 directly through non-classical binding modes, leading to inhibition of the PINK1-mediated mitophagy process. This finding highlights the crucial role of miR-34a-5p in accelerating the pathogenesis of age-related neurological diseases.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Chunle Wei, Xiong Yang, Shaojie Shi, Lian Bai, Deyu Hu, Runjiang Song, Baoan Song
Summary: We designed and synthesized four series of novel 3-substituted-3-hydroxy-2-oxindole derivatives containing sulfonamide moiety and tested their antiviral activities against potato virus Y (PVY). Compound 10b exhibited the highest antiviral activity and superior anti-PVY effects compared to the lead compound and commercial Ningnanmycin. It also significantly inhibited PVY systemic infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and increased the activities of defense-related enzymes in tobacco plants. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that 10b induced the upregulation of 38 differentially expressed genes enriched in the photosynthesis pathway. These results suggest that 10b is a promising agrochemical for controlling PVY infection and improving plant host immunity.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zechariah Thompson, James Allan Cowan
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zhen Yu, Zechariah Thompson, Shelby L. Behnke, Kevin D. Fenk, Derrick Huang, Hannah S. Shafaat, J. A. Cowan
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Correction
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zhen Yu, Zechariah Thompson, Shelby L. Behnke, Kevin D. Fenk, Derrick Huang, Hannah S. Shafaat, J. A. Cowan
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Zechariah Thompson, Jenna M. Greve, James Allan Cowan
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides are crucial for host immunity and can act synergistically to combat bacterial infections. This study demonstrates the enhanced synergistic activity of two AMPs against E. coli and MRSA, as well as the potential of metallopeptides in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhen Yu, Amber L. Hendricks, James A. Cowan
Summary: A novel chemical nuclease has been demonstrated to selectively cleave G-quadruplex DNA without enhancing its stability, confirming the formation of G-quadruplex telomeric DNA in live cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhen Yu, Brian P. Cary, Tae Wook Kim, Kevin D. Nguyen, Thomas J. Gardella, Samuel H. Gellman
Summary: Polypeptides that activate the parathyroid hormone receptor-1 (PTHR1) play a crucial role in human physiology and medicine. This study introduces a novel assay format based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) for peptide binding analysis. The findings demonstrate that the BRET assay provides affinity measurements consistent with radioligand displacement, offering operational benefits over radioactive compound-based methods. Furthermore, the convenience of this new assay facilitates the exploration of various questions related to PTHR1 agonists, including the relationship between key residues and affinity.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kyle A. Brown, Morgan K. Gugger, Zhen Yu, David Moreno, Song Jin, Ying Ge
Summary: Nonionic surfactants are widely used in cell lysis for protein extraction, stabilization, and purification in structural biology. However, they often interfere with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis. In this study, a cleavable nonionic surfactant, n-decyl-disulfide-beta-D-maltoside (DSSM), was developed to overcome this limitation. DSSM is compatible with ESI-MS and reversed-phase liquid chromatography-MS analysis and allows for characterization of membrane proteins and endogenous proteins, making it a potential replacement for the commonly used surfactant DDM in proteomic experiments and structural biology studies.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shi Liu, Zhen Yu, Eileen J. Daley, Craig A. Bingman, Austin T. Bruchs, Thomas J. Gardella, Samuel H. Gellman
Summary: In this study, the researchers discovered that modification of PTHR1 agonist at extracellular domain (ECD) contact sites can alter signaling profile, suggesting a modified two-step binding model. This model suggests that the orientation of the agonist on the ECD surface can influence the engagement between the agonist and the transmembrane domain (TMD) of the receptor.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Yu, Dale F. Kreitler, Yin Ting T. Chiu, Ruiwen Xu, Austin T. Bruchs, Craig A. Bingman, Samuel H. Gellman
Summary: Peptide engineering has successfully delivered drugs for various human diseases. While side chain alteration is a common strategy, the modification of peptide backbone has received less attention. This study demonstrates that rational and coordinated side chain modification and backbone extension can engineer new and favorable contacts between target proteins and synthetic peptide ligands. These findings support the synergy between backbone and side chain modification in ligands of the parathyroid hormone receptor-1, motivating the adoption of coordinated modifications to enhance peptide ligand engagement with target proteins.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kyle A. Brown, Morgan K. Gugger, Zhen Yu, David Moreno, Song Jin, Ying Ge
Summary: Nonionic surfactants are commonly used reagents for cell lysis and protein extraction in structural biology. However, their presence often interferes with protein analysis by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). This study introduces a cleavable surfactant, DSSM, which is compatible with ESI-MS analysis and enables top-down proteomics characterization. DSSM can replace DDM in proteomic experiments and structural biology studies.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zechariah Thompson, Alexander J. Steed, Jack Millot, Yinghua Chen, J. A. Cowan
Summary: This study reports the use of metallopeptide-based scaffolds for sugar recognition and catalysis. The metallopeptide showed preference for specific carbohydrates and was able to remove antigens from the surface of leukemia cells. These metallopeptides may have potential therapeutic applications as artificial metalloglycosidases.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sambuddha Sen, Zechariah Thompson, Christine Wachnowsky, Sean Cleary, Sophie R. Harvey, J. A. Cowan
Summary: The study investigates the effect of Ile67Asn substitution in the BOLA3 protein, which impairs its ability to bind its physiological partner GLRX5, resulting in a failure to form the [2Fe-2S]-bridged complex and influencing cluster reconstitution on downstream proteins leading to the disease phenotype. Although no drastic structural change in BOLA3 arises from the substitution, it appears to affect cluster exchange on downstream proteins. Substituted derivatives of the holo homodimeric form of BOLA3 are formed and remain active toward cluster exchange.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Farukh Arjmand, Surbhi Sharma, Sabiha Parveen, Loic Toupet, Zhen Yu, J. A. Cowan
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sabiha Parveen, J. A. Cowan, Zhen Yu, Farukh Arjmand