Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yi-Jen Sun, Fan Bai, An-Chi Luo, Xiang-Yu Zhuang, Tsai-Shun Lin, Yu-Cheng Sung, Yu-Ling Shih, Chien-Jung Lo
Summary: The article presents a method for high-resolution analysis of active and inert zones of cell wall growth during bacterial elongation, and formulates a mathematical model to predict the partitioning of cell wall-anchored proteins following cell division.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Loes van Schie, Katlyn Borgers, Gitte Michielsen, Evelyn Plets, Marnik Vuylsteke, Petra Tiels, Nele Festjens, Nico Callewaert
Summary: The study explores the potential effectiveness of cell wall-degrading enzymes in inhibiting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, revealing that enzymes like LysB and lysozymes show potency as inhibitors, especially in the presence of surfactant. The synergistic combination of LysB, alpha-amylase, and polysorbate 80 proved to be the most effective in disrupting the mycolic acid barrier, suggesting potential for the development of tailored antimycobacterial enzymes. Delivery of such therapeutic enzymes through airway administration has been successful and merits further investigation in animal models of active TB.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Moagi T. Shaku, Karl L. Ocius, Alexis J. Apostolos, Marcos M. Pires, Michael S. Vannieuwenhze, Neeraj Dhar, Bavesh D. Kana
Summary: This study reveals the essentiality of D-glutamate amidation in Mycobacterium smegmatis cell wall synthesis and highlights the MurT-GatD complex as a novel drug target.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sujeet Kumar, Aurelio Mollo, Daniel Kahne, Natividad Ruiz
Summary: This review summarizes recent major discoveries in peptidoglycan (PG) biogenesis, with a focus on the translocation of Lipid II and the SEDs glycosyltransferases. These findings may lead to the development of new antibiotics to combat bacterial resistance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enno R. Oldewurtel, Yuki Kitahara, Baptiste Cordier, Richard Wheeler, Gizem Ozbaykal, Elisa Brambilla, Ivo Gomperts Boneca, Lars D. Renner, Sven van Teeffelen
Summary: All bacterial cells must expand their envelopes during growth and this expansion is mainly controlled by the peptidoglycan cell wall. However, our study shows that the growth and shape changes of bacterial envelopes can still occur independently of cell wall insertion. Even when cell wall insertion is inhibited, bacterial cells can continue to expand their surface areas in proportion to biomass growth rate and alter their shape in response to mechanical forces.
Article
Biology
Luis F. Avila-Cobian, Stefania De Benedetti, Choon Kim, Rhona Feltzer, Matthew M. Champion, Jed F. Fisher, Shahriar Mobashery
Summary: The protein-interaction network of cell-wall biosynthesis assemblies in P. aeruginosa was elucidated using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics and binding assays. A key class of enzymes, the lytic transglycosylases (LTs), was identified and their putative binding partners were revealed through this pulldown strategy. Multiple binding partners were identified for the LTs, with a systematic assessment conducted for RlpA, a lipoprotein involved in bacterial daughter-cell separation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sean A. Wilson, Raveen K. J. Tank, Jamie K. Hobbs, Simon J. Foster, Ethan C. Garner
Summary: The only essential function of cell wall hydrolases in B. subtilis is to enable cell growth by expanding the wall, and LytE or CwlO alone is sufficient for this function.
Review
Microbiology
Sara B. Hernandez, Felipe Cava
Summary: Peptidoglycan has been a key target for antibiotics in the battle against pathogenic bacteria, with recent advancements in techniques providing valuable resources for experts and newcomers in the field. This essential bacterial structure continues to be a focus of research, with improved understanding of its composition, architecture, and dynamics.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nilanjan Som, Manjula Reddy
Summary: This study reveals a cross-talk between PG hydrolase MepS and PL synthesis, facilitating the expansion of PG. Overactive MepS is detrimental for the growth of E. coli under FA-limiting conditions. Cellular availability of FA or PL affects the post-translational stability of MepS by modulating the proteolytic activity of the NlpI-Prc complex. The loss of OM lipid asymmetry caused by alterations in PL abundance generates a signal for the stabilization of MepS, which cleaves the cross-links to facilitate PG expansion.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Cara C. Boutte
Summary: The paper investigates the localization and function of cell wall enzymes in Mycobacterium smegmatis and their response to stress, revealing a new model for how peptidoglycan synthesis may be organized in pole-growing bacteria.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nguyen-Hung Le, Victor Pinedo, Juvenal Lopez, Felipe Cava, Mario F. Feldman
Summary: Acinetobacter baumannii secretes D-lysine to enhance the peptidoglycanase activity of T6SS effector Tse4, enabling it to outcompete bacterial competitors. Tse4 is a bifunctional enzyme with lytic transglycosylase and endopeptidase activities, leading to T6SS-mediated killing of Gram-positive bacteria.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tobias Dorr
Summary: This article examines the tolerance of bacteria to cell wall-active antibiotics, including its manifestations, mechanisms, and clinical significance, defines tolerance and detection methods, discusses the mechanism of action of these antibiotics, and explores how bacteria mitigate the potentially lethal effects to become tolerant.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Squeglia, Daniela Marasco, Alessia Ruggiero, Genni Testa, Luciana Esposito, Rita Berisio
Summary: This study explores the suitability of RipA, a key cell division protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, for whole cell biosensing of Gram-positive bacteria. The research findings show the potential of the engineered RipA molecule to be integrated in the development of early warning biosensors for Gram-positive contamination in clinical diagnosis or food-borne infections.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Joel W. Sher, Hoong Chuin Lim, Thomas G. Bernhardt
Summary: Members of the Corynebacterineae suborder of bacteria, including major pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, grow via the insertion of new cell wall peptidoglycan (PG) material at their poles. The study found that in Corynebacterium glutamicum, aPBPs are dispensable for polar growth, and either aPBP-type or SEDS-type enzyme can mediate this growth mode. This flexibility in polar elongation mechanism presents new opportunities for targeting mycobacterial and corynebacterial infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ya Zhang, Weizhong Chen, Di Wu, Yushi Liu, Zhaowei Wu, Jian Li, Shu-Yu Zhang, Quanjiang Ji
Summary: This study deciphered the molecular mechanism of the cell wall recycling process regulated by MurR in E. coli, which is important for bacterial survival in nutrient-limited conditions and antibiotic resistance.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Squeglia, Daniela Marasco, Alessia Ruggiero, Genni Testa, Luciana Esposito, Rita Berisio
Summary: This study explores the suitability of RipA, a key cell division protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, for whole cell biosensing of Gram-positive bacteria. The research findings show the potential of the engineered RipA molecule to be integrated in the development of early warning biosensors for Gram-positive contamination in clinical diagnosis or food-borne infections.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Squeglia, Maria Romano, Luciana Esposito, Giovanni Barra, Pietro Campiglia, Marina Sala, Maria Carmina Scala, Alessia Ruggiero, Rita Berisio
Summary: The study engineered stable S-plug molecules through a computational approach to potentially inhibit viral entry by interfering with the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2. These molecules have high stability and affinity to the spike protein, providing a solid foundation for the development of therapeutic and diagnostic tools against ACE2-accessing coronaviruses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rita Berisio, Giovanni Barra, Maria Romano, Flavia Squeglia, Alessia Ruggiero
Summary: This article introduces a putative endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (DtCel5A) identified through bioinformatics, and investigates its structural and functional characteristics. It is found that DtCel5A shows remarkable thermal and chemical stability, and retains its activity on cellulose at high temperatures and elevated salt concentrations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Ruggiero, Han-Gyu Choi, Giovanni Barra, Flavia Squeglia, Young Woo Back, Hwa-Jung Kim, Rita Berisio
Summary: The HtpG(Mtb) protein in tuberculosis vaccines is a dimeric nucleotide-binding protein with antigenic properties. The immune response is mainly elicited by the C-terminal and middle domains of the protein. This information can be used to design more stable, easily produced, and effective vaccine antigens.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Antonella Migliaccio, Maria Stabile, Maria Bagattini, Maria Triassi, Rita Berisio, Eliana De Gregorio, Raffaele Zarrilli
Summary: Resveratrol can reverse tolerance and restore susceptibility to CHX and BZK in the majority of microorganisms causing HAI. The efflux pump inhibitor reduced the MIC and MBC of CHX and BZK in most strains, while resveratrol dose-dependently decreased the MIC and MBC of the biocides.
Review
Cell Biology
Maria Romano, Flavia Squeglia, Eliza Kramarska, Giovanni Barra, Han-Gyu Choi, Hwa-Jung Kim, Alessia Ruggiero, Rita Berisio
Summary: Tuberculosis remains the leading infectious bacterial cause of death worldwide. Developing a new vaccine with better coverage than the current BCG vaccine is vital to stop its spread. Structural Vaccinology and the development of vaccine adjuvants can enhance the immunostimulating effects of subunit vaccines, accelerating the development of a safer and more effective tuberculosis vaccine.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Rita Berisio
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Rita Berisio
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annamaria Sandomenico, Alessia Ruggiero, Emanuela Iaccarino, Angela Oliver, Flavia Squeglia, Miguel Moreira, Luciana Esposito, Menotti Ruvo, Rita Berisio
Summary: CD59 is an abundant protein in humans that protects cells from damage by inhibiting the complement system. It inhibits the assembly of the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) and is incorporated by pathogenic viruses like HIV-1 to escape complement-mediated virolysis. CD59 is also overexpressed in cancer cells to resist complement attack. In this study, bioinformatics and computational tools were used to identify CD59 interactions and design paratope-mimicking peptides that target CD59.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eliza Kramarska, Flavio De Maio, Giovanni Delogu, Rita Berisio
Summary: This study used AlphaFold2.0 computations to model the polymorphic forms of the PE_PGRS33 protein. Through sequence distribution, phylogenetic and antigenic prediction analyses, the structural impact of the observed mutations was predicted. The results correlated well with the observed frequency and phenotypic features, and protein variants associated with bacterial evolution were identified.
Article
Biology
Giovanni Smaldone, Giovanni Pecoraro, Katia Pane, Monica Franzese, Alessia Ruggiero, Luigi Vitagliano, Marco Salvatore
Summary: The KCTD protein family has been traditionally recognized as playing important roles in neurological physiopathology, but recent studies have shown their involvement in various biological processes, including cancers. This study focused on KCTD1 and its role in colorectal cancer. Knocking down KCTD1 in SW480 cells led to significant effects on their motility and stemness, indicating an oncosuppressor role for this protein. Similar effects were also observed with KCTD12 misregulation. These results expand the understanding of KCTD1's involvement in different physiological and pathological processes and suggest analogous activities among KCTD protein family members.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. Prabakaran, Amit Alexander
Summary: The molecular interactions and mucoadhesive nature of chitosan-coated liposomes with mucin are crucial for the development of an effective drug delivery system. The positively charged SA-CH-LPs showed stronger interaction and better mucoadhesive properties compared to negatively charged SALPs, thereby improving drug retention in the nasal cavity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maryam Noei-Khesht Masjedi, Esmaeil Sadroddiny, Jafar Ai, Saeed Balalaie, Yazdan Asgari
Summary: This study discovered an effective strategy for cargo sorting within exosomes by incorporating an appropriate cleavage site, providing further insight into the potential of exosomes as nano-shuttles bearing therapeutic biomolecules.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pei -Gee Yap, Chee-Yuen Gan
Summary: This study collected the sequences of 128 tyrosinase inhibitory peptides and analyzed their hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity properties and amino acid profiles. Molecular docking analysis was used to investigate the binding interactions between peptides and tyrosinase. The study found that hydrophobic and/or polar neutral properties facilitate or stabilize peptide binding with tyrosinase, and short peptides with cysteine and tyrosine tend to bind to the active site of tyrosinase. These findings provide detailed explanations for the relationship between peptide/amino acid structures and tyrosinase inhibition, as well as potential anti-melanogenesis mechanisms for peptide-based treatments against skin hyperpigmentation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ye Yang, Hai-Lian Chen, Su Fang Wu, Wei Bao
Summary: The study found that CHMP4B and VPS4A play an important role in reversing GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis by facilitating cell membrane remodeling in endometrial carcinoma.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aya Al Othman, Dmitry Bagrov, Julian M. Rozenberg, Olga Glazova, Gleb Skryabin, Elena Tchevkina, Alexandre Mezentsev, Mikhail Durymanov
Summary: Arc protein is found in glutamatergic neurons of vertebrates and can be transferred between neurons in extracellular vesicles (EVs). In glioma cells, Arc protein is also present in EVs and can facilitate the transfer of mRNA, potentially contributing to tumor progression and affecting synaptic plasticity in cancer patients.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nan Zhang, Meng-yu Shen, Qing-li Meng, Hao-ping Sun, Fang-yi Fan, Hai Yi, Yong-jian Yang
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated for the first time that FAT1 inhibited AML proliferation by reducing autophagy level. FAT1 achieved this by decreasing the expression of ATG4B, which is related to autophagy. Mechanistically, FAT1 decreased the levels of phosphorylated and intranuclear smad2/3, thus decreasing the activity of the ATG4B gene promoter. It was also found that FAT1 competitively bound to TGF-beta R II, leading to reduced phosphorylation of TGF-beta R I and smad2/3. Knockdown of FAT1 promoted AML autophagy and proliferation in vivo.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oleh Demianchuk, Myroslava Vatashchuk, Dmytro Gospodaryov, Viktoria Hurza, Marian Ivanochko, Vitalii Derkachov, Vladyslav Berezovskyi, Oleh Lushchak, Kenneth B. Storey, Maria Bayliak, Volodymyr I. Lushchak
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) on the behavior, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress markers in the cerebral cortex of mice. The results showed that HFFD stimulated locomotion and defecation, while an AKG-supplemented diet had a tendency to promote anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, there were significant differences in glutathione-dependent detoxification and processes related to autophagy between the two diets.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yusaku Chukai, Ginga Ito, Yasuo Miki, Koichi Wakabayashi, Ken Itoh, Eriko Sugano, Hiroshi Tomita, Tomokazu Fukuda, Taku Ozaki
Summary: The study found that mitochondrial calpain-5 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of ischemia-reperfusion injury and is expressed in the human and mouse brains. Targeting the expression or activity of mitochondrial calpain-5 may have significant implications for suppressing inflammation during I/R injuries such as cerebrovascular diseases.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aline Dias da Purificaca, Victor Debbas, Leonardo Yuji Tanaka, Gabriele Veronica de Mello Gabriel, Joao Wosniak Junior, Tiphany Coralie De Bessa, Sheila Garcia-Rosa, Francisco Rafael Martins Laurindo, Percillia Victoria Santos Oliveira
Summary: The ER transmembrane chaperones DNAJB12 and DNAJB14 play important roles in protein folding and ER stress response. They are regulated by thiol redox processes and are involved in ER protein reflux.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekaterina O. Bryanskaya, Andrey Y. Vinokurov, Angelina I. Dolgikh, Andrey Dunaev, Plamena R. Angelova, Andrey Y. Abramov
Summary: FAD autofluorescence in cells can assess enzymatic activity, and its intensity variations may be related to different cell types and tissues. High levels of FAD autofluorescence can indicate cell pathology and potentially predict the occurrence of apoptosis and necrosis.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rumei Luan, Manyu Luo, Dongyan Ding, Xin Su, Junling Yang
Summary: Zinc deficiency can worsen obesity-related lung damage, and Nrf2 activation is one of the important mechanisms of this protective effect. Regulating zinc homeostasis can contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity-related lung injury.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2024)