Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinye Wang, Sha Hu, Jun Wang, Tao Zhang, Ke Ye, Aiwen Wen, Guoliang Zhu, Arturo Vegas, Lixin Zhang, Wupeng Yan, Xueting Liu, Pinghua Liu
Summary: This study successfully obtained the crystal structure of OvoA and provided critical information about its C-S bond formation regioselectivity. Additionally, it revealed that OvoA exhibits multiple additional activities, paving the way for future studies on structure-function correlations.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Corinne Cassier-Chauvat, Fanny Marceau, Sandrine Farci, Soufian Ouchane, Franck Chauvat
Summary: From bacteria to plants and humans, the glutathione system plays a crucial role in defense against various stresses and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Glutathione directly scavenges reactive oxygen species and serves as a cofactor for important enzymes involved in detoxification. This review focuses on the glutathione system in selected model organisms, with an emphasis on cyanobacteria due to their evolution of photosynthesis and the synthesis of important glutathione-derived metabolites. Cyanobacteria provide a unique genetic approach to analyze the specific roles and redundancy of the glutathione system components.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rui Wang, Yong Fen Qi, Chun Hua Ding, Da Zhang
Summary: This review examines the recent progress in understanding the occurrence and regulation of atrial fibrosis, as well as the role of sulfur containing amino acids and their metabolites in this process. The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of atrial fibrosis and potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Andrzej Salata, Halina Buczkowska, Rafal Paplinski, Anna Rutkowsk
Summary: The study found that the application of sulfur can increase the dry matter, macro- and micronutrient content, and antioxidant activity of garlic bulbs. Cultivating garlic in combination with different catch crops (CCs) can contribute to an increase in garlic yield and nutrient value.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Malgorzata Janik-Hazuka, Kamil Kaminski, Marta Kaczor-Kaminska, Joanna Szafraniec-Szczesny, Aleksandra Kmak, Hassan Kassassir, Cezary Watala, Maria Wrobel, Szczepan Zapotoczny
Summary: Encapsulation of garlic oil compounds DADS and DATS in oil-core nanocapsules based on a derivative of hyaluronic acid has been shown to protect against oxidation and undesired interactions, while preserving their biological functions and anticancer activity. The encapsulation also inhibits lysis of red blood cell membrane and interactions with serum or digestive track components, indicating potential for enhanced therapeutic effects.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Linhui Feng, Heping Cui, Pusen Chen, Khizar Hayat, Xiaoming Zhang, Chi-Tang Ho
Summary: An Amadori rearrangement product derived from ribose and glutathione was studied, and it was found that higher temperatures accelerate its degradation and favor the formation of certain compounds. Additionally, extra-added glutathione or its constituent amino acids promote the generation of volatile compounds, with cysteine being the most effective in producing sulfur-containing volatiles.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Bilal A. Rather, Iqbal R. Mir, Harsha Gautam, Arif Majid, Naser A. Anjum, Asim Masood, Nafees A. Khan
Summary: This paper discusses the involvement of plants in controlling heavy metal loads in the environment and explores approaches to enhance plant tolerance to cellular heavy metals. Additionally, it highlights the important role of sulfur in plants and the influence of heavy metals on assimilatory products in plants.
CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mikkel Parsberg Werge, Adrian McCann, Elisabeth Douglas Galsgaard, Dorte Holst, Anne Bugge, Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen, Lise Lotte Gluud
Summary: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing globally, possibly related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The transsulfuration pathway (TSP) plays a vital role in maintaining sulfur balance and optimal cellular function. While a causative link between TSP and NAFLD has not been established, dysfunctions in TSP and related pathways have been reported in NAFLD and liver cirrhosis, suggesting a need for further investigation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Miriam Ruocco, Laura Entrambasaguas, Emanuela Dattolo, Alfonsina Milito, Lazaro Marin-Guirao, Gabriele Procaccini
Summary: Under adverse conditions, clonal plants benefit from physiological integration among ramets, where vertical shoots play a crucial role in providing resources to ensure the survival of apical shoots. This 'division of labor' strategy allows for the propagation and maintenance of populations, highlighting the importance of molecular signals and epigenetic mechanisms in regulating shoot metabolism and survival under environmental stress.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Alfonsina Milito, Ida Orefice, Arianna Smerilli, Immacolata Castellano, Alessandra Napolitano, Christophe Brunet, Anna Palumbo
Review
Environmental Sciences
Olga Scudiero, Barbara Lombardo, Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Arturo Cesaro, Fabio Fimiani, Luca Gentile, Elisabetta Moscarella, Federica Amodio, Annaluisa Ranieri, Felice Gragnano, Sonia Laneri, Cristina Mazzaccara, Pierpaolo Di Micco, Martina Caiazza, Giovanni D'Alicandro, Giuseppe Limongelli, Paolo Calabro, Raffaela Pero, Giulia Frisso
Summary: Coronaviruses are a large family of RNA viruses that pose a global threat to human health by evading immune responses, replicating within hosts, and causing rapid immune compromise leading to severe diseases. Factors such as physical activity, nutrition, and absence of respiratory or cardiovascular diseases influence human immune system function. This review provides a detailed study on the interactions between the host immune system and coronaviruses to combat CoVs disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Alessandro Gentile, Luca Correale, Cosme Franklim Buzzachera, Cinzia Ferraris, Cristina Montomoli, Giulia Frisso, Paola Borrelli, Olga Scudiero
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were differences in lifestyle changes between genders, with females more inclined to work and study from home, as well as having a higher percentage of increased physical activity. Meanwhile, males were more affected by social isolation and reported more unfavorable behavioral changes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Mariarita Brancaccio, Michael Tangherlini, Roberto Danovaro, Immacolata Castellano
Summary: Research identified the distribution of ovothiol biosynthetic enzymes in bacteria through genomic and metagenomic data mining. These enzymes are mainly found in marine aerobic Proteobacteria, some of which establish relationships with other organisms. A horizontal gene transfer event of ovothiol biosynthetic enzymes was also discovered.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Alfonsina Milito, Immacolata Castellano, Elisabetta Damiani
Summary: The thinning of the ozone layer due to increased atmospheric pollution has worsened the negative effects of excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, making skin cancer a major public health concern. While sunscreens are the main solution to prevent skin damage, some synthetic compounds in them have been found to cause harm to marine ecosystems. Marine-derived natural products show promise as potential eco-friendly alternatives for human photoprotection, but further research is needed to fully explore their benefits.
Review
Microbiology
Sonia Laneri, Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Margherita G. De Biasi, Maria Elena Pero, Giuseppe Pisanelli, Olga Scudiero, Raffaela Pero
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as alpha- and beta-defensins, have antiviral properties and inhibit viruses through various mechanisms. Researchers are exploring the potential of AMPs and their derivatives as therapies against COVID-19, considering their interactions with toll-like receptors (TLRs) and chemokine receptors in the context of the disease's pathogenesis. Additionally, controlled physical activity, along with a healthy lifestyle, may serve as natural defense against COVID-19 and support therapies, as seen in the increase of serum defensins in competitive athletes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Arturo Cesaro, Fabio Fimiani, Martina Vano, Biagio Gargiulo, Martina Caiazza, Federica Amodio, Iolanda Coto, Giovanni D'Alicandro, Cristina Mazzaccara, Barbara Lombardo, Raffaela Pero, Daniela Terracciano, Giuseppe Limongelli, Paolo Calabro, Valeria D'Argenio, Giulia Frisso, Olga Scudiero
Summary: Physical activity, combined with adequate nutrition, is important for preventing cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and intestinal dysbiosis. Proper energy supply is essential to avoid diseases like muscle injuries, oxidative stress, and heart pathologies. Replenishing water, vitamins, and minerals consumed during training is crucial for safeguarding athletes' health. Vitamins play a key role in metabolic reactions and muscle biochemical adaptation processes induced by sports activity, and they need to be supplemented through diet.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfonsina Milito, Maria Cocurullo, Alfredo Columbro, Simona Nonnis, Gabriella Tedeschi, Immacolata Castellano, Maria Ina Arnone, Anna Palumbo
Summary: This study investigates the biological relevance of ovothiol during sea urchin embryogenesis and the inflammatory response. It suggests that ovothiol may regulate cell proliferation in early developing embryos and play a key role in larval skeleton formation and inflammatory processes triggered by bacterial infection.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Arturo Cesaro, Emanuele Monda, Valeria D'Argenio, Giorgio Casaburi, Cristina Mazzaccara, Annaluisa Ranieri, Fabio Fimiani, Ferdinando Barretta, Fabiana Uomo, Martina Caiazza, Michele Lioncino, Giovanni D'Alicandro, Giuseppe Limongelli, Paolo Calabro, Daniela Terracciano, Barbara Lombardo, Giulia Frisso, Olga Scudiero
Summary: Laboratory medicine and genetic investigations play an important role in monitoring athletes' health conditions. This study integrated biochemical, genetic investigations, and advanced imaging techniques to monitor a basketball player's health status, revealing abnormal levels of iron and bilirubin, and the presence of an intramyocardial bridge which may be causing the syncopes. Providing exhaustive personalized diagnostic work up for athletes is crucial for safeguarding their health and preventing irreversible disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariarita Brancaccio, Cristina Mennitti, Mariella Calvanese, Alessandro Gentile, Roberta Musto, Giulia Gaudiello, Giulia Scamardella, Daniela Terracciano, Giulia Frisso, Raffaela Pero, Laura Sarno, Maurizio Guida, Olga Scudiero
Summary: During pregnancy, mothers infected with COVID-19 have altered levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as an increase in antimicrobial peptides, potentially providing protection to the fetus from the ongoing infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dae-yeol Ye, Myung Hyun Noh, Jo Hyun Moon, Alfonsina Milito, Minsun Kim, Jeong Wook Lee, Jae-Seong Yang, Gyoo Yeol Jung
Summary: Unlike eukaryotic systems, bacterial hosts lack a membranous system, which is a limitation for efficient metabolic engineering. In this study, a kinetic compartmentalization strategy was used to increase substrate availability from competitive reactions for the efficient production of itaconate in E. coli.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mariarita Brancaccio, Caterina Giachino, Assunta Maria Iazzetta, Antonio Cordone, Elena De Marino, Ornella Affinito, Maria Vivo, Viola Calabro, Alessandra Pollice, Tiziana Angrisano
Summary: By analyzing the miRNA expression profiles, we identified key miRNAs in preeclampsia and discovered some upregulated miRNAs, which could be used as new non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for personalized treatments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina Mennitti, Annaluisa Ranieri, Ersilia Nigro, Lorella Tripodi, Mariarita Brancaccio, Jacopo Ulisse, Luca Gentile, Fabio Fimiani, Arturo Cesaro, Giovanni D'Alicandro, Giuseppe Limongelli, Aurora Daniele, Raffaela Pero, Giulia Frisso, Paolo Calabro, Lucio Pastore, Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Olga Scudiero, Barbara Lombardo
Summary: This study evaluated the differences in biochemical parameters between obese children who engage in physical exercise and sedentary obese children. It found that physical exercise reduces the inflammatory state in obese children and identified a panel of biomarkers that can help prevent obesity-related complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Alfonsina Milito, Moritz Aschern, Josie L. McQuillan, Jae-Seong Yang
Summary: This review focuses on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a microalgal species commonly used in bioengineering research, and discusses the key obstacles and potential solutions in synthetic promoter development. Microalgae have great potential as carbon-fixing biofactories to provide safe and sustainable high-value compounds, but optimizing their metabolic outputs and making them competitive with established industrial hosts requires precise control over transgene expression. However, the current repertoire of functional synthetic promoters for microalgae, especially for C. reinhardtii, is limited compared to other commercial chassis. The review highlights the need to expand the microalgal gene expression toolbox and proposes novel approaches and perspectives for synthetic promoter development in microalgae.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)