Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Zou, Jing-Yan Li, Meng-Jia Zhang, Jun-Hui Li, Jun-Tao Huang, Pei-Dan You, Shu-Wen Liu, Chun-Qiong Zhou
Summary: The study indicates that the G-quadruplex binder PDS can serve as a multi-target ZIKV inhibitor with high antiviral activity, effectively suppressing ZIKV replication and protein expression, and reducing ZIKV catalytic activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria Razzaq, Ji Ho Han, Subramaniyam Ravichandran, Jaehyun Kim, Joon-Yong Bae, Man-Seong Park, Shrute Kannappan, Woo-Chang Chung, Jin-Hyun Ahn, Moon Jung Song, Kyeong Kyu Kim
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of G4 ligands on SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral gene expression. They found that pyridostatin (PDS) effectively suppressed viral gene expression and genome replication. The researchers also discovered that PDS could stabilize the G4 structure formed in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of G4 ligands in SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting viral infection through translational suppression.
ARCHIVES OF PHARMACAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Florian J. Groelly, Manuela Porru, Jutta Zimmer, Hugo Benainous, Yanti De Visser, Anastasiya A. Kosova, Serena Di Vito, Violeta Serra, Anderson Ryan, Carlo Leonetti, Alejandra Bruna, Annamaria Biroccio, Madalena Tarsounas
Summary: The compound pyridostatin shows high specificity against BRCA1/2-deficient tumors and tumors resistant to PARP inhibitors. It disrupts replication leading to DNA double-stranded breaks and can be repaired in the absence of BRCA1/2 by non-homologous end joining. Additionally, pyridostatin triggers immune responses and can be further potentiated by combining it with paclitaxel. Overall, pyridostatin has potential for therapeutic development in cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaokang Jia, Wenjin Wang, Shanshan Qin, Shengjie Xie, Lisi Zhan, Qi Wei, Ziang Lu, Xiaolu Zhou, Cong Chen, Kun Chen, Shen Yan, Caiping Tan, Zongwan Mao, Xiang Zhou
Summary: A phosphorescent probe Ir-PDP containing an Ir(III) complex was designed and synthesized to evaluate the level of G4 in the cytoplasm. Compared with other nucleic acid secondary structures, Ir-PDP exhibited a higher phosphorescence lifetime after interacting with G4. Two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging was used to detect the binding events of the probe in the cytoplasm. The addition of G4 binder PDS significantly regulated cytoplasmic phosphorescence lifetime. This project explored a new sensing pathway to observe the binding manners of probes in the cytoplasm through the phosphorescence lifetime of probes.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ananya Roy, Debadrita Basu, Debopriya Bose, Anindya Dutta, Shubhra Ghosh Dastidar, Subhrangsu Chatterjee
Summary: We identified a parallel G-quadruplex (R1WT) in the distal promoter region of the pluripotent gene REX1. This G-quadruplex acts as a molecular switch that may control REX1 promoter activity. Interactions with certain small molecules destabilize or stabilize the G-quadruplex, making it a potential drug target. Furthermore, specific transcription factors were found to interact with the G-quadruplex, suggesting its importance in regulating gene expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Egor Shitikov, Dmitry Bespiatykh, Maja Malakhova, Julia Bespyatykh, Ivan Bodoev, Tatiana Vedekhina, Marina Zaychikova, Vladimir Veselovsky, Ksenia Klimina, Elena Ilina, Anna Varizhuk
Summary: In this study, genome-wide RNA sequencing was used to analyze the effects of BRACO-19 and TMPyP4 G4 ligands on Mycobacterium smegmatis. The results showed that these ligands induced changes in the expression of multiple genes, but no significant alterations were observed in G4-harboring genes or related regions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Kang Ning, Anuradha Roy, Fang Cheng, Peng Xu, Steve Kleiboeker, Carlos R. Escalante, Jingxin Wang, Jianming Qiu
Summary: This study developed a high-throughput screening assay for identifying antivirals against B19V replication and discovered a purine derivative that exhibited significant antiviral activity against B19V infection.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Bohalova, Alessio Cantara, Martin Bartas, Patrik Kaura, Jiri St'astny, Petr Pecinka, Miroslav Fojta, Viclav Brazda
Summary: The regulation of gene expression in viruses based on G-quadruplex may have therapeutic implications. There are differences in the occurrence of G-quadruplex-forming sequences in viral genomes across host taxa, independent of GC content. Viruses and their hosts show a close coevolutionary relationship, indicating reciprocal mimicry in genome organization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Massimo De Paschale, Claudia Pavia, Teresa Cerulli, Debora Cagnin, Maria T. Manco, Luisa Belvisi, Alessia Paganini, Laura Pogliani, Elena Ceriani, Alessandro Porta, Luciana Parola, Paola Mirri, Bianca Osnaghi, Laura Vismara, Pierangelo Clerici
Summary: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in pregnancy is common in Italy, with higher IgG seroprevalence among Italian women compared to non-Italian women. The prevalence of viremia is low and does not lead to significant fetal damage at birth.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Alessandro Reggiani, Andrea Avati, Francesca Valenti, Erika Fasano, Gloria Bua, Elisabetta Manaresi, Giorgio Gallinella
Summary: In this study, a derived B19V minigenome was designed and produced, which was capable of replication, transcription, and production of NS1 protein in cells, and could complement defective genomes. This provides a valuable tool for studying viral expression and genetics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liu-Yi Liu, Tian-Zhu Ma, You-Liang Zeng, Wenting Liu, Zong-Wan Mao
Summary: This study reveals the structural basis for the specific recognition of G-quadruplex (G4) by pyridostatin (PDS) and its derivatives. The results demonstrate that the rigid aromatic rings of PDS linked by flexible amide bonds match adaptively with G-tetrad planes, enhancing p-p stacking and achieving specific recognition of G4s. The aliphatic amine side chains of PDS adjust conformation to interact with the phosphate backbone via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, increasing affinity for G4s.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yedong Yu, Chunchun Wei, Junhao Lyu, Xiaoliang Wu, Rending Wang, Hongfeng Huang, Jianyong Wu, Jianghua Chen, Wenhan Peng
Summary: This retrospective study evaluated donor-derived B19V infections in kidney transplantations from January 2016 to December 2020. Results showed 0.4% and 1.5% incidence rates in living and deceased donor kidney transplantations, respectively. While some recipients developed infections, they were effectively controlled with treatment, indicating that routine screening for B19V in donors may not be necessary and kidneys from donors with B19V infection can be accepted for transplantation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chuanqi Zhao, Geng Qin, Jingsheng Niu, Zhao Wang, Chunyu Wang, Jinsong Ren, Xiaogang Qu
Summary: Researchers found that specific sequences in the SARS-CoV-2 genome can form G4 structures, and their biofunctions can be regulated by specific compounds, providing new insights for developing novel antiviral drugs against COVID-19.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Artemy Beniaminov, Galina Chashchina, Anna Shchyolkina, Dmitry Kaluzhny
Summary: Recent advances have been made in targeting and visualizing the noncanonical DNA structure in eukaryotic genomes using the highly selective G4 DNA ligand PDS. The study demonstrated the applicability of the porphyrin ZnP1 for probing G4 structures in the genomic context and footprinting of G4 specific ligands.
Review
Immunology
Xi Hu, Chen Jia, Jianyong Wu, Jian Zhang, Zhijie Jiang, Kuifen Ma
Summary: This review discusses the clinical manifestations and current treatment options for Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection. It highlights the lack of specific therapeutic methods for B19V and emphasizes the importance of identifying potential targets by understanding the virus's life cycle. The review also presents antiviral agents that block viral invasion and inhibit enzymes or regulatory proteins involved in DNA synthesis, and outlines the applications of nanotechnology in B19V treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Alessandro Reggiani, Andrea Avati, Francesca Valenti, Erika Fasano, Gloria Bua, Elisabetta Manaresi, Giorgio Gallinella
Summary: In this study, a derived B19V minigenome was designed and produced, which was capable of replication, transcription, and production of NS1 protein in cells, and could complement defective genomes. This provides a valuable tool for studying viral expression and genetics.
Article
Oncology
Valentina Rapozzi, Francesca Moret, Luca Menilli, Andrea Guerrini, Daniele Tedesco, Marina Naldi, Manuela Bartolini, Mariachiara Gani, Sonia Zorzet, Marta Columbaro, Celeste Milani, Cecilia Martini, Claudia Ferroni, Greta Varchi
Summary: In this study, bioresponsive nanoparticles were developed for the combined photo- and chemo-treatment of breast cancer. The nanoparticles showed sustained and controlled drug release under the unique conditions of the tumor environment. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the potential of these nanoparticles in reducing tumor mass and curbing lung metastases growth.
Review
Cell Biology
Cinzia Brenna, Carolina Simioni, Gabriele Varano, Ilaria Conti, Eva Costanzi, Mattia Melloni, Luca Maria Neri
Summary: Understanding the inner morphology of intact tissues is a significant challenge in modern biology. Optical tissue clearing (OTC) and 3D imaging have emerged as solutions for volumetric imaging and have been applied in clinical settings for more accurate diagnosis.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elisa Martella, Barbara Dozza, Claudia Ferroni, Clement Osuru Obeyok, Andrea Guerrini, Daniele Tedesco, Ilse Manet, Giovanna Sotgiu, Marta Columbaro, Marco Ballestri, Lucia Martini, Milena Fini, Enrico Lucarelli, Greta Varchi, Serena Duchi
Summary: Combination therapy utilizing nanoparticle formulations can overcome challenges in osteosarcoma treatment and improve therapeutic index. In a murine model, the combination of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy demonstrated effective inhibition of osteosarcoma cell growth.
Article
Virology
Federica Bichicchi, Niccolo Guglietta, Arthur Daniel Rocha Alves, Erika Fasano, Elisabetta Manaresi, Gloria Bua, Giorgio Gallinella
Summary: This study investigated the genomic sequence heterogeneity of Parvovirus B19 (B19V) using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques and a bioinformatics tool. The results showed that NGS analysis and the developed tool can effectively study sequence diversity, providing a better understanding of viral evolution dynamics within the quasispecies framework.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gualtiero Alvisi, Elisabetta Manaresi, Emily M. Cross, Mikayla Hoad, Nasim Akbari, Silvia Pavan, Daryl Ariawan, Gloria Bua, Gayle F. Petersen, Jade Forwood, Giorgio Gallinella
Summary: Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a major pathogen that primarily infects human progenitor cells in bone marrow. The non-structural protein NS1 plays a crucial role in viral replication and host gene expression. This study identified a specific sequence of amino acids as the nuclear localization signal responsible for NS1 nuclear import, which was found to be dependent on importin alpha/beta and energy. Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug that interferes with importin alpha/beta-dependent nuclear import, inhibited NS1 nuclear accumulation and viral replication.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicola Bertazza Partigiani, Susanna Negrisolo, Andrea Carraro, Diana Marzenta, Elisabetta Manaresi, Giorgio Gallinella, Luisa Barzon, Elisa Benetti
Summary: Viral infections can lead to transplant dysfunction and may play a role in rejection. Analysis of protocol biopsies in 106 children at different time points after transplantation showed an increased prevalence of intrarenal viral infection between 6 and 12 months. Specifically, Parvovirus B19 infection was associated with antibody-mediated rejection. Monitoring and treatment of Parvovirus B19 infection in the early post-transplant period is important.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gloria Bua, Pasquale Marrazzo, Elisabetta Manaresi, Chiara Gamberini, Laura Bonsi, Francesco Alviano, Giorgio Gallinella
Summary: Both BM-MSCs and FM-MSCs can be infected by B19V, although they cannot support viral replication, they allow persistence of the virus in the infected cultures. Further studies are needed to understand the potential role of MSCs in B19V transmission and the conditions that can favor a potential reactivation of the virus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Michele Protti, Ina Varfaj, Andrea Carotti, Daniele Tedesco, Manuela Bartolini, Alessandro Favilli, Sandro Gerli, Laura Mercolini, Roccaldo Sardella
Summary: This paper describes the development of efficient enantioselective S1PLC methods for the analysis of various substituted phenethylamines, tryptamines, and cathinones. Reversed phase and polar-ionic conditions were applied with a chiral stationary phase incorporating a specific chiral selector. Enantioresolution was achieved for nine compounds with high separation factors. The absolute stereochemistry of certain compounds was investigated using different detection and spectroscopic techniques. The suitability of the method for analyzing psychoactive substances in small biological samples was also demonstrated.
Article
Virology
Giorgio Gallinella, Antonio Marchini
Summary: The XVIII International Parvovirus Workshop was held in Italy in 2022, covering various aspects of research in the field, including virus-host interactions and clinical and veterinarian virology. The conference included oral communications, poster exhibitions, and served as a platform for academic exchange and discussion. The workshop was dedicated to honoring the memory of Mavis Agbandje-McKenna.