Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenyue Cao, Chia-Chuan Dean Cho, Zhi Zachary Geng, Namir Shaabani, Xinyu R. Ma, Erol C. Vatansever, Yugendar R. Alugubelli, Yuying Ma, Sankar P. Chaki, William H. Ellenburg, Kai S. Yang, Yuchen Qiao, Robert Allen, Benjamin W. Neuman, Henry Ji, Shiqing Xu, Wenshe Ray Liu
Summary: The researchers developed an effective method to analyze the cellular potency of main protease (MPro) inhibitors for their toxicity and antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2. Some antiviral agents showed weak cellular MPro inhibition potency, suggesting their involvement in interfering with other key steps in the virus life cycle. One of the inhibitors, MPI8, exhibited the highest cellular and antiviral potency, indicating the need for further research.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hajer Ben Hlima, Ameny Farhat, Sarra Akermi, Bassem Khemakhem, Youssef Ben Halima, Philippe Michaud, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: This study used a combination of structure modelling, in silico docking, and pharmacokinetics prediction to identify algae compounds with potential to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The results showed high affinity of several algal molecules to interact with the protein active site and suggested their prospects as potential drug candidates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Menghan Gao, Dongwei Kang, Na Liu, Yanna Liu
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health threat, necessitating the search for novel SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors for antiviral treatment. Through molecular docking-based virtual screening, this study identified two compounds with moderate inhibitory activity that could be potential starting points for the development of COVID-19 intervention treatments.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wesley B. Cardoso, Sebastiao A. Mendanha
Summary: The study revealed that despite molecular differences, HIV protease inhibitors showed similar behavior in combating SARS-CoV-2 at the molecular level.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Thales Kronenberger, Stefan A. Laufer, Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
Summary: This article discusses the rationale for inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Small molecules and peptidomimetic inhibitors are two types of inhibitors with different modes of action. Novel inhibitors discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic are highlighted, focusing on their binding modes and structures.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lin Lin, Da-Yuan Chen, Christina Scartelli, Huanzhang Xie, Glenn Merrill-Skoloff, Moua Yang, Lijun Sun, Mohsan Saeed, Robert Flaumenhaft
Summary: This study screened 1,019 plant-based flavonoids and identified compounds that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The most potent inhibitors were apigenin and a galloylated pinocembrin analog called PGHG.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alejandro Llanes, Hector Cruz, Viet D. Nguyen, Oleg V. Larionov, Patricia L. Fernandez
Summary: In the study, two molecular docking simulation approaches were used to explore the interaction of four libraries of semisynthetic nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds with the SARS-CoV-2 causative agent M-pro. The flexible docking approach seemed to provide a more realistic representation of interactions within the active site. Selected compounds with favorable energy estimates could potentially serve as antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mona Mosayebnia, Atefeh Hajiagha Bozorgi, Maliheh Rezaeianpour, Farzad Kobarfard
Summary: The outbreak of COVID-19 caused global concern, with no effective vaccine or treatment approved yet. Social distancing and precautionary protocols remain crucial in preventing transmission. Research identified potential drugs like tegobuvir and tipranavir to combat SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anthi Petrou, Panagiotis Zagaliotis, Nikoleta F. Theodoroula, George A. Mystridis, Ioannis S. Vizirianakis, Thomas J. Walsh, Athina Geronikaki
Summary: This study evaluates several thiazole/thiadiazole/benzothiazole based thiazolidinone derivatives as potential molecules to inhibit the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Five compounds showed inhibitory activity and also affected the cellular viability of human normal cells. These findings highlight the potential antiviral activity of these molecules and their potential as COVID-19 therapeutics.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mohsen Sisakht, Amir Mahmoodzadeh, Maryam Darabian
Summary: A dataset of plant-based natural compounds was screened for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease, with several phytochemicals identified as potential inhibitors that could be used in the fight against COVID-19.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shenghua Gao, Letian Song, Tobias Claff, Molly Woodson, Katharina Sylvester, Lanlan Jing, Renato H. Weisse, Yusen Cheng, Norbert Straeter, Laura Schaekel, Michael Guetschow, Bing Ye, Mianling Yang, Tao Zhang, Dongwei Kang, Karoly Toth, John Tavis, Ann E. Tollefson, Christa E. Mueller, Peng Zhan, Xinyong Liu
Summary: This study reports the discovery of potent non-peptide covalent Mpro inhibitors that can combat SARS-CoV-2. Among them, GD-9 exhibits significant enzymatic inhibition of Mpro and good antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2, with favorable selectivity for the virus. The X-ray co-crystal structure confirms the covalent binding of GD-9 to the active site of Mpro. These findings provide a foundation for the development of more efficient COVID-19 therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sven Ullrich, Kasuni B. Ekanayake, Gottfried Otting, Christoph Nitsche
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a threat to public health, with emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 potentially impacting the effectiveness of available vaccines. However, research suggests that the specific M-pro inhibitor nirmatrelvir remains effective against these variants.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carlos A. Ramos-Guzman, J. Javier Ruiz-Pernia, Inaki Tunon
Summary: The study demonstrates the mechanism of inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease by PF-00835231 involving noncovalent interactions as well as covalent inhibition through proton transfer from Cys145 to His41 and nucleophilic attack of the S gamma atom. The hydroxymethyl group in the P1' position contributes to the binding free energy, and the addition of a chloromethyl substituent may lower the activation free energy for covalent inhibition.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David C. Schultz, Robert M. Johnson, Kasirajan Ayyanathan, Jesse Miller, Kanupriya Whig, Brinda Kamalia, Mark Dittmar, Stuart Weston, Holly L. Hammond, Carly Dillen, Jeremy Ardanuy, Louis Taylor, Jae Seung Lee, Minghua Li, Emily Lee, Clarissa Shoffler, Christopher Petucci, Samuel Constant, Marc Ferrer, Christoph A. Thaiss, Matthew B. Frieman, Sara Cherry
Summary: This study screened and validated 122 drugs with antiviral activity and selectivity against SARS-CoV-2 out of approximately 18,000 drugs. Among them are the approved antivirals remdesivir and molnupiravir. The study also found that combining pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitors with antiviral nucleoside analogues synergistically inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander M. Andrianov, Yuri V. Kornoushenko, Anna D. Karpenko, Ivan P. Bosko, Alexander V. Tuzikov
Summary: A computational approach was used to identify small drug-like compounds mimicking X77 for SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro inhibition. Five top-ranking compounds with high binding affinity to M-Pro were predicted, showing potential as scaffolds for novel antiviral agents targeting the active site of SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Anil Kumar Patel, Akash Pralhad Vadrale, Reeta Rani Singhania, Philippe Michaud, Ashok Pandey, Shu-Jen Chen, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: In recent years, algal polysaccharides have been extensively studied for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biomedical applications due to their promising bioactive properties. They are also increasingly being used in industrial and dietary sectors. The marine algae contain a variety of polysaccharides that have a significant impact on the global economy. In the pharmaceutical and biomedicine industries, alginates, fucoidans, ulvans, carrageenans, and chitin are becoming increasingly important.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Olfa Baccari, Mohamed Barkallah, Jihen Elleuch, Nourelhouda Ben Ayed, Amel Chtourou, Hela Karray-Hakim, Adenene Hammami, Philippe Michaud, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: Parachlamydia acanthamoebae, a potential respiratory pathogen, was detected using a TaqMan-PCR assay that showed good accuracy and reproducibility. This diagnostic tool can be used for large-scale screening and during outbreaks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Olfa Baccari, Mohamed Barkallah, Jihen Elleuch, Nourelhouda Ben Ayed, Amel Chtourou, Hela Karray-Hakim, Adenene Hammami, Philippe Michaud, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: This study developed a new duplex probe-based q-PCR assay for simultaneous detection and quantification of Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Simkania negevensis. The assay showed high accuracy and sensitivity in detecting these bacteria in water and clinical samples.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Meriem Aitouguinane, Zainab El Alaoui-Talibi, Halima Rchid, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi, Mohamed Didi Ould El-Hadj, Zakaria Boual, Didier Le Cerf, Christophe Rihouey, Christine Gardarin, Pascal Dubessay, Philippe Michaud, Guillaume Pierre, Cedric Delattre, Cherkaoui El Modafar
Summary: The study investigated the ability of alginates extracted from two Moroccan brown seaweeds and their derivatives to induce phenolic metabolism in tomato seedlings. Elicitation was done by foliar spraying the seaweed alginates on tomato seedlings and evaluating their effects on PAL activity, polyphenol, and lignin production. It was found that low-molecular-weight alginates were more effective in inducing natural defenses in tomato seedlings compared to the alginate polymers. These findings suggest that low-molecular-weight alginates may have potential as a stimulant for plant natural defenses.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jihane Zeghlouli, Nicola Schiavone, Haroutioun Askanian, Amine Guendouz, Cherkaoui El Modafar, Philippe Michaud, Cedric Delattre
Summary: Extrusion and hot compressing molding processes were used to fabricate BioPE composites reinforced with argan byproducts as bio-fillers. The mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by dynamical mechanical analysis and rheological testing. The results showed that the addition of argan byproducts improved the mechanical properties of the composites. Furthermore, the thermal analysis revealed that the bio-fillers reduced the decomposition temperatures of the polymer. This study offers an environmentally friendly alternative for utilizing underutilized biomass and has the potential to create new markets for argan byproducts.
Article
Polymer Science
Gwendoline Christophe, Xiaoyang Hou, Emmanuel Petit, Mounir Traikia, Didier Le Cerf, Christophe Rihouey, Christine Gardarin, Cedric Delattre, Philippe Michaud, Guillaume Pierre, Pascal Dubessay
Summary: This study identified Peteryoungia rosettifformans as a wild producer of an exopolysaccharide related to glucuronan. Structural and biochemical analyses revealed that the polysaccharide had a molecular mass of 1.85 x 10(5) Da and was partially O-acetylated at C-2 and/or C-3 positions. The concentration of Mg2+ ions in the cultivation medium was found to impact the structure of the polysaccharide.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ali Forouhar, Nasser Hamdami, Gholamreza Djelveh, Christine Gardarin, Guillaume Pierre, Alina Violeta Ursu, Philippe Michaud
Summary: Ultrasound pretreatment and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) techniques were used to extract pectin from watermelon rind. The study found that ultrasonic pretreatment changed the morphology and increased the porosity of the raw powder, facilitating the extraction process. The highest extraction yield of pectin was achieved with 5 minutes of extraction at 500 W ultrasonic pretreatment.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hana Derbel, Jihen Elleuch, Wael Mahfoudh, Philippe Michaud, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: Bioactive peptides extracted from microalgae have gained significant attention recently due to their promising properties. In this study, proteins from the marine microalga Rhodomonas sp. were hydrolyzed into peptides using alcalase and pepsin. The biological activities of the protein preparations were evaluated and it was found that the crude protein exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to the peptides obtained after hydrolysis.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Latifa Tounsi, Hajer Ben Hlima, Faiez Hentati, Ons Hentati, Hana Derbel, Philippe Michaud, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: This review provides a detailed overview of optimizing culture media elements and physical parameters to improve the large-scale production of phycobiliproteins. It also explores the main features of phycobiliproteins and examines their potential for biotechnological uses in various fields, with a focus on health and nutritional claims.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Claire Toucheteau, Valentine Deffains, Clement Gaignard, Christophe Rihouey, Celine Laroche, Guillaume Pierre, Olivier Lepine, Ian Probert, Didier Le Cerf, Philippe Michaud, Ingrid Arnaudin-Fruitier, Nicolas Bridiau, Thierry Maugard
Summary: This study isolated and depolymerized exopolysaccharides (EPS) from different microalgae, characterized their structural features, and investigated their effects on collagen activity. The depolymerized EPS forms enhanced collagen production, and the inhibition of collagenase activity was strongly correlated to the sulfate group content of EPS. These findings provide new insights into the dermo-cosmetic potential of microalgae EPS.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aziza Safaa Chenine, Zakaria Boual, Mohamed Didi Ould Elhadj, Noura Addoun, Reguia Mahfoudi, Aicha Khemili, Hakim Belkhalfa, Khaldoun Bachari, Imen Fendri, Cherkaoui El Modafar, Zainab Alaoui Talibi, Pascal Dubessay, Cedric Delattre, Guillaume Pierre, Philippe Michaud, Jihen Elleuch, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: This study investigates the impact of partial acid hydrolysis on the antihyperglycemic activity of a polysaccharide derived from Plantago ciliata seeds. The results demonstrate that the resulting oligosaccharides exhibit significant inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase and alpha-D-glucosidase enzymes and act as non-competitive inhibitors. Additionally, these oligosaccharides show resistance to digestion, suggesting their potential as a natural and healthy drug for reducing blood sugar levels.
EURO-MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ilyes Dammak, Mariem Fersi, Ridha Hachicha, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: Microalgae cultivation in municipal wastewater offers potential for pollution removal and biomass utilization, promoting environmental sustainability. However, scaling these systems to industrial levels presents challenges in maintaining consistent control over multiple influencing factors. The use of native microalgal consortiums appears to be a promising strategy, but further exploration of their potential is necessary.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Schmidt-Morgenroth, Philippe Michaud, Fabrizio Gasparini, Alexandre Avrameas
Summary: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a decline in cognitive function and is an underlying condition of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation has been investigated as a mechanism contributing to the progression of MCI to AD. Understanding this mechanism could help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
