Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronika F. S. Pape, Hajnal A. Kovacs, Istvan Szatmari, Imre Ugrai, Bence Szikora, Imre Kacskovics, Zoltan May, Norbert Szoboszlai, Gabor Sirokmany, Miklos Geiszt
Summary: This study presents a novel method for measuring PXDN activity in live cells using the Amplex Red assay with signal amplification modification. The addition of bromide was found to enhance the signal, most likely due to the formation of HOBr. Both pharmacological inhibition and genetic approaches confirmed the signal obtained is related to PXDN activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bianca Dempsey, Litiele Cezar Cruz, Marcela Franco Mineiro, Railmara Pereira da Silva, Flavia Carla Meotti
Summary: Uric acid, the main substrate for peroxidases in plasma, can generate urate free radical and urate hydroperoxide through oxidation by human peroxidases. This process may affect endothelial function and contribute to the harmful effects of uric acid on the vascular system. Peroxidasin (PXD N), a recently discovered heme-peroxidase, has been associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and renal fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the interaction between uric acid and PXD N, and its impact on the function of the enzyme in human endothelial cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juergen Arnhold, Ernst Malle
Summary: This article reviews the unique characteristics and mechanisms of mammalian heme peroxidases in oxidizing (pseudo)halides under physiological conditions. It highlights the importance of thyroid peroxidase and peroxidasin in thyroid hormone synthesis and basement membrane formation, as well as the properties and (pseudo)halogenated products of immunologically relevant proteins. The potential roles of these (pseudo)halogenated products are further discussed.
Review
Pathology
Martin Pehrsson, Joachim Hog Mortensen, Tina Manon-Jensen, Anne-Christine Bay-Jensen, Morten Asser Karsdal, Michael Jonathan Davies
Summary: This review discusses the enzymatic actions of enzymes catalyzing collagen cross-linking and their relevance in organ fibrosis. Additionally, potential biomarkers specifically quantifying proteolytic fragments of collagen cross-linking are explored based on a Pubmed search conducted in November 2020 and the authors' knowledge.
EXPERT REVIEW OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chun-Lai Zhao, Xin Qiao, Xiao-Meng Liu, Xue-Qing Song, Dan-Qing Li, Xia-Wen Yu, Wei-Guo Bao, Jing-Yuan Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Pt(IV) complex oxoplatin can bind to DNA in a tetravalent state and rapidly produce stable interstrand crosslinks, leading to cancer cell death. Additionally, oxoplatin can induce a quick intracellular response of the FA/BRCA pathway in cancer cells, independent of intracellular glutathione levels.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mihaela Monica Constantin, Catalina Gabriela Corbu, Sorin Mocanu, Elena Irina Popescu, Marin Micutz, Teodora Staicu, Raluca Somoghi, Bogdan Trica, Vlad Tudor Popa, Aurica Precupas, Iulia Matei, Gabriela Ionita
Summary: Riboflavin under UVA radiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can induce various changes in biological systems. This study provides evidence of the effect of riboflavin on collagen fibril formation, and the importance of adding polysaccharides like hyaluronic acid to reduce the damaging effects of ROS.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ting Zhang, Zhe Yu, Yun Ma, Bor-Sen Chiou, Fei Liu, Fang Zhong
Summary: Collagen films cross-linked with glutaraldehyde at different pH values demonstrated varying physicochemical properties, with optimal cross-linking degree achieved under neutral and alkaline conditions. pH influenced the reaction position and degree, resulting in improved mechanical properties and thermal stability in the cross-linked films compared to non-cross-linked films. Control of reaction pH can be utilized to modulate the collagen films' properties for specific applications.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mario Saletti, Marco Paolino, Lavinia Ballerini, Germano Giuliani, Gemma Leone, Stefania Lamponi, Marco Andreassi, Claudia Bonechi, Alessandro Donati, Daniele Piovani, Alberto Giacometti Schieroni, Agnese Magnani, Andrea Cappelli
Summary: An easy and viable crosslinking procedure using click-chemistry was developed for hyaluronic acid. The resulting crosslinked materials showed no cytotoxic effects, tunable water affinity, and rheological properties, suggesting potential applications in different biomedical fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonas Kost, Alexander Bleiziffer, Dennis Rusitov, Juergen Ruehe
Summary: This study focuses on the thermal activation of surface-attached polymer networks under mild conditions, using a novel cross-linker based on a diazo phenyl ester group. The system, which enables the rapid complete cross-linking of films with simultaneous surface attachment to organic materials via CHic, only requires activation below 100 degrees C and has a long shelf life at room temperature. It has potential applications in coatings and complex geometries.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingyan Yan, Xiangsheng An, Shujun Duan, Zhicong Jiang, Xiaoyan Liu, Xiaochen Zhao, Yinping Li
Summary: Chemical cross-linking is an important step for enhancing the properties of collagen-based materials. This study compared the cross-linking of collagen-based fibrillar gels using genipin and EDC/NHS, and found that genipin resulted in a higher degree of cross-linking. ATRFTIR and XPS analysis revealed that EDC/NHS formed short-range cross-linking through amino and carboxyl groups, while genipin induced long-range cross-linking through nucleophilic reactions. XRD and SEM showed that the structural integrity of the gels was improved after cross-linking, but fibril bundles disaggregated into thinner fibrils. Interestingly, the appearance and migration of L929 fibroblasts were influenced by the cross-linking degree. These results demonstrate the potential of genipin-cross-linked aquatic collagen-based fibrillar gels as biomaterials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Viviane Hass, Yong Li, Rong Wang, Dung Nguyen, Zhonghua Peng, Yong Wang
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of methacrylate-functionalized proanthocyanidins (MAPAs) on dentin collagen's bio-stabilization and crosslinking capability. Three MAPAs were synthesized and structurally characterized, showing different effectiveness in collagen stabilization and crosslinking. MAPA-1 and MAPA-2 demonstrated higher collagen stability, while MAPA-3 showed compromised efficacy, indicating the importance of appropriate MA:PA ratios. These new polymerizable crosslinkers have the potential to improve dentin bonding longevity when included in adhesives.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
T. Maravic, E. Mancuso, A. Comba, V Checchi, L. Generali, C. Mazzitelli, U. Josic, V Hass, A. Reis, A. D. Loguercio, F. R. Tay, L. Breschi, A. Mazzoni
Summary: The study found that EDC pretreatment and aging significantly influenced bond strength and endogenous enzymatic activity. After 5 years of aging in artificial saliva, the EDC-treated groups exhibited higher bond strength and lower gelatinolytic activity, especially in the etch-and-rinse groups. Raman spectra showed less defined amide III peaks in control specimens at T5.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eren Aytekin, Sibel Bozdag Pehlivan
Summary: Current treatment approaches for keratoconus include options such as penetrating keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and corneal collagen cross-linking. Early diagnosis and halting the disease with CXL methods are becoming crucial in clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guiting Yu, Chunqing Niu, Jiali Liu, Jue Wu, Zheng Jin, Yiyu Wang, Kai Zhao
Summary: In this study, a self-cross-linking and biocompatible hydrogel was successfully prepared using N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA). The hydrogel formed a stable and reversible cross-linking network through Schiff base self-cross-linking and hydrogen bonding. By adding a shielding agent (NaCl), the intense electrostatic effect between HACC and OSA was weakened, which solved the problem of flocculation and allowed for the formation of a homogeneous hydrogel. The HACC/OSA hydrogel exhibited a uniform porous structure, enhanced mechanical properties, favorable swelling property, biodegradation, water retention, antibacterial properties, good cytocompatibility, and sustained release effect on rhodamine.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ileana Ramona Barac, George Balta, Mihail Zemba, Lacramioara Branduse, Claudia Mehedintu, Marian Burcea, Diana Andreea Barac, Daniel Constantin Branisteanu, Florian Balta
Summary: Comparing conventional and accelerated photoactivated chromophore collagen cross-linking in the treatment of infectious keratitis or corneal ulcers revealed that the accelerated protocol is as safe and efficient as the classic procedure with the added advantage of time-saving for both doctors and patients.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Farzana Ahmed, Hsin-Yi Tseng, Antonio Ahn, Dilini Gunatilake, Sara Alavi, Michael Eccles, Helen Rizos, Stuart J. Gallagher, Jessamy C. Tiffen, Peter Hersey, Abdullah Al Emran
Summary: This study explores the resistance of melanoma to chemotherapy and suggests that melanoma with an inflammatory undifferentiated state may be susceptible to combination therapy. The study also investigates the variation in inflammasomes and death mechanisms in different melanoma, and raises the possibility of using the inflammatory state as biomarkers for inflammasome-targeted therapy.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Boushra Bathish, Holly Robertson, John F. Dillon, Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova, John D. Hayes
Summary: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a global health concern with multiple pathogenic factors, including oxidative stress and related signaling pathways. Nrf2 is downregulated during the development of NASH, and its upregulation inhibits NASH. Therefore, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 may be a comprehensive strategy for treating NASH.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sai Shyam Vasantharajan, Edward Barnett, Elin S. Gray, John L. McCall, Euan J. Rodger, Michael R. Eccles, Fran Munro, Sharon Pattison, Aniruddha Chatterjee
Summary: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are metastatic seeds originating from solid tumors. Understanding CTC biology is essential for clinical diagnosis and therapy development. Current FDA-approved CTC enrichment methods have limitations, leading to interest in simpler size-based methods like MetaCell. MetaCell showed high recovery rates and purity in enriching CRC cells, demonstrating its potential for detecting CTCs in CRC patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Schmidt, Nikolaus Falb, Ilenia Serra, Marzia Bellei, Vera Pfanzagl, Stefan Hofbauer, Sabine Van Doorslaer, Gianantonio Battistuzzi, Paul G. Furtmuller, Christian Obinger
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sultana Mehbuba Hossain, Michael R. Eccles
Summary: Melanoma, a highly heterogeneous tumor, can dynamically shift between different transcriptional states or phenotypes in a process known as phenotype switching. This switch involves changes in cell cycle states, invasiveness, signaling pathways, and immune cell composition. Melanoma cell plasticity is driven by gene expression changes in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and alterations in the extracellular matrix, which contribute to metastasis and therapy resistance. This review highlights recent findings on melanoma phenotype switching, immunotherapy resistance, and the role of neural crest-like states in melanoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Dali, Thomas Gabler, Federico Sebastiani, Alina Destinger, Paul Georg Furtmueller, Vera Pfanzagl, Maurizio Becucci, Giulietta Smulevich, Stefan Hofbauer
Summary: Coproporphyrin ferrochelatases (CpfCs) are enzymes that catalyze the penultimate step in the coproporphyrin-dependent heme biosynthesis pathway. The discovery of the correct substrate for these ferrochelatases and the characterization of their binding mode provide valuable insights into the iron insertion process. This knowledge is essential for understanding the preconditions and mechanisms of iron insertion in CpfCs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel R. Ramos, Paul G. Furtmueller, Christian Obinger, Angeles Pena-Gallego, Ignacio Perez-Juste, J. Arturo Santaballa
Summary: Electronic structure calculations using DFT were conducted to examine the influence of water molecules and protonation on the heme group of peroxidases in different redox and spin states. The study discusses shared geometries, spectroscopic properties, and thermodynamics of peroxidases. Computed Gibbs free energies suggest that the corresponding aquo complexes are not thermodynamically stable, supporting the five-coordinate Fe(III) center in native ferric peroxidases with a non-bonding water molecule. Protonation of the ferryl oxygen of compound II is found to be necessary and computed Gibbs free energies reveal pK(a) values of approximately 8.5-9.0 for compound II.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jürgen Beck, Matthias Biechele, Christoph Repik, Petra Gruber, Paul G. Furtmueller, Rainer Hahn
Summary: This study systematically compared the elution behavior of plasmid DNA on three common anion exchange resins. It was found that plasmid DNA consistently elutes at a characteristic salt concentration in linear gradient elution, and elutes only above this concentration in isocratic elution. Structural analysis supported this explanation.
JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
E. Dalles Keyes, Marcus C. Mifflin, Maxwell J. Austin, Brighton J. Alvey, Lotfa H. Lovely, Andriea Smith, Tristin E. Rose, Bethany A. Buck-Koehntop, Jyoti Motwani, Andrew G. Roberts
Summary: Inspired by oxidation-induced modifications in nature, a selective strategy for the preparation of Tyr-linked cyclic peptides has been developed. This approach utilizes N4-substituted 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-diones (TADs) as azo electrophiles to react chemoselectively with the phenolic side chain of Tyr residues, forming stable C-N1-linked cyclic peptides.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rong Zhu, Daniel Canena, Mateusz Sikora, Miriam Klausberger, Hannah Seferovic, Ahmad Reza Mehdipour, Lisa Hain, Elisabeth Laurent, Vanessa Monteil, Gerald Wirnsberger, Ralph Wieneke, Robert Tampe, Nikolaus F. Kienzl, Lukas Mach, Ali Mirazimi, Yoo Jin Oh, Josef M. Penninger, Gerhard Hummer, Peter Hinterdorfer
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gaurav Patil, Hanna Michlits, Paul G. Furtmueller, Stefan Hofbauer
Summary: Coproheme decarboxylases (ChdCs) are enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of heme. This study focuses on the second part of the decarboxylation reaction catalyzed by ChdCs, which has not been previously studied. The researchers optimized the production and purification of a intermediate compound called monovinyl, monopropionate deuteroheme (MMD), and used it to study the reaction mechanism. The results indicate that the second part of the reaction is similar to the first part, with slight differences in the active site architecture and H-bonding network.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Li, Caiyun G. Li, Suzan N. Almomani, Sultana Mehbuba Hossain, Michael R. Eccles
Summary: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common subtype of kidney cancer, and PAX genes are expressed in RCC and associated with cell proliferation inhibition. Based on PAX gene expression levels, RCC patients can be categorized into two subtypes, with PAXClusterA associated with favorable clinical outcomes and better overall survival.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gretel Major, Alessia Longoni, Jeremy Simcock, Nicholas J. Magon, Jessica Harte, Boushra Bathish, Roslyn Kemp, Tim Woodfield, Khoon S. Lim
Summary: Visible light-mediated cross-linking is a useful method for enhancing the structural control of laboratory-based polymers. This study evaluated the utility of a ruthenium/sodium persulfate photocross-linking system for improving structural control in patient-derived lipoaspirate for soft tissue reconstruction. The photocross-linking strategy demonstrated the capability of improving structural control and achieving better patient outcomes with minimal manipulation in surgical procedures.