Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ming-Hao Hu
Summary: This study successfully designed a near-infrared fluorescence probe IZIN-1 through engineering, which can track the formation of mtDNA G4 in live cells. This provides a promising example of designing a fluorescent probe targeting mtDNA G4, and offers a feasible chemical tool for investigating mtDNA G4s in live cells.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahyun Son, Veronica Huizar Cabral, Zijue Huang, Theodore J. Litberg, Scott Horowitz
Summary: Recent research has found that G-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acids are effective in preventing protein aggregation and improving protein folding in Escherichia coli. Through in vitro protein folding experiments, it was discovered that G4s can accelerate protein folding by rescuing kinetically trapped intermediates. Time-course folding experiments in E. coli further showed that G4s primarily enhance protein folding quality instead of preventing protein aggregation. This study suggests that nucleic acids and ATP-independent chaperones may play important roles in determining the folding fate of proteins.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessio Cantara, Yu Luo, Michaela Dobrovolna, Natalia Bohalova, Miroslav Fojta, Daniela Verga, Lionel Guittat, Anne Cucchiarini, Solene Savrimoutou, Cecile Haberli, Jean Guillon, Jennifer Keiser, Vaclav Brazda, Jean Louis Mergny
Summary: Parasitic helminths infecting humans and cattle have significant impacts on health and livestock production. This study identified and compared G4 sequences in the genomes of various helminths and found that a Nematode species, Ascaris lumbricoides, had a high enrichment of stable G4 structures. Experimental confirmation of G4 formation and the discovery of small molecules that can selectively recognize and bind G4 motifs in a parasitic helminth demonstrate the potential for targeting G4 structures in the treatment of helminth infections.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ming-Hao Hu
Summary: In this study, a promising NIR probe named VIN-2 was developed for real-time visualization of G-quadruplex structures in live cells. VIN-2 was proven to bind to terminal guanine tetrads and emit significant fluorescence. It also showed potential for monitoring mitochondrial G4 folding dynamics in real time.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares, Guillermo E. Parada, Hei Yuen Wong, Ragini Medhi, Giulia Furlan, Roberto Munita, Eric A. Miska, Chun Kit Kwok, Martin Hemberg
Summary: This study reveals the enrichment of G4 motifs near splice junctions, suggesting their regulatory role in RNA stability and splicing. G4 motifs play important roles in exon skipping and inclusion, and are associated with multiple RNA binding proteins. Furthermore, G4 motifs show strong enrichment at splice sites in mammals and birds, indicating the evolutionary conservation of this splice regulatory mechanism.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fengmin Yang, Dawei Yang, Lixia Wang, Qian Li, Hong Zhang, Li Yao, Hongxia Sun, Yalin Tang
Summary: In this study, a new compound named ThT-S was prepared through structural modification of Thioflavin T (ThT). ThT-S has higher selectivity for G-quadruplex structure and can rapidly enter mitochondria in live cells with high specificity, making it a promising sensor for mitochondrial G-quadruplex studies.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Poulomi Das, Khac Huy Ngo, Fernaldo Richtia Winnerdy, Arijit Maity, Blaz Bakalar, Yves Mechulam, Emmanuelle Schmitt, Anh Tuan Phan
Summary: This study investigates the adaptability of left-handed G4 structures towards the presence of bulges, presenting the structural characteristics of left-handed G4s accommodating varying numbers of bulges. Bulges in left-handed G4s exhibit distinct features compared to those in right-handed G4s, and elucidation of the intricate structural details may enhance understanding of the potential roles and limitations of these unique structures.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Norman Mangner, Jens Garbade, Estelle Heyne, Marloes van den Berg, Ephraim B. Winzer, Jennifer Hommel, Marcus Sandri, Joanna Jozwiak-Nozdrzykowska, Anna L. Meyer, Sven Lehmann, Clara Schmitz, Edoardo Malfatti, Michael Schwarzer, Coen A. C. Ottenheijm, T. Scott Bowen, Axel Linke, Volker Adams
Summary: The study revealed that patients with CHF exhibit pathological changes in the diaphragm, including fiber atrophy, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, etc., which are associated with whole-body exercise intolerance and diaphragm function.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ming Jin, Jing Li, Yang Chen, Jie Zhao, Jiahui Zhang, Zhen Zhang, Peiyao Du, Libing Zhang, Xiaoquan Lu
Summary: The newly designed probe TOVJ shows high sensitivity and selectivity for G4s, especially antiparallel G4s. It has low detection limits for antiparallel human telomere G4s, making it an effective fluorescence sensor for this purpose. Live-cell imaging results demonstrate that TOVJ can enter live cells and localize in the mitochondria.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taeko Sasaki, Miyuki Sato
Summary: Paternal mitochondria and their mtDNA are selectively degraded in embryos via mitophagy to ensure maternal inheritance of mtDNA; Mitophagy is a conserved mechanism in different species; During animal development, mitophagy plays an important physiological role.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoo-Jin Park, Myung-Geol Pang
Summary: Mitochondria play crucial roles in male fertility by providing energy, regulating sperm development and acidity, and participating in testosterone production. Male infertility is mainly associated with the loss of mitochondrial proteins, leading to reduced sperm motility and infertility.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vaclav Brazda, Otilia Porubiakova, Alessio Cantara, Natalia Bohalova, Jan Coufal, Martin Bartas, Miroslav Fojta, Jean-Louis Mergny
Summary: The study identified multiple potential G-quadruplex forming sequences in the G4-EA-H1N1 genomes, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Meng-Ting She, Jia-Wei Yang, Bo-Xin Zheng, Wei Long, Xuan-He Huang, Jun-Ren Luo, Ze-Xin Chen, Ao-Lu Liu, Dong-Peng Cai, Wing-Leung Wong, Yu-Jing Lu
Summary: A series of new mitochondrial-selective fluorescent probes have been designed and synthesized, which exhibit high sensitivity, good selectivity, and high photostability, making them suitable for real-time study of mitochondrial functions in live cells.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Illodo, Cibran Perez-Gonzalez, Ramiro Barcia, Flor Rodriguez-Prieto, Wajih Al-Soufi, Mercedes Novo
Summary: Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded structures formed within guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences that play a crucial role in biological processes. The recent discovery of G4 structures within mitochondrial DNA has brought significant advancements to the field. This study investigates the relevant G4 structures formed within CSB II and reveals the stability differences among different sequences.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ye Teng, Ming Zhu, Zhidong Qiu
Summary: Repeat expansions are the main genetic cause of various neurodegeneration diseases. G-rich repeat sequences, such as CGG and GGGGCC, form functional G-quadruplexes and play important roles in bioprocesses. This review provides an overview of the contribution of G-quadruplex in repeat expansion disorders and summarizes the related mechanisms, including genetic instabilities, toxic RNA foci, and protein/peptide dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiuli Chen, Feng Liu, Bin Chen, Haiying Wu, Kun Li, Yongmei Xie, Weihong Kuang, Zhihui Li
Summary: The three novel anticancer agents described in this report can selectively locate in lysosomes, exhibit effective antitumour activity, and serve as reporting and imaging agents without the need for additional fluorescent tagging agents.
FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jong Seung Kim, Hong Zhang, Lei Shi, Kun Li, Xin Liu, Miae Won, Yan-Zhao Liu, Youmi Choe, Xin-Yao Liu, Yan-Hong Liu, Shan-Yong Chen, Kang-Kang Yu, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: Non-invasive dynamic tracking of lysosomes and their interactions with other organelles is crucial for studying related diseases. The Q-P-ARh dye, developed by us, has the ability to stain lysosomes at ultra-low concentrations and provides excellent anti-interference ability and fast staining capability, contributing significantly to the study of autophagy pathways.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiu Xing, Yan Liu, Ming-Liang Shi, Kun Li, Xin-Yue Fan, Zhong-Liu Wu, Na Wang, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: Controllable and mild photoenzymatic production of chiral alcohols was achieved by coupling a versatile photochemical NAD(P)H regeneration system with (R)- or (S)-selective ketoreductases. The efficiency of NAD(P)H regeneration was improved using Rhodium functionalized metal organic framework, Rh-UiO-67, to regulate electron transport and utilization. Furthermore, immobilization of six different ketoreductases on Rh-UiO-67 and their combination with the light-driven NAD(P)H regeneration system allowed for the production of chiral aryl alcohols with high yields (97%) and excellent stereoselectivity (>99% ee).
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Na Li, Qian Zhou, Kun Li, Ting Jiang, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: An aldehyde-reactive probe based on 2-amino benzamidoxime (ABAO) framework was introduced for selective labeling of aldehydes in DNA. The probe can undergo intramolecular ring closure under mild aqueous solutions. 5-methoxy-ABAO (PMA) was identified as the optimal choice and can react sensitively and selectively with formylated nucleobases to generate fluorogenic derivatives, enabling quantification of DNA damages induced by gamma-irradiation.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinlin Zhou, Kun Li, Lei Shi, Hong Zhang, Haoyuan Wang, Yimin Shan, Shanyong Chen, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: Recently, a new class of hydrogen-bond locked purine chromophores (HOPs) were reported, which exhibited high photostability and remarkable capability for lipid droplets imaging in living cells. These HOPs, containing a hy-droxyphenyl group at the C(6) position of purine, were found to emit light due to intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The results provide important insights into the photophysics of purine-based chromophores and offer a promising scaffold for bioimaging.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao-Yun Ran, Ping Chen, Yan-Zhao Liu, Lei Shi, Xue Chen, Yan-Hong Liu, Hong Zhang, Li-Na Zhang, Kun Li, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: Phototheranostics have emerged as a promising pattern for cancer theranostics due to their precise diagnosis and treatment capabilities. The fluorescence imaging ability and photothermal conversion efficiency of phototheranostic agents are crucial for their diagnostic information and therapeutic effect. In this study, a new molecule called ICRs with high photostability was designed, exhibiting fluorescence emission in the second near-infrared window and high photothermal conversion efficiency. This study not only introduces a versatile polymethine-based phototheranostic agent, but also provides insights for the exploration of organic molecules in practical applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiu Xing, Yan Liu, Ru-De Lin, Yang Zhang, Zhong-Liu Wu, Xiao-Qi Yu, Kun Li, Na Wang
Summary: In this study, a Zr-based dual-ligand MOFs with pre-installed Rh complex was used for in situ NADH regeneration and immobilization of formic acid dehydrogenase (FDH) to achieve a highly efficient CO2 fixation system. Through detailed investigations, it was shown that the introduction of the photosensitive TCPP ligands increased catalytic active sites and improved photoelectric properties. The electron mediator Rh complex anchored on the MOFs enhanced electron transfer efficiency and facilitated the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. The optimized photocatalyst, Rh-H2TCPP-UiO-66-NH2, exhibited significantly improved photocatalytic activity for NAD(+) reduction compared to UiO-66-NH2.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Nan Wang, Kangkang Yu, Kun Li, Xiaoqi Yu
Summary: This study constructs a novel triple-network supramolecular hydrogel tri-BA@PVA/G via non-covalent cross-linking of boric acid/polyvinyl alcohol/guanosine system. The hydrogel has a soft texture, strong hygroscopicity, and good biocompatibility, and shows potential applications in sensing, tissue engineering, fluorescence encoding, and wound healing. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirm the biocompatibility, shape adaption, optical information storage capacity, rapid hemostatic ability, and wound healing promotion ability of the hydrogel.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yan-Zhao Liu, Hong Zhang, Ding-Heng Zhou, Yan-Hong Liu, Xiao-Yun Ran, Fei-Fan Xiang, Li-Na Zhang, Yu-Jin Chen, Xiao-Qi Yu, Kun Li
Summary: In this study, a novel aminofluorene-based fluorescence probe named FAN was developed to monitor lysosomal alkalization-related biological processes by migrating from lysosome to nucleus. FAN exhibited NIR emission, large Stokes shift, high pH stability, and high photostability, making it suitable for real-time and long-term bioimaging.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Jin Chen, Hong Zhang, Yan-Zhao Liu, Lei Shi, Fei-Fan Xiang, Ru-De Lin, Yan-Hong Liu, Shan-Yong Chen, Xiao-Qi Yu, Kun Li
Summary: Accurate detection and high-fidelity fluorescence signals are crucial in life sciences and clinical diagnostics. However, the current NIR-I fluorescent probes are vulnerable to pH effects, which can distort the signal. This study reports a series of pH-independent and fluorescence-tunable probes by combining optically tunable groups and introducing methoxy instead of the spiro ring. The design approach offers a new and practical strategy for innovative fluorescent probes with high stability and fidelity.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Nan Wang, Kang-Kang Yu, Kun Li, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: To address the issue of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in areas of wound inflammation, a new polyethylene glycol/alginate-based hydrogel has been developed. This hydrogel has sensitive ROS consumption capabilities and antibacterial properties, and is prepared through a simple two-step process. In vitro tests showed significant ROS consumption and biocompatibility, and when applied for wound healing, it resulted in the formation of uniform and ordered collagen fibers. This hydrogel exhibits favorable ROS scavenging attributes, making it a promising material for wound dressings and biomaterial fields.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li-Na Zhang, Hong Zhang, Shan-Yong Chen, Yan-Zhao Liu, Xiao-Hua Yang, Fei-Fan Xiang, Yan-Hong Liu, Kun Li, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: An NIR fluorescent probe Si-NH2-Glu based on AND logic gate and novel meso-amine Si-Rhodamine was developed, which combined gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and pH dual-responsive sites. The probe Si-NH2-Glu has the potential to be used in orthotopic tumor imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan-Zhao Liu, Xiao-Yun Ran, Ding-Heng Zhou, Hong Zhang, Yu-Jin Chen, Ji-Xuan Xu, Shan-Yong Chen, Qing-Quan Kong, Xiao-Qi Yu, Kun Li
Summary: Two novel dibenzofulvene-based NIR-II emission phototheranostic agents (PTAs) with high PCE are developed through enhancing D-A strength, introducing molecular rotors/vibrators, and facilitating intermolecular pi-pi stacking. These PTAs exhibit low molecular weight, NIR-II emission and high PCE, and are successfully applied in multi-modal imaging (NIR-II fluorescence/photoacoustic/photothermal imaging)-guided photothermal therapy.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hong Zhang, Ling-Ling Li, Lei Shi, Shang-Yong Chen, Kun Li, Xiao-Qi Yu
Summary: An 'AND'-based ratiometric fluorescence probe has been developed for the sequential detection of biothiols and hypochlorous acid. This probe exhibits FRET only when RSHClO reacts with biothiols before reacting with hypochlorous acid. The probe's ability to mimic biological processes makes it particularly suitable for imaging oxidizing and reducing substances that cannot coexist.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
