Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Celine Landon, Yanyu Zhu, Mainak Mustafi, Jean-Baptiste Madinier, Dominique Lelievre, Vincent Aucagne, Agnes F. Delmas, James C. Weisshaar
Summary: This study used single-cell fluorescence imaging to investigate the effects of the β-defensin AvBD103b on living E. coli at physiological salt concentrations. The results provide key parameters for understanding the mechanism of action. The study found that AvBD103b interacts non-specifically with various polyanionic targets after penetrating the cell membranes, leading to cell death.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fengyi Cao, Gangqing Ma, Lin Mei, Genxing Zhu, Meng Song, Qi Qin, Mingli Jiao
Summary: In this study, a cysteine-containing PAF26 peptide derivative was designed to develop a covalently crosslinked antimicrobial hydrogel, which showed strong crosslinked networks and excellent antimicrobial abilities against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xue Wang, Shuxian Li, Mengze Du, Ning Liu, Qiang Shan, Yunjing Zou, Jiufeng Wang, Yaohong Zhu
Summary: In this study, recombinant Zophobas atratus (Z. atratus) defensin was successfully expressed for the first time, and 5 analogues derived from Z. atratus defensin were designed to enhance the antimicrobial activity. Among these analogues, Z-d14CFR exhibited a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with minimal hemolysis and cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies revealed that Z-d14CFR exerted its antimicrobial effect by inhibiting biofilm formation, disrupting bacterial membrane integrity, and inducing cellular contents release. Moreover, Z-d14CFR showed significant therapeutic efficacy in a murine model of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shay Laps, Fatima Atamleh, Guy Kamnesky, Shaked Uzi, Michael M. Meijler, Ashraf Brik
Summary: This study presents a new approach for synthesizing disulfide-rich bioactive molecules, addressing previous challenges in preparation. Experimental results demonstrate the essential role of the order of disulfide bond formation in proteins with knotted structures. This methodology was utilized to synthesize novel analogues of plectasin with enhanced efficacy against MRSA.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karine Loth, Nicolas Parisot, Francoise Paquet, Hugo Terrasson, Catherine Sivignon, Isabelle Rahioui, Melanie Ribeiro Lopes, Karen Gaget, Gabrielle Duport, Agnes F. Delmas, Vincent Aucagne, Abdelaziz Heddi, Federica Calevro, Pedro da Silva
Summary: BCR peptides, a new class of proteins found in aphid bacteriocytes, display insecticidal activity against pea aphids, providing a potential alternative to chemical insecticides for pest control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huanyu Tao, Qilong Wu, Xuejun Zhao, Peicong Lin, Sheng-You Huang
Summary: MODPEP2.0 is an efficient tool for sampling cyclic peptide structures, which can quickly generate conformations of cyclic peptides with considerable accuracy and computational efficiency compared to other sampling algorithms.
JOURNAL OF CHEMINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos F. R. C. Guimaraes, Amanda S. Felix, Tiago A. S. Brandao, Marcelo P. P. Bemquerer, Dorila Pilo-Veloso, Rodrigo M. M. Verly, Jarbas M. M. Resende
Summary: Peptides are interesting alternatives for various applications, especially antimicrobial sequences due to antibiotic resistance. Although dimeric peptides show promise with strong biological activities and degradation resistance, there are relatively few studies due to synthesis obstacles. In this study, we investigate the dimerization of a cysteine-containing sequence to obtain a homodimeric antimicrobial peptide, and propose different dimerization protocols in selected environments. The results show that the reaction medium plays a major role in the formation of the disulfide bond.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Taylor B. Smallwood, Richard J. Clark
Summary: Animal venoms are complex mixtures of bioactive molecules, with disulfide-rich peptides being a major component. The study of venom-derived drugs has led to advancements in treating diseases such as type 2 diabetes and chronic pain. New techniques are expanding the pipeline of venom-derived peptides, offering potential for therapeutic applications and increased understanding of molecular targets.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yunhui Zhu, Yinghan Xu, Jianming Yan, Yuxin Fang, Na Dong, Anshan Shan
Summary: The study designed a series of antimicrobial peptides with immunostimulatory and bacteria-killing activities using a chemotactic motif. Among them, KWH2 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and activated macrophages. The study also provided insights into the mechanisms and possible approaches for developing immunomodulatory antimicrobial materials with desired properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yaoyao Lian, Ya Li, Ruyan Lv, Lifeng Wang, Wenfei Xiong
Summary: This study found that alkali concentration has a significant impact on the gel formation of rice protein, with higher concentration leading to faster gel formation. Heating can accelerate the gel formation rate, but prolonged heat treatment causes gel liquefaction. Alkali can cause depolymerization of glutelin and form a gel network, while higher alkali concentration contributes to the gel network mainly through the formation of disulfide bonds.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ekaterina N. N. Lyukmanova, Pavel A. A. Mironov, Dmitrii S. S. Kulbatskii, Mikhail A. A. Shulepko, Alexander S. S. Paramonov, Elizaveta M. M. Chernaya, Yulia A. A. Logashina, Yaroslav A. A. Andreev, Mikhail P. P. Kirpichnikov, Zakhar O. O. Shenkarev
Summary: This article reports on the neurotoxin Phα1β (PnTx3-6) from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, which acts as an antagonist on two ion channels involved in nociception. The study demonstrates that Phα1β can reduce both acute and chronic pain. NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the spatial structure and dynamics of Phα1β, providing important insights into the structure and function of spider toxins.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Jingjing Sun, Changying Song, Dongying Ma, Shigang Shen, Shuying Huo
Summary: In this study, L-methionine selenoxide was used as an oxidant for the construction of peptide disulfide bonds, achieving excellent yields for various peptides. The reaction mechanism was found to be first order in both MetSeO and DTT, providing insights into the oxidative synthesis of disulfide bonds. Additionally, the construction of disulfide bonds can be performed during the peptide cleavage process, simplifying the synthesis of disulfide-containing peptides.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yafang Wang, Yueyue Xing, Jingjing Sun, Changing Song, Shigang Shen, Shuying Huo
Summary: In this study, two PEG-based immobilized oxidants were successfully synthesized and used for the formation of peptide disulfide bonds under aqueous conditions. The yield of disulfide-containing peptide via PEG-MetSeO oxidation is higher than that of TentaGel-MetSeO oxidation. PEG-MetSeO can be reused at least 10 cycles without significant yield decrease. The immobilized oxidants can be easily separated from the reaction mixture using filtration, facilitating peptide synthesis.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Changying Song, Dongying Ma, Yafang Wang, Shigang Shen, Shuying Huo
Summary: Disulfide bonds in peptides are critical for their pharmaceutical and biological properties. In this study, disulfiram and thiram were used to synthesize single or double disulfide bonds in peptides. The reactions achieved excellent purities and fast reaction rates, and the regioselective synthesis of two disulfide bonds was successfully achieved under aqueous conditions using disulfiram or thiram in combination with trans-[PtBr2(CN)4]2-. This method provides a convenient and efficient approach for synthesizing peptide disulfide bonds.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Javier Moreno-Morales, Salvador Guardiola, Clara Balleste-Delpierre, Ernest Giralt, Jordi Vila
Summary: In this study, we successfully synthesized PLP-3, a peptide with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, especially against A. baumannii, while maintaining low haemolysis and toxicity against human cells at antimicrobial concentrations.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kuan Hu, Wenyu Wu, Lin Xie, Hao Geng, Yiding Zhang, Masayuki Hanyu, Lulu Zhang, Yinghuan Liu, Kotaro Nagatsu, Hisashi Suzuki, Jialin Guo, Yundong Wu, Zigang Li, Feng Wang, Mingrong Zhang
Summary: The study tracked the movement of a D-dodecapeptide antagonist in vivo using mouse models and found that D-peptides were primarily eliminated by the kidneys and accumulated in tumors, with a single dose effectively delaying tumor growth and improving mouse survival.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinpeng Wang, Min Zhang, Susheng Liu, Zhipeng He, Rui Wang, Minchan Liang, Yuhao An, Chenran Jiang, Chunli Song, Zigong Ning, Feng Yin, Hao Huang, Zigang Li, Yuxin Ye
Summary: UBE2C is a key regulator of cell cycle progression and a promising target for anti-tumor drug discovery. However, developing UBE2C inhibitors is challenging due to its lack of druggable pockets. In this study, a UBE2C-targeting bioPROTAC was designed and evaluated based on the NEL domain of bacterial E3 ligase IpaH9.8 and the UBE2C-binding WHB domain of APC2. The bioPROTAC was shown to transfer ubiquitin to UBE2C and catalyze polyubiquitination, promoting proteasomal degradation of UBE2C and rescuing its downstream substrates in mammalian cells.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuena Wang, Rongtong Zhao, Chuan Wan, Wei Kang, Rui Wang, Chengyao Chiang, Xiaochun Guo, Qi Chang, Zhanfeng Hou, Yuxin Ye, Qinhong Luo, Ziyuan Zhou, Jianbo Liu, Shuiming Li, Dongyuan Wang, Feng Yin, Zigang Li
Summary: This article introduces a proximity-triggered group transfer strategy, which enables the transfer of groups from a sulfonium warhead to a Cysteine residue near the binding interface. Successful intracellular transfer of sulfonium 1-X was achieved, leading to the degradation of epidermal growth factor receptors and highlighting the potential of this strategy in chemical biology studies.
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Zigang Li, Jiaqi Kang, Jun Jiang, Ling Hong
Summary: The curse of dimensionality has created challenges in terms of computational cost and memory storage for numerical methods in various fields. This paper proposes a parallelizable approach based on subdomain synthesis, which can enhance computational efficiency for high-dimensional systems and be implemented using a GPU cluster. Examples demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIFURCATION AND CHAOS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guanghong Zhu, Zigang Li, Hulun Guo, Xianxu Frank Bai, Yeping Xiong, Ming Li
Summary: A fractional rheological model was developed to study the influence of material elasticity and viscosity on MRE-based isolation systems. The model parameters were identified by fitting experimental data, and the model showed good consistency and repeatability. The transmissibility was calculated theoretically and numerically, with excellent agreement between the two methods. The analysis of model parameters provided insights into the dynamic behavior of vibration isolation systems. A control strategy based on coincidence frequency was developed to protect sensitive equipment against periodic vibrations. The effectiveness of fuzzy control algorithm in isolating sensitive equipment against random motions was validated through comparison with passive isolation.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zigang Li, Wang Yan, Jiaqi Kang, Ming Li
Summary: This paper proposes an efficient method using Levy excitation to capture transient probability distribution. The method constructs a probability core through principal component analysis (PCA) to exclude outliers. The application of this method in investigating response transitions of a nonsmooth system driven by Levy shock and jump has revealed its performance.
MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS IN ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chuan Wan, Zhanfeng Hou, Dongyan Yang, Ziyuan Zhou, Hongkun Xu, Yuena Wang, Chuan Dai, Mingchan Liang, Jun Meng, Jiean Chen, Feng Yin, Rui Wang, Zigang Li
Summary: Visible-light-mediated methods for cysteine-selective bioconjugation suffer from bio-incompatible conditions and slow kinetics. Here, we report a transition metal-free thiol-sulfoxonium ylide photo-click reaction that enables bioconjugation under bio-compatible conditions. It demonstrates high cysteine-selectivity and rapid reaction kinetics using riboflavin derivatives as photocatalysts. This method provides efficient tools for exploring the druggable content of the human proteome.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zigang Li, Chengshan You, Jun Huang, Ming Zhang
Summary: NFYAv1 is a tumor-promoting transcript associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
MEDICAL SCIENCE MONITOR
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Du, Chunli Song, Jingjing Du, Fang Zeng, Yu Zhang, Feng Yin, Zigang Li, Dongyuan Wang
Summary: The anti-cancer peptides show potential as new weapons for cancer therapy with potent toxicity against various cancer cells, but their promise is hindered by non-specific toxicity to normal cells. This study designed a sul-fonium tethered lytic peptide conjugated with a HDAC inhibitor to improve the selectivity towards cancer cells. The peptide showed reduced toxicity to both cancer cells and normal cells, and when conjugated with the HDAC inhibitor, it exhibited increased toxicity to cancer cells. The stabilized peptide HDAC conjugate also showed better serum stability and could induce cancer cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and influence multiple signal pathways.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hao Luo, Chongming Huang, Meng Meng, Ming Zhang, Zigang Li, Jun Huang
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the prognosis performance of NLR, ALBI, and the combination of NLR-ALBI in determining the overall survival (OS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The results showed that NLR is an independent prognostic factor of HCC, and the combination of NLR-ALBI has better prognostic performance than using NLR or ALBI alone.
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hailing Chen, Meimiao Zhan, Jianbo Liu, Zhihong Liu, Minhong Shen, Fenfang Yang, Yibin Kang, Feng Yin, Zigang Li
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fenfang Yang, Qinhong Luo, Yuechen Wang, Huiting Liang, Yaqi Wang, Zhanfeng Hou, Chuan Wan, Yuena Wang, Zhihong Liu, Yuxin Ye, Lizhi Zhu, Jianlong Wu, Feng Yin, Zigang Li
Summary: We propose a split-and-mix nanoplatform that serves as a self-adjustable platform capable of facile screening, programmable ligand ratios, self-optimized biomolecule spatial recognition, and multifunctional applications. By showcasing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), namely, split-and-mix PROTAC (SM-PROTAC), we demonstrate the potential of our proposed platform. The scope of our platform is highlighted through the targeted disruption of intracellular therapeutic targets involving ER alpha, CDK4/6, AR, MEK1/2, BRD2/4, BCR-ABL, etc. These studies confirm the effectiveness and universality of the SM-PROTAC platform for proximity-induced applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lele Hu, Chunli Song, Hongyi Li, Yao Gao, Jing Zhang, Ting Gao, Youhua Wei, Zhuoran Xu, Weiming Xue, Saipeng Huang, Huiyun Wen, Zigang Li, Jun Wu
Summary: A novel double-sensitive composite hydrogel embedded with tetrasulfide-bridged mesoporous silica (4S-MSNs) is developed for efficient postsurgical bacterial infection inhibition and tumor recurrence. With enhanced mechanical properties and dual pH/redox sensitivity, the hydrogel allows more efficient and safer drug therapy. It also preserves the favorable physicochemical properties of polysaccharide hydrogel, such as high hydrophilicity, satisfactory antibacterial activity, and excellent biocompatibility.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ya-Ju Li, Jian-Rong Shi, Shu-Chan Li, Lu-Ming Wang, Rana Dhar, Ning Li, Xin-Wei Cao, Zi-Gang Li, Hui-Fang Tang
Summary: In this study, we demonstrated that overexpression of PDE10A induces myofibroblast differentiation, and papaverine, as a PDE10A inhibitor used for vasodilation, inhibits myofibroblast differentiation in human fibroblasts. Meanwhile, papaverine alleviated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and amiodarone-induced oxidative stress, reducing myofibroblast differentiation through downregulating VASP/beta-catenin pathway. Our findings provide the first evidence that papaverine inhibits TGF-beta 1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and lung fibrosis via the VASP/beta-catenin pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Wang, Rui Wang, Haiying Ma, Mengsu Yang, Zigang Li, Liang Zhang
Summary: Wnt signaling is critical in tissue development and its dysregulation is associated with various diseases. This study investigates the temporal dynamics of phosphoproteome changes following Wnt3a treatment with or without serum supply. The presence or absence of serum supply greatly affects the signaling pathways and cellular responses.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS REPORTS
(2023)