Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ioannis Kipouros, Agnieszka Stanczak, Jake W. Ginsbach, Prokopis C. Andrikopoulos, Lubomir Rulsek, Edward I. Solomon
Summary: Melanins are important biopolymer pigments that provide photoprotection, and their biosynthesis involves the catalytic role of tyrosinase (Ty). This study combines spectroscopic, kinetic, and computational methods to investigate the mechanism of the rate-limiting step in melanin biosynthesis. The results provide insights into the O-2 activation and reactivity by the active sites of coupled binuclear copper, with implications in biocatalysis.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aaron D. Smith, Tanya Tschirhart, Jaimee Compton, Tiffany M. Hennessa, Eric VanArsdale, Zheng Wang
Summary: A method using a recombinant microbial system for the biosynthesis of melanin was developed, which achieved high yields and conversion rates. The use of a native copper responsive promoter for protein regulation was also investigated, providing a cost-effective alternative.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nilesh Kolhe, Eeshan Damle, Aditya Pradhan, Smita Zinjarde
Summary: The non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a model organism used to study biological processes and for bioremediation purposes. This fungus has physiological and biochemical features that enable it to withstand stress induced by metal pollutants, making it a potential candidate for the bioremediation of metal-contaminated environments.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hona Hosseinpoor, Sara Moghadam Farid, Aida Iraji, Sadegh Askari, Najmeh Edraki, Samanesadat Hosseini, Akram Jamshidzadeh, Bagher Larijani, Mahshid Attarroshan, Somayeh Pirhadi, Mohammad Mahdavi, Mehdi Khoshneviszadeh
Summary: A series of novel compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory activities, antioxidant activities, and melanin content reduction. Compound 9j showed significant anti-tyrosinase activity and reduction in melanin content.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mi-Hee Kim, Bora Kwon, Kwang-Sang Kim, Min-Sook Kim, Min-Ji Kim, Hwa-Jin Kim, Da-In Choi, Miyeon Park, Moosung Kim, Min-Kyu Shin, Seung-Il Jeong, Kang-Yeol Yu, Jiyoun Kim
Summary: This study identified galuteolin in Thymus quinquecostatus flowers as a functional ingredient that effectively inhibits melanin biosynthesis and partially suppresses tyrosinase activity in skin cells, suggesting its potential use as a cosmetic ingredient for skin whitening.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Songtao Xue, Zhiwei Li, Xiaotong Ze, Xiuyuan Wu, Chen He, Wen Shuai, Maria Marlow, Jian Chen, David Scurr, Zheying Zhu, Jinyi Xu, Shengtao Xu
Summary: Excessive melanin deposition can cause various skin disorders. We discovered a series of novel tyrosinase inhibitor hybrids that can inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin content in the skin. Compound 11c showed the most potent activity against tyrosinase, with nanomolar IC50 values, significant antioxidant activity, and low cytotoxicity. It also exhibited excellent permeability in vitro and reduced melanin content in a guinea pig model of UV-induced skin pigmentation. Compound 11c holds promise as a potential therapy for treating skin hyperpigmentation.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioannis Kipouros, Edward I. Solomon
Summary: Tyrosinase, a member of the CBC protein family, has been studied extensively. Recent research has revealed the structure of a catalytic ternary intermediate and proposed a revised mechanism for monophenol monooxygenation. These findings are significant for understanding structure-function relationships in CBC enzymes and the activation of O-2 in bioinorganic active sites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Dragone, Rinaldo Grazioso, Gianluca D'Abrosca, Ilaria Baglivo, Rosa Iacovino, Sabrina Esposito, Antonella Paladino, Paolo Pedone, Luigi Russo, Roberto Fattorusso, Gaetano Malgieri, Carla Isernia
Summary: There is a strict interaction between copper and zinc in cellular processes. The results of copper's interaction with zinc binding proteins have great significance. In this study, the effects of replacing zinc ions with copper ions of different electronic configurations and ionic radii were explored in the prokaryotic zinc finger protein Ros. The replacement did not lead to a functional domain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Eun-Bi Cho, Eun-Ho Lee, Hye-Jin Park, In-Kyu Kang, Young-Je Cho
Summary: This study assessed apple blossom extracts as potential natural whitening agents. The extracts were found to inhibit the expression of melanogenic enzymes, and the key compound responsible for this inhibition was identified as kaempferol. Therefore, apple blossom extracts could be applied as natural materials in functional foods and cosmetics for their whitening effects.
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yumei Li, Zhengmao Ye, Peng Lu, Lingchao Lu
Summary: The soluble melanin pigment StrSM produced by Streptomyces sp. ZL-24 was identified as pyomelanin. Analysis showed the presence of homogentisic acid and high activity of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase during melanin production. In vitro bioactivity assay demonstrated that StrSM has excellent protective capability against oxidative injury of neurocytes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Farhad Behtash, Fatemeh Abedini, Hosein Ahmadi, Seyed Bahman Mosavi, Ahmad Aghaee, Mohammad Reza Morshedloo, Jose M. Lorenzo
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of zinc and copper on the growth and biochemical indices of summer squash. High concentrations of copper intensified oxidative stress and decreased plant yield and productivity. However, the co-application of copper and zinc alleviated stress intensity and improved the plant's economic yield and physiological parameters.
Article
Agronomy
Roger H. Tang, Peter D. Erskine, Philip Nti Nkrumah, Guillaume Echevarria, Antony van der Ent
Summary: Metallophytes are plants that can tolerate extreme metal concentrations in soil. A study on the Dugald River gossan in Australia found that there was no direct relationship between the occurrence of metallophytes and prevailing soil metal concentrations. Crotalaria novae-hollandiae was identified as a strong polymetallic indicator-type metallophyte that can accumulate high concentrations of metals in its leaves.
Article
Dermatology
Ana Cleia Cardoso da Silva, Milena Mariano Ribeiro, Nayara de Souza da Costa, Maria Eduarda Andrade Galiciolli, Julia Vicentin Souza, Ana Carolina Irioda, Claudia Sirlene Oliveira
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and antimelanogenic effects of trace elements Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) in vitro. The results showed that 100 μM Zn had no toxic effects on cells and could reduce melanin content. However, further research is needed to determine the mechanism of action for potential therapeutic use in the treatment of melasma.
ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Adam Darago, Michal Klimczak, Joanna Stragierowicz, Mateusz Jobczyk, Anna Kilanowicz
Summary: The concentrations of zinc, copper, and selenium in different parts of the prostate gland are associated with men's age and the nature of pathological changes. Zinc levels increase with age in the central part of the prostate, while lower zinc levels in the peripheral part may be linked to the development of prostate adenocarcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia. These results suggest a disruption in the homeostasis of essential elements in the etiology of BPH and PCa.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vincenzo Mangini, Benny Danilo Belviso, Maria Incoronata Nardella, Giovanni Natile, Fabio Arnesano, Rocco Caliandro
Summary: The bioavailability of copper in human cells may be influenced by the presence of zinc ions. This study demonstrates that zinc ions can target the Cu-chaperone Atox1 and deliver it to Cu-transporting ATPases. The crystal structure of Atox1 loaded with zinc confirms the presence and location of the zinc ion. These findings suggest a potential interplay between Cu and Zn transport mechanisms in human cells.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Reeta Davis, Susan Molloy, Blathnaid Quigley, Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic, Francisco Solano, Kevin E. O'Connor
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clara Serna Munoz, Amparo Perez Silva, Francisco Solano, Maria Teresa Castells, Ascension Vicente, Antonio Jose Ortiz Ruiz
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ismael Galvan, Francisco Solano, Mohammed Zougagh, Fernando de Andres, Khaled Murtada, Angel Rios, Eva de la Pena, Juan Carranza
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandra Diez-Mendez, Paula Garcia-Fraile, Francisco Solano, Raul Rivas
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Solano
Article
Microbiology
Alejandra Arguelles, Ruth Sanchez-Fresneda, Jose P. Guirao-Abad, Cristobal Belda, Jose Antonio Lozano, Francisco Solano, Juan-Carlos Arguelles
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alejandra Arguelles, Ruth Sanchez-Fresneda, Elisa Martinez-Marmol, Jose Antonio Lozano, Francisco Solano, Juan Carlos Arguelles
Summary: The study found that a certain propolis extract from China displayed cytotoxic activity against Cryptococcus neoformans, and when combined with carnosic acid, it exhibited a stronger fungicidal effect. Furthermore, this combination also showed inhibitory effects on the metabolic activity of sessile cells forming biofilms.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Patricia Gonzalez, Pedro Lozano, Francisco Solano
Summary: The daily amount and quality of protein in enteral nutrition for CKD patients is a controversial issue due to the balance between maintaining muscular proteostasis and preventing uremia. This review discusses the physiological conditions and proteins involved in protein synthesis, as well as the digestive features of common proteins used in enteral nutrition formulations.
Article
Microbiology
Ruth Sanchez-Fresneda, Maria Luz Munoz-Megias, Genoveva Yague, Francisco Solano, Sergi Maicas, Juan Carlos Arguelles
Summary: Central metabolic pathways may have a significant impact on the virulence of pathogenic fungi. The deficiency in trehalase activity affects the susceptibility to azolic compounds and induces oxidative stress in Candida parapsilosis. The study highlights the potential of targeting trehalose metabolism as a therapeutic strategy against fungal infections.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ma Luz Munoz-Megias, Ruth Sanchez-Fresneda, Francisco Solano, Sergi Maicas, Maria Martinez-Esparza, Juan-Carlos Arguelles
Summary: Disrupting the genes encoding trehalase activity in Candida parapsilosis increases susceptibility to Itraconazole. The fungicidal effect of Itraconazole can be counteracted by preincubating cells with rotenone and 2,4-Dinitrophenol. Itraconazole induces oxidative stress, which can be reduced in rotenone-treated cells. This study suggests that mitochondrial activity plays a role in the antifungal action of Itraconazole and highlights central metabolic pathways as potential antifungal targets.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Gonzalez, Pedro Lozano, Gaspar Ros, Francisco Solano
Summary: This review focuses on the complex relationship between oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to glucose metabolism and oxidative stress leads to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and cellular damage. Hyperglycemia further promotes glucose metabolism through various routes, exacerbating ROS formation and diabetes complications. Transcription factors NF-κB and Nrf2 play important roles in regulating pro-oxidant and antioxidant proteins, while the involvement of FoxO is controversial. This review summarizes the key factors linking hyperglycemia-enhanced glucose metabolic routes with ROS formation and emphasizes the role of transcription factors in maintaining a balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alejandra Arguelles, Ruth Sanchez-Fresneda, Jose P. Guirao-Abad, Jose Antonio Lozano, Francisco Solano, Juan-Carlos Arguelles
Summary: Fungi have traditionally been considered opportunistic pathogens in primary infections caused by other virulent microorganisms, such as bacteria, protozoa, or viruses. Antimycotic chemotherapy lags behind antibacterial therapy, but natural substances from plants have shown promise as alternative treatments. Recent research has identified the antifungal potential of carnosic acid and propolis against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida glabrata, with improved efficacy when combined with hydroethanolic fractions of propolis. Sequential pre-treatments with carnosic acid/propolis mixtures followed by exposure to amphotericin B have also shown increased effectiveness against fungal infections.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Maria Jose Lopez-Andreo, Maria Rosario Vicente-Romero, Enrique Bernal, Inmaculada Navarro-Gonzalez, Francisco Salazar-Martinez, Vanesa Canovas-Canovas, Cristina Gil-Ortuno, Maria Gema Riquelme-Rocamora, Francisco Solano, Francisco Javier Ibanez-Lopez, Cristina Tomas, Carmen Candel-Perez, Santiago Perez-Parra, Cesar Flores-Flores
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, conducting retrospective genomic surveillance research is useful due to the emergence of new waves and variants that may escape vaccinations. A detailed analysis of 88 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from COVID-19 patients in Spain revealed the presence of mutations in the spike protein and ORF1a, including those found in later lineages such as Omicron. Moreover, statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between age, severity criteria, and the accumulation of viral changes.
Meeting Abstract
Medicine, General & Internal
C. Rodriguez, E. Jover, A. Silvente, F. Marin, J. Martinez-Gonzalez, M. Orriols, C. M. Martinez, C. M. Puche, M. Valdes, D. Hernandez-Romero
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2018)