Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francisco Andres Peralta, Melaine Balcon, Adeline Martz, Deniza Biljali, Federico Cevoli, Benoit Arnould, Antoine Taly, Thierry Chataigneau, Thomas Grutter
Summary: The authors report a light-gated mouse PIEZO1 channel, mOP1, which rapidly triggers channel gating on light irradiation. These results extend the application of chemical optogenetics methods to mechanically-activated ion channels and provide a specific stimulation means to interrogate PIEZO1 function.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Physiology
David Seiferth, Philip C. Biggin, Stephen J. Tucker
Summary: This article discusses the hydrophobic gating mechanism in ion channels, which regulates ion permeation by controlling the wetness of the pore. The article provides a detailed definition of hydrophobic gating, compares it with other gating mechanisms, and describes the best practices for identifying a hydrophobic gate.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Biswajit Padhy, Jian Xie, Runping Wang, Fang Lin, Chou-Long Huang
Summary: Polycystin-2 in the endoplasmic reticulum plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) by acting as a potassium ion channel and facilitating the exchange of potassium and calcium ions. This study provides a deeper understanding of ADPKD and suggests that TRIC-B activators could be used as a potential pharmacotherapy.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Somnath Bhattacharyya, Dipankar Kundu
Summary: In this study, the electroosmotic flow of a non-Newtonian viscoplastic fluid through a hydrophobic nanopore was investigated. The impact of interfacial slip on the flow behavior, conductance, and ion selectivity was studied. It was found that the slip velocity enhances the average flow and conductance of the pore, with a more pronounced effect for shear thinning fluids. Additionally, the slip length enhances the ion selectivity of the pore. An analytic solution for the flow of a power-law fluid in a long hydrophobic tube was also determined.
APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Peter Proks, Marcus Schewe, Linus J. Conrad, Shanlin Rao, Kristin Rathje, Karin E. J. Rodstrom, Elisabeth P. Carpenter, Thomas Baukrowitz, Stephen J. Tucker
Summary: The antidepressant fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine inhibit the activity of TREK channels by affecting channel gating and filter stability, regardless of the positive charge of norfluoxetine. The inhibition of NFx is not only related to the equilibrium between up and down conformations but also to the filter stability and an intrinsic voltage-dependent gating process within the filter, providing further insights into the complex allosteric mechanisms that modulate filter gating in TREK K2P channels.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuning Zhang, Yan Zhang, Siyang Tang, Shaojie Ma, Yang Shen, Yanke Chen, Qiong Tong, Yuezhou Li, Jun Yang
Summary: In this study, the hydrophobic gate of MscL was investigated using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) techniques and functional assays. It was found that residues I21-T30 in transmembrane helix 1 constitute the hydrophobic gate, and the packing of aromatic rings of F23 in each subunit is critical to gate function. Hydrophilic substitutions of residues A22 and G26 modulate channel gating by affecting the hydrophobicity of F23 constriction.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose J. De Jesus-Perez, G. Arlette Mendez-Maldonado, Ana E. Lopez-Romero, David Esparza-Jasso, Irma L. Gonzalez-Hernandez, Victor De la Rosa, Roberto Gastelum-Garibaldi, Jorge E. Sanchez-Rodriguez, Jorge Arreola
Summary: The CLC-2 chloride channel regulates chloride transport, extracellular homeostasis, and neuronal excitability through an inward rectifier mechanism. The gate of CLC-2 is formed by the interaction between Y561 and E213.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrei Mironenko, Ulrich Zachariae, Bert L. de Groot, Wojciech Kopec
Summary: Potassium channels play critical roles in physiological processes by providing a selective permeation route for K+ ions. The structure of the selectivity filter has been determined at atomic resolution, but the molecular mechanism of K+ ions permeation remains unclear. Various proposed mechanisms of ion permeation are discussed, with critical evaluation against available data.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuqi Zhang, Yizeng Li, Keyata N. Thompson, Konstantin Stoletov, Qinling Yuan, Kaustav Bera, Se Jong Lee, Runchen Zhao, Alexander Kiepas, Yao Wang, Panagiotis Mistriotis, Selma A. Serra, John D. Lewis, Miguel A. Valverde, Stuart S. Martin, Sean X. Sun, Konstantinos Konstantopoulos
Summary: Cell migration plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including cancer metastasis. This study reveals the polarization of NHE1 and SWELL1 at different regions of migrating cells, which is important for cell volume regulation and directional migration. The findings also highlight the physiological significance of the Osmotic Engine Model in cell migration and cancer metastasis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Md. Ashrafuzzaman
Summary: Chemotherapy drugs and amphiphiles interact with lipid bilayer membranes to induce ion pores, and the presence of amphiphiles enhances the membrane adsorption of chemotherapy drugs. The physical properties of the lipid bilayer are altered by these interactions, affecting ion channel induction and membrane effects like ion pore formation.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emmanuelle Bignon, Marco Marazzi, Antonio Monari
Summary: This study reports on how the SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a permeabilizes the lipid membrane in a model lipid bilayer, forming a water channel to ensure ion transport. The important role of ORF3a in the viral cycle and its high conservation among coronaviruses may make it a target for future antiviral development.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Seol Baek, Seung-Ryong Kwon, Paul W. Bohn
Summary: Wetting and dewetting transitions are important for controlling the hydrophobicity of biological channel linings. Mimicking the behavior of biological nanochannels, researchers have achieved potential-induced, reversible wettability transitions in synthetic nanochannels. These transitions can be induced by various environmental stimuli, and have been applied in practical applications such as oil-water separation and drug release.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhilin Li, Sarah Mccomic, Rui Chen, William Tae Heung Kim, Alex Kiarie Gaithuma, Brian Mooney, Kevin R. Macaluso, Albert Mulenga, Daniel R. Swale
Summary: Understanding the regulation of tick feeding is crucial for preventing disease transmission. Activation of KATP channels inhibits fluid secretion and blood feeding in ticks, and the expression of KATP channel proteins varies throughout the feeding stages. KATP channels also control the secretion of pro-feeding proteins in tick saliva.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jie Shen, Yongting Gu, Lingjie Ke, Qiuping Zhang, Yin Cao, Yuchao Lin, Zhen Wu, Caisheng Wu, Yuguang Mu, Yun-Long Wu, Changliang Ren, Huaqiang Zeng
Summary: Cholesterol-enhanced pore formation is an evolutionary mechanism utilized by cholesterol-free bacterial cells to specifically target cholesterol-rich eukaryotic cells. Researchers have developed a class of artificial cholesterol-dependent nanopores that can be modulated by cholesterol levels to control pore formation and channel activity. The most active channel has a nano-sized cavity, allowing transportation of nanometer-sized molecules and displaying potent anticancer activity against human hepatocellular carcinomas.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Luisa Maria Rosaria Napolitano, Vincent Torre, Arin Marchesi
Summary: Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels play a crucial role in signal transduction in sensory modalities, with functional properties different from voltage-gated potassium channels despite structural similarities. Recent high-resolution structures of intact CNG channels have advanced the understanding of their activation mechanisms.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ziqian Zhao, Mingfei Pan, Chenyu Qiao, Li Xiang, Xiong Liu, Wenshuai Yang, Xing-Zhen Chen, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: A zwitterion-conjugated protein with a special structure was engineered for surface coating and antifouling applications. It can achieve easy and surface-independent coating on various substrates, exhibiting superior resistance to biofouling for a broad spectrum of species. This work provides an innovative method for using native proteins in bioengineering applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiong Liu, Rui Zhang, Mohammad Fatehi, Yifang Wang, Wentong Long, Rui Tian, Xiaoling Deng, Ziyi Weng, Qinyi Xu, Peter E. Light, Jingfeng Tang, Xing-Zhen Chen
Summary: This study reveals that TACAN acts as an inhibitor of PKD2 and mediates the mechanosensitivity of the PKD2-TACAN channel complex. This finding is important for understanding the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rui Tian, Lin Yuan, Yuan Huang, Rui Zhang, Hao Lyu, Shuai Xiao, Dong Guo, Declan William Ali, Marek Michalak, Xing-Zhen Chen, Cefan Zhou, Jingfeng Tang
Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production and immune complex deposition. Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and dysfunction in autophagy leads to the accumulation of apoptosis and induction of autoantibodies, contributing to the development of SLE. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), known for their low toxicity and minimal side effects, have been found to modulate autophagy and show potential in the treatment of SLE.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xuwen Peng, Qian Peng, Meng Wu, Wenda Wang, Yongfeng Gao, Xiong Liu, Yongxiang Sun, Diling Yang, Qiongyao Peng, Tao Wang, Xing-Zhen Chen, Jifang Liu, Hao Zhang, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: A pH and temperature dual-responsive microgel-embedded hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties and antimicrobial properties has been fabricated for potential applications as smart wound dressing materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Wang, Zhifei Wang, Mahmud Arif Pavel, Courtney Ng, Parul Kashyap, Bin Li, Tiago D. C. Morais, Gabriella A. Ulloa, Yong Yu
Summary: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is caused by mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 genes, and this study investigated the effects of 31 point mutations on the ion channel activity of a PC2 mutant expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The results showed that mutations in the transmembrane domains, channel pore region, and extracellular tetragonal opening for polycystins domain were critical for PC2 channel function, while mutations in the tetragonal opening for polycystins domain and C-terminal tail had mild or no effects. The study provided insights into the structure and function of the PC2 ion channel and the molecular mechanism of pathogenesis caused by these mutations.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingyuan Liu, Xin Zhang, Hao Peng, Tianqi Li, Peng Liu, Hairong Gao, Yanting Wang, Jingfeng Tang, Qiang Li, Zhi Qi, Liangcai Peng, Tao Xia
Summary: This study investigates the use of liquid-hot-water pretreatment with FeCl3 for enhanced enzymatic saccharification of corn stalks and the use of lignocellulose residues as biosorbents for Cd adsorption. Through incubating Trichoderma reesei with corn stalks and FeCl3, increased enzyme activities were observed. The undigested lignocellulose residues were then carbonized with FeCl3, producing highly porous carbon for supercapacitors. Overall, FeCl3 was found to be a versatile catalyst for enhancing the conversion of lignocellulosic substrates.
Review
Cell Biology
Mengyu Hu, Rui Zhang, Jiaren Yang, Chenshu Zhao, Wei Liu, Yuan Huang, Hao Lyu, Shuai Xiao, Dong Guo, Cefan Zhou, Jingfeng Tang
Summary: N-glycosylation is a common protein modification that plays a vital role in physiological processes, but abnormal N-glycan modifications are closely linked to various diseases, including malignancy and tumor progression. Understanding the heterogeneity and biological functions of glycans in liver cancer patients can enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver injury and hepatocarcinogenesis.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ran Zhang, Zhen Hu, Yanting Wang, Huizhen Hu, Fengcheng Li, Mi Li, Arthur Ragauskas, Tao Xia, Heyou Han, Jingfeng Tang, Haizhong Yu, Bingqian Xu, Liangcai Peng
Summary: This study reveals the key characteristics of lignocellulose and proposes an engineering target to increase its saccharification ability. By investigating the assembly and conversion processes of cellulose nanofibers, it uncovers the digestibility and convertibility of plant cellulose substrates, providing a strategy for the development of cost-effective biofuels and high-quality bioproducts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Lei Liu, Yu Tang, Zijuan Zhou, Yuan Huang, Rui Zhang, Hao Lyu, Shuai Xiao, Dong Guo, Declan William Ali, Marek Michalak, Xing-Zhen Chen, Cefan Zhou, Jingfeng Tang
Summary: Autophagy is a recycling process of eukaryotic cells that degrades protein aggregates or damaged organelles with the help of autophagy-related proteins. Membrane bending is a crucial step in autophagosome formation, and various autophagy-related proteins are involved in changing the membrane curvature. Different mechanisms, such as protein tethering and lipid transport, contribute to the alteration of membrane curvature.
Article
Biology
Hao Lyu, Jiahui Zhang, Qian Wei, Yuan Huang, Rui Zhang, Shuai Xiao, Dong Guo, Xing-Zhen Chen, Cefan Zhou, Jingfeng Tang
Summary: This study identified 45 prognostic genes significantly associated with the overall survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) patients and constructed a prognostic model based on six autophagy- and Wnt/beta-catenin-related lncRNAs. It provides a basis for understanding the pathogenesis of PAAD and reveals a potential prognostic indicator.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuewen Zhang, Nianping Wu, Huili Huang, Shi Li, Shicheng Liu, Rui Zhang, Yuan Huang, Hao Lyu, Shuai Xiao, Declan William Ali, Marek Michalak, Xing-Zhen Chen, Cefan Zhou, Jingfeng Tang
Summary: PTTG1 is a bona fide β-catenin binding protein that positively regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting the destruction complex assembly and promoting β-catenin stabilization and nuclear localization. PTTG1's subcellular distribution is regulated by its phosphorylation status. It is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with poor patient prognosis, as it promotes the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells.
Article
Cell Biology
Megan R. Beggs, Kennedi Young, Allen Plain, Debbie D. O'Neill, Ahsan Raza, Veit Flockerzi, Henrik Dimke, R. Todd Alexander
Summary: We found that intestinal permeability to calcium is higher in suckling animals due to increased expression of claudin-2, a calcium channel protein, which is stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in breast milk. Loss of the claudin-2 pathway leads to decreased bone mineralization in 2-week-old mice.
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caroline Diener, Martin Hart, Claudia Fecher-Trost, Jessica Knittel, Stefanie Rheinheimer, Markus R. Meyer, Jens Mayer, Veit Flockerzi, Andreas Keller, Eckart Meese
Summary: One widely accepted concept in biology is the potentiated cooperative effect of multiple miRNAs on the same target, despite insufficient experimental evidence. The quantity and quality of required side constraints of cooperative binding remain largely unknown. In this study, we selected 15 joint target genes, representing various 3'UTR binding site constellations, and found different cooperative scenarios between miR-21-5p and miR-155-5p. Surprisingly, our experiments provided stronger evidence for cooperative miRNA effects than originally postulated, highlighting the need to refine the definition of targetomes specified for single miRNAs to account for their cooperative effects.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Monika I. Hollenhorst, Thomas Husnik, Malin Zylka, Nele Duda, Veit Flockerzi, Thomas Tschernig, Stephan Maxeiner, Gabriela Krasteva-Christ
Summary: This study confirmed the presence of tuft cells in the human airway from the trachea to the bronchioles. Tuft cells were found to play a functional role in regulating mucociliary clearance by activating the TRPM5 channel through bitter substances, and involving cholinergic and nitric oxide signaling pathways.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2023)
