Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Zhang, Junliu Huang, Kainan Yu, Xiaojie Cui
Summary: The G-quadruplex structures formed by C9orf72 gene play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD. This study investigated the GQ structures formed by different lengths of C9-HRE DNA sequences and identified a natural small molecule, Fangchinoline, that can stabilize and alter the C9-HRE GQ structures in both DNA and RNA levels. The findings provide insights into therapeutic strategies targeting C9-HRE DNA and RNA in C9ALS/FTD.
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna C. Papageorgiou, Michaela Pospisilova, Jakub Cibulka, Raghib Ashraf, Christopher A. Waudby, Pavel Kaderavek, Volha Maroz, Karel Kubicek, Zbynek Prokop, Lumir Krejci, Konstantinos Tripsianes
Summary: In this study, the authors propose a three-step charge-driven coacervation model involving dynamic complexes between a positively charged IDR of human RECQ4 and G-quadruplexes. The IDR also interacts with Replication Protein A, implying RECQ4's regulatory role.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(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, Multidisciplinary
Liat Katrivas, Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Dvir Rotem, Danny Porath, Alexander Kotlyar
Summary: The guanine octuplex (G8)-DNA is a novel DNA structure with enhanced stiffness, mechanical and thermodynamic stability compared to its parent G4-DNA, making it a compelling candidate for molecular nanoelectronics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
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)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Timo Hagen, Artur Laski, Anneke Bruemmer, Adam Pruska, Verena Schloesser, Antoine Clery, Frederic H-T Allain, Renato Zenobi, Sven Bergmann, Jonathan Hall
Summary: Gene expression is heavily influenced by RNA structure, with A-to-I editing activating latent rG4s and forming GI-quadruplexes, previously unrecognized structural motifs that may play a significant role in gene expression regulation.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Iva Kejnovska, Petr Stadlbauer, Lukas Trantirek, Daniel Renciuk, Martin Gajarsky, Daniel Krafcik, Jan Palacky, Klara Bednarova, Jiri Sponer, Jean-Louis Mergny, Michaela Vorlickova
Summary: Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical forms of nucleic acids that are frequently found in genomes. The stability of G4s depends on the number of G-tetrads. Experiment and theoretical approaches have shown that a solitary two-tetrad parallel DNA G4 is not thermodynamically stable and requires additional interactions through capping residues.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Marzano, Stefano D'Errico, Francesca Greco, Andrea Patrizia Falanga, Monica Terracciano, Daria Di Prisco, Gennaro Piccialli, Nicola Borbone, Giorgia Oliviero
Summary: G-wires are supramolecular DNA structures obtained through self-assembly based on the G-quadruplex structural motif. Despite their potential applications in DNA nanotechnologies, the self-assembly process to obtain G-wires is not completely understood or controlled.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sunny Y. Yang, David Monchaud, Judy M. Y. Wong
Summary: This article describes a G4-RNA-specific precipitation (G4RP) protocol for transcriptomic profiling of G4-RNAs. The method includes chemical cross-linking and affinity capture with a G4-specific probe, allowing comprehensive analysis of folded G4-RNAs. The protocol can be completed in 1-2 weeks and can be optimized for different experimental setups.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emil Laust Kristoffersen, Andrea Coletta, Line Morkholt Lund, Birgit Schiott, Victoria Birkedal
Summary: G-quadruplexes are noncanonical DNA structures that play important roles in DNA metabolic processes. We investigated the folding of consecutive G-quadruplexes in both potassium- and sodium-containing solutions and found coexistence of partially and fully folded DNA. Full consecutive G-quadruplex formation is inhibited by other DNA structures randomly nucleating on the DNA. Our study provides insights into the formation of consecutive G-quadruplexes in both equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
H. Busra Cagirici, Hikmet Budak, Taner Z. Sen
Summary: This study identified and compared G4 motifs in barley with other monocot species, revealing their genomic distribution and molecular functions. The distribution of G4 motifs around genic regions was found to be relatively similar in the species studied, except for Arabidopsis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xueyu Hao, Chunyu Wang, Yu Wang, Chunjie Li, Jingwei Hou, Feng Zhang, Chuanqing Kang, Lianxun Gao
Summary: Topological conversion of human telomeric G-quadruplex induced by naphthalene diimide (NDI) ligands in K+ solution was discovered, where hybrid-type GQs were selectively induced to highly stable parallel-type GQs. This finding will inspire further studies on ligand design with GQ conformational regulation functions and nanotechnological systems based on nucleic acids regulating GQ conformation dynamically.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liu-Yi Liu, Tian-Zhu Ma, You-Liang Zeng, Wenting Liu, Zong-Wan Mao
Summary: This study reveals the structural basis for the specific recognition of G-quadruplex (G4) by pyridostatin (PDS) and its derivatives. The results demonstrate that the rigid aromatic rings of PDS linked by flexible amide bonds match adaptively with G-tetrad planes, enhancing p-p stacking and achieving specific recognition of G4s. The aliphatic amine side chains of PDS adjust conformation to interact with the phosphate backbone via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, increasing affinity for G4s.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaxin Yu, Wei Tan, Dongqi An, Xiuwen Wang, Annai Liu, Weixin Zou, Changjin Tang, Chengyan Ge, Qing Tong, Jingfang Sun, Lin Dong
Summary: Research has shown that SO2 poisoning of NH3-SCR catalysts at low temperature remains a challenge. The formation of sulfate species inhibits the adsorption of NOx, while the formation of ferric sulfate enhances surface acidity, leading to an increase in catalytic activity.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wei Tan, Jin Wang, Yandi Cai, Lulu Li, Shaohua Xie, Fei Gao, Fudong Liu, Lin Dong
Summary: This study proposes a new strategy of Mo doping to improve the low-temperature SCR activity of CeSi2. A Mo-Ce-Si mixed-oxide catalyst was prepared by a simple co-precipitation method. Mo doping significantly enhances the NH3-SCR activity of CeSi2 and exhibits superior N2 selectivity and resistance to SO2/H2O poisoning.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wang Song, Jiawei Ji, Kai Guo, Xin Wang, Xiaoqian Wei, Yandi Cai, Wei Tan, Lulu Li, Jingfang Sun, Changjin Tang, Lin Dong
Summary: CeO2/TiO2 catalysts prepared by solid-phase impregnation showed better catalytic activity in low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3. Surface changes of TiO2 were found to have a significant impact on the improved activity.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lulu Li, Jiawei Ji, Wei Tan, Wang Song, Xin Wang, Xiaoqian Wei, Kai Guo, Wanyu Zhang, Changjin Tang, Lin Dong
Summary: In this work, a supported catalyst consisting of FeOx and MnOx co-supported on aluminum-modified CeO2 was synthesized and applied in the low-temperature NH3-selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) of NO. The study revealed that the SCR activity of the catalyst was significantly influenced by the amount of added aluminum and the appropriate Ce/Al molar ratio. The Fe-Mn/Ce1Al2 catalyst exhibited over 90% NO conversion at a temperature range of 75-250 degrees Celsius and displayed better resistance to SO2 compared to FeeMn/CeO2.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lulu Zhang, Jiang Zhou, Ming Xu, Gu Yuan
Summary: Hsa-miR-1587 is capable of forming G-quadruplex structures and is overexpressed in multiple cancer cell lines. Through interactions with proteins like CASK, it affects the expression levels of downstream proteins reelin and p21, potentially involved in intracellular metabolic and transcriptional physiological processes. This study provides a new strategy for regulating the function of G-rich microRNAs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shaohua Xie, Wei Tan, Yuejin Li, Lu Ma, Steven N. Ehrlich, Jiguang Deng, Peng Xu, Fei Gao, Lin Dong, Fudong Liu
Summary: In this study, an efficient NbCuCe oxide catalyst for reducing NOx emissions in cold-start diesel engines is reported. The catalyst exhibits higher DeNO(x) activity below 200 degrees C compared to the Cu-CHA zeolite catalyst, along with superior sulfur resistance, faster response, and lower NH3 slip. Atomically dispersed Cu species facilitate strong interaction between Cu and the Nb/Ce base catalyst, leading to improved low-temperature redox properties and NH3 adsorption/activation. The developed NbCuCe catalyst shows promising potential for efficient DeNO(x) in cold-start diesel engines and can be combined with Cu-CHA for a broader temperature range of operation.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yaoqiu Zhu, Jiang Zhou, Elkin L. Romero
Summary: This study investigated the metabolism pathway of clopidogrel and found that the previous proposed reaction mechanism may be incorrect. Experimental results showed that M11 does not undergo the predicted hydrolytic reaction, but is formed via a Baeyer-Villiger-like mechanism to generate the active metabolite M13. This research provides a biochemical basis for clinical pharmacology and expands our understanding of CYP catalysis.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaohua Xie, Liping Liu, Yu Lu, Chunying Wang, Sufeng Cao, Weijian Diao, Jiguang Deng, Wei Tan, Lu Ma, Steven N. Ehrlich, Yaobin Li, Yan Zhang, Kailong Ye, Hongliang Xin, Maria Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, Fudong Liu
Summary: The local coordination structure of metal sites plays a crucial role in the performance of supported metal catalysts. This study successfully fabricated Pt atomic single-layer structures with precisely controlled local coordination environment, which exhibited higher turnover frequency and improved catalytic activity in CO oxidation. This work provides new insights for achieving 100% atomic utilization efficiency and optimal intrinsic catalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Tan, Shaohua Xie, Xin Wang, Juntian Xu, Yong Yan, Kaili Ma, Yandi Cai, Kailong Ye, Fei Gao, Lin Dong, Fudong Liu
Summary: In this study, an efficient CuO catalyst supported on a CeO2-Al2O3 support (CA-T) prepared by two-step incipient wetness impregnation (T-IWI) method was successfully developed. The Cu/CA-T catalyst exhibited better catalytic performance in CO oxidation and NO reduction by CO (NO + CO reaction) as well as higher thermal stability compared to the CuO catalyst loaded on conventional CeO2-Al2O3 support (Cu/CA). The microstructure of CuO-CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts, especially the state of Cu species, was systematically investigated using various characterization techniques. The mechanisms of CO oxidation and NO + CO reactions on Cu/CA and Cu/CA-T catalysts were collaboratively revealed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qinglong Liu, Peng Yang, Wei Tan, Haowei Yu, Jiawei Ji, Cong Wu, Yandi Cai, Shaohua Xie, Fudong Liu, Song Hong, Kaili Ma, Fei Gao, Lin Dong
Summary: The size effect on nanoparticles plays a crucial role in catalysis performance. Tuning the oxygen vacancies on a metal-oxide support can help reduce the size of Pt particles, thus improving the catalysis performance of the supported catalyst. In this study, Ce-Sn solid solutions (CSO) with abundant oxygen vacancies were synthesized. After CO reduction, the catalytic CO oxidation performance of Pt/CSO was significantly better than that of Pt/CeO2. This improvement was attributed to the creation of smaller Pt clusters on CSO with more exposed active sites.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Jiyun Zhang, Zhizhen Lai, Rui Ding, Jinyu Zhou, Zhonghao Yuan, Dan Li, Xuzhen Qin, Jiang Zhou, Zhili li
Summary: The glycosylation of serotransferrin (STF) has been found to vary significantly among different liver diseases. Models for screening liver diseases and diagnosing liver cancer have been developed based on N-glycosylation patterns of STF. Additionally, a triage model has been created to discriminate between primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mo Zhang, Zhizhen Lai, Renjun Zhang, Shuai Liu, Hongtao Tian, Yuming Qiu, Dan Li, Jiang Zhou, Zhili Li
Summary: Researchers have developed a new method for the analysis of carbonyl metabolites using hydrazide-terminated polyurea-modified magnetic particles (HPMP), which have shown high capture ability and sensitivity. The HPMPs have been successfully applied in the quantitative analysis of metabolites in a large-scale serum sample, demonstrating their potential for accurate differentiation of patients with different health and disease conditions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuming Qiu, Mo Zhang, Zhizhen Lai, Renjun Zhang, Hongtao Tian, Shuai Liu, Dan Li, Jiang Zhou, Zhili Li
Summary: By using the PMPs nanoprobes, a large number of amines can be analyzed efficiently and accurately. Analysis of various samples revealed differences in amino acid metabolism between lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and tissues, indicating the potential application of PMPs in pathological diagnosis and metabolic pathway studies.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shuai Liu, Zhizhen Lai, Mo Zhang, Hongtao Tian, Jiang Zhou, Zhili Li
Summary: A simple and efficient enrichment strategy based on Amino-functionalized Polymer-Magnetic MicroParticles (NH2-PMMPs) with coral-like porous structures was developed to detect 320 anionic metabolites, including 102 polar phosphate metabolites. Previously unknown polar phosphate metabolites were identified in serum samples using this enrichment method, demonstrating its advantages for mass spectrometric analysis. The high sensitivity of the method enabled the detection of 36 polar anion metabolites from 10 cell equivalent samples.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fangyuan Li, Dan Guo, Ting Xie, Sumei Zhang, Anqi Wang, YingXing Li, Jiang Zhou
Summary: It was found that a certain proportion of pre-miRNAs contained potential G-quadruplex forming sequences and acted as a mediator for Dicer-mediated cleavage, suggesting that miRNA production and function could be regulated by the G-quadruplex structure. In this study, the formation of G-quadruplex from human precursor miR-1587 sequences was confirmed and shown to inhibit the maturation of miR-1587, resulting in reduced expression. The destabilization of G-quadruplex led to increased miR-1587 expression and weakened inhibition towards target genes, confirming the importance of maintaining specific structures during miRNA biosynthesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gang Qu, Yuxin Zhao, Qiaoli Zhang, Jina Wu, Xiaosen Li, Yang Yang, Shilei Liu
Summary: In this study, magnetic mesoporous materials combined with real-time in situ mass spectrometry were used for the high-throughput detection of hydrolyzed products of organophosphorus nerve agents. The method showed good linearity, low limits of detection and quantification, and high extraction recoveries. The magnetic preparation method used was quick, cost-effective, rugged, and safe. The results demonstrated the potential of this method for rapid and efficient determination of the target analytes in environmental samples.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anna Hildebrand, Mariam Merchant, Danny O'Hare
Summary: Substandard and falsified artemisinin derivatives in antimalarials have caused significant deaths and economic losses. This study evaluates the feasibility of voltammetric methods for identifying and quantifying artemether. The findings suggest that electrochemical analysis shows promise as a method for artemether identification and quantification.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marx Osorio Araujo Pereira, Alvaro Ferreira Junior, Edson Silvio Batista Rodrigues, Helena Mulser, Giovanna Nascimento de Mello e Silva, Wallans Torres Pio dos Santos, Eric de Souza Gil
Summary: Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a serious and rapidly evolving disease. A new impedimetric immunosensor was developed for rapid diagnosis by measuring specific antibodies in plasma. The sensor demonstrated selectivity and accuracy, and has potential for important applications in diagnostic testing.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kathrin Schilling, Ronald A. Glabonjat, Olgica Balac, Marta Galvez-Fernandez, Arce Domingo-Relloso, Vesna Slavkovich, Jeff Goldsmith, Miranda R. Jones, Tiffany R. Sanchez, Ana Navas-Acien
Summary: Analysis of trace elements in urine is an important tool for assessing exposures, diagnosing nutritional status, and guiding public health and healthcare intervention. This study provides a sensitive method for analyzing 18 elements in urine samples, using only 100 μL. The results show good accuracy and sensitivity of the method.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengya Li, Shijie Liu, Shiliang Guo, Dong Liang, Miaoyun Li, Yaodi Zhu, Lijun Zhao, Jong-Hoon Lee, Gaiming Zhao, Yangyang Ma, Yanxia Liu
Summary: In this study, a magnetic flow device was developed to purify spores in a culture medium system. The device used magnetic nanoparticles to absorb vegetative cells, separating them from the spores. The achieved purity of the collected spores was over 95%. The study also demonstrated a rapid quantitative detection method using Raman spectroscopy.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wanqiong Liu, Zixuan Wu, Jianwei Peng, Zebin Xu, Yong Liang
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are effective carriers for molecular imprinting, but their poor dispersibility in aqueous solution is a significant drawback. In this study, we have applied amphiphilic block copolymers and molecularly imprinted technology on MOFs to improve the hydrophilicity of molecularly imprinted fluorescent materials.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
