Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alon Botzer, Yoram Finkelstein, Ron Unger
Summary: Blood pressure is determined by various physiological factors regulated by complex neural, endocrine, and paracrine mechanisms. Genes related to BP regulation are predominantly expressed in the kidney and adrenals of complex organisms, and in the nervous system of low complexity organisms. The complex system of BP regulation has evolved from simpler components to maintain key homeostatic functions in organisms' existence and survival.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yichen Huang, Fei Jin, Yosuke Funato, Zhijian Xu, Weiliang Zhu, Jing Wang, Minxuan Sun, Yimeng Zhao, Ye Yu, Hiroaki Miki, Motoyuki Hattori
Summary: CNNM/CorC family proteins play a crucial role in Mg2+ transport in organisms. Structural and functional analyses provide important clues for the Mg2+ export activity of CorC.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fei Jin, Yichen Huang, Motoyuki Hattori
Summary: Magnesium ions play vital roles in various physiological processes and their homeostasis is tightly regulated by channels and transporters. This review provides an overview of magnesium ion channels and transporters and discusses the prospects of structural biology in this field.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ming Li, Yang Li, Yue Lu, Jianhui Li, Xuhang Lu, Yue Ren, Tianlei Wen, Yaojie Wang, Shenghai Chang, Xing Zhang, Xue Yang, Yuequan Shen
Summary: This study presents the cryo-EM structures of human Mrs2, revealing its symmetrical pentameric assembly and the mechanism of Mg2+ permeation. The findings provide important insights into the channel assembly and Mg2+ permeation of Mrs2.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengqi Wang, Yimeng Zhao, Yoshiki Hayashi, Koichi Ito, Motoyuki Hattori
Summary: MgtE is a Mg2+-selective channel regulated by intracellular Mg2+ concentration and plays an important role in cellular Mg2+ homeostasis. Multiple Mg2+ binding sites in MgtE family proteins have been identified, showing the conservation and diversity of the cytoplasmic Mg2+ binding site in these proteins.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yuan Yuan, Yara Seif, Kevin Rychel, Reo Yoo, Siddharth Chauhan, Saugat Poudel, Tahani Al-bulushi, Bernhard O. Palsson, Anand Sastry
Summary: By combining pan-genome and transcriptomic analytics, variations in transcriptional regulatory networks across six strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium were revealed.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jiansen Huang, Jie He, Jie Wang, Yongcan Li, Zhigang Xu, Lei Zhang, Yuejun Kang, Peng Xue
Summary: By designing an ion homeostasis perturbator, self-defense mechanisms in cancer cells can be disrupted, leading to the impairment of mitochondrial function and providing insights in cancer therapy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selma Metaane, Veronique Monteil, Thibaut Douche, Quentin Giai Gianetto, Mariette Matondo, Corinne Maufrais, Francoise Norel
Summary: In Salmonella bacteria, the absence of the magnesium transporter CorA affects the physiology and competitive ability of the cells. In the presence of high extracellular magnesium levels, the absence of CorA leads to the production of another magnesium transporter, MgtA, to compensate for it, and this process does not require PhoP. Moreover, the combination of Delta phoP and Delta corA mutations results in significantly reduced growth and motility, as well as decreased abundance of proteins involved in flagella formation, chemotaxis, and secretion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinyu Teng, Danqi Sheng, Jin Wang, Ye Yu, Motoyuki Hattori
Summary: This study demonstrates the stronger binding of the metal-binding site of the MgtE TM domain to Mg2+ compared to Ca2+, and the higher resolution structure determination reveals hexahydrated Ca2+, providing mechanistic insights into the ion selectivity of MgtE for Mg2+ over Ca2+.
Review
Plant Sciences
Ilya E. Zlobin
Summary: Regulation of plant Zn homeostasis is mainly accomplished at the transcriptional level, with local regulation based on transcription factors bZIP19 and bZIP23 sensing changes in cellular Zn concentrations. Other unidentified mechanisms for sensing cellular Zn concentrations likely exist, along with a shoot-derived systemic Zn deficiency signal and regulation of mRNA degradation of Zn homeostasis genes by changes in cellular Zn status.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyewon Seo, Suzie Kang, Dongho Lee, Cheol-Won Yun
Summary: We found that zinc regulates gliotoxin biosynthesis through ZafA. When the zinc concentration increases, gliotoxin production decreases while pseurotin A and fumagillin production increase. High zinc concentrations upregulate the expression of genes involved in pseurotin A biosynthesis. Deletion of gliZ, a transcriptional activator of gliotoxin biosynthesis genes, increases pseurotin A production. The deletion of gliZ and zafA delays the death rate in murine virulence test compared to single-deletion mutants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Helen Hertenstein, Ellen McMullen, Astrid Weiler, Anne Volkenhoff, Holger M. Becker, Stefanie Schirmeier
Summary: During hunger or malnutrition, animals prioritize ensuring the supply of nutrients to the brain for survival, a mechanism known as brain sparing. Research in Drosophila has shown that the expression of carbohydrate transporter proteins increases during starvation to facilitate efficient carbohydrate uptake, regulated by Rab-dependent intracellular shuttling and TGF-beta signaling. This study reveals an evolutionarily conserved regulatory paradigm for sugar transporter expression at the blood-brain barrier.
Article
Cell Biology
Travis R. Madaris, Manigandan Venkatesan, Soumya Maity, Miriam C. Stein, Neelanjan Vishnu, Mridula K. Venkateswaran, James G. Davis, Karthik Ramachandran, Sukanthathulse Uthayabalan, Cristel Allen, Ayodeji Osidele, Kristen Stanley, Nicholas P. Bigham, Terry M. Bakewell, Melanie Narkunan, Amy Le, Varsha Karanam, Kang Li, Aum Mhapankar, Luke Norton, Jean Ross, M. Imran Aslam, W. Brian Reeves, Brij B. Singh, Jeffrey Caplan, Justin J. Wilson, Peter B. Stathopulos, Joseph A. Baur, Muniswamy Madesh
Summary: In mice consuming a Western diet, genetic ablation of the mitochondrial Mg2+ channel Mrs2 prevents weight gain and promotes metabolism, leading to decreased fat accumulation in the liver and browning of white adipose. Mrs2 deficiency restrains citrate efflux from the mitochondria, making it unavailable to support de novo lipogenesis. Lowering mMg2+ promotes metabolism and dampens diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Review
Microbiology
Eduardo A. Groisman, Alexandre Duprey, Jeongjoon Choi
Summary: The PhoP/PhoQ two-component system is crucial in governing virulence, Mg2+ homeostasis, and resistance to antimicrobial agents in Gram-negative bacteria. The system involves the sensor PhoQ and the transcriptional regulator PhoP, with PhoQ being activated by various signals to promote the phosphorylated state of PhoP. This phosphorylated form controls the expression of hundreds of proteins directly and indirectly, revealing novel forms of signal transduction and the physiological consequences of regulon evolution.
MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi Lu, Zihe Wang, Shumin Bai, Ying Wang, Cheng Liao, Yaru Sun, Yi Zhang, Wei Li, Qingsong Mei
Summary: Optogenetics-based synthetic biology has great potential as a cell-based therapy for incurable diseases; however, controlling genetic expression strength and timing through closed-loop regulation based on disease state remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a smart hydrogel platform that combines glucose reversible responsive upconversion nanoprobes and optogenetic engineered cells, allowing adaptive control of optogenetic expressions for insulin secretion based on blood glucose levels. This intelligent system enables convenient maintenance of glycemic homeostasis without the need for additional glucose concentration monitoring, thereby avoiding hypoglycemia induced by genetic overexpression. This proof-of-concept strategy combines diagnostics with optogenetics-based synthetic biology, opening up a new avenue for nano-optogenetics.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soojung Hahn, Gyuri Kim, Sang-Man Jin, Jae Hyeon Kim
Summary: This study utilized three-dimensional intestinal organoids to investigate the effects of metformin on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and found that metformin can enhance intestinal barrier function and reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. V. Sudarev, M. S. Gette, S. V. Bazhenov, O. M. Tilinova, E. V. Zinovev, I. V. Manukhov, A. I. Kuklin, Yu. L. Ryzhykau, A. V. Vlasov
Summary: This study investigated the self-assembly processes of ferritin-based protein complexes and obtained structurally characterized oligomeric states. These results provide new potential and opportunities for the application of ferritin in various fields.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yalda Sabaghi, Farnaz Pourfarzad, Leila Zolghadr, Azita Bahrami, Tahereh Shojazadeh, Alireza Farasat, Nematollah Gheibi
Summary: p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a plant compound with anti-cancer activities. This study designed a nano-liposomal carrier containing p-CA to enhance its effectiveness against melanoma cells. The findings showed that the liposomal form of p-CA had a greater impact on the cells. Kinetic modeling indicated that the best fitting model was zero-order.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. D. Nazmul Hasan, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Al Asmaul Husna, Nobuhiro Nozaki, Osamu Yamato, Naoki Miura
Summary: This study investigated the expression of ncRNAs other than miRNAs in different histologic subtypes of canine mammary gland tumors (MGT). Three aberrantly expressed ncRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for differentiating MGT subtypes. YRNA and tRFs expression levels were found to be decreased in metastatic compared to primary MGT cell lines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seine A. Shintani
Summary: In this study, the researchers used signal analysis to study the instantaneous amplitude and phase of sarcomeric oscillations in skeletal muscle. They identified two types of oscillations, sarcomeric oscillations and sarcosynced oscillations, and visualized their behavior during propagating waves. The researchers discovered the presence of sarcomeric defect holes and sarcomeric collision holes, which are important indicators for understanding the oscillation properties of sarcomeres. This finding has important implications for improving our understanding of muscle function and its regulatory mechanisms.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuanglin Zhang, Yuzhong Jia, Guolan Ma, Yanyan Yang, Zhenzhen Cao, Antao Luo, Zefu Zhang, Shihan Li, Jie Wen, Hanfeng Liu, Jihua Ma
Summary: Bupleurum is an antiarrhythmic agent that may exert its effects by inhibiting L-type calcium channels.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomotaka Ohkubo, Yasuhiko Matsumoto, Hiroaki Sasaki, Kaoru Kinoshita, Yuki Ogasawara, Takashi Sugita
Summary: This study found that Citrobacter koseri inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, disrupting the balance between S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, and exacerbating inflammation in atopic dermatitis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toshifumi Asano, Philipp Sasse, Takao Nakata
Summary: A Cre recombination-based fluorescent reporter system was developed to monitor cell-cell fusion. The system successfully detected the formation of multinuclear myotubes and placental syncytiotrophoblast. This tool could facilitate the study of cell-to-cell fusion.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ke Shi, Yunlong Shan, Xiao Sun, Kuida Chen, Qiong Luo, Qiang Xu
Summary: This study found that low expression of TP53INP2 is associated with poor survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. As the malignancy of CRC progresses, TP53INP2 expression gradually decreases. Knockdown of TP53INP2 promotes CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mechanistically, TP53INP2 deficiency decreases phosphorylation of beta-catenin, leading to increased accumulation and enhanced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Additionally, TP53INP2 sequesters TIM50, inhibiting its activation of beta-catenin. In conclusion, downregulation of TP53INP2 promotes CRC progression by activating beta-catenin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Rossi, Fabio Tomaselli, Alejandro Hochkoeppler
Summary: Oligomeric enzymes are known for their higher catalytic rates compared to monomeric enzymes, but the extent of additivity in their activity is still not well understood. This study used tetrameric rabbit lactate dehydrogenase as a model to examine the kinetics of its catalytic action. Surprisingly, when the concentration of the limiting reactant exceeded that of a single subunit, there was a significant slowdown in the enzyme's conformational rearrangements.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amin Sahraei, Mohammad Javad Shamsoddini, Fakhrossadat Mohammadi, Leila Hassani
Summary: This study explored the inhibitory effects of gallium curcumin, indium curcumin, and vanadyl curcumin on the amyloid fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme, as well as the binding interactions of these metal complexes with the enzyme. The results showed that indium curcumin and vanadyl curcumin exhibited higher binding affinities and stronger inhibitory effects on amyloid fibrillation compared to gallium curcumin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takahiro Sasaki, Yoshiki Kuse, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masamitsu Shimazawa
Summary: PGRN deficiency plays a significant role in cardiac remodeling and arrhythmias post-myocardial infarction (MI), potentially by promoting metabolic abnormalities in macrophages.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwei Zhao, Yiqiang Li, Yibo Zhang, Chi Zhang
Summary: Electrical brain stimulation technology is commonly used to treat brain neurological disorders, but it can cause side effects. This study investigated the impact of electric fields on nerve fibers and revealed the possible origin of side effects. The findings provide guidance for selecting electrical parameters in clinical stimulation therapy.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia S. Scott, Lake-Ee Quek, Andrew J. Hoy, Johannes V. Swinnen, Zeyad D. Nassar, Lisa M. Butler
Summary: The fatty acid elongation enzyme ELOVL5 plays a critical role in promoting metastasis in prostate cancer. Knocking down ELOVL5 leads to the accumulation of malonyl-CoA, which inhibits fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. This study highlights the importance of fatty acid elongation in regulating cell viability and provides a potential target for prostate cancer treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zan Zhou, Wen-jun Jiang, Li Li, Jun-qiang Si
Summary: This study investigates the effect of noise exposure on cognitive function in mice and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings suggest that noise exposure leads to increased inflammation, increased phosphorylation of Tau protein, and decreased levels of postsynaptic density protein, resulting in cognitive impairment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)