Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elizabeth A. Delesky, Luis F. Garcia, Aparna J. Lobo, Rebecca A. Mikofsky, Nicolas D. Dowdy, Jaqueline D. Wallat, Garret M. Miyake, Wil V. Srubar
Summary: Ice growth mitigation is a challenge for multiple industries. Inspired by ice-binding proteins (IBPs), researchers have developed a bioinspired polymer, pHPMA, that shows strong ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity at ultralow nanomolar concentrations. This study provides valuable insights into the synthesis and characterization of potent bioinspired materials that mimic the behavior of native IBPs.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zulal Muganli, Shaghayegh Saeidiharzand, Regina Rekuviene, Vykintas Samaitis, Audrius Jankauskas, Ali Kosar, Ghazaleh Gharib, Abdolali Sadaghiani
Summary: Ice formation on solid surfaces poses challenges in industrial applications due to increased energy consumption and performance deterioration. Preparation of anti-icing surfaces using cryoprotectants is effective in reducing operational costs and extending surface lifespan. This study investigates the cloning, expression, and production of antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from E. Coli and their immobilization on aluminum surfaces. The coated AFP exhibits strong anti-icing ability on evaporator fins, highlighting the potential of AFPs for energy-saving and improved performance in various industrial applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Xu Chen, Xiaodan Shi, Xixi Cai, Fujia Yang, Ling Li, Jinhong Wu, Shaoyun Wang
Summary: Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) show great potential as ice crystal growth inhibitors in frozen foods. This review focuses on the characteristics, structural diversity, and mechanisms of IBPs, as well as their application advances in the food industry.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Roderick P. Tas, Marco M. R. M. Hendrix, Ilja K. Voets
Summary: Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have been found to bind ice and lower freezing temperatures, making them crucial for the survival of organisms in icy environments. However, there is still debate over the mechanisms through which they function. In this study, subzero nanoscopy was used to observe the dynamics of individual AFPs binding to ice crystals. The results provided experimental evidence for the adsorption-inhibition paradigm and highlighted the importance of reversible binding to ice in the overall model of AFP activity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Nishaka William, Sophia Mangan, Rob N. Ben, Jason P. Acker
Summary: One of the key challenges in subzero storage is controlling ice nucleation or recrystallization. Nature provides examples of organisms that can sustain subphysiological temperatures for extended periods of time, and by studying their proteins, we now have access to compounds and materials for biopreservation applications. This research can synergize with other advancements in cryobiology, making it a timely topic for review.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Collin L. Juurakko, George C. DiCenzo, Virginia K. Walker
Summary: Antifreeze proteins from Brachypodium have the ability to prevent freezing and pathogen-mediated ice nucleation. The encoded proteins can disrupt the ice nucleating arrays of bacterial ice nucleating proteins and inhibit the host immune response.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sang Yup Lee, Minseong Kim, Tae Kyung Won, Seung Hyuk Back, Youngjoo Hong, Byeong-Su Kim, Dong June Ahn
Summary: In this study, the Janus effect on ice growth by hyperbranched polyglycerols, which can inhibit or promote ice growth, was identified. The formation and dissociation dynamics of interfacial hydrogen bonds played a crucial role in this phenomenon.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abirami Baskaran, Manigundan Kaari, Gopikrishnan Venugopal, Radhakrishnan Manikkam, Jerrine Joseph, Parli Bhaskar
Summary: Antifreeze proteins are produced by organisms to adapt to extreme cold environments, protecting cells from ice crystal formation by lowering the freezing point of body fluids. These proteins, with diverse structures, modify ice crystal growth to thrive in cold conditions. Antifreeze proteins have a wide range of applications in industry, biomedicine, and food storage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hossam Farag, Baron Peters
Summary: Anti-freeze proteins (AFPs) protect organisms by attaching to the ice surface and inhibiting ice growth at freezing conditions. This study investigates the process of engulfment, where the ice irreversibly swallows the AFP, and develops a model to determine the critical profile and free energy barrier for this process. The researchers optimize the ice-water interface and estimate the free energy barrier based on factors such as supercooling, AFP footprint size, and distance to neighboring AFPs. Through symbolic regression, they derive a simple expression for the free energy barrier using two physically interpretable, dimensionless parameters.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Michael Chasnitsky, Sidney R. Cohen, Yinon Rudich, Ido Braslavsky
Summary: Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) allow organisms to survive below freezing point by inhibiting ice growth. A new technique using atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables imaging of ice formation and growth at sub-ten nanometer resolution. With this technique, the interaction of IBPs with growing ice surfaces and other frozen systems can be studied in unprecedented detail. This is also the first demonstration of imaging a growing crystal immersed in its own melt with AFM, except for crystals growing in thin films.
JOURNAL OF CRYSTAL GROWTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Ma, Yang Li, Christopher Y. H. Chao, Chi Yan Tso, Baoling Huang, Weihong Li, Shuhuai Yao
Summary: This study presents a novel icephobic surface combining superhydrophobicity and photothermal effect, achieving outstanding anti-icing performance at extremely low temperatures by enhancing solar-thermal conversion. Additionally, the simple, scalable fabrication method of this surface provides great potential for diverse applications.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roma Suris-Valls, Tim P. Hogervorst, Sandra M. C. Schoenmakers, Marco M. R. M. Hendrix, Lech Milroy, Ilja K. Voets
Summary: In this study, the predictable assembly of cyclic peptides into nanotubes was utilized to prepare large, rigid ice-binders with ice-binding motifs found in hyperactive ice-binding proteins in insects. The pH-dependent self-assembly behavior of these ice-binders was observed, showing a marked pH dependence of their ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mengjia Dou, Chennan Lu, Wei Rao
Summary: Cryopreservation is important for meeting the demand for high value bio-samples, but remains challenging for sensitive cells and tissues. Coordinated efforts and studying natural anti-cold strategies are needed to advance cryopreservation technology. Discoveries in biomaterials and biotechnological breakthroughs can further promote the development of cryopreservation.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thomas H. Dunn, Sebastian. A. Skaanvik, Ian J. Mcpherson, Cedrick O'Shaughnessy, Xuefeng He, Alexander N. Kulak, Stuart Micklethwaite, Adriana Matamoros-Veloza, Ilaria Sandei, Liam Hunter, Thomas D. Turner, Johanna M. Galloway, Martin Rosenthal, Andrew J. Britton, Marc Walker, Mingdong Dong, Patrick R. Unwin, Fiona C. Meldrum
Summary: This study explores the features of effective nucleating agents and demonstrates the potential of biological material hair as an effective nucleating agent. Experimental results show that nucleation preferentially occurs at the cuticle step edges of hairs from various mammals, and the nucleating activities of the hairs can be adjusted through chemical treatments. Analysis of the hair structure and composition reveals that surface chemistry, surface topography, and surface charge all contribute to the creation of effective nucleation sites.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Wentao Yang, Yucong Liao, Qi Shi, Zhaoru Sun
Summary: Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) are powerful inhibitors of ice recrystallization and have been widely studied. However, there is still controversy about the molecular mechanism of how they inhibit ice growth, particularly the group responsible for binding AFGPs to ice. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the atomistic details of AFGP8 binding to ice. The results show that AFGP8 can bind to ice through backbone dominant binding, disaccharide dominant binding, and weak binding. Hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic groups contribute equally to the binding and synergistically promote it. The work provides valuable insights into the ice growth inhibition mechanism of AFGP8, which can aid in the design of efficient cryoprotectants.
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)