Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryo Yamasaki
Summary: Connexins form gap junctions that allow the movement of bioactive molecules between cells and play crucial roles in neurological dysfunctions. Modulating connexin hemichannels could be a promising therapeutic approach for treating these disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Xiaomin Huang, Yixun Su, Nan Wang, Hui Li, Zhigang Li, Guowei Yin, Hui Chen, Jianqin Niu, Chenju Yi
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in maintaining the normal functions of the Central Nervous System (CNS). During neurodegenerative diseases, alterations in astrocytic connexin expression and function can affect disease progression by impacting neuronal function and survival. Targeting connexins may be a plausible therapeutic strategy for managing these neurodegenerative diseases.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olivia E. Crouthamel, Leping Li, Michael T. Dilluvio, Thomas W. White
Summary: Mutations in the GJA1 gene encoding connexin43 (Cx43) have been linked to various rare genetic disorders, including those affecting the skin. This study investigated the functional consequences of a specific Cx43 mutation (Cx43-G38E) associated with a novel human phenotype. The research showed that the mutation increased the activity of hemichannels, suggesting a potential role in skin and skeletal disorders caused by Cx43 mutations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Sarbjit Nijjar, Daniel Maddison, Louise Meigh, Elizabeth de Wolf, Thomas Rodgers, Martin J. Cann, Nicholas Dale
Summary: A moderate increase in PCO2 (55 mmHg) can close Cx26 gap junctions independently of changes in pH, relying on specific residues and a carbamylation reaction. Pathological mutations of Cx26 can abolish this CO2-dependent closing effect, which is mediated through changes in protein entropy state. The action of CO2 on Cx26 gap junctions is different from its effect on hemichannels, with opposing actions dependent on the same residues and presumed carbamylation reaction.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Lan Lei, Ya-Ting Wang, Die Hu, Cong Gai, Yi Zhang
Summary: Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with high suicide and disability rates. The pathology of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction, specifically the expression and function of connexin 43 (Cx43). Neuroinflammation is also a key factor in depression pathology, and Cx43 is believed to be involved in neuroinflammation-related depression. The specific mechanism of Cx43-mediated functions in neuroinflammation-related depression pathology is still unknown.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaat Leroy, Alanah Pieters, Axelle Cooreman, Raf Van Campenhout, Bruno Cogliati, Mathieu Vinken
Summary: The study found that both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds negatively affect connexin32 expression, but no specific effects related to chemical type were observed at the gap junction or connexin hemichannel functionality level.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
D. Ryan King, Meghan W. Sedovy, Xinyan Leng, Jianxiang Xue, Samy Lamouille, Michael Koval, Brant E. Isakson, Scott R. Johnstone
Summary: Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins are crucial in cellular physiology and have been investigated for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases. Modulating GJ signaling pathways and designing peptides have shown promise as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. However, the overall mechanisms of action of connexin targeting peptides are still not fully understood despite years of research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Simona Denaro, Lorella Pasquinucci, Rita Turnaturi, Cristiana Alberghina, Lucia Longhitano, Sebastiano Giallongo, Giuliana Costanzo, Salvatore Spoto, Margherita Grasso, Agata Zappala, Giovanni Li Volti, Daniele Tibullo, Nunzio Vicario, Rosalba Parenti, Carmela Parenti
Summary: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of the novel compound (+)-2R/S-LP2 as a sigma 1R antagonist in treating neuropathic pain. The results showed that the compound can reduce painful behavior and modulate the neuroinflammatory environment, making it an effective strategy for treating neuropathic pain.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice McDouall, Kelly Q. Zhou, Laura Bennet, Colin R. Green, Alistair J. Gunn, Joanne O. Davidson
Summary: Perinatal brain injury, caused by hypoxia-ischemia and/or infection/inflammation, is a major cause of disability. Despite the effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia, additional interventions are needed as nearly half of the infants still have adverse outcomes. Recent studies have shown that brain injury spreads over time from the initial site to previously unaffected regions, partly due to the opening of connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels. Blockade of these channels has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in animal models, suggesting their potential as targeted interventions in combination or separate from therapeutic hypothermia.
Review
Cell Biology
Andrew M. Boal, Michael L. Risner, Melissa L. Cooper, Lauren K. Wareham, David J. Calkins
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in responding to neurodegenerative stress and are interconnected through gap junctions, primarily composed of connexin-43 (Cx43), forming a broader network. This network contributes to various important processes and is likely to influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting these networks may be critical in the treatment of glaucomatous neurodegeneration and other optic neuropathies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas, Jose Antonio Sanchez, Laura Valls-Lacalle, Marta Consegal, Ignacio Ferreira-Gonzalez
Summary: Connexins are transmembrane proteins that are crucial for cardiac physiology, facilitating electrical coupling between cardiomyocytes. Beyond cell-to-cell communication, connexins also play roles in cell death and survival, with additional functions such as opening of hemichannels and involvement in cardioprotection and cell growth. In-depth exploration of connexin biology sheds light on their implications in various aspects of cardiac pathophysiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masakatsu Watanabe
Summary: This study investigated the role of two SR residues in the Cx39.4 gene in zebrafish skin patterning. The results showed that these SR residues are critical for channel function, leading to stripe pattern formation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Rodjakovic, Lilian Salm, Guido Beldi
Summary: Recent studies have shown that Connexin-43 plays important roles in macrophages, including migration, antigen-presentation, intercellular communication, electrochemical support, and immunomodulation. Dysregulation of Cx43 has been described in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, and HIV. However, its involvement in other macrophage functions and inflammatory processes requires further research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yumeng Quan, Yu Du, Yuxin Tong, Sumin Gu, Jean X. Jiang
Summary: The lens uses connexin channels to maintain its redox homeostasis, but oxidative stress may lead to dysfunction of gap junction channels and hemichannels, thereby inducing cataract formation.
Article
Cell Biology
Aixia Jin, Qingqing Zhao, Shuting Liu, Zi-bing Jin, Shuyan Li, Mengqing Xiang, Mingbing Zeng, Kangxin Jin
Summary: A new mutation in GJA8 causing congenital cataract was identified and its functional impact was revealed. This finding expands the pathogenic mutation spectrum of Cx50 underlying cataract, providing more support for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sergio Linsambarth, Francisco J. Carvajal, Rodrigo Moraga-Amaro, Luis Mendez, Giovanni Tamburini, Ivanka Jimenez, Daniel Antonio Verdugo, Gonzalo Gomez, Nur Jury, Pablo Martinez, Brigitte van Zundert, Lorena Varela-Nallar, Mauricio A. Retamal, Claire Martin, Guillermo A. Altenberg, Mariana C. Fiori, Waldo Cerpa, Juan A. Orellana, Jimmy Stehberg
Summary: Astrocytes release glutamate and D-serine through Cx43 hemichannels to modulate synaptic activity, which is crucial for fear memory consolidation.
Article
Cell Biology
Juan Guiza, Anibal Garcia, Javiera Arriagada, Camila Gutierrez, Jorge Gonzalez, Valeria Marquez-Miranda, Melissa Alegria-Arcos, Yorley Duarte, Maximiliano Rojas, Fernando Gonzalez-Nilo, Juan C. Saez, Jose L. Vega
Summary: The study identified innexin protein homologs in unicellular organisms, which may serve as protein subunits of novel large-pore channels in single-celled organisms. These proteins were found to have key structural features and potential functional roles similar to those in parasitic diseases like Chagas.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arlek Gonzalez-Jamett, Walter Vasquez, Gabriela Cifuentes-Riveros, Rafaela Martinez-Pando, Juan C. Saez, Ana M. Cardenas
Summary: Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and atrophy. These diseases are caused by gene mutations that affect the structure and function of skeletal muscles, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle degeneration. Dysregulation of connexin hemichannels plays a crucial role in these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Cristian Arredondo, Carolina Cefaliello, Agnieszka Dyrda, Nur Jury, Pablo Martinez, Ivan Diaz, Armando Amaro, Helene Tran, Danna Morales, Maria Pertusa, Lorelei Stoica, Elsa Fritz, Daniela Corvalan, Sebastian Abarzua, Maxs Mendez-Ruette, Paola Fernandez, Fabiola Rojas, Meenakshi Sundaram Kumar, Rodrigo Aguilar, Sandra Almeida, Alexandra Weiss, Fernando J. Bustos, Fernando Gonzalez-Nilo, Carolina Otero, Maria Florencia Tevy, Daryl A. Bosco, Juan C. Saez, Thilo Kahne, Fen-Biao Gao, James D. Berry, Katharine Nicholson, Miguel Sena-Esteves, Rodolfo Madrid, Diego Varela, Martin Montecino, Robert H. Brown, Brigitte van Zundert
Summary: Non-cell-autonomous mechanisms, specifically the release of unidentified toxic factors by astrocytes, contribute to the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTD. Studies found that astrocytes with ALS/FTD-related mutations display elevated levels of intracellular inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), which is also present in astrocyte-conditioned media (ACM). Degradation or neutralization of polyP in ALS/FTD astrocytes or ACM prevents the death of motoneurons. Additionally, polyP staining signals are enriched in postmortem ALS spinal cord sections and ALS cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exhibits increased concentrations of polyP, suggesting polyP as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for ALS/FTD.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicolas Palacios-Prado, Paola A. Soto, Ximena Lopez, Eun Ju Choi, Valeria Marquez-Miranda, Maximiliano Rojas, Yorley Duarte, Jinu Lee, Fernando D. Gonzalez-Nilo, Juan C. Saez
Summary: The study revealed that Pannexin1 forms cell-cell channels with distinct phenotypes and properties, exhibiting high conductivity and sensitivity to voltage and temperature; bioinformatics studies suggested that arginine residues inside the channel pore may be neutralized by hydrophobic interactions, allowing the passage of certain substances.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Antonia Recabal, Sergio Lopez, Magdiel Salgado, Alejandra Palma, Ana M. Obregon, Roberto Elizondo-Vega, Juan C. Saez, Maria A. Garcia-Robles
Summary: Radial glia-like cells in the hypothalamus and dorsal vagal complex are neural precursors that can detect blood-borne nutrients and hormones and increase their proliferation in response to a high-fat diet. This study found that a short-term high sucrose diet can also increase the proliferation of these precursors, while fructose alone does not have the same effect as glucose.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paloma P. Maldonado, Coram Guevara, Margrethe A. Olesen, Juan Andres Orellana, Rodrigo A. Quintanilla, Fernando C. Ortiz
Summary: This article discusses the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on the potential role of Nrf2 signaling in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The authors propose that Nrf2 dysfunction affects the bioenergetics, antioxidant defense, and energy supply provided by glial cells to neurons.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia M. Lucero, Lucas Marambio-Ruiz, Javiera Balmazabal, Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Marcelo Leon, Paola Fernandez, Juan A. Orellana, Victoria Velarde, Juan C. Saez, Gonzalo Gomez
Summary: This study found that the activation of Cx43 hemichannels and inhibition of cell-cell coupling during inflammation may contribute to oxidative stress and damage of mesangial cells through the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anni Guo, Huiqi Zhang, Huanhuan Li, Arthur Chiu, Claudia Garcia-Rodriguez, Carlos F. Lagos, Juan C. Saez, Chunyue Geoffrey Lau
Summary: Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common type of epilepsy, but many patients are resistant to current drugs. Dysfunction of astrocytes and microglia is related to neuroinflammation and hyperexcitability. This study introduces a new compound, D4, that targets glial hemichannels, leading to improved symptoms and survival rates in a mouse model of epilepsy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia M. Lucero, Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Lucas Marambio-Ruiz, Javiera Balmazabal, Tanhia F. Alvear, Matias Vega, Paola Barra, Mauricio A. Retamal, Juan A. Orellana, Gonzalo Gomez
Summary: Hypertension is a common risk factor for chronic cardiovascular diseases and hypertensive nephropathy. AngII-mediated abnormal intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) signaling and the opening of connexins or pannexins channels contribute to renal damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivanka Jimenez-Dinamarca, Rachel Reyes-Lizana, Yordan Lemunao-Inostroza, Kevin Cardenas, Raimundo Castro-Lazo, Francisca Pena, Claudia M. Lucero, Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Mauricio Antonio Retamal, Juan Andres Orellana, Jimmy Stehberg
Summary: GABA plays a crucial role in regulating the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain by affecting the activity of neurons and astrocytes through different GABA receptors. This study specifically focuses on how GABA influences astroglial Cx43 hemichannel activity and its release of glutamate and ATP, providing insights into potential mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ana C. Abbott, Isaac E. Garcia, Felipe Villanelo, Carolina Flores-Munoz, Ricardo Ceriani, Jaime Maripillan, Joel Novoa-Molina, Cindel Figueroa-Cares, Tomas Perez-Acle, Juan C. Saez, Helmuth A. Sanchez, Agustin D. Martinez
Summary: It has been demonstrated that a genetic mutation in the gap junction protein Connexin 26 (Cx26) can lead to hyperactivity and damage of hearing cells in the cochlea, resulting in syndromic deafness. The specific mutation Cx26S17F, when co-expressed with wild-type connexins like Cx30, forms hyperactive hemichannels in supporting cells of the organ of Corti. These hyperactive hemichannels are insensitive to blockers and ions, leading to abnormal calcium influx and cellular damage.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis A. Cea, Walter Vasquez, Romina Hernandez-Salinas, Alejandra Z. Vielma, Mario Castillo-Ruiz, Victoria Velarde, Magdiel Salgado, Juan C. Saez
Summary: Individuals with diabetes mellitus experience skeletal muscle myopathy characterized by atrophy. The mechanism behind this muscular alteration is unclear, making it difficult to design effective treatments. In this study, it was found that boldine, a compound that inhibits non-selective channels, prevented skeletal muscle fiber atrophy in diabetic rats. This was attributed to the blocking of connexin hemichannels and P2X(7) receptors. Additionally, boldine prevented high glucose-induced increase in sarcolemma permeability and expression of NLRP3, suggesting that it could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for muscular complications in diabetes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Garcia-Rodriguez, Paula Mujica, Javiera Illanes-Gonzalez, Araceli Lopez, Camilo Vargas, Juan C. Saez, Arlek Gonzalez-Jamett, Alvaro O. Ardiles
Summary: Probenecid, an old uricosuric agent, has been used to treat gout and reduce renal excretion of antibiotics. Recent studies have shown that Probenecid has the ability to interact with membrane proteins, indicating potential therapeutic applications in medicine. It has been found to have neuroprotective, antiepileptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its declining clinical use, Probenecid shows promise in preclinical research as a strategy to enhance drug bioavailability in the central nervous system.
Article
Biology
Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Claudia M. Lucero, Maximiliano Rovegno, Gonzalo I. Gomez, Mauricio A. Retamal, Juan A. Orellana
Summary: This study found that the spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV-2 can increase the activity of Cx43 hemichannels, potentially leading to cellular dysfunction and damage observed in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, investigating Cx43 hemichannels may provide insights for developing therapies against viral infection.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philipp Grad, Katarina Edwards, Lars Gedda, Victor Agmo Hernandez
Summary: This study investigates the effects of polyethylene glycol-(PEG) modified lipids and gangliosides on the Ca2+ induced interaction between liposomes composed of palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) and palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylserine (POPS) at physiological ionic strength. The results show that naked liposomes tend to adhere, rupture, and collapse on each other's surfaces upon addition of Ca2+, eventually resulting in the formation of large multilamellar aggregates and bilayer sheets. However, the presence of gangliosides or PEGylated lipids leads to the formation of small, long-lived bilayer fragments/disks. PEGylated lipids seem to be more effective than gangliosides at stabilizing these structures. The study suggests that direct liposome-liposome fusion is not the dominating process triggered by Ca2+ in the systems studied.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saurabh Saraswat, Archana Chugh
Summary: Cell penetrating peptides (CPP) are important tools for intracellular delivery of molecules. In this study, a novel marine-derived CPP from Engraulis japonicus, called Engraulisin, was reported. Engraulisin demonstrated successful cellular uptake and selective antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), making it a potential candidate for drug delivery.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela Efodili, Ashlynn Knight, Maryem Mirza, Cedric Briones, Il-Hyung Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates the spontaneous transfer of small membrane-bound peptides between a supported lipid bilayer and giant unilamellar vesicles in vitro. The transfer occurs through the formation of hemi-fusion stalks and is limited to small peptides due to the highly curved structure of the stalk. This system provides a synthetic platform for studying peptide trafficking between synthetic membranes.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yueqi Niu, Si Jia Chen, Jeffery B. Klauda
Summary: Macrophage membranes in the activated state are more tightly packed, exhibit increased chain order across lipid species, and form specific lipid clusters. These findings provide physiologically accurate models for future computational studies of macrophage membranes and their proteins.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niki Baccile, Vincent Chaleix, Ingo Hoffmann
Summary: This study measured the bending rigidity of self-assembled structures formed by a new biobased glucolipid bioamphiphile using neutron spin-echo (NSE) technology. The results showed that the bending rigidity of these structures is lower or higher compared to phospholipid membranes, providing a new theoretical basis for the application of these new molecular systems.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alain Bolano Alvares, Pablo E. A. Rodriguez, Gerardo D. Fidelio
Summary: The behavior of amphiphilic molecules at the air/water interface was studied to evaluate the arrangement formed in a confined area. The surface properties of zwitterionic DPPC lipid and A beta(1-40) amyloid peptide in mixed films were investigated at different temperatures. DPPC undergoes a phase transition depending on temperature and lateral pressure, which allows for the study of its influence on amyloid structure formation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Plachta, Marzena Mach, Magdalena Kowalska, Pawel Wydro
Summary: Resveratrol, a popular phytoalexin found in grapes and red wine, has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and may have therapeutic effects against cancer. This study investigates the interaction of resveratrol with model cell membranes, demonstrating changes in their physicochemical parameters and highlighting the role of cholesterol content in resveratrol incorporation. The findings suggest that the molecular mechanism of action of resveratrol may involve interactions with lipid rafts.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edurne Rujas, Beatriz Apellaniz, Johana Torralba, David Andreu, Jose M. M. Caaveiro, Shixia Wang, Shan Lu, Jose L. Nieva
Summary: This study investigates the role of fusion peptide and Trp-rich membrane proximal external region in HIV-1 fusion and demonstrates that liposome-based formulations containing FP-MPER hybrid peptides can induce the production of specific neutralizing antibodies in rabbits. The results support the use of liposomes as vaccine carriers and the inclusion of lipid membranes in immunogens to elicit specific humoral responses.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dailin Li, Dingyuan Shi, Lei Wang
Summary: G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels play a significant role in regulating cell excitability. This study investigated the ion permeation mechanism in GIRK2 mutants using molecular dynamic simulations and QM/MM methods. The results revealed the importance of a multi-ion distribution for ion conduction.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max J. den Uijl, Arnold J. M. Driessen
Summary: Membrane protein insertion into and translocation across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane are essential processes facilitated by the Sec translocon. The phospholipid dependence of membrane protein insertion has remained mostly unknown. This study reveals that the insertion of the mannitol permease MtlA into the membrane depends on the presence of phosphatidylglycerol and is stimulated by phosphatidylethanolamine.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick Allen, Adam C. Smith, Vernon Benedicto, Abbas Abdulhasan, Vasanthy Narayanaswami, Enrico Tapavicza
Summary: We explore the stability, size, and structure of nanodiscs formed by the N-terminal domain of apolipoprotein E3 and a variable number of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine molecules. Our simulations suggest that nanodiscs containing 240 to 420 DMPC molecules are stable. The antiparallel configuration shows more protein-protein interactions and ionic contacts, as well as greater stability and rigidity compared to the parallel configuration.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick M. Keating, Nicholas P. Schifano, Xinrui Wei, Matthew Y. Kong, Jinwoo Lee
Summary: Lassa virus (LASV) infection is dependent on the fusion of its viral membrane with the host cell membrane, and our study reveals that this fusion process involves pH-dependent conformational changes in the transmembrane domain of LASV. These findings provide valuable insights into the fusion mechanism of LASV and can be utilized in the design of therapeutics to combat Lassa virus infections and prevent its potential spread.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashley L. Bennett, Kristen N. Cranford, Austin L. Bates, Christopher R. Sabatini, Hee-Seung Lee
Summary: This study employed molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the binding, folding, and insertion details of TP10W in the cell membrane. The simulations revealed that TP10W can translocate across the lipid membrane as a monomer, and the charged amino acid side chains can move between lipid leaflets. Comparison with point mutated variants demonstrated significant conformational changes due to charge distribution.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica H. van Wonderen, Jason C. Crack, Marcus J. Edwards, Thomas A. Clarke, Gerhard Saalbach, Carlo Martins, Julea N. Butt
Summary: Electrogenic bacteria transfer excess respiratory electrons to metal oxide particles and electrodes through the MtrCAB complex. The crystal structure of MtrCAB from S. baltica OS185 was resolved, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to determine the mass values of the three proteins in purified MtrCAB complexes.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Ming Chen, Ching-Tai Lu, Chia-Wen Wang, Wolfgang B. Fischer
Summary: A series of dye ligands were ranked based on docking experiments, selecting the most suitable ligands for binding with different proteins. Additionally, a comparison study was conducted on a series of repurposing drugs and known antivirals.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
