Article
Neurosciences
Despina Kokona, Dimitris Spyridakos, Manolis Tzatzarakis, Sofia Papadogkonaki, Eirini Filidou, Konstantinos Arvanitidis, George Kolios, Manjunath Lamani, Alexandros Makriyannis, Michael S. Malamas, Kyriaki Thermos
Summary: The endocannabinoid 2-AG has shown neuroprotective effects against excitotoxicity in the retina by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors as well as the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Inhibition of its metabolic enzymes, such as ABHD6 and MAGL, also provides partial neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in the retina.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhiguo He, Xuejiao Han, Hui Xie, Zifeng Yan, Bing Guo, Youwei Yao
Summary: This study demonstrated the synthesis of NIR-conjugated polymer nanoparticles suitable for NIR fluorescence imaging using an efficient one-pot strategy by in-situ miniemulsion polymerization. By adjusting the absorption spectra and particle size control methods, particles with good biocompatibility and bright fluorescence signals were prepared, providing a new approach for cancer cell imaging.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chunyu Yang, Lixin Guo, Kaixin Zhang, Guan Wang, Qingsong Yu, Zhihua Gan, Xinggui Gu
Summary: A novel diradical-featured organic small-molecule photothermal material TTD-TPE has been developed, which exhibits near-infrared absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and superior photoacoustic imaging property. It can induce immunogenic cell death and inhibit the growth of tumors through photothermal effect, demonstrating its potential in cancer treatment.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Zapala, Grzegorz Niemczyk, Piotr Zapala, Artur Wdowiak, Iwona Bojar, Tomasz Kluz, Aleksandra Szopa, Anna Serefko, Piotr Radziszewski, Andrzej Wrobel
Summary: This paper aimed to investigate whether the selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist ACEA could reverse the effects of corticosterone (CORT) on depressive and overactive bladder potential. Through experiments on 48 female rats, it was found that ACEA could restore CORT-induced bladder dysfunction and depressive behavior, as well as regulate urine and other biomarkers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vera Cimrova, Petra Babicova, Mariem Guesmi, Drahomir Vyprachticky
Summary: Researchers reported on two new D-A copolymers, CP1 and CP2, synthesized by Suzuki coupling and characterized their photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescence properties. CP1 exhibited higher red photoluminescence efficiency than CP2 in both solutions and films. It was also found that the molecular weight of the copolymers affected their molecular arrangement in thin films.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Papadogkonaki, Dimitris Spyridakos, Emmanouela Lapokonstantaki, Nikos Chaniotakis, Alexandros Makriyannis, Michael Malamas, Kyriaki Thermos
Summary: The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) affects neurons and microglia by activating CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors (Rs), showing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The study found that the effects of 2-AG on CB1R expression/downregulation and neuroprotection differ depending on the mode of administration. However, all treatments attenuated microglial activation via CB2R activation, supporting the anti-inflammatory role of 2-AG in the retina.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tao Jia, Jiabin Zhang, Kai Zhang, Haoran Tang, Sheng Dong, Ching-Hong Tan, Xiaohui Wang, Fei Huang
Summary: This study designed a series of large-bandgap polymer donors and validated their device performances in all-polymer solar cells by combining them with a polymer acceptor, achieving high efficiency with a maximum of 15.8%. The systems showed more efficient charge transfer and less charge recombination as the energy-level offsets increased, leading to improved short-circuit current density, fill factors, and power conversion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xue Bai, Gerard Batalle, Ignacio Martinez-Martel, Olga Pol
Summary: This study found that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors can enhance the analgesic effects of the cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) agonist JWH-133 in inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions. In addition, H2S donors can improve anxiety and depressive mood associated with neuropathic pain caused by sciatic nerve injury. The results suggest that combining CB2R agonists with H2S donors may be a potential approach for treating neuropathic pain and associated emotional disturbances caused by peripheral nerve injury.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kubra Celik, Arif Kivrak, Buket Carbas
Summary: A new electrochromic copolymer with low band gap and high optical contrast and coloration efficiency was successfully synthesized via electrochemical polymerization. The copolymer exhibits metallic blue and centaury blue colors in its neutral and oxidized states, respectively.
TURKISH JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nidhi Yadav, Nikita Kumari, Yoshito Ando, Shyam S. Pandey, Vipul Singh
Summary: The study reports on organic photosensitive transistors based on PFO-DBT thin films fabricated using the ribbon-FTM method. Under optimized conditions, these polymer FETs demonstrate high charge carrier mobility and photosensitivity response. This technology shows promise for developing high-performance photosensitive organic field-effect transistors.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI-RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manon Mirgaux, Laurence Leherte, Johan Wouters
Summary: The human indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 2 (hIDO2) protein is gaining attention for its potential role in various diseases, but it is poorly understood compared to its paralog hIDO1. There might be an unknown interaction between hIDO1 and hIDO2, which could have contributed to the failure of a hIDO1 inhibitor in clinical trials. A computational study was conducted to better understand the mechanism of hIDO2, revealing instability of the cofactor and improper positioning of the substrate in its active site.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Periyannan Velu, Thirumalaisamy Rathinavel, Suresh Kumarasamy, Muhammad Nasir Iqbal, Hasnat Noor, Ayesha Ikram, Karthika Rajamanickam, Gnanendra Shanmugam
Summary: This study focused on genome analysis of an Indian nCoV-19 isolate and used homology modeling and molecular simulations to identify potential FDA approved drugs for treating COVID-19. The findings revealed that three specific drugs, cobicistat, remdesivir, and indinavir, showed stronger affinity with the viral target proteins from the Indian nCoV-19 isolate. These compounds could be used as a starting point for developing effective antiviral drugs against the deadly COVID-19 virus.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saad R. Atta-Allah, Asmaa M. AboulMagd, Paula S. Farag
Summary: A green and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives with broad-spectrum cytotoxic activity against multiple cancer cell lines. Several compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activity against VEGFR-2 kinase and strong DNA-binding affinity.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sugunadevi Sakkiah, Wenjing Guo, Bohu Pan, Zuowei Ji, Gokhan Yavas, Marli Azevedo, Jessica Hawes, Tucker A. Patterson, Huixiao Hong
Summary: Understanding the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike protein and its host cell receptor protein ACE2 is crucial for drug and vaccine development against COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Lijie Yu, Bo Feng, Zhijia Wang, Lixin Gao, Chun Zhang, Satheeshkumar Rajendran, Jia Li, Yubo Zhou, Wenlong Wang
Summary: SHP1 is a potential target for drug development in cancer treatment due to its role as a convergent node for oncogenic cell-signaling cascades. A new type of SHP1 inhibitor with 5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole scaffold, such as compound 5b, demonstrated promising inhibitory activity and selectivity, offering a novel scaffold for developing new SHP1 inhibitors.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa Sparaco, Ewa Kedzierska, Agnieszka A. Kaczor, Anna Bielenica, Elisa Magli, Beatrice Severino, Angela Corvino, Ewa Gibula-Tarlowska, Jolanta H. Kotlinska, Giorgia Andreozzi, Paolo Luciano, Elisa Perissutti, Francesco Frecentese, Marcello Casertano, Anna Lesniak, Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrozny, Malgorzata Ozieblo, Raffaele Capasso, Vincenzo Santagada, Giuseppe Caliendo, Ferdinando Fiorino
Summary: A series of new derivatives were prepared and evaluated to identify selective ligands for serotonin receptors. The most active compounds, Norbo-4 and Norbo-18, showed high specificity and affinity towards the receptors.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agata Zieba, Dariusz Matosiuk, Agnieszka A. A. Kaczor
Summary: Complex disorders like depression are still a puzzle for scientists. Genetic factors are important for predicting vulnerability, but it is difficult to estimate the risk for depression based on just one category of vulnerability criteria. Genetic factors also influence drug metabolism and can lead to increased drug resistance. Understanding the genetic basis of depression is crucial for developing new medications and effective management strategies. This review analyzes recent literature on the correlation between specific genes and depression, highlights high drug resistance in patients with major depressive disorder, and discusses future directions for drug discovery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Karine Mardon, Jayendra Z. Patel, Juha R. Savinainen, Damion H. R. Stimson, Caitlin R. M. Oyagawa, Natasha L. Grimsey, Mary-anne Migotto, Grace F. M. Njiru, Brett R. Hamilton, Gary Cowin, Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma, Wim Vanduffel, Idriss Blakey, Rajiv Bhalla, Christopher Cawthorne, Sofie Celen, Guy Bormans, Kristofer J. Thurecht, Muneer Ahamed
Summary: Multimodal imaging, through PET and MALDI imaging, is used to discover and validate a new probe targeting the ABHD6 enzyme. The PET ligand [18F]JZP-MA-11 is reported to have specific uptake in ABHD6-rich tissues and major brain regions, with brain uptake confirmed in a nonhuman primate study. In vivo pharmacological response upon ABHD6 inhibition is observed using MALDI imaging. These synergistic imaging efforts hold promise for improving our understanding of ABHD6-mediated endocannabinoid metabolism in peripheral and central nervous system disorders.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka A. Kaczor, Ewa Kedzierska, Tomasz M. Wrobel, Angelika Grudzinska, Angelika Pawlak, Tuomo Laitinen, Agata Bartyzel
Summary: Serotonin receptors regulate various physiological functions and behaviors, and three indole derivatives (D2AAK5, D2AAK6, and D2AAK7) were synthesized and studied as ligands for serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. X-ray studies revealed the crystal structure of D2AAK5, and the main interaction between the ligands and receptors was identified as a salt bridge. Molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes, except for D2AAK7 in the 5-HT1A receptor. D2AAK7 showed anxiolytic activity, while D2AAK5 had a beneficial effect on memory processes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka A. Kaczor, Tomasz M. Wrobel, Damian Bartuzi
Summary: Allosteric modulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a popular topic in medicinal chemistry nowadays. Allosteric modulators, compounds that bind to a receptor site different from the orthosteric sites, have several advantages. They are more selective, safer, and exhibit a ceiling effect. Allosteric modulators targeting dopamine D-2 receptor show potential as drugs for psychiatric and neurological diseases. This review provides an in-depth summary of current research on D-2 receptor modulators, including pharmacology, ligand-receptor interactions, and synthesis.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elena Puris, Gert Fricker, Mikko Gynther
Summary: Transporter-mediated drug resistance is a major obstacle in anticancer drug delivery. Low expression of SLC transporters in cancer cells limits drug uptake, resulting in drug therapy failure. Strategies targeting SLC transporters, such as prodrugs and nanocarriers, as well as modulation of transporter expression, hold promise for efficient drug delivery in cancer cells.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kirsi Savijoki, Paola San-Martin-Galindo, Katriina Pitkaenen, Minnamari Edelmann, Annika Sillanpaeae, Cim van der Velde, Ilkka Miettinen, Jayendra Z. Patel, Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma, Mataleena Parikka, Adyary Fallarero, Pekka Varmanen
Summary: By studying the effects of metabolic end-products of food-associated lactobacilli and propionibacteria on biofilm formation of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, it was found that these end-products can disrupt the quorum sensing system of the pathogenic bacteria, leading to the inhibition of biofilm formation.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Hannes Leupe, Stephen Ahenkorah, Jeroen Dekervel, Marcus Unterrainer, Eric Van Cutsem, Chris Verslype, Frederik Cleeren, Christophe M. Deroose
Summary: Molecular imaging of somatostatin receptors is crucial in the clinical management of neuroendocrine tumors. PET imaging with 68Ga or 64Cu labeled somatostatin analogs is currently the gold standard, but practical and economic issues hinder widespread implementation of 68Ga imaging. Recent advancements in radiochemistry have enabled the use of 18F labeling, leading to promising clinical translations of 18F-labeled somatostatin analogs. This review presents updated clinical data and justifies the clinical application of these tracers.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Stephen Ahenkorah, Christopher Cawthorne, Erika Murce, Christophe M. Deroose, Thomas Cardinaels, Yann Seimbille, Guy Bormans, Maarten Ooms, Frederik Cleeren
Summary: In this study, [18F]AlF-NOTA-JR11 was synthesized and directly compared with [18F]AlF-NOTA-octreotide as SSTR PET probes for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) imaging. The results showed that [18F]AlF-NOTA-JR11 had higher cell binding, but similar pharmacokinetics and tumor uptake compared to [18F]AlF-NOTA-octreotide. Rating: 6/10
NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pawel Kozyra, Agnieszka Kaczor, Zbigniew Karczmarzyk, Waldemar Wysocki, Monika Pitucha
Summary: Tautomerism of 1-(2-, 3- and 4-pyridinecarbonyl)-4-substituted thiosemicarbazide derivatives was studied using NMR spectroscopy, IR, X-ray analysis, and quantum-chemical calculations. The tautomer with both carbonyl and thione groups was found to be the most stable, and the computational results were consistent with experimental data and crystalline forms. These findings enhance our understanding of the structural studies of thiosemicarbazide scaffold and its interaction with potential molecular targets.
STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Erika Murce, Stephen Ahenkorah, Savanne Beekman, Maryana Handula, Debra Stuurman, Corrina de Ridder, Frederik Cleeren, Yann Seimbille
Summary: In this study, 3p-C-NETA-ePSMA-16 was synthesized and showed high affinity to PSMA, as well as specific uptake in PSMA expressing cells and tumors. It also exhibited improved tumor visualization and imaging contrast compared to other radiopharmaceuticals. Furthermore, 3p-C-NETA-ePSMA-16 has potential for radiotherapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dorota Nieoczym, Nancy Saana Banono, Katarzyna Stepnik, Agnieszka A. Kaczor, Przemyslaw Szybkowski, Camila Vicencio Esguerra, Wirginia Kukula-Koch, Kinga Gawel
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of schisandrin B, a main ingredient of Schisandra chinensis extracts. Schisandrin B showed anticonvulsant activity in zebrafish larva seizure assay but did not affect seizure thresholds in mice. The compound crossed the blood-brain barrier and its activity in zebrafish might be due to its binding to benzodiazepine and/or inhibition of glutamate receptors. However, it also displayed teratogenic properties in zebrafish larvae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Tony S. Etelainen, M. Catarina Silva, Johanna K. Uhari-Vaananen, Francesca De Lorenzo, Maria H. Jantti, Hengjing Cui, Marta Chavero-Pieres, Tommi Kilpelainen, Christina Mechtler, Reinis Svarcbahs, Erin Seppala, Juha R. Savinainen, Elena Puris, Gert Fricker, Mikko Gynther, Ulrika H. Julku, Henri J. Huttunen, Stephen J. Haggarty, Timo T. Myohanen
Summary: The inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase with KYP-2047 reduces tau aggregation, increases PP2A activity, activates autophagic flux, and helps to clear insoluble tau. This study suggests that inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase could ameliorate tau-dependent neurodegeneration.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Dayana Castillo Seoane, Marijke De Saint-Hubert, Stephen Ahenkorah, Clarita Saldarriaga Vargas, Maarten Ooms, Lara Struelens, Michel Koole
Summary: This study proposes a multiple time-point protocol and a single time-point protocol for quantification of actinium-225. After scatter correction, accurate measurement of actinium-225 activity can be achieved, and the redistribution of free bismuth-213 can be studied to evaluate related radiotoxicity effects.
EJNMMI RADIOPHARMACY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
E. Murce, S. Ahenkorah, S. Beekman, L. van den Brink, S. Dalm, F. Cleeren, Y. Seimbille
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING
(2022)