Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjian Li, Yanhui Su, Yong Ma, Le Wei, Ying He, Yuting Gu, Shiwei Mei, Qiaoqiao Mu, Chengyuan Peng, Yang Peng, Zhao Deng
Summary: In this study, a photoactive electron mediator was successfully applied for the first time as a bifunctional photocathode catalyst in solar-assisted Li-O2 batteries, resulting in high efficiency and low cost for the cathode reactions. The synthesized cobalt complex showed excellent electrocatalytic activity in dark conditions and high photoactivity under illumination, leading to improved charge/discharge voltage gap and round-trip efficiency of the batteries. Furthermore, the light-induced amorphization of Li2O2 was found to enhance the charge/discharge reversibility and extend the cycle life of the batteries. A two-circuit model was proposed to explain the reduction of charge/discharge polarization at lower operating current density. This work not only expands the family of photocathode catalysts, but also provides new insights into the mechanism of photoenergy storage in Li-O2 batteries.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. Abdella, A. Talyzina, S. Chen, C. J. Inouye, R. Tjian, Y. He
Summary: Eukaryotic transcription requires the assembly of a multisubunit preinitiation complex (PIC) composed of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and general transcription factors. The coactivator Mediator is recruited by transcription factors to facilitate assembly of the PIC and stimulate phosphorylation of Pol II C-terminal domain (CTD). Transcription factor binding sites in Mediator are primarily flexibly tethered to the tail module, while CDK7 is stabilized through multiple contacts with Mediator. Two binding sites for Pol II CTD exist, providing structural evidence for phosphorylation within the Mediator-bound PIC.
Article
Cell Biology
Kevin M. Andre, Nathalie Giordanengo Aiach, Veronica Martinez-Fernandez, Leo Zeitler, Adriana Alberti, Arach Goldar, Michel Werner, Cyril Denby Wilkes, Julie Soutourina
Summary: Chromatin organization is crucial for transcriptional regulation. Mediator and RSC contribute to chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation by establishing physical contact and coordinating their functions.
Article
Biology
Alexander R. Leydon, Wei Wang, Hardik P. Gala, Sabrina Gilmour, Samuel Juarez-Solis, Mollye L. Zahler, Joseph E. Zemke, Ning Zheng, Jennifer L. Nemhauser
Summary: The plant corepressor TOPLESS (TPL) interacts with Mediator proteins to fully repress transcription, while multimer formation has minimal influence on TPL's repression strength.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yuhao Wu, Yirong Wang, Yun Sun, Zhen Li, Xianghong Li, Zhiguo Zhou, Dingguo Tang
Summary: A novel family of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes has been synthesized and characterized. Experimental and theoretical results indicate that the substituents on the ligands affect the binding energy between Ru(II) and NO+, thus controlling the photorelease of NO.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qili Song, Yiyi Li, Zhichao Lin, Xiangning Xu, Hongye Dong, Hairui Duan, Li Guan, Xiaowen Gao, Xi-Cheng Ai, Cheng Mu
Summary: The utilization of the sol-gel method for fabricating planar SnO2 as the electron transport layer (ETL) can cause defects on the SnO2 layer surface and perovskite film bottom, resulting in deterioration of device performance. In this study, a substrate modification approach involving the pretreatment of a fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) substrate with NH4PF6 is proposed. The interaction between PF6- ions and the FTO substrate enhances SnO2 film quality and reduces surface defects. NH4+ ions react with an -OH stabilizing agent in the SnO2 solution and are eliminated during annealing, suppressing nonradiative recombination and ion migration at the ETL-perovskite interface. This leads to an improvement in the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhanqiang Du, Xiaoting Zhou, Yuezheng Lai, Jinxu Xu, Yuying Zhang, Shan Zhou, Ziyan Feng, Long Yu, Yanting Tang, Weiwei Wang, Lu Yu, Changlin Tian, Ting Ran, Hongming Chen, Luke W. Guddat, Fengjiang Liu, Yan Gao, Zihe Rao, Hongri Gong
Summary: Human complex II is a protein complex that plays a crucial role in connecting the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Mutations in this complex have been found to cause mitochondrial disease and certain types of cancers. By using cryoelectron microscopy, the structure of human complex II has been determined, revealing its subunits and providing insights into its functional aspects. Mapping clinically relevant mutations onto the structure helps explain their disease-causing potential.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shugao Fan, Erick Amombo, Sheila Avoga, Yating Li, Yanling Yin
Summary: In this study, the authors used RNA sequencing to analyze miRNAs in bermudagrass genotypes with contrasting salt tolerance. They found that 536 miRNA variants were salt-inducible, with the majority being downregulated in salt-tolerant varieties. They also discovered that miRNA171f targeted genes involved in photosynthesis and improved photosynthetic performance and dry matter accumulation under saline conditions. This study has important implications for breeding crops with enhanced salt tolerance and photosynthetic capacity.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emmy Jarsvall, Till Biskup, Yadong Zhang, Renee Kroon, Stephen Barlow, Seth R. Marder, Christian Muller
Summary: Doping of organic semiconductors is crucial for tuning the charge-carrier density. A molybdenum dithiolene complex is shown to accept two electrons from a polythiophene, enabling double p-doping and achieving higher ionization efficiency while minimizing disruption of the nanostructure.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Avinash B. Patel, Jinkang Qing, Kelly H. Tam, Sara Zaman, Maria Luiso, Ishwar Radhakrishnan, Yuan He
Summary: The cryo-EM structure of the yeast Rpd3L HDAC complex is described, showing that key features are conserved in the human complex. The complex consists of two asymmetrically dimeric molecular assemblies, each containing copies of Sin3, Rpd3, and Ume1. The structure also reveals unexpected structural homology/analogy between unrelated subunits in fungal and mammalian complexes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Elena Farah Lehmann, Marton Liziczai, Katarzyna Drozdzyk, Patrick Altermatt, Cassiano Langini, Vania Manolova, Hanna Sundstrom, Franz Durrenberger, Raimund Dutzler, Cristina Manatschal
Summary: The regulatory mechanism of iron homeostasis in humans involves the interaction between ferroportin (FPN) and hepcidin, and dysregulation leads to various pathological conditions. Vamifeport, a clinical-stage FPN inhibitor, competes with hepcidin for FPN binding. Cryo-electron microscopy structures reveal the conformational changes of FPN and the binding site of Vamifeport. This study provides insights into the structural and pharmacological aspects of FPN.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Xiang, Jiang Zhu, Miaomiao Zhou, Lu-Lu Liu, Li-Xin Wang, Min Peng, Bi-Shun Hou, Shek-Man Yiu, Wai-Pong To, Chi-Ming Che, Kai-Chung Lau, Tai-Chu Lau
Summary: The photoreactions of a luminescent osmium(VI) nitrido complex, [Os-VI (N)(L)(CN)(3)](-) (OsN, HL = 2-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)benzoxazole), with catechol (H(2)Cat) and hydroquinone (H(2)Q) result in the cleavage of strong C-OH bonds in dihydroxybenzenes and the conversion of coordinated cyanide to carbon monoxide.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Justin M. Di Trani, Agnes Moe, Daniel Riepl, Patricia Saura, Ville R. Kaila, Peter Brzezinski, John L. Rubinstein
Summary: The mitochondrial electron transport chain plays a critical role in ATP synthesis, and CIV, the terminal oxidase, transfers electrons from cytochrome c to oxygen. This study shows that steroids can inhibit CIV activity by binding to a specific site and modulating the conformational dynamics and proton transfer kinetics within the K pathway. Understanding this regulatory mechanism sheds light on the respiratory regulation and provides insights into the structural gating mechanisms in the CIV catalytic cycle.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takumi Nakanishi, Yuta Hori, Yasuteru Shigeta, Hiroyasu Sato, Ryoji Kiyanagi, Koji Munakata, Takashi Ohhara, Atsushi Okazawa, Rintaro Shimada, Akira Sakamoto, Osamu Sato
Summary: In this study, a novel tridentate ligand and iron(II) complex with a short hydrogen bond were developed, which allows the control of the positions of two protons in the complex by temperature and photoirradiation. This finding offers a promising approach for developing multiple proton transfer systems in crystals.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Faiz Rasul, Fan Zheng, Fenfen Dong, Jiajia He, Ling Liu, Wenyue Liu, Javairia Yousuf Cheema, Wenfan Wei, Chuanhai Fu
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of the previously uncharacterized mitochondrial membrane protein Emr1 in regulating the number of ERMES foci, with its absence significantly decreasing the foci number, affecting mitochondrial morphology and segregation. Emr1 interacts with the ERMES core component Mdm12 and is essential for ERMES functions, shedding light on the dynamic regulation of endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria communication.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Anastasiia Berezovska, Yannig Nedellec, Fabien Giroud, Andrew J. Gross, Serge Cosnier
Summary: The fabrication of bioelectrocatalytic protein electrodes was investigated by simple compression of carbon nanotube and protein powders. Various proteins were used and different factors determining biopellet stability were explored, leading to the development of stable redox pellets for various applications.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Paola Sanjuan-Alberte, Jayasheelan Vaithilingam, Jonathan C. Moore, Ricky D. Wildman, Christopher J. Tuck, Morgan R. Alexander, Richard J. M. Hague, Frankie J. Rawson
Summary: This study introduces a novel strategy for manufacturing micro/nanostructures based on conductive hydrogels by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes as conductive nanofillers. The conductive hydrogel was shown to support the viability and growth of cardiomyocytes, and demonstrated potential in tissue engineering and bioelectronics. Further development is needed to manufacture more complex structures using this innovative approach.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kathryn Wigley, Emmanuel Egbadon, Carlo R. Carere, Louise Weaver, Kim Baronian, Lee Burbery, Pierre Y. Dupont, Sarah J. Bury, Peter A. Gostomski
Summary: This study identified the active micro-organisms involved in aerobic methane oxidation coupled to denitrification (AME-D) using RNA-SIP and high-throughput sequencing techniques. Methanotrophs, methylotrophs, and denitrifiers were found to be actively participating in the AME-D process. It is the first study to utilize RNA-SIP and high-throughput sequencing to determine the active bacteria within an AME-D community.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacqueline M. Hicks, Yun-Chico Yao, Sydney Barber, Nigel Neate, Julie A. Watts, Aleksandr Noy, Frankie J. Rawson
Summary: Cells modulate their homeostasis through the control of redox reactions via transmembrane electron transport systems, with the focus on utilizing carbon nanotube porins as bipolar nanoelectrodes for wireless control of membrane electron transfer.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Bunty Sharma, Akhil Jain, Lluisa Perez-Garcia, Julie A. Watts, Frankie J. Rawson, Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Gurpreet Kaur
Summary: This study reports the role of metallocatanionic vesicles (MCVs) in enhancing the phototoxicity of methylene blue (MB) against cancer cells. The results demonstrate that these vesicles can significantly enhance the generation of singlet oxygen and decrease the metabolic activity of cancer cells. This study highlights the potential application of MCVs in photodynamic therapy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Bernhard Auer, Shane G. Telfer, A. J. Gross
Summary: MOFs and MOF-derived carbon electrodes have been widely used in the field of bioelectrochemistry, and their integration with biocatalysts is of great research value.
Article
Polymer Science
Mechelle R. Bennett, Cara Moloney, Francesco Catrambone, Federico Turco, Benjamin Myers, Katalin Kovacs, Philip J. Hill, Cameron Alexander, Frankie J. Rawson, Pratik Gurnani
Summary: Living organisms have the potential to synthesize new abiotic polymers from unnatural feedstocks, which can lead to greater materials diversity. In this study, an oxygen-tolerant RAFT polymerization platform was developed to synthesize a range of water-soluble polymers with controlled molar mass distribution. The platform also allowed for the production of block copolymer nanoparticles via polymerization-induced self-assembly. The use of a bacterial initiation system provided additional advantages.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Federico Turco, Marco Garavaglia, Rob Van Houdt, Phil Hill, Frankie J. Rawson, Katalin Kovacs
Summary: This study established and characterized inducible and constitutive promoter libraries for Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 and developed a single-plasmid CRISPR-Cas9 system that can be delivered by both conjugation and electroporation. The CRISPR-Cas9 system was used to target candidate genes, resulting in successful generation of single and double deletion strains. The findings suggest that the deleted type IV pili candidate genes are not involved in extracellular electron transfer under specific conditions.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: Multifunctional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have vast potential in various fields including sensing, imaging, delivery, and medicine. However, accurately quantifying surface conjugated molecules on multifunctional AuNPs has been challenging. In this study, a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum analysis was developed to calculate the precise concentration and number of specific molecules bound to each AuNP. This method provides valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Frederico Barbosa, Fabio F. F. Garrudo, Paola S. Alberte, Leonor Resina, Marta S. Carvalho, Akhil Jain, Ana C. Marques, Francesc Estrany, Frankie J. Rawson, Carlos Aleman, Frederico Castelo Ferreira, Joao C. Silva
Summary: Osteoporotic-related fractures are a major cause of chronic disease morbidity in Europe and the US. Current clinical techniques for repairing fractures are not optimal, leading to an interest in bone tissue engineering strategies. In this study, we developed electroactive and osteoinductive nanofibers using hydroxyapatite-filled poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) to support bone regeneration.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siwaphiwe Peteni, Okoroike C. C. Ozoemena, Tobile Khawula, Aderemi B. B. Haruna, Frankie J. J. Rawson, Leshweni J. J. Shai, Oluwafunmilola Ola, Kenneth I. I. Ozoemena
Summary: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. This study immobilized the antigenic HPV-16 L1 peptide on different electrode platforms and successfully detected the anti-HPV-16 L1 antibody and its reverse detection. Both platforms showed wide linear concentration range, excellent sensitivity, and extremely low limit of detection. The OLC-PAN platform modified with HPV-16 L1 protein demonstrated high detection specificity and has the potential for screening purposes. This research represents a significant step towards developing point-of-care diagnostic devices for cervical cancer screening and HPV biomarker testing.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: This study presents a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum to accurately calculate the concentration and number of molecules bound to multifunctional AuNPs. The method is able to reveal the precise binding situation of Cyt C and Zn Porph molecules with each multifunctional AuNP, providing valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Bunty Sharma, Akhil Jain, Frankie J. Rawson, Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Lluisa Perez-Garcia, Gurpreet Kaur
Summary: In order to address the challenges in photodynamic therapy (PDT), researchers have developed a metallocatanionic vesicles (MCVs) nanosystem loaded with Rose Bengal (RB) to enhance the phototoxicity of cancer cells. The RB-loaded CuCPC I:AOT and FeCPC I:AOT vesicles showed increased singlet oxygen generation and exhibited significant cytotoxicity against U-251 cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of dual-charge and biocompatible metallocatanionic vesicles as a promising delivery system for photodynamic therapy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mechelle R. Bennett, Cara Moloney, Francesco Catrambone, Federico Turco, Benjamin Myers, Katalin Kovacs, Philip J. Hill, Cameron Alexander, Frankie J. Rawson, Pratik Gurnani
Summary: Living organisms have the potential to convert unnatural feedstocks into new abiotic polymers, increasing materials diversity. In this study, an aqueous, oxygen-tolerant RAFT polymerization platform based on a modified Fenton reaction was developed. The bacteria Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 with iron-reducing capabilities was used to synthesize a range of water-soluble polymers under normoxic conditions, and block copolymer nanoparticles were produced via polymerization-induced self-assembly. The bacterial initiation system allows for recycling of cells for multiple polymerizations.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andie J. Robinson, Akhil Jain, Harry G. Sherman, Richard J. M. Hague, Ruman Rahman, Paola Sanjuan-Alberte, Frankie J. Rawson
Summary: Bioelectronic medicine is a treatment modality that alters the body's electrical communication systems using electricity. Cancer is identified by malfunctions in cells' bioelectrical circuitry, presenting opportunities for novel treatments utilizing bioelectric properties. By manipulating bioelectricity, such as controlling ionic and faradaic current processes, and understanding key links to cancer phenotypes, improvements in cancer therapy can be achieved.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
