Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lukas Zeisel
Summary: Lukas completed his undergraduate studies at LMU Munich, Germany, and conducted additional research internships at the University of California, Berkeley, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals. In his PhD research with Oliver Thorn-Seshold (LMU), he is focusing on developing chemical tools using rational reactivity-based design to visualize, modulate, and exploit cellular oxidoreductase activity in vivo. Besides his academic pursuits, Lukas is passionate about mountaineering, football, basketball, as well as vectorial graphics and Pokemon.
Article
Biology
E. Sandra Chocron, Kennedy Mdaki, Nisi Jiang, Jodie Cropper, Andrew M. Pickering
Summary: In this study, we found that overexpression of TrxR2 enhances metabolic function and improves resistance to metabolic dysfunction induced by high-fat diet in mice. This effect is achieved through enhanced mitochondrial function, partly through improvements in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and electron transport chain. These findings demonstrate the important role of TrxR2 and mitochondrial thioredoxin in metabolic regulation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ani Saghatelyan, Hovik Panosyan, Armen Trchounian, Nils-Kare Birkeland
Summary: TsK1 DNA polymerase exhibits excellent thermal stability and higher base insertion fidelity than Taq DNA polymerase, making it suitable for various molecular applications including high-temperature DNA polymerization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Fata, Radosveta Gencheva, Qing Cheng, Rachel Lullo, Matteo Ardini, Ilaria Silvestri, Federica Gabriele, Rodolfo Ippoliti, Christina A. Bulman, Judy A. Sakanari, David L. Williams, Elias S. J. Arner, Francesco Angelucci
Summary: This study characterized the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) selenoproteins from two filarial nematode parasites, providing insights on drug targets for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Guio, Maria Teresa Bes, Monica Balsera, Laura Calvo-Begueria, Emma Sevilla, Maria Luisa Peleato, Maria F. Fillat
Summary: FurA is a multifunctional regulator in cyanobacteria that can develop disulfide reductase activity due to lack of a structural zinc ion. The interaction between FurA and the type m thioredoxin TrxA was confirmed through in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting TrxA as a redox partner that modulates FurA performance in facilitating interactions with different ligands.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongying Du, Zhesheng He, Jiadong Fan, Yangao Huo, Bo He, Yueran Wang, Qianqian Sun, Wenchao Niu, Wencong Zhao, Lina Zhao, Peng Cao, Kai Cao, Dongfang Xia, Qing Yuan, Xing-Jie Liang, Huaidong Jiang, Yong Gong, Xueyun Gao
Summary: Studies have shown that gold clusters inhibit human thioredoxin reductase, leading to tumor cell apoptosis, and may serve as potential drugs for cancer treatment. This study reveals the structural mechanism of gold inhibiting enzyme activity and provides insights for the design of novel anti-tumor nanodrugs.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Geir Bjorklund, Lili Zou, Jun Wang, Christos T. Chasapis, Massimiliano Peana
Summary: Thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs) are enzymes that reduce thioredoxin, playing a crucial role in the antioxidant system within cells. Inhibition of TrxR is a key clinical goal to address redox balance disturbances. Current research focuses on the importance of TrxRs in cellular functions and the mechanisms of inhibition by metal ions or chemicals.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Liu, Youqiao Xu, Haojie Lu, Rong Wang, Zhuolu Xia, Changshun Zhao, Dechun Huang, Feng Jiang, Wei Chen
Summary: Three self-assembled nanoaggregates were constructed using different molecules, and their properties were characterized through various experiments. The results showed that nanoaggregates with disulfide groups exhibited better stability and improved cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Additionally, the nanoaggregates showed targeting ability to specific cellular components, leading to enhanced antitumor efficacy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanessa Pires, Isabella Bramatti, Michael Aschner, Vasco Branco, Cristina Carvalho
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of thimerosal and ethylmercury on glioblastoma cells, and the results showed that they reduced cell viability and triggered cell death. Moreover, their effect on reducing the redox capability of tumor cells was better than temozolomide.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dilini Singappuli-Arachchige, Shuren Feng, Lijun Wang, Pierre E. Palo, Samuel O. Shobade, Michelle Thomas, Marit Nilsen-Hamilton
Summary: Magnetosomes of magnetotactic bacteria contain magnetic nanocrystals enclosed in vesicles. Mms6, a single magnetosome protein, has been found to direct the crystallization of magnetite nanoparticles in vitro. This study shows that Mms6 acts as a ferric reductase, reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+ to promote magnetite formation. The structure and multimeric state of Mms6 play a role in its iron reduction ability and iron binding characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jennifer S. Stancill, John A. Corbett
Summary: Oxidative stress is implicated in pancreatic beta-cell damage in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, potentially leading to dysfunction and death of beta cells. Beta cells are vulnerable to oxidative damage but have high expression of antioxidant enzymes which may help maintain their function and survival.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosanna Puopolo, Giovanni Gallo, Danila Limauro, Patrizia Contursi, Gabriella Fiorentino
Summary: Arsenic pollution is a global issue, and biosensors based on enzymatic inhibition have been developed for arsenic detection. The study found that both As(V) and As(III) act as non-competitive inhibitors on the phosphatase activity of TtArsC, with As(V) showing a stronger inhibitory effect. The inhibition-based biosystem is selective for As(V) and exhibits good sensitivity and a low detection limit.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Omer F. Bay, Kelly S. Hayes, Jean-Marc Schwartz, Richard K. Grencis, Ian S. Roberts
Summary: Genome-scale metabolic model of Trichuris muris reveals the essential role of Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR) enzyme for its survival, as well as the mechanism of glutathione reduction by TrxR enzyme. The model also predicts several essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by T. muris.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Raghavendra S. Patwardhan, Deepak Sharma, Santosh K. Sandur
Summary: This article reviews the potential utility of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibitors in radiotherapy, highlighting that inhibiting TrxR can enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy but may also have negative effects on normal cells.
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel J. Mallen-Ponce, Maria Jose Huertas, Francisco J. Florencio
Summary: This study focuses on the evolutionary diversity of Trx systems in cyanobacteria and their phylogenetic relationships, as well as the physiological relevance of redox regulation in cyanobacteria. The results reveal variations in Trx systems among different cyanobacteria and gradual loss of certain proteins with cyanobacterial diversification.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chanel J. Pretorius, Fidele Tugizimana, Paul A. Steenkamp, Lizelle A. Piater, Ian A. Dubery
Summary: This study utilized metabolomics to identify differential metabolic profiles of various oat cultivars and to identify signatory biomarkers for cultivar identification. Multivariate statistical analyses on leaf and root data successfully distinguished the cultivars based on key metabolic markers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Motseoa M. Lephatsi, Vanessa Meyer, Lizelle A. Piater, Ian A. Dubery, Fidele Tugizimana
Summary: Plants respond to abiotic stresses with stress-specific reactions, but these may not always be enough for survival. Biostimulants like PGPR formulations are emerging strategies for enhancing crop quality, yield, and resilience, requiring a thorough understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying their interactions with plants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claude Y. Hamany Djande, Lizelle A. Piater, Paul A. Steenkamp, Fidele Tugizimana, Ian A. Dubery
Summary: The study investigated the chemical composition of leaf and root extracts from different barley cultivars using untargeted metabolomics and chemometrics tools, revealing differential metabolite profiles and potential signatory biomarkers. Phenolic acids and derivatives were the largest group of annotated metabolites, with saponarin being the only flavonoid annotated in roots and differentially distributed across cultivars. The research demonstrates the application of untargeted metabolomics in phenotyping barley and highlights the importance of metabolomics tools in plant breeding practices for crop improvement.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manamele D. Mashabela, Lizelle A. Piater, Paul A. Steenkamp, Ian A. Dubery, Fidele Tugizimana, Msizi I. Mhlongo
Summary: This study employed an untargeted metabolomic approach to analyze metabolites of wheat cultivars resistant or susceptible to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) and Aluminium (Al3+) toxicity. A total of 100 metabolites were identified, and significant variations in metabolite concentrations were observed among different wheat cultivars. The findings provide insights into the genetic background and resistance mechanisms of wheat varieties against Pst and Al3+, demonstrating the potential applications of metabolomics in chemotaxonomic classification, phenotyping, plant breeding, and crop improvement.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benedict C. Offor, Msizi I. Mhlongo, Paul A. Steenkamp, Ian A. Dubery, Lizelle A. Piater
Summary: Plants perceive pathogenic threats through pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns. The study shows that LPS-binding protein and bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein can perceive LPS and trigger defense responses. Metabolite analysis reveals that LPS can reprogram Arabidopsis metabolism and the accumulation of metabolites is influenced by different mutants and LPS chemotypes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chanel J. Pretorius, Paul A. Steenkamp, Fidele Tugizimana, Lizelle A. Piater, Ian A. Dubery
Summary: This study used an untargeted metabolomics approach to understand the biochemical processes involved in oat plant responses to Pseudomonas syringae pv. coronafaciens infection and to identify markers related to defense responses and disease resistance. The results provide insights into the metabolic changes and key markers involved in oat defense responses to the bacterial infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claude Y. Hamany Djande, Paul A. Steenkamp, Lizelle A. Piater, Fidele Tugizimana, Ian A. Dubery
Summary: Metabolomics was used to analyze the chemical composition of barley seedlings, revealing the major metabolite classes and showing that phenolic acids were prominent in both shoot and root tissues. Interestingly, the barley-specific metabolite hordatines was not found in the root tissue. Additionally, metabolomic profiling identified potential metabolites associated with the plants' natural protection system against pathogens.
Article
Biology
Manamele D. Mashabela, Lizelle A. Piater, Ian A. Dubery, Fidele Tugizimana, Msizi Mhlongo
Summary: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that promote plant growth and protect against environmental stresses through chemical communication in the rhizosphere. However, there is still limited knowledge about these interactions. Metabolomics can help uncover the complex chemical communications and their effects on plant metabolism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benedict C. Offor, Msizi Mhlongo, Ian A. Dubery, Lizelle A. Piater
Summary: This study investigates the receptors and co-receptor complexes involved in the perception of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and triggering defense responses in Arabidopsis. Through protein identification and data analysis, LBP and LBR2 were found to recognize LPS and activate defense responses, while BAK1 acts as a co-receptor. The study also suggests the involvement of multiple receptors and co-receptors in LPS perception and signaling in Arabidopsis defense responses.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Benedict C. Offor, Beric Muller, Lizelle A. Piater
Summary: Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease with high incidence and mortality rates in Africa, due to lack of epidemiological data and underestimated figures. Detailed profiling of African snake venom proteomes is crucial for developing effective antivenom therapies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Msizi Mhlongo, Lizelle A. Piater, Ian A. Dubery
Summary: The rhizosphere microbiome plays a crucial role in plant health, and the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) secreted by plant-beneficial rhizobacteria (PGPR) have potential as eco-friendly substitutes for agrochemicals. In this study, the VOCs secreted by four PGPR strains were analyzed, revealing species-specific and strain-specific compounds that could be used as biomarkers for classification and agricultural selection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claude Y. Hamany Y. Djande, Paul A. A. Steenkamp, Lizelle A. A. Piater, Fidele Tugizimana, Ian A. A. Dubery
Summary: Designing innovative biological crop protection strategies using eco-friendly alternatives to conventional biocidal agrochemicals is important. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic reprogramming in barley plants after treatment with three proposed dichlorinated inducers of acquired resistance. The results showed changes in the levels of both primary and secondary metabolites, including the activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Furthermore, the study highlighted the role of dichlorinated small molecules as inducers of plant immunity. This report provides valuable insights for metabolomics-guided plant improvement programs.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nikita da Camara, Ian A. Dubery, Lizelle A. Piater
Summary: Proteins play a crucial role in regulating innate immune response in plants under biotic or abiotic stresses. Isonitrosoacetophenone (INAP), an unusual stress metabolite, can induce plant defense responses. Transcriptomic and metabolomic studies of INAP-treated plant systems have provided insight into its defense-inducing and priming capabilities. In this study, a proteomic approach was used to examine time-dependent responses to INAP in Nicotiana tabacum cell suspensions. Proteome analysis revealed changes in defense-related proteins, as well as proteins involved in biosynthesis, transport, DNA transcription, metabolism, energy, translation, signaling, and response regulation. These findings highlight the importance of proteomic changes in priming induced by INAP treatment.
Review
Toxicology
Benedict C. Offor, Lizelle A. Piater
Summary: Snake venom contains proteins and peptides that make up the toxin, which can attack various systems in the human body and cause diseases. Captopril, a snake venom-based drug, has been approved for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Research is ongoing to explore the potential use of snake venom for the treatment of cancer and improve current cancer treatments.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claude Y. Hamany Djande, Fidele Tugizimana, Paul A. Steenkamp, Lizelle A. Piater, Ian A. Dubery
Summary: （English Summary:）
This study investigates the biochemical processes involved in the response of barley plants pre-treated with 3,5-dichloroanthranilic acid (3,5-DCAA) to Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt). The results show that 3,5-DCAA delays the onset and reduces the severity of symptoms caused by Ptt. Metabolomic analyses reveal potential markers of the primed and naive plant responses to Ptt, including organic acids, amino acids, and hydroxycinnamic acids.
