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1.

Background

Aptamers are RNA/DNA biomolecules representing an emerging class of protein interactors and regulators. Despite the growing interest in these molecules, current understanding of chemical-physical basis of their target recognition is limited. Recently, the characterization of the aptamer targeting the protein-S8 has suggested that flexibility plays important functional roles. We investigated the structural versatility of the S8-aptamer by molecular dynamics simulations.

Methods

Five different simulations have been conducted by varying starting structures and temperatures.

Results

The simulation of S8-aptamer complex provides a dynamic view of the contacts occurring at the complex interface. The simulation of the aptamer in ligand-free state indicates that its central region is intrinsically endowed with a remarkable flexibility. Nevertheless, none of the trajectory structures adopts the structure observed in the S8-aptamer complex. The aptamer ligand-bound is very rigid in the simulation carried out at 300?K. A structural transition of this state, providing insights into the aptamer-protein recognition process, is observed in a simulation carried out at 400?K. These data indicate that a key event in the binding is linked to the widening of the central region of the aptamer. Particularly relevant is switch of the A26 base from its ligand-free state to a location that allows the G13-C28 base-pairing.

Conclusions

Intrinsic flexibility of the aptamer is essential for partner recognition. Present data indicate that S8 recognizes the aptamer through an induced-fit rather than a population-shift mechanism.

General significance

The present study provides deeper understanding of the structural basis of the structural versatility of aptamers.  相似文献   

2.

Background

ABC transporters have attracted considerable attention for their function as drug transporters in a broad range of tumours and are therefore considered as major players in cancer chemoresistance. However, less attention has been focused on their potential role as active players in cancer development and progression.

Scope of review

This review presents the evidence suggesting that ABC transporters might have a more active role in cancer other than the well known involvement in multidrug resistance and discusses the potential strategies to target each ABC transporter for a specific tumour setting.

Major conclusions

Emerging evidence suggests that ABC transporters are able to transport bioactive molecules capable of playing key roles in tumour development. Characterization of the effects of these transporters in specific cancer settings opens the possibility for the development of personalized treatments.

General significance

A more targeted approach of ABC transporters should be implemented that considers which specific transporter is playing a major role in a particular tumour setting in order to achieve a more successful outcome for ABC transporters inhibitors in cancer therapy.  相似文献   

3.

Background

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential pyridine nucleotide that is currently investigated as an important target to extend lifespan and health span. Age-related NAD+ depletion due to the accumulation of oxidative stress is associated with reduced energy production, impaired DNA repair and genomic instability.

Scope of review

NAD+ levels can be elevated therapeutically using NAD+ precursors or through lifestyle modifications including exercise and caloric restriction. However, high amounts of NAD+ may be detrimental in cancer progression and may have deleterious immunogenic roles.

Major conclusions

Standardized quantitation of NAD+ and related metabolites may therefore represent an important component of NAD+ therapy.

General significance

Quantitation of NAD+ may serve dual roles not only as an ageing biomarker, but also as a diagnostic tool for the prevention of malignant disorders.  相似文献   

4.
5.

Background

Selenoprotein synthesis requires the reinterpretation of a UGA stop codon as one that encodes selenocysteine (Sec), a process that requires a set of dedicated translation factors. Among the mammalian selenoproteins, Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is unique as it contains a selenocysteine-rich domain that requires multiple Sec incorporation events.

Scope of review

In this review we elaborate on new data and current models that provide insight into how SELENOP is made.

Major conclusions

SELENOP synthesis requires a specific set of factors and conditions.

General significance

As the key protein required for proper selenium distribution, SELENOP stands out as a lynchpin selenoprotein that is essential for male fertility, proper neurologic function and selenium metabolism.  相似文献   

6.

Background

Earthworms are widely used in basic and applied research in medicine, food, environment and agriculture, in which for instance earthworm protease has its own biochemical features.

Scope of review

This review summarizes earthworm protease biochemical features in anti-thrombosis and anti-fibrosis, and provides new perspectives for earthworm to be used in biochemical and pharmaceutical studies.

Major conclusions

Earthworm protease functions in anti-thrombosis by its fibrinolytic activity and inhibiting platelets aggregation, and anti-fibrosis by its decreasing fibronectin, collagen and laminin, showing a broad substrate specificity. The protease regulators (U3EE) from earthworm also has multiple functions acting as an activator and an inhibitor on different target proteins. Nonetheless, the protease improves the substrate selectivity through substrate-induced changes in the protease active site conformation impact on subsequent reactions with substrates.

General significance

It is predictable that both biochemical and applied studies of earthworm proteins including protease will be wider and deeper in the future.  相似文献   

7.

Background

The development of approaches that increase therapeutic effects of anti-cancer drugs is one of the most important tasks of oncology. Caloric restriction in vivo or serum deprivation (SD) in vitro has been shown to be an effective tool for sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the enhancement of apoptosis in cancer cells by SD remain to be elucidated.

Methods

Flow cytometry, caspase activity assay and western blotting were used for cell death rate evaluation. Western blotting, gel-filtration, siRNA approach and qRT-PCR were used to elucidate the mechanism underlying cell death potentiation upon SD.

Results

We demonstrated that SD sensitizes cancer cells to treatment with chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. This effect is independent on activation of caspases-2 and -8, apical caspases triggering apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress. SD potentiates cell death via downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. In fact, SD reduces the Mcl-1 mRNA level, which consequently decreases the Mcl-1 protein level and renders cells more susceptible to apoptosis induction via the formation of apoptosome.

Conclusions

Mcl-1 protein is an important regulator of sensitivity of cancer cells to apoptotic stimuli upon SD.

General significance

This study identifies Mcl-1 as a new target for the sensitization of human cancer cells to cell death by SD, which is of great significance for the development of efficient anti-cancer therapies.  相似文献   

8.

Background

Specific apolipoprotein A-I variants are associated to severe hereditary amyloidoses. The organ distribution of AApoAI amyloidosis seems to depend on the position of the mutation, since mutations in residues from 1 to 75 are mainly associated to hepatic and renal amyloidosis, while mutations in residues from 173 to 178 are mostly responsible for cardiac, laryngeal, and cutaneous amyloidosis. Molecular bases of this tissue specificity are still poorly understood, but it is increasingly emerging that protein destabilization induced by amyloidogenic mutations is neither necessary nor sufficient for amyloidosis development.

Methods

By using a multidisciplinary approach, including circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, spectrofluorometric and atomic force microscopy analyses, the effect of target cells on the conformation and fibrillogenic pathway of the two AApoAI amyloidogenic variants AApoAIL75P and AApoAIL174S has been monitored.

Results

Our data show that specific cell milieus selectively affect conformation, aggregation propensity and fibrillogenesis of the two AApoAI amyloidogenic variants.

Conclusions

An intriguing picture emerged indicating that defined cell contexts selectively induce fibrillogenesis of specific AApoAI variants.

General significance

An innovative methodological approach, based on the use of whole intact cells to monitor the effects of cell context on AApoAI variants fibrillogenic pathway, has been set up.  相似文献   

9.

Background

Although the thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is endowed with both anticoagulant and antiproliferative properties, it is possible to reduce the first and enhance the second one by suitable chemical modifications.

Methods

Two oligonucleotides (TBA353 and TBA535) based on the TBA sequence (GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) and containing inversion of polarity sites have been investigated by CD, UV and electrophoretic techniques for their ability to form G-quadruplex structures. Furthermore, their anticoagulant (PT assay), antiproliferative (MTT assay) and anti-motility (wound healing assay) properties against Calu-6 cells have been tested and compared with TBA.

Results

CD, UV and electrophoresis data indicate that both ODNs are able to form G-quadruplex structures. Particularly, results suggest that TBA535 adopts a G-quadruplex structure characterized by a loop arrangement different from that of TBA. Both TBA analogues drop the anticoagulant activity. However, TBA535 is endowed with a significant antiproliferative activity against lung cancer Calu-6 cells. Importantly, both TBA and TBA535 possess a remarkable anti-motility property against the same cell line.

Conclusions

Both TBA analogues TBA353 and TBA535 are able to form G-quadruplex structures with no anticoagulant activity. However only TBA535 is endowed with noteworthy antiproliferative and anti-motility properties against lung cancer Calu-6 cells.

General significance

The switching from the anticoagulant to antiproliferative property can be obtained also in TBA derivatives not adopting the “chair-like” G-quadruplex structure typical of TBA. Furthermore, results have highlighted an unprecedented anti-cell-motility property of TBA and TBA535 reinforcing the potential of these ODNs as anticancer drugs.  相似文献   

10.

Background

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Definitive diagnosis can be difficult by clinical examinations and imaging studies.

Methods

SIH was diagnosed with the following criteria: (i) evidence of CSF leakage by cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of intracranial hypotension and/or low CSF opening pressure; (ii) no recent history of dural puncture. We quantified CSF proteins by ELISA or Western blotting.

Results

Comparing with non-SIH patients, SIH patients showed significant increase of brain-derived CSF glycoproteins such as lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), soluble protein fragments generated from amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) and “brain-type” transferrin (Tf). Serum-derived proteins such as albumin, immunoglobulin G, and serum Tf were also increased. A combination of L-PGDS and brain-type Tf differentiated SIH from non-SIH with sensitivity 94.7% and specificity 72.6%.

Conclusion

L-PGDS and brain-type Tf can be biomarkers for diagnosing SIH.

General significance

L-PGDS and brain-type Tf biosynthesized in the brain appears to be markers for abnormal metabolism of CSF.  相似文献   

11.

Background

It has been almost three decades since the removal of oxidized proteins by the free 20S catalytic unit of the proteasome (20SPT) was proposed. Since then, experimental evidence suggesting a physiological role of proteolysis mediated by the free 20SPT has being gathered.

Scope of review

Experimental data that favors the hypothesis of free 20SPT as playing a role in proteolysis are critically reviewed.

Major conclusions

Protein degradation by the proteasome may proceed through multiple proteasome complexes with different requirements though the unequivocal role of the free 20SPT in cellular proteolysis towards native or oxidized proteins remains to be demonstrated.

General significance

The biological significance of proteolysis mediated by the free 20SPT has been elusive since its discovery. The present review critically analyzes the available experimental data supporting the proteolytic role of the free or single capped 20SPT.  相似文献   

12.

Background

CDK6 is considered as a highly validated anticancer drug target due to its essential role in regulating cell cycle progression at G1 restriction point. Activation of CDK6 requires the phosphorylation of Thr177 on A-loop, but the structural insights of the activation mechanism remain unclear.

Methods

Herein, all-atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the effects of Thr177 phosphorylation on the dynamic structure of CDK6-Vcyclin complex.

Results

MD results indicated that the free energy barrier of the transition from open to closed state decreased ~ 47.2% after Thr177 phosphorylation. Key steps along the state transition process were obtained from a cluster analysis. Binding preference of ten different inhibitors to open or closed state were also investigated through molecular docking along with MD simulations methods.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that Thr177 phosphorylation increased the flexibility around the ATP-binding pocket. The transition of the ATP-binding pocket between open and closed states should be considered for understanding the binding of CDK6 inhibitors.

General significance

This work could deepen the understanding of CDKs activation mechanism, and provide useful information for the discovery of new CDKs inhibitors with high affinity and specificity.  相似文献   

13.

Background

G-quadruplex has been viewed as a promising therapeutic target in oncology due to its potentially important roles in physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that the biological functions of G-quadruplexes are closely related to the binding of some proteins. Insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-1), as a significant modulator of cell growth and development, may serve as a quadruplex-binding protein.

Methods

The binding affinity and selectivity of IGF-1 to different DNA motifs in solution were measured by using fluorescence spectroscopy, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), and force-induced remnant magnetization (FIRM). The effects of IGF-1 on the formation and stability of G-quadruplex structures were evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) and melting fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy. The influence of quadruplex-specific ligands on the binding of G-quadruplexes with IGF-1 was determined by FIRM.

Results

IGF-1 shows a binding specificity for G-quadruplex structures, especially the G-quadruplex structure with a parallel topology. The quadruplex-specific ligands TMPyP4 and PDS (Pyridostatin) can inhibit the interaction between G-quadruplexes and proteins.

Conclusions

IGF-1 is demonstrated to selectively bind with G-quadruplex structures. The use of quadruplex-interactive ligands could modulate the binding of IGF-1 to G-quadruplexes.

General significance

This study provides us with a new perspective to understand the possible physiological relationship between IGF-1 and G-quadruplexes and also conveys a strategy to regulate the interaction between G-quadruplex DNA and proteins.  相似文献   

14.

Background

A healthy human can produce over 1?×?1015 blood cells throughout their life. This remarkable amount of biomass requires a concomitantly vast amount of iron to generate functional haemoglobin and functional erythrocytes.

Scope of the review

Erythroblasts form multicellular clusters with macrophages in the foetal liver, bone marrow and spleen termed erythroblastic islands. How the central erythroblastic island macrophage co-ordinates the supply of iron to the developing erythroblasts will be a central focus of this review.

Major conclusion

Despite being studied for over 60?years, the mechanisms by which the erythroblastic island niche serves to control erythroid cell iron metabolism are poorly resolved.

General significance

Over 2 billion people suffer from some form of anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia is the most prevalent form of anaemia. Therefore, understanding the processes by which iron is trafficked to, and metabolised in developing erythrocytes, is crucially important.  相似文献   

15.

Background

Nucleic acids are now important targets for therapeutic intervention. Alkaloids are an important class of molecules that have myriad therapeutic utility. Isoquinoline and benzophenanthridine alkaloids exhibit multiple pharmacological activities which are often related to their strong nucleic acid binding abilities. Therefore, a review of their interaction aspects with varying nucleic acid structures is essential for rational design and development as therapeutic agents.

Scope of the review

This work reviews the interaction of various therapeutically important isoquinoline and benzophenanthridine alkaloids with nucleic acids. The review lends insights into the molecular aspects of the interaction that is critical from the perspective of designing better therapeutics.

Major conclusions

This review provides a concise report on the recent developments and advancements on the interaction of various alkaloids with natural and synthetic nucleic acids. The review focuses on the mode, mechanism, specificity, conformational aspects and energetics of the interaction that will be helpful in the design and synthesis nucleic acid targeted alkaloid analogs.

General significance

The molecular aspects of the interaction presented here will benefit the development of effective drugs for many diseases. The fundamental results discussed in this review can serve as a database for the design and development of futuristic nucleic acid based small molecule therapeutics.  相似文献   

16.
Biomedical applications of glyconanoparticles based on quantum dots   总被引:1,自引:0,他引:1  

Background

Quantum dots (QDs) are outstanding nanomaterials of great interest to life sciences. Their conjugation versatility added to unique optical properties, highlight these nanocrystals as very promising fluorescent probes. Among uncountable new nanosystems, in the last years, QDs conjugated to glycans or lectins have aroused a growing attention and their application as a tool to study biological and functional properties has increased.

Scope of review

This review describes the strategies, reported in the literature, to conjugate QDs to lectins or carbohydrates, providing valuable information for the elaboration, improvement, and application of these nanoconjugates. It also presents the main applications of these nanosystems in glycobiology, such as their potential to study microorganisms, the development of diseases such as cancer, as well as to develop biosensors.

Major conclusions

The development of glyconanoparticles based on QDs emerged in the last decade. Many works reporting the conjugation of QDs with carbohydrates and lectins have been published, using different strategies and reagents. These bioconjugates enabled studies that are very sensitive and specific, with potential to detect and elucidate the glycocode expressed in various normal or pathologic conditions.

General significance

Produce a quick reference source over the main advances reached in the glyconanotechnology using QDs as fluorescent probes.  相似文献   

17.

Background

HSP27 plays a role in various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia, and atherosclerosis. It is particularly important in the regulation of the development, progression and metastasis of cancer as well as cell apoptosis and drug resistance. However, the absence of an ATP binding domain, that is, instead, present in other HSPs such as HSP90 and HSP70, hampers the development of small molecules as inhibitors of HSP27.

Methods

Knockout cell lines generated by Crispr/Cas9 gene editing tool, specific kinase inhibitors and siRNA transfections were exploited to demonstrate that the expression of HSP27 is dependent on the integrity/activity of protein kinase CK2 holoenzyme. The interaction between these proteins has been confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation, confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, and by density gradient separation of protein complexes. Finally, using a proliferation assay this study demonstrates the potential efficacy of a combinatory therapy of heath shock and CK2 inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Results

Our data demonstrate that CK2 is able to regulate HSP27 turnover by affecting the expression of its ubiquitin ligase SMURF2 (Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2). Moreover, for the first time we show an increased sensitivity of CK2-inhibited tumour cells to hyperthermia treatment.

Conclusion

Being HSP27 involved in several pathological conditions, including protein conformational diseases (i.e Cystic Fibrosis) and cancer, the need of drugs to modulate its activity is growing and CK2-targeting could represent a new strategy to reduce cellular HSP27 level.

General significance

This study identifies CK2 as a molecular target to control HSP27 cellular expression.  相似文献   

18.

Background

It remains an open question whether plant phloem sap proteins are functionally involved in plant defense mechanisms.

Methods

The antifungal effects of two profilin proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana, AtPFN1 and AtPFN2, were tested against 11 molds and 4 yeast fungal strains. Fluorescence profiling, biophysical, and biochemical analyses were employed to investigate their antifungal mechanism.

Results

Recombinant AtPFN1 and AtPFN2 proteins, expressed in Escherichia coli, inhibited the cell growth of various pathogenic fungal strains at concentrations ranging from 10 to 160?μg/mL. The proteins showed significant intracellular accumulation and cell-binding affinity for fungal cells. Interestingly, the AtPFN proteins could penetrate the fungal cell wall and membrane and act as inhibitors of fungal growth via generation of cellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide. This triggered the AtPFN variant-induced cell apoptosis, resulting in morphological changes in the cells.

Conclusion

PFNs may play a critical role as antifungal proteins in the Arabidopsis defense system against fungal pathogen attacks.

General significance

The present study indicates that two profilin proteins, AtPFN1 and AtPFN2, can act as natural antimicrobial agents in the plant defense system.  相似文献   

19.

Background

Regulating apoptosis is a common and essential therapeutic strategy for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Based on basic studies of apoptotic mechanisms, various researches have attempted to overcome the pathogenesis of such diseases by activating or inhibiting apoptosis. Generally, the biochemical characteristics of the target molecules should be evaluated along with understanding of their mechanisms of action during drug development. Among apoptotic regulators, XIAP serves as a potent negative regulator to block apoptosis through the inhibition of caspase (CASP)-9 and -3/7. Although XIAP is an attractive target with such apoptotic-modulating property, biochemical and biophysical studies of XIAP are still challenging.

Methods

In this study, the CASP-9 and -3/7 inhibitors XIAP, 242Δ and Δ230 were prepared using the pGEX expression system and biochemically characterized.

Results

These inhibitors were expressed in Escherichia coli at a concentration of ≥20?mg/L culture under a native condition with 0.01?mM IPTG induction. Notably, using a simple and rapid affinity purification technique, these CASP-9 and -3/7 inhibitors have been purified, yielding ≥5?mg/L culture at approximately 90% purity.

Conclusions

We have determined that HtrA2 specifically binds to the BIR2 and BIR3 of XIAP at a 1:1 molecular ratio. Moreover, in vitro cell-free CASP-9 and -3/7 activation-apoptosis assays have demonstrated that these purified XIAP proteins dramatically inhibit CASP-9 and -3/7 action.

General significance

Our system is suitable for biochemical studies, such as quantitation of the number of molecules acting on the apoptosis regulation, and provides a basis and insights that can be applied to the development of therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.  相似文献   

20.

Background

Next generation sequencing (NGS) methods have significantly contributed to a paradigm shift in genomic research for nearly a decade now. These methods have been useful in studying the dynamic interactions between RNA viruses and human hosts.

Scope of the review

In this review, we summarise and discuss key applications of NGS in studying the host – pathogen interactions in RNA viral infections of humans with examples.

Major conclusions

Use of NGS to study globally relevant RNA viral infections have revolutionized our understanding of the within host and between host evolution of these viruses. These methods have also been useful in clinical decision-making and in guiding biomedical research on vaccine design.

General significance

NGS has been instrumental in viral genomic studies in resolving within-host viral genomic variants and the distribution of nucleotide polymorphisms along the full-length of viral genomes in a high throughput, cost effective manner. In the future, novel advances such as long read, single molecule sequencing of viral genomes and simultaneous sequencing of host and pathogens may become the standard of practice in research and clinical settings. This will also bring on new challenges in big data analysis.  相似文献   

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