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1.

Background

While the RNA world hypothesis is widely accepted, it is still far from complete: the existence of self-replicating ribozyme, consisting of potentially hundreds of nucleotides, is a core assumption for the majority of RNA world models. The appearance of such long RNA molecules under prebiotic conditions is not self-evident. Recombination seems to be a plausible way of creating RNA diversity, resulting in the appearance of functional RNAs, capable of self-replicating.

Methods

We report here on the study of recombination process modelled with two 96 nts RNA fragments. Detection of recombination products was performed with RT-PCR followed by TA-cloning and Sanger sequencing.

Results

A wide range of recombinant products was detected. We found that (i) the most efficient ligation was observed for RNA species forming bulges or internal loops, with ligation partners located within the loop; (ii) a strong preference was observed for formation of a few types of major products with a large variety of minor products; (iii) ligation could occur with participation of either 2′,3′-cyclophosphate or 5′-ppp; (iv) the presence of key reaction components, i.e. 5′ppp-RNAs, enabled the formation of additional types of product; (v) molecular dynamics simulations of one of the most abundant products suggests that the ligation results in a preferable formation of 2′-5′- rather than 3′-5′-linkages.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates regularities of new RNA molecules formation with non-enzymatic recombination process.

General significance

Our findings provide new data supporting the RNA World hypothesis and show the way of new RNA sequences emergence under prebiotic conditions.  相似文献   

2.
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4.

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   

5.

Background

Targeting cells of the host immune system is a promising approach to fight against Influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Macrophage cells use the NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2) enzymatic complex as a first line of defense against pathogens by generating superoxide ions O2 and releasing H2O2. Herein, we investigated whether targeting membrane -embedded NOX2 decreased IAV entry via raft domains and reduced inflammation in infected macrophages.

Methods

Confocal microscopy and western blots monitored levels of the viral nucleoprotein NP and p67phox, NOX2 activator subunit, Elisa assays quantified TNF-α levels in LPS or IAV-activated mouse or porcine alveolar macrophages pretreated with a fluorescent NOX inhibitor, called nanoshutter NS1.

Results

IAV infection in macrophages promoted p67phox translocation to the membrane, rafts clustering and activation of the NOX2 complex at early times. Disrupting rafts reduced intracellular viral NP. NS1 markedly reduced raft clustering and viral entry by binding to the C-terminal of NOX2 also characterized in vitro. NS1 decrease of TNF-α release depended on the cell type.

Conclusion

NOX2 participated in IAV entry and raft-mediated endocytosis. NOX2 inhibition by NS1 reduced viral entry. NS1 competition with p67phox for NOX2 binding shown by in silico models and cell-free assays was in agreement with NS1 inhibiting p67phox translocation to membrane-embedded NOX2 in mouse and porcine macrophages.

General significance

We introduce NS1 as a compound targeting NOX2, a critical enzyme controlling viral levels and inflammation in macrophages and discuss the therapeutic relevance of targeting the C-terminal of NADPH oxidases by probes like NS1 in viral infections.  相似文献   

6.

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   

7.
8.

Background

A number of compounds, including ascorbic acid, catecholamines, flavonoids, p-diphenols and hydrazine derivatives have been reported to interfere with peroxidase-based medical diagnostic tests (Trinder reaction) but the mechanisms of these effects have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Reactions of bovine myeloperoxidase with o-dianisidine, bovine lactoperoxidase with ABTS and horseradish peroxidase with 4-aminoantipyrine/phenol in the presence of carbidopa, an anti-Parkinsonian drug, and other catechols, including l-dopa, were monitored spectrophotometrically and by measuring hydrogen peroxide consumption.

Results

Chromophore formation in all three enzyme/substrate systems was blocked in the presence of carbidopa and other catechols. However, the rates of hydrogen peroxide consumption were not much affected. Irreversible enzyme inhibition was also insignificant.

Conclusions

Tested compounds reduced the oxidation products or intermediates of model substrates thus preventing chromophore formation. This interference may affect interpretation of results of diagnostic tests in samples from patients with Parkinson's disease treated with carbidopa and l-dopa.

General significance

This mechanism allows prediction of interference in peroxidase-based diagnostic tests for other compounds, including drugs and natural products.  相似文献   

9.

Background

Malaria is a serious parasitic infection affecting millions of people worldwide each year. Cerebral malaria is the most severe complication of Plasmodium infections, predominantly affecting children. Extracellular vesicles are essential mediators of intercellular communication and include apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes. Microvesicle numbers increase during disease pathogenesis and inhibition of their release can prevent brain pathology and mortality.

Scope of review

We explore the current knowledge on microvesicles and exosomes in cerebral malaria pathogenesis.

Major conclusions

Microvesicles and exosomes are implicated in cerebral malaria pathogenesis, in the modulation of host immunity to Plasmodium, and in cell-cell communication. Blocking their production is protective in models of cerebral malaria, both in vivo and in vitro.

General significance

While anti-malarial treatments exist to combat Plasmodium infections, increasing drug resistance presents a major challenge. In order to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, further research is required to better appreciate extracellular vesicle involvement in cerebral malaria.  相似文献   

10.

Background

HIV-1 Gag polyprotein orchestrates the assembly of viral particles. Its C-terminus consists of the nucleocapsid (NC) domain that interacts with RNA, and the p6 domain containing the PTAP motif that binds the cellular ESCRT factor TSG101 and ALIX. Deletion of the NC domain of Gag (GagNC) results in defective Gag assembly, a decrease in virus production and, thus probably affects recruitment of the ESCRT machinery. To investigate the role of GagNC in this recruitment, we analysed its impact on TSG101 and ALIX localisations and interactions in cells expressing Gag.

Methods

Cells expressing mCherry-Gag or derivatives, alone or together with eGFP-TSG101 or eGFP-ALIX, were analysed by confocal microscopy and FLIM-FRET. Chemical shift mapping between TSG101-UEV motif and Gag C-terminus was performed by NMR.

Results

We show that deletion of NC or of its two zinc fingers decreases the amount of Gag-TSG101 interacting complexes in cells. These findings are supported by NMR data showing chemical shift perturbations in the NC domain in- and outside - of the zinc finger elements upon TSG101 binding. The NMR data further identify a large stretch of amino acids within the p6 domain directly interacting with TSG101.

Conclusion

The NC zinc fingers and p6 domain of Gag participate in the formation of the Gag-TSG101 complex and in its cellular localisation.

General significance

This study illustrates that the NC and p6 domains cooperate in the interaction with TSG101 during HIV-1 budding. In addition, details on the Gag-TSG101 complex were obtained by combining two high resolution biophysical techniques.  相似文献   

11.
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Background

Since the introduction of what became today's standard for cryo-embedding of biological macromolecules at native conditions more than 30 years ago, techniques and equipment have been drastically improved and the structure of biomolecules can now be studied at near atomic resolution by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) while capturing multiple dynamic states. Here we review the recent progress in cryo-EM for structural studies of dynamic biological macromolecules.

Scope of review

We provide an overview of the cryo-EM method and introduce contemporary studies to investigate biomolecular structure and dynamics, including examples from the recent literature.

Major conclusions

Cryo-EM is a powerful tool for the investigation of biological macromolecular structures including analysis of their dynamics by using advanced image-processing algorithms. The method has become even more widely applicable with present-day single particle analysis and electron tomography.

General significance

The cryo-EM method can be used to determine the three-dimensional structure of biomacromolecules in near native condition at close to atomic resolution, and has the potential to reveal conformations of dynamic molecular complexes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biophysical Exploration of Dynamical Ordering of Biomolecular Systems" edited by Dr. Koichi Kato.  相似文献   

13.

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   

14.

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   

15.
16.

Background

In humans, bitterness perception is mediated by ~25 bitter taste receptors present in the oral cavity. Among these receptors three, TAS2R10, TAS2R14 and TAS2R46, exhibit extraordinary wide agonist profiles and hence contribute disproportionally high to the perception of bitterness. Perhaps the most broadly tuned receptor is the TAS2R14, which may represent, because of its prominent expression in extraoral tissues, a receptor of particular importance for the physiological actions of bitter compounds beyond taste.

Methods

To investigate how the architecture and composition of the TAS2R14 binding pocket enables specific interactions with a complex array of chemically diverse bitter agonists, we carried out homology modeling and ligand docking experiments, subjected the receptor to point-mutagenesis of binding site residues and performed functional calcium mobilization assays.

Results

In total, 40 point-mutated receptor constructs were generated to investigate the contribution of 19 positions presumably located in the receptor's binding pocket to activation by 7 different TAS2R14 agonists. All investigated positions exhibited moderate to pronounced agonist selectivity.

Conclusions

Since numerous modifications of the TAS2R14 binding pocket resulted in improved responses to individual agonists, we conclude that this bitter taste receptor might represent a suitable template for the engineering of the agonist profile of a chemoreceptive receptor.

General significance

The detailed structure-function analysis of the highly promiscuous and widely expressed TAS2R14 suggests that this receptor must be considered as potentially frequent target for known and novel drugs including undesired off-effects.  相似文献   

17.

Background

Kinase inhibitor sorafenib is the most widely used drug for advanced HCC clinical treatment nowadays. However, sorafenib administration is only effective for a small portion of HCC patients, and the majority develop sorafenib-resistance during treatment. Thus, it is urgent to discover the endogenous mechanism and identify new pharmaceutical targets of sorafenib-resistance.

Methods

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. GST-pull down and LC-MS/MS was used to detect the interaction of PXR and Sorafenib. To test the properties of HCC tumor growth and metastasis, in vivo tumor explant model, FACS, trans-well assay, cell-survival inhibitory assay and Western blot were performed. In terms of mechanistic study, additional assays such as ChIP and luciferase reporter gene assay were applied.

Results

In the present work, we found high PXR level in clinical specimens is related to the poor prognosis of Sorafenib treated patients. By the mechanistic studies, we show that sorafenib binds to PXR and activates PXR pathway, and by which HCC cells develop sorafenib-resistance via activating. Moreover, PXR overexpression helps HCC cells to persist to sorafenib treatment.

Conclusion

This study reports the endogenous sorafenib-resistance mechanism in HCC cells, which offers an opportunity to design new therapeutic approaches for HCC treatment.

General significance

PXR mediates sorafenib-resistance in HCC cells and targeting PXR can be a useful approach to facilitate HCC treatment.  相似文献   

18.
19.

Background

Due to significant limitations to the access to orthotropic liver transplantation, cell therapies for liver diseases have gained large interest worldwide.

Scope of review

To revise current literature dealing with cell therapy for liver diseases. We discussed the advantages and pitfalls of the different cell sources tested so far in clinical trials and the rationale underlying the potential benefits of transplantation of human biliary tree stem cells (hBTSCs).

Major conclusions

Transplantation of adult hepatocytes showed transient benefits but requires immune-suppression that is a major pitfall in patients with advanced liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells transplanted into patients with liver diseases are not able to replace resident hepatocytes but rather they target autoimmune or inflammatory processes into the liver. Stem cells isolated from fetal or adult liver have been recently proposed as alternative cell sources for advanced liver cirrhosis and metabolic liver disease. We demonstrated the presence of multipotent cells expressing a variety of endodermal stem cell markers in (peri)-biliary glands of bile ducts in fetal or adult human tissues, and in crypts of gallbladder epithelium. In the first cirrhotic patients treated in our center with biliary tree stem cell therapy, we registered no adverse event but significant benefits.

General significance

The biliary tree stem cell could represent the ideal cell source for the cell therapy of liver diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cholangiocytes in Health and Diseaseedited by Jesus Banales, Marco Marzioni, Nicholas LaRusso and Peter Jansen.  相似文献   

20.

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   

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