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Zheng F, Jiang X, Wen Y, Yang Y, Li M. Systematic investigation of machine learning on limited data: A study on predicting protein-protein binding strength. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:460-472. [PMID: 38235359 PMCID: PMC10792694 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of machine learning techniques in biological research, especially when dealing with limited data availability, poses significant challenges. In this study, we leveraged advancements in method development for predicting protein-protein binding strength to conduct a systematic investigation into the application of machine learning on limited data. The binding strength, quantitatively measured as binding affinity, is vital for understanding the processes of recognition, association, and dysfunction that occur within protein complexes. By incorporating transfer learning, integrating domain knowledge, and employing both deep learning and traditional machine learning algorithms, we mitigated the impact of data limitations and made significant advancements in predicting protein-protein binding affinity. In particular, we developed over 20 models, ultimately selecting three representative best-performing ones that belong to distinct categories. The first model is structure-based, consisting of a random forest regression and thirteen handcrafted features. The second model is sequence-based, employing an architecture that combines transferred embedding features with a multilayer perceptron. Finally, we created an ensemble model by averaging the predictions of the two aforementioned models. The comparison with other predictors on three independent datasets confirms the significant improvements achieved by our models in predicting protein-protein binding affinity. The programs for running these three models are available at https://github.com/minghuilab/BindPPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifan Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Yuhao Wen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Yan Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Minghui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
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Ji Y, Luo W, Shi Q, Ma X, Wu Z, Zhang W, Gao Y, An T. Mechanisms of isomerization and hydration reactions of typical β-diketone at the air-droplet interface. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 141:225-234. [PMID: 38408823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Acetylacetone (AcAc) is a typical class of β-diketones with broad industrial applications due to the property of the keto-enol isomers, but its isomerization and chemical reactions at the air-droplet interface are still unclear. Hence, using combined molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry methods, the heterogeneous chemistry of AcAc at the air-droplet interface was investigated, including the attraction of AcAc isomers by the droplets, the distribution of isomers at the air-droplet interface, and the hydration reactions of isomers at the air-droplet interface. The results reveal that the preferential orientation of two AcAc isomers (keto- and enol-AcAc) to accumulate and accommodate at the acidic air-droplet interface. The isomerization of two AcAc isomers at the acidic air-droplet interface is more favorable than that at the neutral air-droplet interface because the "water bridge" structure is destroyed by H3O+, especially for the isomerization from keto-AcAc to enol-AcAc. At the acidic air-droplet interface, the carbonyl or hydroxyl O-atoms of two AcAc isomers display an energetical preference to hydration. Keto-diol is the dominant products to accumulate at the air-droplet interface, and excessive keto-diol can enter the droplet interior to engage in the oligomerization. The photooxidation reaction of AcAc will increase the acidity of the air-droplet interface, which indirectly facilitate the uptake and formation of more keto-diol. Our results provide an insight into the heterogeneous chemistry of β-diketones and their influence on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemeng Ji
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Weiyong Luo
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiuju Shi
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaohui Ma
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ziqi Wu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weina Zhang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanpeng Gao
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Debnath U, Mitra A, Dewaker V, Prabhakar YS, Tadala R, Krishnan K, Wagh P, Velusamy U, Baliyan A, Kurpad AV, Bhattacharyya P, Mandal AK. Conformational perturbation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using N-acetyl cysteine: an exploration of probable mechanism of action to combat COVID-19. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5042-5052. [PMID: 37477247 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2234031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in a pandemic with huge death toll and economic consequences. The virus attaches itself to the human epithelial cells through noncovalent bonding of its spike protein with the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor on the host cell. Based on in silico studies we hypothesized that perturbing the functionally active conformation of spike protein through the reduction of its solvent accessible disulfide bonds, thereby disintegrating its structural architecture, may be a feasible strategy to prevent infection by reducing the binding affinity towards ACE2 enzyme. Proteomics data showed that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant and mucolytic agent been widely in use in clinical medicine, forms covalent conjugates with solvent accessible cysteine residues of spike protein that were disulfide bonded in the native state. Further, in silico analysis indicated that the presence of the selective covalent conjugation of NAC with Cys525 perturbed the stereo specific orientations of the interacting key residues of spike protein that resulted in threefold weakening in the binding affinity of spike protein with ACE2 receptor. Interestingly, almost all SARS-CoV-2 variants conserved cystine residues in the spike protein. Our finding results possibly provides a molecular basis for identifying NAC and/or its analogues for targeting Cys-525 of the viral spike protein as fusion inhibitor and exploring in vivo pharmaco-preventive and its therapeutic potential activity for COVID-19 disease. However, in-vitro assay and animal model-based experiment are required to validate the probable mechanism of action.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsab Debnath
- School of Health Science and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India
| | - Amrita Mitra
- Clinical Proteomics Unit, Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Varun Dewaker
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Yenamandra S Prabhakar
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Raghu Tadala
- Waters India Private Limited No. 36A, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Padmakar Wagh
- Waters India Private Limited No. 36A, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Aastha Baliyan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, India
| | - Anura V Kurpad
- Department of Physiology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Amit Kumar Mandal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, India
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De Souza TPP, Cantão LXS, Rodrigues MQRB, Gonçalves DB, Nagem RAP, Rocha REO, Godoi RR, Lima WJN, Galdino AS, Minardi RCDM, Lima LHFD. Glycosylation and charge distribution orchestrates the conformational ensembles of a biotechnologically promissory phytase in different pHs - a computational study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5030-5041. [PMID: 37325852 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2223685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Phytases [myo-inositol(1,2,3,4,5,6) hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolases] are phytate-specific phosphatases not present in monogastric animals. Nevertheless, they are an essential supplement to feeding such animals and for human special diets. It is crucial, hence, the biotechnological use of phytases with intrinsic stability and activity at the acid pHs from gastric environments. Here we use Metadynamics (METADY) simulations to probe the conformational space of the Aspergillus nidulans phytase and the differential effects of pH and glycosylation in this same space. The results suggest that strategic combinations of pH and glycosylation affect the stability of native-like conformations and alternate these structures from a metastable to a stable profile. Furthermore, the protein segments previously reported as more thermosensitive in phytases from this family present a pivotal role in the conformational changes at different conditions, especially H2, H5-7, L8, L10, L12, and L17. Also, the glycosylations and the pH-dependent charge balance modulate the mobility and interactions at these same regions, with consequences for the surface solvation and active site exposition. Finally, although the glycosylations have stabilized the native structure and improved the substrate docking at all the studied pHs, the data suggest a higher phytate receptivity at catalytic poses for the unglycosylated structure at pH 6.5 and the glycosylated one at pH 4.5. This behavior agrees with the exact change in optimum pH reported for this enzyme, expressed on low or high glycosylating systems. We hope the results and insights presented here will be helpful in future approaches for rational engineering of technologically promising phytases and intelligent planning of their heterologous expression systems and conditions for use.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís P P De Souza
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Letícia Xavier Silva Cantão
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems (LBS), Department Of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Bonoto Gonçalves
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, São João Del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Alves Pinto Nagem
- Institute of Biological Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Eduardo Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems (LBS), Department Of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory Of Molecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Department of Exacts and Biological Sciences (DECEB), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Ramos Godoi
- Institute of Biological Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - William James Nogueira Lima
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus Regional de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel Cardoso de Melo Minardi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems (LBS), Department Of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Henrique França de Lima
- Laboratory Of Molecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Department of Exacts and Biological Sciences (DECEB), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Wang L, Wang YY, Chen ZL, Li YH. Enzymatic characterization and thermostability improvement of an acidophilic endoxylanase PphXyn11 from Paenibacillus physcomitrellae XB. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 219:106482. [PMID: 38583789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
GH11 enzyme is known to be specific and efficient for the hydrolysis of xylan. It has been isolated from many microorganisms, and its enzymatic characteristics and thermostability vary between species. In this study, a GH11 enzyme PphXyn11 from a novel xylan-degrading strain of Paenibacillus physcomitrellae XB was characterized, and five mutants were constructed to try to improve the enzyme's thermostability. The results showed that PphXyn11 was an acidophilic endo-β-1,4-xylanase with the optimal reaction pH of 3.0-4.0, and it could deconstruct different kinds of xylan substrates efficiently, such as beechwood xylan, wheat arabinoxylan and xylo-oligosaccharides, to produce xylobiose and xylotriose as the main products at the optimal reaction temperature of 40 °C. Improvement of the thermal stability of PphXyn11 using site-directed mutagenesis revealed that three mutants, W33C/N47C, S127C/N174C and S49E, designed by adding the disulfide bonds at the N-terminal, C-terminal and increasing the charged residues on the surface of PphXyn11 respectively, could increase the enzymatic activity and thermal stablility significantly and make the optimal reaction temperature reach 50 °C. Molecular dynamics simulations as well as computed the numbers of salt bridges and hydrogen bonds indicated that the protein structures of these three mutants were more stable than the wild type, which provided theoretical support for their improved thermal stability. Certainly, further research is necessary to improve the enzymatic characteristics of PphXyn11 to achieve the bioconversion of hemicellulosic biomass on an applicable scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Yan Yan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Zhi Ling Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Yan Hong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Kužela T, Bondarev D, Kutálková E, Benková Z, Hrnčiřík J, Ingr M. Study of absorption and emission spectra of substituted terthiophene compounds by methods of theoretical chemistry. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:1404-1418. [PMID: 38436207 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Terthiophene derivatives attract interest due to their prospective applications in optoelectronic or sensor devices. Due to their nontoxicity they can be considered as suitable candidates in biological applications. Supramolecular organization of the matter is one of the most interesting topics in contemporary materials science. Amphiphilic chromophores based on substituted terthiophenes are capable of self-assembly into supramolecular architectures. In this work, we aim at simulation of the spectral properties of terthiophene with oligo(ethylene oxide) substituents by the methods of quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics (MD). The potential energy surface (PES) of this molecule was determined by the methods of density functional theory (DFT) for the ground state and time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) for the excited state. MD simulations in water than revealed the most frequented molecular conformations in both these states. Absorption and fluorescence spectra were determined for all these conformations, including the surrounding water molecules, using TD-DFT and averaged over the conformation space to obtain the final absorption and fluorescence spectrum. The calculated spectra were compared with their experimental counterparts and the differences were discussed in context of the supramolecular structure revealed by confocal microscopy. In spite of its simplicity, this approach provides a satisfactory approximation of absorption and fluorescent spectra of these molecules obtained by computational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Kužela
- Faculty of Technology, Department of Physics and Materials Engineering, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Dmitrij Bondarev
- Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Kutálková
- Faculty of Technology, Department of Physics and Materials Engineering, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Benková
- Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Josef Hrnčiřík
- Faculty of Technology, Department of Physics and Materials Engineering, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Ingr
- Faculty of Technology, Department of Physics and Materials Engineering, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Zlín, Czech Republic
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Ahad Hossain M, Sultana S, Alanazi MM, Hadni H, Bhat AR, Hasan I, Kawsar SM. In vitro antimicrobial, anticancer evaluation, and in silico studies of mannopyranoside analogs against bacterial and fungal proteins: Acylation leads to improved antimicrobial activity. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102093. [PMID: 38737807 PMCID: PMC11087236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrate analogs are an important, well-established class of clinically useful medicinal agents that exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. Thus, we explored the various therapeutic potential of methyl α-D-mannopyranoside (MαDM) analogs, including their ability to synthesize and assess their antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties; additionally, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADMET analysis were performed. The structure of the synthesized MαDM analogs was ascertained by spectroscopic techniques and physicochemical and elemental analysis. In vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed and revealed significant inhibitory effects, particularly against gram-negative bacteria along with the prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS). Concurrently, MαDM analogs showed good results against antifungal pathogens and exhibited promising anticancer effects in vitro, demonstrating dose-dependent cytotoxicity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cancer cells while sparing normal cells from compound 5, with an IC50 of 4511.65 µg/mL according to the MTT colorimetric assay. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study revealed that hexose combined with the acyl chains of decanoyl (C-10) and benzenesulfonyl (C6H5SO2-) had synergistic effects on the bacteria and fungi that were examined. Molecular docking was performed against the Escherichia coli (6KZV) and Candida albicans (1EAG) proteins to acquire insights into the molecular interactions underlying the observed biological activities. The docking results were further supported by 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, which provided a dynamic view of the stability and flexibility of complexes involving MαDM and its targets. In addition, ADMET analysis was used to evaluate the toxicological and pharmacokinetic profiles. Owing to their promising drug-like properties, these MαDM analogs exhibit potential as prospective therapeutic candidates for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Ahad Hossain
- Laboratory of Carbohydrate and Nucleoside Chemistry (LCNC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Shahin Sultana
- Laboratory of Carbohydrate and Nucleoside Chemistry (LCNC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed M. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanine Hadni
- LIMAS, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Ajmal R. Bhat
- Department of Chemistry, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, India
| | - Imtiaj Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Sarkar M.A. Kawsar
- Laboratory of Carbohydrate and Nucleoside Chemistry (LCNC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
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Faris A, Hadni H, Saleh BA, Khelfaoui H, Harkati D, Ait Ahsaine H, Elhallaoui M, El-Hiti GA. In silico screening of a series of 1,6-disubstituted 1 H-pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidines as potential selective inhibitors of the Janus kinase 3. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4456-4474. [PMID: 37317996 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2220829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic disabling inflammatory disease that is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane and leads to discomfort. In the current study, twenty-seven 1,6-disubstituted 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines were tested as potential selective inhibitors of the tyrosine-protein kinase JAK3 using a number of molecular modeling methods. The activity of the screened derivatives was statistically quantified using multiple linear regression and artificial neural networks. To assess the quality, robustness, and predictability of the generated models, the leave-one-out cross-validation method was applied with favorable results (Q2 = 0.75) and Y-randomization. In addition, the evaluation of the predictive ability of the established model was confirmed by means of an external validation using a composite test set and an applicability domain approach. The covalent docking indicated that the tested 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines containing the acrylic aldehyde moiety had irreversible interaction with the residue Cys909 in the active sites of the tyrosine-protein kinase JAK3 by Michael addition. The molecular dynamics for three selected derivatives (compounds 9, 12, and 18) were used to verify the covalent docking by determining the stability of hydrogen bonding interactions with active sites, which are needed to stop tyrosine-protein kinase JAK3. The results obtained showed that the tested compounds containing acrylic aldehyde moiety had favorable binding free energies, indicating a strong affinity for the JAK3 enzyme. Overall, this current study suggests that the tested compounds containing the acrylic aldehyde moiety have the potential to act as anti-JAK3 inhibitors. They could be explored further to be used as treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmoujoud Faris
- LIMAS, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Hanine Hadni
- LIMAS, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Basil A Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
| | - Hadjer Khelfaoui
- Group of Computational and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, LMCE Laboratory, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Department of Matter Sciences, University of Biskra, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Dalal Harkati
- Group of Computational and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, LMCE Laboratory, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Department of Matter Sciences, University of Biskra, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Hassan Ait Ahsaine
- Laboratoire de Chimie Appliquée des Matériaux, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Menana Elhallaoui
- LIMAS, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Gamal A El-Hiti
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Bairagya HR, Tasneem A, Sarmadhikari D. Structural and thermodynamic properties of conserved water molecules in Mpro native: A combined approach by MD simulation and Grid Inhomogeneous Solvation Theory. Proteins 2024; 92:735-749. [PMID: 38213131 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The new viral strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are continuously rising, becoming more virulent, and transmissible. Therefore, the development of new antiviral drugs is essential. Due to its significant role in the viral life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, the main protease (Mpro) enzyme is a leading target for antiviral drug design. The Mpro monomer consists of domain DI, DII, and DI-DII interface. Twenty-one conserved water molecules (W4-W24) are occupied at these domains according to multiple crystal structure analyses. The crystal and MD structures reveal the presence of eight conserved water sites in domain DI, DII and remaining in the DI-DII interface. Grid-based inhomogeneous fluid solvation theory (GIST) was employed on MD structures of Mpro native to predict structural and thermodynamic properties of each conserved water site for focusing to identify the specific conserved water molecules that can easily be displaced by proposed ligands. Finally, MD water W13 is emerged as a promising candidate for water mimic drug design due to its low mean interaction energy, loose binding character with the protein, and its involvement in a water-mediated H-bond with catalytic His41 via the interaction Thr25(OG)---W13---W---His41(NE2). In this context, water occupancy, relative interaction energy, entropy, and topologies of W13 are thermodynamically acceptable for the water displacement method. Therefore, the strategic use of W13's geometrical position in the DI domain may be implemented for drug discovery against COVID disease by designing new ligands with appropriately oriented chemical groups to mimic its structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hridoy R Bairagya
- Computational Drug Design and Bio-molecular Simulation Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Haringhata, West Bengal, India
| | - Alvea Tasneem
- Mathematical and Computational Biology Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Debapriyo Sarmadhikari
- Computational Drug Design and Bio-molecular Simulation Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Haringhata, West Bengal, India
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10
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Mahto FK, Bhattacharya A, Bhattacharya S. Molecular dynamics simulations shows real-time lid opening in Hsp70 chaperone. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 129:108726. [PMID: 38377794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The stress-inducible mammalian heat shock protein Hsp70 and its bacterial orthologue DnaK are highly conserved molecular chaperones and a crucial part of the machinery responsible for protein folding and homeostasis. Hsp70 is a three-domain, 70 kDa protein that cycles between an ATP-bound state in which all three domains are securely coupled into one unit and an ADP-bound state in which they are loosely attached via a flexible interdomain linker. The Hsp70 presents an alluring novel therapeutic target since it is crucial for maintaining cellular proteostasis and is particularly crucial to cancer cells. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of the SBD (substrate binding domain) along with the Lid domain in response to experimental efforts to identify small molecule inhibitors that impair the functioning of Hsp70. Our intent has been to characterize the motion of the SBD/Lid allosteric machinery and in, addition, to identify the effect of the PET16 molecule on this motion. Interestingly, we noticed the opening of the entire Lid domain in the apo-form of the dimer. The configuration of the open structure was very different from previously published structures (PDB 4JN4) of the open and docked conformation of the ATP bound form. MD simulations revealed the Lid to be capable of far greater dynamical excursions than has been anticipated by experimental structural biology. This is of value in future drug discovery efforts targeted to modulating Hsp70 activity. The PET16 molecule appears to be weakly bound and its effect on the dynamics of the complex is yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farindra Kumar Mahto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India.
| | | | - Swati Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India.
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11
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Sheikhzadeh A, Safaei M, Fadaei Naeini V, Baghani M, Foroutan M, Baniassadi M. Multiscale modeling of unfolding and bond dissociation of rubredoxin metalloprotein. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 129:108749. [PMID: 38442439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of proteins that have a crucial effect on their operation. This study used a molecular dynamics simulation package to investigate rubredoxin unfolding on the atomic scale. Different simulation techniques were applied, and due to the dissociation of covalent/hydrogen bonds, this protein demonstrates several intermediate states in force-extension behavior. A conceptual model based on the cohesive finite element method was developed to consider the intermediate damages that occur during unfolding. This model is based on force-displacement curves derived from molecular dynamics results. The proposed conceptual model is designed to accurately identify bond rupture points and determine the associated forces. This is achieved by conducting a thorough comparison between molecular dynamics and cohesive finite element results. The utilization of a viscoelastic cohesive zone model allows for the consideration of loading rate effects. This rate-dependent model can be further developed and integrated into the multiscale modeling of large assemblies of metalloproteins, providing a comprehensive understanding of mechanical behavior while maintaining a reduced computational cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Sheikhzadeh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2V4, Canada
| | - Mohammad Safaei
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Fadaei Naeini
- Division of Machine Elements, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, SE-97187, Sweden
| | - Mostafa Baghani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masumeh Foroutan
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Baniassadi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ICUBE Laboratory, Strasbourg, France.
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12
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Jan Z, Ahmed WS, Biswas KH, Jithesh PV. Identification of a potential DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4730-4744. [PMID: 37424222 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2233637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) play an important role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression through the methylation of DNA. Since hypermethylation and consequent suppression of tumor suppressor genes are associated with cancer development and progression, DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs) such as DNMT inhibitors have been proposed for cancer therapy. Two nucleoside analogues approved for the treatment of hematological cancers, decitabine and azacytidine, have poor pharmacokinetic properties, and hence there is a critical need for identifying novel HMAs. Virtual screening of a library of ∼40,000 compounds from the ZINC database, followed by molecular docking of 4,000 compounds having potential druggable properties with DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B were performed. One unique inhibitor (ZINC167686681) was identified that successfully passed through the Lipinski Rule of 5, geometry constraints as well as ADME/Tox filters and having strong binding energy for DNMTs. Further, molecular dynamics simulations of the docked complexes showed detailed structural features critical for its binding with the DNMTs and the stability of their interaction. Our study identified a compound with potential druggable properties and predicted to bind and inhibit DNMTs. Further investigations involving cellular and animal models of ZINC167686681 will help in potentially taking it into clinical trials for the treatment of cancers.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Jan
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wesam S Ahmed
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kabir H Biswas
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Puthen Veettil Jithesh
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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13
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Jia N, Zhang B, Huo Z, Qin J, Ji Q, Geng Y. Binding patterns of inhibitors to different pockets of kinesin Eg5. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 756:109998. [PMID: 38641233 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The kinesin-5 family member, Eg5, plays very important role in the mitosis. As a mitotic protein, Eg5 is the target of various mitotic inhibitors. There are two targeting pockets in the motor domain of Eg5, which locates in the α2/L5/α3 region and the α4/α6 region respectively. We investigated the interactions between the different inhibitors and the two binding pockets of Eg5 by using all-atom molecular dynamics method. Combined the conformational analysis with the free-energy calculation, the binding patterns of inhibitors to the two binding pockets are shown. The α2/L5/α3 pocket can be divided into 4 regions. The structures and binding conformations of inhibitors in region 1 and 2 are highly conserved. The shape of α4/α6 pocket is alterable. The space of this pocket in ADP-binding state of Eg5 is larger than that in ADP·Pi-binding state due to the limitation of a hydrogen bond formed in the ADP·Pi-binding state. The results of this investigation provide the structural basis of the inhibitor-Eg5 interaction and offer a reference for the Eg5-targeted drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jia
- School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Bingbing Zhang
- School of Health Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziling Huo
- School of Health Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyu Qin
- College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Quzhou University, Quzhou, China
| | - Qing Ji
- School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yizhao Geng
- School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China.
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14
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Thapa G, Bhattacharya A, Bhattacharya S. Molecular dynamics investigation of DNA fragments bound to the anti-HIV protein SAMHD1 reveals alterations in allosteric communications. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 129:108748. [PMID: 38452417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The sterile alpha motif and histidine-aspartate domain-containing protein 1 (or SAMHD1), a human dNTP-triphosphohydrolase, contributes to HIV-1 restriction in select terminally differentiated cells of the immune system. While the prevailing hypothesis is that the catalytically active form of the protein is an allosterically triggered tetramer, whose HIV-1 restriction properties are attributed to its dNTP - triphosphohydrolase activity, it is also known to bind to ssRNA and ssDNA oligomers. A complete picture of the structure-function relationship of the enzyme is still elusive and the function corresponding to its nucleic acid binding ability is debated. In this in silico study, we investigate the stability, preference and allosteric effects of DNA oligomers bound to SAMHD1. In particular, we compare the binding of DNA and RNA oligomers of the same sequence and also consider the binding of DNA fragments with phosphorothioate bonds in the backbone. The results are compared with the canonical form with the monomers connected by GTP/dATP crossbridges. The simulations indicate that SAMHD1 dimers preferably bind to DNA and RNA oligomers compared to GTP/dATP. However, allosteric communication channels are altered in the nucleic acid acid bound complexes compared to the canonical form. All results are consistent with the hypothesis that the DNA bound form of the protein correspond to an unproductive off-pathway state where the protein is sequestered and not available for dNTP hydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Thapa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India.
| | | | - Swati Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India.
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15
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Li Z, Yue C, Xie S, Shi S, Ye S. Computational insights into the conformational transition of STING: Mechanistic, energetic considerations, and the influence of crucial mutations. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 129:108764. [PMID: 38581901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
STING (stimulator of interferon genes) is a crucial protein in the innate immune system's response to viral and bacterial infections. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic and energetic mechanism of the conformational transition process of STING activated by cGAMP binding. We found that the STING connector region undergoes an energetically unfavorable rotation during this process, which is compensated by the favorable interaction between cGAMP and the STING ligand binding domain. We further studied several disease-causing mutations and found that the V155 M mutation facilitates a smoother transition in the STING connector region. However, the V147L mutation exhibits unfavorable conformational transition energy, suggesting it may hinder STING activation pathway that relies on connector region rotation. Despite being labeled as hyperactive, the widespread prevalence of V147L/V147I mutations across species implies a neutral character, indicating complexity in its role. Overall, our analysis deepens the understanding of STING activation within the connector region, and targeting this region with compounds may provide an alternative approach to interfering with STING's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlu Li
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China; Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Congran Yue
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shangqiang Xie
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Sai Shi
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Sheng Ye
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China; Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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16
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Mezei M, Latif R, Davies TF. The full-length TSH receptor is stabilized by TSH ligand. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 129:108725. [PMID: 38373379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The receptor for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSHR), a GPCR, is the primary antigen in autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) caused by stimulating TSHR antibodies. While we have previously published a full length model of the TSHR, including its leucine rich domain (LRD), linker region (LR) and transmembrane domain (TMD), to date, only a partial LRD (aa 21-261) stabilized with TSHR autoantibodies has been crystallized. Recently, however, cryo-EM structures of the full-length TSHR have been published but they include only an incomplete LR. We have now utilized the cryo-EM models, added disulfide bonds to the LR and performed longer (3000 ns) molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to update our previous model of the entire full-length TSHR, with and without the presence of TSH ligand. As in our earlier work, the new model was embedded in a lipid membrane and was solvated with water and counterions. We found that the 3000 ns Molecular Dynamic simulations showed that the structure of the LRD and TMD were remarkably constant while the LR, known more commonly as the "hinge region", again showed significant flexibility, forming several transient secondary structural elements. Analysis of the new simulations permitted a detailed examination of the effect of TSH binding on the structure of the TSHR. We found a structure-stabilizing effect of TSH, including increased stability of the LR, which was clearly demonstrated by analyzing several intrinsic receptor properties including hydrogen bonding, fluctuation of the LRD orientation, and radius of gyration. In conclusion, we were able to quantify the flexibility of the TSHR and show its increased stability after TSH binding. These data indicated the important role of ligands in directing the signaling structure of a receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, New York, NY, USA; Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry F Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Williams TL, Taily IM, Hatton L, Berezin AA, Wu YL, Moliner V, Świderek K, Tsai YH, Luk LYP. Secondary Amine Catalysis in Enzyme Design: Broadening Protein Template Diversity through Genetic Code Expansion. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403098. [PMID: 38545954 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Secondary amines, due to their reactivity, can transform protein templates into catalytically active entities, accelerating the development of artificial enzymes. However, existing methods, predominantly reliant on modified ligands or N-terminal prolines, impose significant limitations on template selection. In this study, genetic code expansion was used to break this boundary, enabling secondary amines to be incorporated into alternative proteins and positions of choice. Pyrrolysine analogues carrying different secondary amines could be incorporated into superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), multidrug-binding LmrR and nucleotide-binding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Notably, the analogue containing a D-proline moiety demonstrated both proteolytic stability and catalytic activity, conferring LmrR and DHFR with the desired transfer hydrogenation activity. While the LmrR variants were confined to the biomimetic 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) as the hydride source, the optimal DHFR variant favorably used the pro-R hydride from NADPH for stereoselective reactions (e.r. up to 92 : 8), highlighting that a switch of protein template could broaden the nucleophile option for catalysis. Owing to the cofactor compatibility, the DHFR-based secondary amine catalysis could be integrated into an enzymatic recycling scheme. This established method shows substantial potential in enzyme design, applicable from studies on enzyme evolution to the development of new biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Williams
- School of Chemistry and Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Irshad M Taily
- School of Chemistry and Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Hatton
- School of Chemistry and Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrey A Berezin
- School of Chemistry and Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Lin Wu
- School of Chemistry and Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Vicent Moliner
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain
| | - Katarzyna Świderek
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain
| | - Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Gaoke International Innovation Center, Guangming District, 518132, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Louis Y P Luk
- School of Chemistry and Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
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Cashman-Kadri S, Lagüe P, Subirade M, Fliss I, Beaulieu L. Insights into Molecular Interactions between a GAPDH-Related Fish Antimicrobial Peptide, Analogs Thereof, and Bacterial Membranes. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1257-1269. [PMID: 38683758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between SJGAP (skipjack tuna GAPDH-related antimicrobial peptide) and four analogs thereof with model bacterial membranes were studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD trajectory analyses showed that the N-terminal segment of the peptide analogs has many contacts with the polar heads of membrane phospholipids, while the central α helix interacts strongly with the hydrophobic core of the membranes. The peptides also had a marked influence on the wave numbers associated with the phase transition of phospholipids organized as liposomes in both the interface and aliphatic chain regions of the infrared spectra, supporting the interactions observed in the MD trajectories. In addition, interesting links were found between peptide interactions with the aliphatic chains of membrane phospholipids, as determined by FTIR and from the MD trajectories, and the membrane permeabilization capacity of these peptide analogs, as previously demonstrated. To summarize, the combined experimental and computational efforts have provided insights into crucial aspects of the interactions between the investigated peptides and bacterial membranes. This work thus makes an original contribution to our understanding of the molecular interactions underlying the antimicrobial activity of these GAPDH-related antimicrobial peptides from Scombridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Cashman-Kadri
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Québec-Océan, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Patrick Lagüe
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, Pavillon Charles-Eugene-Marchand, Université Laval, 1030 Avenue de la Medecine, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications (PROTEO), Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Muriel Subirade
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Ismail Fliss
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Lucie Beaulieu
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Québec-Océan, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
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19
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Castanha PMS, McEnaney PJ, Park Y, Bouwer A, Chaves EJF, Lins RD, Paciaroni NG, Dickson P, Carlson G, Cordeiro MT, Magalhaes T, Craigo J, Marques ETA, Kodadek T, Burke DS. Identification and characterization of a nonbiological small-molecular mimic of a Zika virus conformational neutralizing epitope. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312755121. [PMID: 38743628 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312755121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Antigenic similarities between Zika virus (ZIKV) and other flaviviruses pose challenges to the development of virus-specific diagnostic tools and effective vaccines. Starting with a DNA-encoded one-bead-one-compound combinatorial library of 508,032 synthetic, non-natural oligomers, we selected and characterized small molecules that mimic ZIKV epitopes. High-throughput fluorescence-activated cell sorter-based bead screening was used to select molecules that bound IgG from ZIKV-immune but not from dengue-immune sera. Deep sequencing of the DNA from the "Zika-only" beads identified 40 candidate molecular structures. A lead candidate small molecule "CZV1-1" was selected that correctly identifies serum specimens from Zika-experienced patients with good sensitivity and specificity (85.3% and 98.4%, respectively). Binding competition studies of purified anti-CZV1-1 IgG against known ZIKV-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) showed that CZV1-1 mimics a nonlinear, neutralizing conformational epitope in the domain III of the ZIKV envelope. Purified anti-CZV1-1 IgG neutralized infection of ZIKV in cell cultures with potencies comparable to highly specific ZIKV-neutralizing mAbs. This study demonstrates an innovative approach for identification of synthetic non-natural molecular mimics of conformational virus epitopes. Such molecular mimics may have value in the development of accurate diagnostic assays for Zika, as well as for other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila M S Castanha
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Patrick J McEnaney
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Yongseok Park
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Anthea Bouwer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
| | - Elton J F Chaves
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhaes Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Cidade Universitearia, Recife, Pernambuco 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Roberto D Lins
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhaes Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Cidade Universitearia, Recife, Pernambuco 50740-465, Brazil
| | | | - Paige Dickson
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | | | - Marli T Cordeiro
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhaes Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Cidade Universitearia, Recife, Pernambuco 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Tereza Magalhaes
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia 40026-010, Brazil
| | - Jodi Craigo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
| | - Ernesto T A Marques
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhaes Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Cidade Universitearia, Recife, Pernambuco 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Thomas Kodadek
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Donald S Burke
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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20
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Pham PC, Taylor M, Nguyen GTH, Beltran J, Bennett JL, Ho J, Donald WA. Binding of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to β-Lactoglobulin from Bovine Milk. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:757-770. [PMID: 38625865 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known for their high environmental persistence and potential toxicity. The presence of PFAS has been reported in many dairy products. However, the mechanisms underlying the accumulation of PFAS in these products remain unclear. Here, we used native mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations to probe the interactions between 19 PFAS of environmental concern and two isoforms of the major bovine whey protein β-lactoglobulin (β-LG). We observed that six of these PFAS bound to both protein isoforms with low- to mid-micromolar dissociation constants. Based on quantitative, competitive binding experiments with endogenous ligands, PFAS can bind orthosterically and preferentially to β-LG's hydrophobic ligand-binding calyx. β-Cyclodextrin can also suppress binding of PFAS to β-LG owing to the ability of β-cyclodextrin to directly sequester PFAS from solution. This research sheds light on PFAS-β-LG binding, suggesting that such interactions could impact lipid-fatty acid transport in bovine mammary glands at high PFAS concentrations. Furthermore, our results highlight the potential use of β-cyclodextrin in mitigating PFAS binding, providing insights toward the development of strategies to reduce PFAS accumulation in dairy products and other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chi Pham
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Mackenzie Taylor
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Giang T H Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Jeunesse Beltran
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Jack L Bennett
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Junming Ho
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - William A Donald
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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21
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Dong Y, Wang J, Grewer C. Transient kinetics reveal the mechanism of competitive inhibition of the neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2. J Biol Chem 2024:107382. [PMID: 38763337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
ASCT2 (alanine serine cysteine transporter 2), a member of the SLC1 (solute carrier 1) family, mediates Na+-dependent exchange of small neutral amino acids across cell membranes. ASCT2 was shown to be highly expressed in tumor cells, making it a promising target for anti-cancer therapies. In this study, we explored the binding mechanism of the high-affinity competitive inhibitor Lc-BPE with ASCT2, using electrophysiological and rapid kinetic methods. Our investigations reveal that Lc-BPE binding requires one or two Na+ ions initially bound to the apo-transporter with high affinity, with Na1 site occupancy being more critical for inhibitor binding. In contrast to the amino acid substrate bound form, the final, third Na+ ion cannot bind, due to distortion of its binding site (Na2), thus preventing the formation of a translocation-competent complex. Based on the rapid kinetic analysis, the application of Lc-BPE generated outward transient currents, indicating that, despite its net neutral nature, the binding of Lc-BPE in ASCT2 is weakly electrogenic, most likely because of asymmetric charge distribution within the amino acid moiety of the inhibitor. The pre-incubation with Lc-BPE also led to a decrease of the turnover rate of substrate exchange and a delay in the activation of substrate-induced anion current, indicating relatively slow Lc-BPE dissociation kinetics. Overall, our results provide new insight into the mechanism of binding of a prototypical competitive inhibitor to the ASCT transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Dong
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902
| | - Jiali Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902
| | - Christof Grewer
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902.
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22
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Chakraborti A, Tardiff JC, Schwartz SD. Myosin-Catalyzed ATP Hydrolysis in the Presence of Disease-Causing Mutations: Mavacamten as a Way to Repair Mechanism. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4716-4727. [PMID: 38708944 PMCID: PMC11103257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common forms of genetic cardiomyopathy. Mavacamten is a first-in-class myosin modulator that was identified via activity screening on the wild type, and it is FDA-approved for the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The drug selectively binds to the cardiac β-myosin, inhibiting myosin function to decrease cardiac contractility. Though the drug is thought to affect multiple steps of the myosin cross-bridge cycle, its detailed mechanism of action is still under investigation. Individual steps in the overall cross-bridge cycle must be queried to elucidate the full mechanism of action. In this study, we utilize the rare-event method of transition path sampling to generate reactive trajectories to gain insights into the action of the drug on the dynamics and rate of the ATP hydrolysis step for human cardiac β-myosin. We study three known HCM causative myosin mutations: R453C, P710R, and R712L to observe the effect of the drug on the alterations caused by these mutations in the chemical step. Since the crystal structure of the drug-bound myosin was not available at the time of this work, we created a model of the drug-bound system utilizing a molecular docking approach. We find a significant effect of the drug in one case, where the actual mechanism of the reaction is altered from the wild type by mutation. The drug restores both the rate of hydrolysis to the wildtype level and the mechanism of the reaction. This is a way to check the effect of the drug on untested mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Chakraborti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jil C Tardiff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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23
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Ren Z, Wang K, Zhang Y, Chen H, Zhu Y, Li H, Lou J, Wang H, Xu C. Transient hydroxycholesterol treatment restrains TCR signaling to promote long-term immunity. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:920-931.e6. [PMID: 38759618 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) plays a fundamental role in adaptive immunity, and TCR-T cell therapy holds great promise for treating solid tumors and other diseases. However, there is a noticeable absence of chemical tools tuning TCR activity. In our study, we screened natural sterols for their regulatory effects on T cell function and identified 7-alpha-hydroxycholesterol (7a-HC) as a potent inhibitor of TCR signaling. Mechanistically, 7a-HC promoted membrane binding of CD3ε cytoplasmic domain, a crucial signaling component of the TCR-CD3 complex, through alterations in membrane physicochemical properties. Enhanced CD3ε membrane binding impeded the condensation between CD3ε and the key kinase Lck, thereby inhibiting Lck-mediated TCR phosphorylation. Transient treatments of TCR-T cells with 7a-HC resulted in reduced signaling strength, increased memory cell populations, and superior long-term antitumor functions. This study unveils a chemical regulation of TCR signaling, which can be exploited to enhance the long-term efficacy of TCR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxu Ren
- Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yiming Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jizhong Lou
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Haopeng Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Chenqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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24
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Li C, Wei TY, Cheung MS, Tsai MY. Deciphering the Cofilin Oligomers via Intermolecular Disulfide Bond Formation: A Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Approach to Understanding Cofilin's Regulation on Actin Filaments. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4590-4601. [PMID: 38701111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cofilin, a key actin-binding protein, orchestrates the dynamics of the actomyosin network through its actin-severing activity and by promoting the recycling of actin monomers. Recent experiments suggest that cofilin forms functionally distinct oligomers via thiol post-translational modifications (PTMs) that promote actin nucleation and assembly. Despite these advances, the structural conformations of cofilin oligomers that modulate actin activity remain elusive because there are combinatorial ways to oxidize thiols in cysteines to form disulfide bonds rapidly. This study employs molecular dynamics simulations to investigate human cofilin 1 as a case study for exploring cofilin dimers via disulfide bond formation. Utilizing a biasing scheme in simulations, we focus on analyzing dimer conformations conducive to disulfide bond formation. Additionally, we explore potential PTMs arising from the examined conformational ensemble. Using the free energy profiling, our simulations unveil a range of probable cofilin dimer structures not represented in current Protein Data Bank entries. These candidate dimers are characterized by their distinct population distributions and relative free energies. Of particular note is a dimer featuring an interface between cysteines 139 and 147 residues, which demonstrates stable free energy characteristics and intriguingly symmetrical geometry. In contrast, the experimentally proposed dimer structure exhibits a less stable free energy profile. We also evaluate frustration quantification based on the energy landscape theory in the protein-protein interactions at the dimer interfaces. Notably, the 39-39 dimer configuration emerges as a promising candidate for forming cofilin tetramers, as substantiated by frustration analysis. Additionally, docking simulations with actin filaments further evaluate the stability of these cofilin dimer-actin complexes. Our findings thus offer a computational framework for understanding the role of thiol PTM of cofilin proteins in regulating oligomerization, and the subsequent cofilin-mediated actin dynamics in the actomyosin network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxuan Li
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Ting-Yi Wei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Chung Cheng University, Minhsiung, Chiayi 621301, Taiwan
| | - Margaret S Cheung
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Min-Yeh Tsai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Chung Cheng University, Minhsiung, Chiayi 621301, Taiwan
- Division of Physics, National Center for Theoretical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
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25
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Taweechat P, Boonamnaj P, Samsó M, Sompornpisut P. Significance of Zn 2+ in RyR1 for Structural Integrity and Ligand Binding: Insight from Molecular Dynamics. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4670-4684. [PMID: 38717304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c01189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) is a Ca2+-release channel central to skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. RyR1's cryo-EM structures reveal a zinc-finger motif positioned within the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain (CTD). Yet, owing to limitations in cryo-EM resolution, RyR1 structures lack precision in detailing the metal coordination structure, prompting the need for an accurate model. In this study, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the density functional theory (DFT) method to refine the binding characteristics of Zn2+ in the zinc-finger site of the RyR1 channel. Our findings also highlight substantial conformational changes in simulations conducted in the absence of Zn2+. Notably, we observed a loss of contact at the interface between protein domains proximal to the zinc-finger site, indicating a crucial role of Zn2+ in maintaining structural integrity and interdomain interactions within RyR1. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the modulation of ATP, Ca2+, and caffeine binding, shedding light on the intricate relationship between Zn2+ coordination and the dynamic behavior of RyR1. Our integrative approach combining MD simulations and DFT calculations enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing ligand binding in RyR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panyakorn Taweechat
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panisak Boonamnaj
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Montserrat Samsó
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Pornthep Sompornpisut
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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26
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Anderson T, Jiang H, Cheallaigh AN, Bengtsson D, Oscarson S, Cairns C, St Michael F, Cox A, Kuttel MM. Formation and immunological evaluation of Moraxella catarrhalis glycoconjugates based on synthetic oligosaccharides. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 332:121928. [PMID: 38431400 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.121928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Published work has shown that glycoconjugate vaccines, based on truncated detoxified lipopolysaccharides from Moraxella catarrhalis attached through their reducing end to a carrier protein, gave good protection for all three serotypes A, B, and C in mice immunisation experiments. The (from the non-reducing end) truncated LPS structures were obtained from bacterial glycosyl transferase knock-out mutants and contained the de-esterified Lipid A, two Kdo residues and five glucose moieties. This work describes the chemical synthesis of the same outer Moraxella LPS structures, spacer-equipped and further truncated from the reducing end, i.e., without the Lipid A part and containing four or five glucose moieties or four glucose moieties and one Kdo residue, and their subsequent conjugation to a carrier protein via a five‑carbon bifunctional spacer to form glycoconjugates. Immunisation experiments both in mice and rabbits of these gave a good antibody response, being 2-7 times that of pre-immune sera. However, the sera produced only recognized the immunizing glycan immunogens and failed to bind to native LPS or whole bacterial cells. Comparative molecular modelling of three alternative antigens shows that an additional (2 → 4)-linked Kdo residue, not present in the synthetic structures, has a significant impact on the shape and volume of the molecule, with implications for antigen binding and cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taigh Anderson
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hao Jiang
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aisling Ní Cheallaigh
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dennis Bengtsson
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Stefan Oscarson
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Chantelle Cairns
- Vaccine Program, Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Frank St Michael
- Vaccine Program, Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Andrew Cox
- Vaccine Program, Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Michelle M Kuttel
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
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27
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Nayak AR, Rangubpit W, Will AH, Hu Y, Castro-Hartmann P, Lobo JJ, Dryden K, Lamb GD, Sompornpisut P, Samsó M. Interplay between Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ at multiple sites of the ryanodine receptor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4115. [PMID: 38750013 PMCID: PMC11096358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48292-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
RyR1 is an intracellular Ca2+ channel important in excitable cells such as neurons and muscle fibers. Ca2+ activates it at low concentrations and inhibits it at high concentrations. Mg2+ is the main physiological RyR1 inhibitor, an effect that is overridden upon activation. Despite the significance of Mg2+-mediated inhibition, the molecular-level mechanisms remain unclear. In this work we determined two cryo-EM structures of RyR1 with Mg2+ up to 2.8 Å resolution, identifying multiple Mg2+ binding sites. Mg2+ inhibits at the known Ca2+ activating site and we propose that the EF hand domain is an inhibitory divalent cation sensor. Both divalent cations bind to ATP within a crevice, contributing to the precise transmission of allosteric changes within the enormous channel protein. Notably, Mg2+ inhibits RyR1 by interacting with the gating helices as validated by molecular dynamics. This structural insight enhances our understanding of how Mg2+ inhibition is overcome during excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok R Nayak
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Warin Rangubpit
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alex H Will
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Yifan Hu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Pablo Castro-Hartmann
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- ThermoFisher Scientific, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joshua J Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kelly Dryden
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Graham D Lamb
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pornthep Sompornpisut
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Montserrat Samsó
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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28
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Spasovová M, Kapitán J, Jílek Š, Siddhique Para Kkadan M, Klener J, Scott Lynn N, Kopecký V, Baumruk V, Profant V. Probing solution conformations of l-DOPA: Integration of experiment and simulation via vibrational optical activity. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2024; 313:124119. [PMID: 38452461 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
l-DOPA plays a critical role as a precursor to dopamine and is a standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. Recent research has highlighted the potential therapeutic advantages of deuterated l-DOPA analogs having a longer biological half-life. For their spectroscopic characterization, the in-detail characterization of l-DOPA itself is necessary. This article presents a thorough examination of the vibrational spectra of l-DOPA, with a particular emphasis on chirally sensitive VOA techniques. We successfully obtained high-quality Raman and ROA spectra of l-DOPA in its cationic form, under low pH conditions, and at a high concentration of 100 mg/ml. These spectra cover a broad spectral range, allowing for precise comparisons with theoretical simulations. We also obtained IR and VCD spectra, but they faced limitations due to the narrow accessible spectral region. Exploration of l-DOPA's conformational landscape revealed its intrinsic flexibility, with multiple coexisting conformations. To characterize these conformations, we employed two methods: one involved potential energy surface scans with implicit solvation, and the other utilized molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvation. Comparing ROA spectra from different conformer groups and applying spectral decomposition proved crucial in determining the correct conformer ratios. The use of explicit solvation significantly improved the quality of the final simulated spectral profiles. The accurate determination of conformer ratios, rather than solely relying on the number of averaged spectra, played a crucial role in simulation accuracy. In conclusion, our study offers valuable insights into the structure and conformational behavior of l-DOPA and represents a valuable resource for subsequent spectroscopic studies of its deuterated analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Spasovová
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic; FZU - Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 00 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Kapitán
- Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Štěpán Jílek
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammed Siddhique Para Kkadan
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR v.v.i., Flemingovo náměstí 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Klener
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Nicolas Scott Lynn
- FZU - Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 00 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Kopecký
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Baumruk
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Profant
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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29
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Si W, Chen H, Lin X, Wu G, Zhao J, Sha J. Actuation mechanism of a nanoscale drilling rig based on nested carbon nanotubes. Nanoscale 2024. [PMID: 38742415 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00902a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing emphasis on health and the continuous improvement of medical standards, more and more micro/nano devices are being used in the medical field. However, the existing micro/nano devices cannot effectively solve various problems encountered in medical processes and achieve specific therapeutic effects. Based on this, this article designs a new type of nanoscale drilling rig. The nanoscale drilling rig is composed of double-layer nested carbon nanotubes with multiple electrodes, and is powered by an external power source, making it easy to perform long-term surgery in the human body. Through coding strategies, we can adjust the surface charge density and distribution of the nanoscale drilling rig, thereby controlling its periodical rotation and achieving precise medical treatment. In addition, in order to control the length of the nanoscale drill bit, meet the treatment needs of different parts of the human body, and reduce damage to the human body, we have designed a structure of ion electric double layers so that the drill bit can be fixed in different positions, reducing the risk of treatment to a certain extent. This drilling rig enriches the functions of micro/nano devices, which is beneficial for the development of the medical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Si
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Haonan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Xiaojing Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Gensheng Wu
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jiajia Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jingjie Sha
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China.
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30
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Yan S, Wang B, Lin H. Reshaping the QM Region On-the-Fly: Adaptive-Shape QM/MM Dynamic Simulations of a Hydrated Proton in Bulk Water. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:3462-3472. [PMID: 38671391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Adaptive quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) reclassifies on-the-fly a molecule or molecular fragment as QM or MM during dynamics simulations without abrupt changes in the energy or forces. Notably, the permuted adaptive-partitioning (PAP) algorithms have been applied to simulate a hydrated proton, with a mobile QM zone anchored at a pseudoatom called a proton indicator. The position of the proton indicator approximates the location of the delocalized excess proton, yielding a smooth trajectory of the proton diffusing via the Grotthuss mechanism in aqueous solutions. The mobile QM zone, which has been taken to be a sphere with a preset radius, follows the proton wherever it goes. Although the simulations are successful, the use of a spherical QM zone has one disadvantage: A large preset radius must be utilized to minimize the chance of missing water molecules that are important to proton translocation. A large radius leads to a large QM zone, which is computationally expensive. In this work, we report a new way to set up the QM zone, where one includes only the water molecules important to proton transfer. The importance of a given water molecule is quantified by its "weight" that depends on its relation to the reaction path of proton transfer. The weight varies smoothly, ensuring that a water molecule gradually appears in or disappears from the QM zone without abrupt changes, as required by the PAP method. Consequently, the shape of the QM zone evolves on-the-fly, keeping the QM zone as small as possible and as large as necessary. Test simulations demonstrate that the new algorithm significantly improves the computation efficiency while maintaining the proper descriptions of proton transfer in bulk water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengheng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 360015, P. R. China
| | - Binju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 360015, P. R. China
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Chemistry, CB 194, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, P.O. Box 173364, Colorado 80217, United States
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Pfeffer ME, DiFrancesco ML, Marchesi A, Galluzzi F, Moschetta M, Rossini A, Francia S, Franz CM, Fok Y, Valotteau C, Paternò GM, Redondo Morata L, Vacca F, Mattiello S, Magni A, Maragliano L, Beverina L, Mattioli G, Lanzani G, Baldelli P, Colombo E, Benfenati F. Nanoactuator for Neuronal Optoporation. ACS Nano 2024; 18:12427-12452. [PMID: 38687909 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Light-driven modulation of neuronal activity at high spatial-temporal resolution is becoming of high interest in neuroscience. In addition to optogenetics, nongenetic membrane-targeted nanomachines that alter the electrical state of the neuronal membranes are in demand. Here, we engineered and characterized a photoswitchable conjugated compound (BV-1) that spontaneously partitions into the neuronal membrane and undergoes a charge transfer upon light stimulation. The activity of primary neurons is not affected in the dark, whereas millisecond light pulses of cyan light induce a progressive decrease in membrane resistance and an increase in inward current matched to a progressive depolarization and action potential firing. We found that illumination of BV-1 induces oxidation of membrane phospholipids, which is necessary for the electrophysiological effects and is associated with decreased membrane tension and increased membrane fluidity. Time-resolved atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations performed on planar lipid bilayers revealed that the underlying mechanism is a light-driven formation of pore-like structures across the plasma membrane. Such a phenomenon decreases membrane resistance and increases permeability to monovalent cations, namely, Na+, mimicking the effects of antifungal polyenes. The same effect on membrane resistance was also observed in nonexcitable cells. When sustained light stimulations are applied, neuronal swelling and death occur. The light-controlled pore-forming properties of BV-1 allow performing "on-demand" light-induced membrane poration to rapidly shift from cell-attached to perforated whole-cell patch-clamp configuration. Administration of BV-1 to ex vivo retinal explants or in vivo primary visual cortex elicited neuronal firing in response to short trains of light stimuli, followed by activity silencing upon prolonged light stimulations. BV-1 represents a versatile molecular nanomachine whose properties can be exploited to induce either photostimulation or space-specific cell death, depending on the pattern and duration of light stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene E Pfeffer
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Arin Marchesi
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/a, 60126 Torrette di Ancona, Italy
| | - Filippo Galluzzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- The Open University Affiliated Research Centre at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (ARC@IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Moschetta
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Raffaele Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Rossini
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Raffaele Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy
| | - Simona Francia
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Clemens M Franz
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yulia Fok
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, DyNaMo, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Claire Valotteau
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, DyNaMo, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Giuseppe Maria Paternò
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Raffaele Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorena Redondo Morata
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, DyNaMo, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Francesca Vacca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Mattiello
- Department of Material Science, Bicocca University, Via Roberto Cozzi 55, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Magni
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Raffaele Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Beverina
- Department of Material Science, Bicocca University, Via Roberto Cozzi 55, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mattioli
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR-ISM), Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo (RM), Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Raffaele Rubattino 81, 20134 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Dousa KM, Shin E, Kurz SG, Plummer M, Nantongo M, Bethel CR, Taracila MA, Nguyen DC, Kreiswith BN, Daley CL, Remy KE, Holland SM, Bonomo RA. Synergistic effects of sulopenem in combination with cefuroxime or durlobactam against Mycobacterium abscessus. mBio 2024:e0060924. [PMID: 38742824 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00609-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) affects patients with immunosuppression or underlying structural lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Additionally, Mab poses clinical challenges due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Herein, we investigated the synergistic effect of dual β-lactams [sulopenem and cefuroxime (CXM)] or the combination of sulopenem and CXM with β-lactamase inhibitors [BLIs-avibactam (AVI) or durlobactam (DUR)]. The sulopenem-CXM combination yielded low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for 54 clinical Mab isolates and ATCC19977 (MIC50 and MIC90 ≤0.25 µg/mL). Similar synergistic effects were observed in time-kill studies conducted at concentrations achievable in clinical settings. Sulopenem-CXM outperformed monotherapy, yielding ~1.5 Log10 CFU/mL reduction during 10 days. Addition of BLIs enhanced this antibacterial effect, resulting in an additional reduction of CFUs (~3 Log10 for sulopenem-CXM and AVI and ~4 Log10 for sulopenem-DUR). Exploration of the potential mechanisms of the synergy focused on their interactions with L,D-transpeptidases (Ldts; LdtMab1-LdtMab4), penicillin-binding-protein B (PBP B), and D,D-carboxypeptidase (DDC). Acyl complexes, identified via mass spectrometry analysis, demonstrated the binding of sulopenem with LdtMab2-LdtMab4, DDC, and PBP B and CXM with LdtMab2 and PBP B. Molecular docking and mass spectrometry data suggest the formation of a covalent adduct between sulopenem and LdtMab2 after the nucleophilic attack of the cysteine residue at the β-lactam carbonyl carbon, leading to the cleavage of the β-lactam ring and the establishment of a thioester bond linking the LdtMab2 with sulopenem. In conclusion, we demonstrated the biochemical basis of the synergy of sulopenem-CXM with or without BLIs. These findings potentially broaden the selection of oral therapeutic agents to combat Mab. IMPORTANCE Treating infections from Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab), particularly those resistant to common antibiotics like macrolides, is notoriously difficult, akin to a never-ending struggle for healthcare providers. The rate of treatment failure is even higher than that seen with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The role of combination β-lactams in inhibiting L,D-transpeptidation, the major peptidoglycan crosslink reaction in Mab, is an area of intense investigation, and clinicians have utilized this approach in the treatment of macrolide-resistant Mab, with reports showing clinical success. In our study, we found that cefuroxime and sulopenem, when used together, display a significant synergistic effect. If this promising result seen in lab settings, translates well into real-world clinical effectiveness, it could revolutionize current treatment methods. This combination could either replace the need for more complex intravenous medications or serve as a "step down" to an oral medication regimen. Such a shift would be much easier for patients to manage, enhancing their comfort and likelihood of sticking to the treatment plan, which could lead to better outcomes in tackling these tough infections. Our research delved into how these drugs inhibit cell wall synthesis, examined time-kill data and binding studies, and provided a scientific basis for the observed synergy in cell-based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid M Dousa
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Eunjeong Shin
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sebastian G Kurz
- Department of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mark Plummer
- Yale Center for Molecular Discovery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mary Nantongo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Christopher R Bethel
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Magdalena A Taracila
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David C Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Barry N Kreiswith
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Charles L Daley
- Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth E Remy
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert A Bonomo
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- CWRU-Cleveland VAMC Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Epidemiology (Case VA CARES), Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Spiriti J, Wong CF. Quantitative Prediction of Dissociation Rates of PYK2 Ligands Using Umbrella Sampling and Milestoning. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:4029-4044. [PMID: 38640609 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
We used umbrella sampling and the milestoning simulation method to study the dissociation of multiple ligands from protein kinase PYK2. The activation barriers obtained from the potential of mean force of the umbrella sampling simulations correlated well with the experimental dissociation rates. Using the zero-temperature string method, we obtained optimized paths along the free-energy surfaces for milestoning simulations of three ligands with a similar structure. The milestoning simulations gave an absolute dissociation rate within 2 orders of magnitude of the experimental value for two ligands but at least 3 orders of magnitude too high for the third. Despite the similarity in their structures, the ligands took different pathways to exit from the binding site of PYK2, making contact with different sets of residues. In addition, the protein experienced different conformational changes for dissociation of the three ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Spiriti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63121, United States
| | - Chung F Wong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63121, United States
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34
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Shi L, Zhao W, Jiu Z, Guo J, Zhu Q, Sun Y, Zhu B, Chang J, Xin P. Redox-Regulated Synthetic Channels: Enabling Reversible Ion Transport by Modulating the Ion-Permeation Pathway. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403667. [PMID: 38407803 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Natural redox-regulated channel proteins often utilize disulfide bonds as redox sensors for adaptive regulation of channel conformations in response to diverse physiological environments. In this study, we developed novel synthetic ion channels capable of reversibly switching their ion-transport capabilities by incorporating multiple disulfide bonds into artificial systems. X-ray structural analysis and electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that these disulfide-bridged molecules possess well-defined tubular cavities and can be efficiently inserted into lipid bilayers to form artificial ion channels. More importantly, the disulfide bonds in these molecules serve as redox-tunable switches to regulate the formation and disruption of ion-permeation pathways, thereby achieving a transition in the transmembrane transport process between the ON and OFF states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Zhihui Jiu
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Centre in Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Qiuhui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Yonghui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Junbiao Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Pengyang Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
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35
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Guo HB, Huntington B, Perminov A, Smith K, Hastings N, Dennis P, Kelley-Loughnane N, Berry R. AlphaFold2 modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of an intrinsically disordered protein. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301866. [PMID: 38739602 PMCID: PMC11090348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We use AlphaFold2 (AF2) to model the monomer and dimer structures of an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), Nvjp-1, assisted by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We observe relatively rigid dimeric structures of Nvjp-1 when compared with the monomer structures. We suggest that protein conformations from multiple AF2 models and those from MD trajectories exhibit a coherent trend: the conformations of an IDP are deviated from each other and the conformations of a well-folded protein are consistent with each other. We use a residue-residue interaction network (RIN) derived from the contact map which show that the residue-residue interactions in Nvjp-1 are mainly transient; however, those in a well-folded protein are mainly persistent. Despite the variation in 3D shapes, we show that the AF2 models of both disordered and ordered proteins exhibit highly consistent profiles of the pLDDT (predicted local distance difference test) scores. These results indicate a potential protocol to justify the IDPs based on multiple AF2 models and MD simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Bo Guo
- Material and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, Mason, OH, United States of America
- UES Inc., Dayton, OH, United States of America
| | - Baxter Huntington
- Material and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, Mason, OH, United States of America
- Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States of America
| | - Alexander Perminov
- Material and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, Mason, OH, United States of America
- Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States of America
| | - Kenya Smith
- United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Hastings
- United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America
| | - Patrick Dennis
- Material and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, Mason, OH, United States of America
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- Material and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, Mason, OH, United States of America
| | - Rajiv Berry
- Material and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, Mason, OH, United States of America
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Gambardella G, Notari S, Criscuolo E, Lai O, Nardoni A, Massoud R, Micheli L, Bocedi A, Ricci G. Quantitation of oxidized and reduced albumin in mammals. An intriguing analytical question. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 757:110038. [PMID: 38750920 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Oxidized albumin is considered a short-term biomarker of oxidative stress and its measurement in blood contributes to evaluate the impact of diseases, drugs, dialytic treatments, physical activity, environmental contaminants etc. on the red-ox balance of humans as well as of other mammalians. Nevertheless, the most common methods for quantifying the oxidized and reduced albumins are costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, there is a dearth of information regarding the proper ways to store human serum or plasma samples in order to prevent inaccurate quantification of these various albumin forms. This paper explores these aspects and proposes a few spectrophotometric assay procedures which make the quantitation of oxidized and reduced albumin very fast, precise and un-expensive in various mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Gambardella
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Notari
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Criscuolo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Olga Lai
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Lazio e Della Toscana 'M. Aleandri', Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00182, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Nardoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Lazio e Della Toscana 'M. Aleandri', Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00182, Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Massoud
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Bocedi
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Ricci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Liu X, Sun S, Liu J, Dang Q, Gao Y, Fang L, Min W. Isolation, Virtual Screening, and Evaluation of Hazelnut-Derived Immunoactive Peptides for the Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Agric Food Chem 2024. [PMID: 38739709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to validate the activity of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)-derived immunoactive peptides inhibiting the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 and further unveil their interaction mechanism using in vitro assays, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and binding free energy calculations. In general, the enzymatic hydrolysis components, especially molecular weight < 3 kDa, possess good immune activity as measured by the proliferation ability of mouse splenic lymphocytes and phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages. Over 866 unique peptide sequences were isolated, purified, and then identified by nanohigh-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (NANO-HPLC-MS/MS) from hazelnut protein hydrolysates, but Trp-Trp-Asn-Leu-Asn (WWNLN) and Trp-Ala-Val-Leu-Lys (WAVLK) in particular are found to increase the cell viability and phagocytic capacity of RAW264.7 macrophages as well as promote the secretion of the cytokines nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay elucidated that WWNLN and WAVLK exhibit excellent inhibitory potency against Mpro, with IC50 values of 6.695 and 16.750 μM, respectively. Classical all-atom MD simulations show that hydrogen bonds play a pivotal role in stabilizing the complex conformation and protein-peptide interaction. Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) calculation indicates that WWNLN has a lower binding free energy with Mpro than WAVLK. Furthermore, adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions illustrate favorable drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties of WWNLN compared to WAVLK. This study provides a new understanding of the immunomodulatory activity of hazelnut hydrolysates and sheds light on peptide inhibitors targeting Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Sun
- College of Food Science and Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Jiale Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Dang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Yawen Gao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Li Fang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Weihong Min
- College of Food Science and Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, P. R. China
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P. R. China
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Finke F, Hungerland J, Solov'yov IA, Schuhmann F. Different receptor models show differences in ligand binding strength and location: a computational drug screening for the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10850-8. [PMID: 38739227 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10850-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE) is a neurotrophic disease that has spread more rapidly throughout Europe and Asia in the past few years. At the same time, no cure or specific therapy is known to battle the illness apart from vaccination. To find a pharmacologically relevant drug, a computer-aided drug screening was initiated. Such a procedure probes a possible binding of a drug to the RNA Polymerase of TBE. The crystal structure of the receptor, however, includes missing and partially modeled regions, which rendered the structure incomplete and of questionable use for a thorough drug screening procedure. The quality of the receptor model was addressed by studying three putative structures created. We show that the choice of receptor models greatly influences the binding affinity of potential drug molecules and that the binding location could also be significantly impacted. We demonstrate that some drug candidates are unsuitable for one model but show decent results for another. Without any prejudice on the three employed receptor models, the study reveals the imperative need to investigate the receptor structure before drug binding is probed whether experimentally or computationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Finke
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan Hungerland
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ilia A Solov'yov
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 9-11, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Center for Nanoscale Dynamics (CENAD), Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Fabian Schuhmann
- Niels Bohr International Academy, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 17, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Maleš P, Nikšić-Franjić I, Wang A, Pem B, Bakarić D. Optical and molecular features of negatively curved surfaces created by POPE lipids: A crucial role of the initial conditions. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2024; 317:124462. [PMID: 38754204 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Membrane fusion is closely related to plasma membrane domains rich in cone-shaped phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids that can reverse membrane curvature under certain conditions. The phase transition of PE-based lipid membranes from the lamellar fluid phase (Lα) to the inverse hexagonal phase (HII) is commonly taken as a general model in reconstructing the membrane fusion pathway, and whose structural features have been mostly described so far using structural and microscopic techniques. The aim of this paper is to decipher the optical and molecular features of Lβ → Lα and especially of Lα → HII transition of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE) lipids at pH = 7.0 when they are initially prepared in the form of both multi- and unilamellar liposomes (MLVs and LUVs). The distinction between optical properties of MLS- and LUVs-derived HII phase, provided from turbidity-sensitive temperature-dependent UV-Vis spectra, was attributed to different formation mechanisms of HII phase. Most importantly, from FTIR spectroscopic data of POPE lipids in Lβ (15 °C), Lα (50 °C) and HII (85 °C) phases we identified the changes in molecular features of POPE lipids during phase transitions. Among the latter, by far the most significant is different hydration pattern of POPE lipids in MLVs- and LUVs-derived HII phase which extends from the polar-apolar interface all the way to the terminal amino group of the POPE lipid, along with the changes in the conformation of glycerol backbone as evidenced by the signature of α-methylene groups. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed higher water penetration in HII phase and provided insight into hydrogen bonding patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Maleš
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Nikšić-Franjić
- School of Science, Constructor University, Bremen GmbH, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Anna Wang
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for Astrobiology, and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Bedegal Country, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Barbara Pem
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danijela Bakarić
- Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Bykhovskaia M. Dynamic Formation of the Protein-Lipid Pre-fusion Complex. bioRxiv 2024:2024.04.17.589983. [PMID: 38659925 PMCID: PMC11042276 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.17.589983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicles (SVs) fuse with the presynaptic membrane (PM) to release neuronal transmitters. The SV protein Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) serves as a Ca 2+ sensor for evoked fusion. Syt1 is thought to trigger fusion by penetrating into PM upon Ca 2+ binding, however the mechanistic detail of this process is still debated. Syt1 interacts with the SNARE complex, a coiled-coil four-helical bundle that enables the SV-PM attachment. The SNARE-associated protein Complexin (Cpx) promotes the Ca 2+ -dependent fusion, possibly interacting with Syt1. We employed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) to investigate the formation of the Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex interacting with the lipid bilayers of PM and SV. Our simulations demonstrated that the PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex can transition to a "dead-end" state, wherein Syt1 attaches tightly to PM but does not immerse into it, as opposed to a pre-fusion state, which has the tips of the Ca 2+ -bound C2 domains of Syt1 inserted into PM. Our simulations unraveled the sequence of Syt1 conformational transitions, including the simultaneous Syt1 docking to the SNARE-Cpx bundle and PM, followed by the Ca 2+ chelation and the penetration of the tips of Syt1 domains into PM, leading to the pre-fusion state of the protein-lipid complex. Importantly, we found that the direct Syt1-Cpx interactions are required to promote these transitions. Thus, we developed the all-atom dynamic model of the conformational transitions that lead to the formation of the pre-fusion PM-Syt1-SNARE-Cpx complex. Our simulations also revealed an alternative "dead-end" state of the protein-lipid complex that can be formed if this pathway is disrupted. Statement of Significance Neurons communicate by releasing transmitter molecules. Transmitters are packed in synaptic vesicles (SVs) and released by the fusion of SVs with the presynaptic membrane (PM). This process is regulated by a dynamic complex of fusion proteins, including the coil-coiled SNARE bundle that attaches SV to PM, Synaptotagmin that serves as a Ca 2+ sensor for the release process, and Complexin that attaches to the SNARE bundle and promotes the Ca 2+ -dependent release. To understand how these proteins interact dynamically with the lipid bilayers of SV and PM, we employed molecular dynamics, a computational approach that enables simulating the behavior of proteins and lipids at the atomistic resolution. Our simulations enabled us to delineate the stages of the formation of prefusion protein-lipid complex.
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Wang D, Zhang Z, Baudys J, Haynes C, Osman SH, Zhou B, Barr JR, Gumbart JC. Enhanced Surface Accessibility of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike Protein Due to an Altered Glycosylation Profile. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 38728322 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) proteins undergo extensive glycosylation, aiding in proper folding, enhancing stability, and evading host immune surveillance. In this study, we used mass spectrometric analysis to elucidate the N-glycosylation characteristics and disulfide bonding of recombinant spike proteins derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in comparison with the D614G spike variant. Furthermore, we conducted microsecond-long molecular dynamics simulations on spike proteins to resolve how the different N-glycans impact spike conformational sampling in the two variants. Our findings reveal that the Omicron spike protein maintains an overall resemblance to the D614G spike variant in terms of site-specific glycan processing and disulfide bond formation. Nonetheless, alterations in glycans were observed at certain N-glycosylation sites. These changes, in synergy with mutations within the Omicron spike protein, result in increased surface accessibility of the macromolecule, including the ectodomain, receptor-binding domain, and N-terminal domain. Additionally, mutagenesis and pull-down assays reveal the role of glycosylation of a specific sequon (N149); furthermore, the correlation of MD simulation and HDX-MS identified several high-dynamic areas of the spike proteins. These insights contribute to our understanding of the interplay between structure and function, thereby advancing effective vaccination and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxia Wang
- National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Zijian Zhang
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 United States
| | - Jakub Baudys
- National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Christopher Haynes
- National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Sarah H Osman
- National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Bin Zhou
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - John R Barr
- National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - James C Gumbart
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 United States
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Putra SSS, Chew CY, Hayyan A, Elgharbawy AAM, Taskin-Tok T, Hayyan M, Ngoh GC, Saleh J, Al Abdulmonem W, Alghsham RS, Nor MRM, Aldaihani AGH, Basirun WJ. Nanodiamonds and natural deep eutectic solvents as potential carriers for lipase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132245. [PMID: 38729477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the use of nanodiamonds (ND) as a promising carrier for enzyme immobilization and compares the effectiveness of immobilized and native enzymes. Three different enzyme types were tested, of which Rhizopus niveus lipase (RNL) exhibited the highest relative activity, up to 350 %. Under optimized conditions (1 h, pH 7.0, 40 °C), the immobilized ND-RNL showed a maximum specific activity of 0.765 U mg-1, significantly higher than native RNL (0.505 U mg-1). This study highlights a notable enhancement in immobilized lipase; furthermore, the enzyme can be recycled in the presence of a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES), retaining 76 % of its initial activity. This aids in preserving the native conformation of the protein throughout the reusability process. A test on brine shrimp revealed that even at low concentrations, ND-RNL had minimal toxicity, indicating its low cytotoxicity. The in silico molecular dynamics simulations performed in this study offer valuable insights into the mechanism of interactions between RNL and ND, demonstrating that RNL immobilization onto NDs enhances its efficiency and stability. All told, these findings highlight the immense potential of ND-immobilized RNL as an excellent candidate for biological applications and showcase the promise of further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chia Yong Chew
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Adeeb Hayyan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; Sustainable Process Engineering Centre (SPEC), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Amal A M Elgharbawy
- International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50728, Malaysia; Bioenvironmental Engineering Research Centre (BERC), Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Tugba Taskin-Tok
- Gaziantep University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Gaziantep, Turkey; Gaziantep University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Maan Hayyan
- Chemical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Muscat University, PO Box 550, Muscat P.C.130, Sultanate of Oman.
| | - Gek Cheng Ngoh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Jehad Saleh
- Chemical Engineering Department, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruqaih S Alghsham
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Roslan Mohd Nor
- Halal Research Group, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | | | - Wan Jefrey Basirun
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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43
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Rynkiewicz MJ, Childers MC, Karpicheva OE, Regnier M, Geeves MA, Lehman W. Myosin's powerstroke transitions define atomic scale movement of cardiac thin filament tropomyosin. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202413538. [PMID: 38607351 PMCID: PMC11010328 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202413538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic interactions between the myosin motor head on thick filaments and the actin molecular track on thin filaments drive the myosin-crossbridge cycle that powers muscle contraction. The process is initiated by Ca2+ and the opening of troponin-tropomyosin-blocked myosin-binding sites on actin. The ensuing recruitment of myosin heads and their transformation from pre-powerstroke to post-powerstroke conformation on actin produce the force required for contraction. Cryo-EM-based atomic models confirm that during this process, tropomyosin occupies three different average positions on actin. Tropomyosin pivoting on actin away from a TnI-imposed myosin-blocking position accounts for part of the Ca2+ activation observed. However, the structure of tropomyosin on thin filaments that follows pre-powerstroke myosin binding and its translocation during myosin's pre-powerstroke to post-powerstroke transition remains unresolved. Here, we approach this transition computationally in silico. We used the myosin helix-loop-helix motif as an anchor to dock models of pre-powerstroke cardiac myosin to the cleft between neighboring actin subunits along cardiac thin filaments. We then performed targeted molecular dynamics simulations of the transition between pre- and post-powerstroke conformations on actin in the presence of cardiac troponin-tropomyosin. These simulations show Arg 369 and Glu 370 on the tip of myosin Loop-4 encountering identically charged residues on tropomyosin. The charge repulsion between residues causes tropomyosin translocation across actin, thus accounting for the final regulatory step in the activation of the thin filament, and, in turn, facilitating myosin movement along the filament. We suggest that during muscle activity, myosin-induced tropomyosin movement is likely to result in unencumbered myosin head interactions on actin at low-energy cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Rynkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Olga E. Karpicheva
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Regnier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - William Lehman
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Lin X, Chen H, Wu G, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Sha J, Si W. Selective Capture and Manipulation of DNA through Double Charged Nanopores. J Phys Chem Lett 2024:5120-5129. [PMID: 38709198 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In the past few decades, nanometer-scale pores have been employed as powerful tools for sensing biological molecules. Owing to its unique structure and properties, solid-state nanopores provide interesting opportunities for the development of DNA sequencing technology. Controlling DNA translocation in nanopores is an important means of improving the accuracy of sequencing. Here we present a proof of principle study of accelerating DNA captured across targeted graphene nanopores using surface charge density and find the intrinsic mechanism of the combination of electroosmotic flow induced by charges of nanopore and electrostatic attraction/repulsion between the nanopore and ssDNA. The theoretical study performed here provides a new means for controlling DNA transport dynamics and makes better and cheaper application of graphene in molecular sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Haonan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Gensheng Wu
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jiajia Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jingjie Sha
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Wei Si
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211100, China
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45
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Park CG, Adnan KM, Cho H, Ryu CS, Yoon J, Kim YJ. A combined in vitro-in silico method for assessing the androgenic activities of bisphenol A and its analogues. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 98:105838. [PMID: 38710238 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between endocrine-disruptor chemicals (EDCs) and androgen receptor (AR) have adverse effects on the endocrine system, leading to human reproductive dysfunction. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an EDC that can damage both the environment and human health. Although numerous BPA analogues have been produced as substitutes for BPA, few studies have evaluated their endocrine-disrupting abilities. We assessed the (anti)-androgenic activities of BPA and its analogues using a yeast-based reporter assay. The BPA analogues tested were bisphenol S (BPS), 4-phenylphenol (4PP), 4,4'-(9-fluorenyliden)-diphenol (BPFL), tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF), and tetramethyl bisphenol A (TMBPA). We also conducted molecular docking and dynamics simulations to assess the interactions of BPA and its analogues with the ligand-binding domain of human AR (AR-LBD). Neither BPA nor its analogues had androgenic activity; however, all except BPFL exerted robust anti-androgenic effects. Consistent with the in vitro results, anti-androgenic analogues of BPA formed hydrogen bonding patterns with key residues that differed from the patterns of endogenous hormones, indicating that the analogues display in inappropriate orientations when interacting with the binding pocket of AR-LBD. Our findings indicate that BPA and its analogues disrupt androgen signaling by interacting with the AR-LBD. Overall, BPA and its analogues display endocrine-disrupting activity, which is mediated by AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gyun Park
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany; Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karim Md Adnan
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany; Universität des Saarlandes, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hyunki Cho
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany; Universität des Saarlandes, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Chang Seon Ryu
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany
| | - Juyong Yoon
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany.
| | - Young Jun Kim
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany.
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46
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Zhang QL, Zhou T, Chang C, Gu SY, Wang YJ, Liu Q, Zhu Z. Ultrahigh-Flux Water Nanopumps Generated by Asymmetric Terahertz Absorption. Phys Rev Lett 2024; 132:184003. [PMID: 38759176 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.184003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Controlling active transport of water through membrane channels is essential for advanced nanofluidic devices. Despite advancements in water nanopump design using techniques like short-range invasion and subnanometer-level control, challenges remain facilely and remotely realizing massive waters active transport. Herein, using molecular dynamic simulations, we propose an ultrahigh-flux nanopump, powered by frequency-specific terahertz stimulation, capable of unidirectionally transporting massive water through asymmetric-wettability membrane channels at room temperature without any external pressure. The key physics behind this terahertz-powered water nanopump is revealed to be the energy flow resulting from the asymmetric optical absorption of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Lin Zhang
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shi-Yu Gu
- College of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yun-Jie Wang
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Qi Liu
- School of Mathematics-Physics and Finance and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Zhi Zhu
- College of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
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Polat T, Soyhan İ, Cebeci S, İldeniz TAÖ, Gök Ö, Elmas MA, Mozioğlu E, Ünübol N. New-generation biofilm effective antimicrobial peptides and a real-time anti-biofilm activity assay: CoMIC. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:316. [PMID: 38700735 PMCID: PMC11068671 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, it is very important to produce new-generation drugs with antimicrobial properties that will target biofilm-induced infections. The first target for combating these microorganisms, which are the source itself. Antimicrobial peptides, which are more effective than antibiotics due to their ability to kill microorganisms and use a different metabolic pathway, are among the new options today. The aim of this study is to develop new-generation antibiotics that inhibit both biofilm-producing bacteria and the biofilm itself. For this purpose, we designed four different peptides by combining two amino acid forms (D- and L-) with the same sequence having alpha helix structures. It was found that the combined use of these two forms can increase antimicrobial efficacy more than 30-fold. These results are supported by molecular modeling and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), at the same time cytotoxicity (IC50) and hemotoxicity (HC50) values remained within the safe range. Furthermore, antibiofilm activities of these peptides were investigated. Since the existing biofilm inhibition methods in the literature do not technically simulate the exact situation, in this study, we have developed a real-time observable biofilm model and a new detection method based on it, which we call the CoMIC method. Findings have shown that the NET1 peptide with D-leucine amino acid in its structure and the NET3 peptide with D-arginine amino acid in its structure are effective in inhibiting biofilm. As a conclusion, our peptides can be considered as potential next-generation broad-spectrum antibiotic molecule/drug candidates that might be used in biofilm and clinical important bacteria. KEY POINTS: • Antimicrobial peptides were developed to inhibit both biofilms producing bacteria and the biofilm itself. • CoMIC will fill a very crucial gap in understanding biofilms and conducting the necessary quantitative studies. • Molecular modelling studies, NET1 peptide molecules tends to move towards and adhere to the membrane within nanoseconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Polat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İrem Soyhan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinan Cebeci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Arzu Özal İldeniz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özgül Gök
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Açıkel Elmas
- Department of Histology and Embriology, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erkan Mozioğlu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Nihan Ünübol
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Syed A, Zhai J, Guo B, Zhao Y, Wang JCY, Chen L. Cryo-EM structure and molecular dynamic simulations explain the enhanced stability and ATP activity of the pathological chaperonin mutant. Structure 2024; 32:575-584.e3. [PMID: 38412855 PMCID: PMC11069440 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Chaperonins Hsp60s are required for cellular vitality by assisting protein folding in an ATP-dependent mechanism. Although conserved, the human mitochondrial mHsp60 exhibits molecular characteristics distinct from the E. coli GroEL, with different conformational assembly and higher subunit association dynamics, suggesting a different mechanism. We previously found that the pathological mutant mHsp60V72I exhibits enhanced subunit association stability and ATPase activity. To provide structural explanations for the V72I mutational effects, here we determined a cryo-EM structure of mHsp60V72I. Our structural analysis combined with molecular dynamic simulations showed mHsp60V72I with increased inter-subunit interface, binding free energy, and dissociation force, all contributing to its enhanced subunit association stability. The gate to the nucleotide-binding (NB) site in mHsp60V72I mimicked the open conformation in the nucleotide-bound state with an additional open channel leading to the NB site, both promoting the mutant's ATPase activity. Our studies highlight the importance of mHsp60's characteristics in its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiza Syed
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University Bloomington, 212 S. Hawthorne Dr., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jihang Zhai
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, China
| | - Baolin Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, China.
| | - Joseph Che-Yen Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Lingling Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University Bloomington, 212 S. Hawthorne Dr., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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Golcuk M, Yilmaz SZ, Yildiz A, Gur M. The mechanism and energetics of the dynein priming stroke. Structure 2024; 32:603-610.e4. [PMID: 38430911 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Dyneins are an AAA+ motor responsible for motility and force generation toward the minus end of microtubules. Dynein motility is powered by nucleotide-dependent transitions of its linker domain, which transitions between straight (post-powerstroke) and bent (pre-powerstroke) conformations. To understand the dynamics and energetics of the linker, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of human dynein-2 primed for its power stroke. Simulations revealed that the linker can adopt either a bent conformation or a semi-bent conformation, separated by a 5.7 kT energy barrier. The linker cannot switch back to its straight conformation in the pre-powerstroke state due to a steric clash with the AAA+ ring. Simulations also showed that an isolated linker has a free energy minimum near the semi-bent conformation in the absence of the AAA+ ring, indicating that the linker stores energy as it bends and releases this energy during the powerstroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Golcuk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Istanbul 34437, Turkey
| | - Sema Zeynep Yilmaz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Istanbul 34437, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Yildiz
- Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mert Gur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Istanbul 34437, Turkey; Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Ohkubo YZ, Radulovic PW, Kahira AN, Madsen JJ. Membrane binding and lipid-protein interaction of the C2 domain from coagulation factor V. Curr Res Struct Biol 2024; 7:100149. [PMID: 38766652 PMCID: PMC11098723 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2024.100149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Anchoring of coagulation factors to anionic regions of the membrane involves the C2 domain as a key player. The rate of enzymatic reactions of the coagulation factors is increased by several orders of magnitude upon membrane binding. However, the precise mechanisms behind the rate acceleration remain unclear, primarily because of a lack of understanding of the conformational dynamics of the C2-containing factors and corresponding complexes. We elucidate the membrane-bound form of the C2 domain from human coagulation factor V (FV-C2) by characterizing its membrane binding the specific lipid-protein interactions. Employing all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and leveraging the highly mobile membrane-mimetic (HMMM) model, we observed spontaneous binding of FV-C2 to a phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing membrane within 2-25 ns across twelve independent simulations. FV-C2 interacted with the membrane through three loops (spikes 1-3), achieving a converged, stable orientation. Multiple HMMM trajectories of the spontaneous membrane binding provided extensive sampling and ample data to examine the membrane-induced effects on the conformational dynamics of C2 as well as specific lipid-protein interactions. Despite existing crystal structures representing presumed "open" and "closed" states of FV-C2, our results revealed a continuous distribution of structures between these states, with the most populated structures differing from both "open" and "closed" states observed in crystal environments. Lastly, we characterized a putative PS-specific binding site formed by K23, Q48, and S78 located in the groove enclosed by spikes 1-3 (PS-specificity pocket), suggesting a different orientation of a bound headgroup moiety compared to previous proposals based upon analysis of static crystal structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Zenmei Ohkubo
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gül University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Peter W. Radulovic
- Graduate Programs, Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Albert N. Kahira
- Graduate Programs, School of Engineering, Abdullah Gül University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Jesper J. Madsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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