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Hassan S, Lone MA. Editorial: Genetic disorders and rare diseases: in vitro models for preclinical pharmacological studies and translation. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1346648. [PMID: 38186642 PMCID: PMC10768171 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1346648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shabir Hassan
- Department of Biology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Museer A. Lone
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Hafez AH, El-Rich M, Liu T, Jomha N, Schiffer A. Design of a lightweight universal talus implant using topology optimization. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1228809. [PMID: 37691900 PMCID: PMC10484404 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1228809] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Total talus replacement is a promising alternative treatment for talus fractures complicated by avascular necrosis and collapse. This surgical option replaces the human talus bone with a customized talus implant and can maintain ankle joint functionality compared to traditional treatment (e.g., ankle fusion). However, the customized implant is costly and time-consuming due to its customized nature. To circumvent these drawbacks, universal talus implants were proposed. While they showed clinically satisfactory results, existing talus implants are heavier than biological talus bones as they are solid inside. This can lead to unequal weight between the implant and biological talus bone, and therefore leading to other complications. The reduction of the implants' weight without compromising its performance and congruency with surrounding bones is a potential solution. Therefore, this study aims to design a lightweight universal talus implant using topology optimization. This is done through establishing the loading and boundary conditions for three common foot postures: neutral, dorsi- and plantar-flexion. The optimized implant performance in terms of mass, contact characteristics with surrounding joint cartilage and stress distributions is studied using a 3D Finite Element (FE) model of the ankle joint. The mass of the optimized implant is reduced by approximately 66.6% and its maximum stresses do not exceed 70 MPa, resulting in a safety factor of 15.7. Moreover, the optimized and solid implants show similar contact characteristics. Both implants produced peak contact pressures that were approximately 19.0%-196% higher than those produced by the biological talus. While further mechanical testing under in-vivo loading conditions is required to determine clinical feasibility, preliminarily, the use of a lightweight universal implant is expected to provide the patient with a more natural feel, and a reduced waiting period until surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. Hafez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwan El-Rich
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tao Liu
- Human Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nadr Jomha
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andreas Schiffer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Bafleh WS, Abdulsamad HMR, Al-Qaraghuli SM, El Khatib RY, Elbahrawi RT, Abdukadir AM, Alsawae SM, Dimassi Z, Hamdan H, Kashir J. Applications of advances in mRNA-based platforms as therapeutics and diagnostics in reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1198848. [PMID: 37305677 PMCID: PMC10250609 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1198848] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to many drastic changes in not only society, law, economics, but also in science and medicine, marking for the first time when drug regulatory authorities cleared for use mRNA-based vaccines in the fight against this outbreak. However, while indeed representing a novel application of such technology in the context of vaccination medicine, introducing RNA into cells to produce resultant molecules (proteins, antibodies, etc.) is not a novel principle. It has been common practice to introduce/inject mRNA into oocytes and embryos to inhibit, induce, and identify several factors in a research context, while such aspects have also been proposed as potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications to combat infertility in humans. Herein, we describe key areas where mRNA-based platforms have thus far represented potential areas of clinical applications, describing the advantages and limitations of such applications. Finally, we also discuss how recent advances in mRNA-based platforms, driven by the recent pandemic, may stand to benefit the treatment of infertility in humans. We also present brief future directions as to how we could utilise recent and current advancements to enhance RNA therapeutics within reproductive biology, specifically with relation to oocyte and embryo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wjdan S. Bafleh
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haia M. R. Abdulsamad
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sally M. Al-Qaraghuli
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Riwa Y. El Khatib
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Zakia Dimassi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Albreiki M, Mousa M, Azman SK, Vurivi H, Alhalwachi Z, Alshehhi F, AlShamsi S, Marzouqi NA, Alawadi T, Alrand H, Oulhaj A, Fikri A, Alsafar H. Risk of hospitalization and vaccine effectiveness among COVID-19 patients in the UAE during the Delta and Omicron outbreaks. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1049393. [PMID: 36860855 PMCID: PMC9969353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1049393] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A rapid increase in COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants in vaccinated populations has raised concerns about the hospitalization risk associated with, and the effectiveness of, COVID-19 vaccines. Method This case-control study aims to determine the hospitalization risk associated with the inactivated BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) and mRNA BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BionTech) vaccines, and their effectiveness reducing the rate of hospital admission between 28 May 2021 and 13 January 2022, during the Delta and Omicron outbreaks. The estimation of vaccine effectiveness of 4,618 samples was based on the number of patients hospitalized at different vaccination statuses, adjusted for confounding variables. Results Hospitalization risk increases in patients affected with the Omicron variant if patients are aged ≤ 18 years (OR 6.41, 95% CI 2.90 to 14.17; p < 0.001), and in patients affected with the Delta variant if they are aged > 45 years (OR 3.41, 95% CI 2.21 to 5.50; p < 0.001). Vaccine effectiveness reducing the rate of hospital admission for fully vaccinated participants infected with the Delta and Omicron variants was similar for both the BBIBP-CorV (94%, 95% CI 90% to 97%; 90%, 95% CI 74% to 96%) and BNT162b2 vaccines (95%, 95% CI 61% to 99.3%; 94%, 95% CI 53% to 99%), respectively. Discussion The BBIBP-CorV and BNT162b2 vaccines utilized in the UAE vaccination program were highly effective in reducing the rate of COVID-19-related hospitalization during the Delta and Omicron outbreaks, and further effort must be taken to achieve high vaccine coverage rates in children and adolescents in the global context to reduce the hospitalization risk associated with COVID-19 on an international scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Albreiki
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mira Mousa
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproduction Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Syafiq Kamarul Azman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hema Vurivi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zainab Alhalwachi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Alshehhi
- Public Health Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Safiya AlShamsi
- National Center for Health Research, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nada Al Marzouqi
- Public Health Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tayba Alawadi
- Public Health Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hussain Alrand
- Public Health Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abderrahim Oulhaj
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Research and Data Intelligence Support Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Asma Fikri
- National Center for Health Research, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Emirates Health Services Establishment, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Emirates Bio-Research Center, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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5
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Prasad R, El-Rich M, Awad MI, Hussain I, Jelinek H, Huzaifa U, Khalaf K. A Framework for Determining the Performance and Requirements of Cable-Driven Mobile Lower Limb Rehabilitation Exoskeletons. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:920462. [PMID: 35795162 PMCID: PMC9251017 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.920462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The global increase in the number of stroke patients and limited accessibility to rehabilitation has promoted an increase in the design and development of mobile exoskeletons. Robot-assisted mobile rehabilitation is rapidly emerging as a viable tool as it could provide intensive repetitive movement training and timely standardized delivery of therapy as compared to conventional manual therapy. However, the majority of existing lower limb exoskeletons continue to be heavy and induce unnecessary inertia and inertial vibration on the limb. Cable-driven exoskeletons can overcome these issues with the provision of remote actuation. However, the number of cables and routing can be selected in various ways posing a challenge to designers regarding the optimal design configuration. In this work, a simulation-based generalized framework for modelling and assessment of cable-driven mobile exoskeleton is proposed. The framework can be implemented to identify a ‘suitable’ configuration from several potential ones or to identify the optimal routing parameters for a given configuration. For a proof of concept, four conceptual configurations of cable-driven exoskeletons (one with a spring) were developed in a manner where both positive and negative moments could be generated for each joint (antagonistic configuration). The models were analyzed using the proposed framework and a decision metric table has been developed based on the models’ performance and requirements. The weight of the metrics can be adjusted depending on the preferences and specified constraints. The maximum score is assigned to the configuration with minimum requirement or error, maximum performance, and vice versa. The metric table indicated that the 4-cable configuration is a promising design option for a lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton based on tracking performance, model requirements, and component forces exerted on the limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Prasad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwan El-Rich
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Health Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Marwan El-Rich,
| | - Mohammad I. Awad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Health Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Khalifa University Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems (KUCARS), Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Irfan Hussain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Khalifa University Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems (KUCARS), Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - H.F. Jelinek
- Health Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Umer Huzaifa
- School of Computing, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kinda Khalaf
- Health Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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6
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Srivastava A, Idriss H, Taha K, Lee S, Homouz D. Phosphorylation Induced Conformational Transitions in DNA Polymerase β. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:900771. [PMID: 35769908 PMCID: PMC9234555 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.900771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase β (pol β) is a member of the X- family of DNA polymerases that catalyze the distributive addition of nucleoside triphosphates during base excision DNA repair. Previous studies showed that the enzyme was phosphorylated in vitro with PKC at two serines (44 and 55), causing loss of DNA polymerase activity but not DNA binding. In this work, we have investigated the phosphorylation-induced conformational changes in DNA polymerase β in the presence of Mg ions. We report a comprehensive atomic resolution study of wild type and phosphorylated DNA polymerase using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results are examined via novel methods of internal dynamics and energetics analysis to reveal the underlying mechanism of conformational transitions observed in DNA pol β. The results show drastic conformational changes in the structure of DNA polymerase β due to S44 phosphorylation. Phosphorylation-induced conformational changes transform the enzyme from a closed to an open structure. The dynamic cross-correlation shows that phosphorylation enhances the correlated motions between the different domains. Centrality network analysis reveals that the S44 phosphorylation causes structural rearrangements and modulates the information pathway between the Lyase domain and base pair binding domain. Further analysis of our simulations reveals that a critical hydrogen bond (between S44 and E335) disruption and the formation of three additional salt bridges are potential drivers of these conformational changes. In addition, we found that two of these additional salt bridges form in the presence of Mg ions on the active sites of the enzyme. These results agree with our previous study of DNA pol β S44 phosphorylation without Mg ions which predicted the deactivation of DNA pol β. However, the phase space of structural transitions induced by S44 phosphorylation is much richer in the presence of Mg ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Srivastava
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haitham Idriss
- Palestinian Neuroscience Initiative, AlQuds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
- School of Public Health, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kamal Taha
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sungmun Lee
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dirar Homouz
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Physics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Dirar Homouz,
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7
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Machado JGO, Hare BM, Scholten O, Buitink S, Corstanje A, Falcke H, Hörandel JR, Huege T, Krampah GK, Mitra P, Mulrey K, Nelles A, Pandya H, Rachen JP, Thoudam S, Trinh TNG, ter Veen S, Winchen T. The Relationship of Lightning Radio Pulse Amplitudes and Source Altitudes as Observed by LOFAR. Earth Space Sci 2022; 9:e2021EA001958. [PMID: 35865721 PMCID: PMC9286657 DOI: 10.1029/2021ea001958] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
When a lightning flash is propagating in the atmosphere it is known that especially the negative leaders emit a large number of very high frequency (VHF) radio pulses. It is thought that this is due to streamer activity at the tip of the growing negative leader. In this work, we have investigated the dependence of the strength of this VHF emission on the altitude of such emission for two lightning flashes as observed by the Low Frequency ARray (LOFAR) radio telescope. We find for these two flashes that the extracted amplitude distributions are consistent with a power-law, and that the amplitude of the radio emissions decreases very strongly with source altitude, by more than a factor of 2 from 1 km altitude up to 5 km altitude. In addition, we do not find any dependence on the extracted power-law with altitude, and that the extracted power-law slope has an average around 3, for both flashes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. M. Hare
- Kapteyn Astronomical InstituteUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - O. Scholten
- Kapteyn Astronomical InstituteUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Interuniversity Institute for High‐EnergyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - S. Buitink
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Corstanje
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - H. Falcke
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- NIKHEFScience Park AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy (ASTRON)DwingelooThe Netherlands
| | - J. R. Hörandel
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- NIKHEFScience Park AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - T. Huege
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Institute for Astroparticle Physics (IAP)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)KarlsruheGermany
| | - G. K. Krampah
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - P. Mitra
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - K. Mulrey
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Nelles
- DESYZeuthenGermany
- ECAPFriedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐NrnbergErlangenGermany
| | - H. Pandya
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - J. P. Rachen
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - S. Thoudam
- Department of PhysicsKhalifa UniversityAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - T. N. G. Trinh
- Department of PhysicsSchool of EducationCan Tho University Campus IICan Tho CityVietnam
| | - S. ter Veen
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy (ASTRON)DwingelooThe Netherlands
| | - T. Winchen
- Max‐Planck‐Institut für RadioastronomieBonnGermany
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Al Adem K, Shanti A, Srivastava A, Homouz D, Thomas SA, Khair M, Stefanini C, Chan V, Kim TY, Lee S. Linking Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Characterization and Inhibition of Cytotoxic Aβ and IAPP Hetero-Aggregates. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:842582. [PMID: 35372522 PMCID: PMC8968156 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.842582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxic self-aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D), respectively. Increasing evidence, particularly the co-deposition of Aβ and IAPP in both brain and pancreatic tissues, suggests that Aβ and IAPP cross-interaction may be responsible for a pathological link between AD and T2D. Here, we examined the nature of IAPP-Aβ40 co-aggregation and its inhibition by small molecules. In specific, we characterized the kinetic profiles, morphologies, secondary structures and toxicities of IAPP-Aβ40 hetero-assemblies and compared them to those formed by their homo-assemblies. We demonstrated that monomeric IAPP and Aβ40 form stable hetero-dimers and hetero-assemblies that further aggregate into β-sheet-rich hetero-aggregates that are toxic (cell viability <50%) to both PC-12 cells, a neuronal cell model, and RIN-m5F cells, a pancreatic cell model for β-cells. We then selected polyphenolic candidates to inhibit IAPP or Aβ40 self-aggregation and examined the inhibitory effect of the most potent candidate on IAPP-Aβ40 co-aggregation. We demonstrated that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) form inter-molecular hydrogen bonds with each of IAPP and Aβ40. We also showed that EGCG reduced hetero-aggregate formation and resulted in lower β-sheets content and higher unordered structures in IAPP-Aβ40-EGCG samples. Importantly, we showed that EGCG is highly effective in reducing the toxicity of IAPP-Aβ40 hetero-aggregates on both cell models, specifically at concentrations that are equivalent to or are 2.5-fold higher than the mixed peptide concentrations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the inhibition of IAPP-Aβ40 co-aggregation by small molecules. We conclude that EGCG is a promising candidate to prevent co-aggregation and cytotoxicity of IAPP-Aβ40, which in turn, contribute to the pathological link between AD and T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenana Al Adem
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aya Shanti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dirar Homouz
- Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Physics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sneha Ann Thomas
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mostafa Khair
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Cesare Stefanini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vincent Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tae-Yeon Kim
- Department of Civil Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sungmun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Khalifa University’s Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Sungmun Lee,
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9
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Valias GR, Gomes PRL, Amaral FG, Alnuaimi S, Monteiro D, O'Sullivan S, Zangaro R, Cipolla-Neto J, Acuna J, Baltatu OC, Campos LA. Urinary Angiotensinogen-Melatonin Ratio in Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:800638. [PMID: 35309508 PMCID: PMC8924406 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.800638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A large research portfolio indicates that an activated renal renin-angiotensin system or a deficit on melatonin is associated with several cardiovascular pathologies. In this observational clinical study, we hypothesized that alterations in urinary melatonin or angiotensinogen levels may be altered in two common conditions, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Our study’s primary objective was to assess melatonin and angiotensinogen as novel disease biomarkers detectable and quantifiable in the urine of pregnant women with or without pregnancy complications. Methods: This was a concurrent cohort study of pregnant women with selected obstetric pathologies (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, hypertension and obesity with hypertension). A group of healthy controls was also included. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and angiotensinogen were measured by sensitive and specific ELISAs in first morning void urine samples. The patients were included in the cohort consecutively, and the diagnosis was blinded at the level of urine collection. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and angiotensinogen levels were investigated in the patients included in the cohort. Results: Urinary levels of angiotensinogen were significantly higher in the gestational diabetes [angiotensinogen/creatinine ratio median (25th, 75th): 0.11 (0.07, 0.18)] and preeclampsia [0.08 (0.06, 0.18)] groups than in those with healthy pregnancy [0.05(0.04, 0.06]; 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels were significantly lower in the gestational diabetes [ug/h: median (25th, 75th): 0.12(0.08, 0.17)] and preeclampsia [0.12 (0.09, 0.15)] groups than in those with healthy pregnancy [0.20 (0.15, 0.27]. Neither morning void protein/creatinine ratio nor 24-h urine protein estimate were significantly different between the study groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that urinary angiotensinogen levels may indicate an intrarenal RAS activation while melatonin production appears to be defective in gestational diabetes or hypertension. An angiotensinogen/melatonin ratio is suggested as an early biomarker for identification of gestational diabetes or hypertension. This report provides a basis for the potential use of melatonin for the treatment of preeclampsia. A prospective study in a larger number of patients to determine the operative characteristics of these markers as potential diagnostic tests is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ribeiro Valias
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University–Anima Institute, Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda G. Amaral
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Saif Alnuaimi
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Daniela Monteiro
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University–Anima Institute, Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Siobhán O'Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Renato Zangaro
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University–Anima Institute, Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juan Acuna
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University–Anima Institute, Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu, ; Luciana Aparecida Campos,
| | - Luciana Aparecida Campos
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University–Anima Institute, Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu, ; Luciana Aparecida Campos,
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Ng ZX, Tan D, Teo WL, León F, Shi X, Sim Y, Li Y, Ganguly R, Zhao Y, Mohamed S, García F. Mechanosynthesis of Higher-Order Cocrystals: Tuning Order, Functionality and Size in Cocrystal Design*. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:17481-17490. [PMID: 33982390 PMCID: PMC8362154 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The ability to rationally design and predictably construct crystalline solids has been the hallmark of crystal engineering research. To date, numerous examples of multicomponent crystals comprising organic molecules have been reported. However, the crystal engineering of cocrystals comprising both organic and inorganic chemical units is still poorly understood and mostly unexplored. Here, we report a new diverse set of higher-order cocrystals (HOCs) based on the structurally versatile-yet largely unexplored-phosph(V/V)azane heterosynthon building block. The novel ternary and quaternary cocrystals reported are held together by synergistic and orthogonal intermolecular interactions. Notably, the HOCs can be readily obtained either via sequential or one-pot mechanochemical methods. Computational modelling methods reveal that the HOCs are thermodynamically driven to form and that their mechanical properties strongly depend on the composition and intermolecular forces in the crystal, offering untapped potential for optimizing material properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Xuan Ng
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
| | - Davin Tan
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
| | - Wei Liang Teo
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
| | - Felix León
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
- School of Materials and EnergyGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006GuangdongP. R. China
| | - Ying Sim
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
| | - Yongxin Li
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
| | - Rakesh Ganguly
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
- Department of ChemistryShiv Nadar UniversityNH91, Tehsil Dadri, Gautam Buddha Nagard201314Uttar PradeshIndia
| | - Yanli Zhao
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
| | - Sharmarke Mohamed
- Department of ChemistryGreen Chemistry & Materials Modelling LaboratoryKhalifa University of Science and TechnologyP.O. Box 127788Abu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Felipe García
- School of Physical and Mathematical SciencesDivision of Chemistry and Biological ChemistryNanyang Technological University21 Nanyang Link637371SingaporeSingapore
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