Current protein & peptide science最新文献

Hyaluronan is a biopolymer with significant biological and commercial importance, particularly due to its applications in medical, cosmetic, and tissue engineering fields. The molecular weight of HA is a key factor that influences its biological function, ranging from anti-inflammatory properties in high-molecular-weight HA to pro-inflammatory effects in low-molecular-weight HA. Recent advancements in protein and strain engineering have enabled precise control of the molecular weight of hyaluronan by manipulating both hyaluronan synthase enzyme variants and the host microbial strains used in hyaluronan production. Strain engineering, through genetic modification and metabolic pathway optimization, enhances the efficiency and yield of hyaluronan with defined molecular properties. Despite progress in industrial-scale hyaluronan production, achieving monodisperse hyaluronan with well-defined molecular weights remains a challenge. This review explores the current breakthroughs in enzyme and strain engineering strategies to optimize hyaluronan synthase enzyme activity and microbial host systems, aiming to produce size-controlled hyaluronan polymers with improved therapeutic efficacy. We discuss the role of specific hyaluronan synthase enzyme mutations and truncations, strain selection, and metabolic engineering, as well as the potential of in vitro cell-free systems for producing hyaluronan with tailored molecular properties for advanced biomedical applications.

Introduction: Edible insects are gaining popularity as a sustainable source of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. Insects are nutritious, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Modern processing methods, including roasting, drying, fermentation, and hydrolysis, improve the taste, safety, and digestibility of foods derived from insects. This comprehensive review integrates nutritional, bioactive, and technical aspects to explain edible insects as a future food.

Objective: This study examines edible insects as a healthy, sustainable alternative to plant-based diets. It examines their nutritional profile, health advantages, and widespread diet acceptability potential and limitations.

Methods: This review paper covered the nutritional composition of edible insects, including minerals, fibre, fats, and amino acids. It also evaluated the health benefits of edible insects and chronic disease prevention. Finally, it explored consumer safety and acceptance of edible insects.

Results: Insects provide proteins, amino acids, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and calcium. They promote health and reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer risk. Edible insects benefit musclebuilders and older adults since they are excellent sources of protein and amino acids. Their safety, nutritional efficacy, and defined regulatory frameworks were also reported to improve consumer trust and industry development.

Discussion: Edible insects provide high-quality, sustainable protein. This review highlights their high levels of protein, essential amino acids, and bioactive peptides for metabolic health and disease management. Polyphenols, chitin, and antimicrobial peptides are antioxidants, antihypertensives, and immunomodulators. Enzymatic hydrolysis and microencapsulation enhance nutritional bioavailability, safety, and flavor. Edible insects use less area and release fewer pollutants than animals, making them better for the environment. Legal, technological, and awareness initiatives can promote entomophagy worldwide.

Conclusion: Consuming insects provides nourishment and leads to good health. They better meet nutritional needs than animal and plant-based diets and supplement protein consumption. Large-scale deployment requires safety and nutritional studies, transparent regulations, and customer acceptance.

L-lysine, an essential amino acid, is indispensable for numerous biological functions, including protein synthesis, collagen crosslinking, mineral absorption, and carnitine biosynthesis. Its biosynthesis occurs via the Diaminopimelate (DAP) pathway in bacteria and plants and the α-aminoadipate (AAA) pathway in fungi and some archaea. Lysine catabolism primarily involves the saccharopine pathway. Lysine deficiencies can lead to connective tissue disorders, impaired fatty acid metabolism, anemia, and protein-energy malnutrition. Commercial production relies predominantly on microbial fermentation using Corynebacterium glutamicum, with strains enhanced through classical and metabolic engineering approaches. With global production exceeding 1 million tons annually, which is largely dominated by Chinese manufacturers, lysine supplements are readily accessible and exhibit absorption rates comparable to those of dietary protein sources. Beyond its nutritional role, lysine is integral to epigenetic regulation via histone modifications and is implicated in diseases, such as hyperlysinemia and pyridoxine-dependent epilepsies, underscoring its vital role in health maintenance and industrial relevance.

Background: Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) are cell-surface immunological receptors predominantly expressed on immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. They play a crucial role in regulating inflammatory processes in various diseases and serve as immunological checkpoints in cancer. Despite several immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting Siglecs having entered clinical trials, the number of Siglec-targeted immunotherapies remains limited.

Objective: This review aims to investigate the contributions of Siglecs in human diseases and explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting the Siglec-sialic acid immunological axis.

Methods: The authors systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for publications mainly from 2015-2025, using search terms related to Siglecs, tumors, autoimmune diseases, and specific Siglec subtypes (CD169, Siglec2). Studies were included if they examined Siglecs biology, immunomodulation, or immunotherapeutic potential. Studies not directly relevant to Siglecs function/therapeutics and non-peer-reviewed materials (conference abstracts, editorials) were excluded. Screening was done via titles and abstracts with data referenced from research article results, and eligible articles underwent full-text review for final inclusion.

Results: The analysis reveals that Siglecs exhibit dual functions, acting as both activators and inhibitors of immune responses. They are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. Several Siglec-targeted immunotherapies are currently in clinical trials, demonstrating their potential in disease management. For instance, Siglec15 and Siglec10 have been identified as potential immune checkpoints in cancer, while Siglec2 and Siglec10 play roles in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Conclusion: Siglecs are key immunomodulators that mediate cell-cell and pathogen interactions, playing pivotal roles in human diseases. Further research into their mechanisms and clinical applications is essential to fully harness their therapeutic potential. Targeting Siglecs offers promising avenues for developing novel immunotherapies, particularly in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Sucrose transporters (SUTs) are essential for exporting and moving sucrose from source leaves to sink organs in plants. Many researchers have addressed SUT functions in plant development regulation and stress responses, as well as on the transporter's evolution and regulation. In this paper, we reviewed the updated achievements of plant SUTs in evolution, development and abiotic stresses. Many SUTs regulate fruit and seed sugar accumulation, which provides a theoretical application of SUT genes in crop yield and quality improvement. This review provides more in-depth and comprehensive information to help elucidate the molecular basis of the function of SUTs in plants.

Molecular degraders represent a ground-breaking class of small molecules revolutionizing drug discovery through the selective elimination of disease-causing proteins, including those previously deemed "undruggable." This review provides a critical analysis of the design and mechanistic intricacies of molecular degraders, encompassing PROTACs, molecular glues, and SNIPERs, with a focus on their reliance on ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation pathways. Key themes include advancements in E3 ligase selection, the principles guiding ternary complex formation, and the role of structural dynamics in optimizing degrader activity and selectivity. The data for this review was collected from various databases such as Science Direct, United States National Library of Medicine (Pubmed), Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, and Bentham. Novel findings, such as the development of non-canonical degrader approaches and their preclinical successes, are examined alongside therapeutic applications in oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious disorders. Challenges, including resistance mechanisms, safety concerns, and pharmacokinetic limitations, are evaluated to provide a holistic perspective. This review not only highlights the transformative potential of molecular degraders but also identifies future directions and critical gaps that could drive innovation in targeted protein degradation and precision medicine.

Background: Thrombosis is a major cause of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). The use of known antithrombin drugs is limited by the presence of side effects and complications. Peptides may be promising antithrombin agents.

Objective: A peptide having the amino acid sequence QLSNGLFLFVDYLWW, designated as QW-13, was designed, synthesized, and used as a research object to evaluate the efficiency of the algorithm.

Methods: The solid-phase Fmoc (SPPS) method, followed by purification by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for synthesis. The molecular weight distribution of the peptide was estimated by mass spectrometry. Peptide identification was performed using the MALDI-TOF MS Ultraflex method. Mass spectra were analyzed using the Mascot program. To confirm the efficiency of the algorithm, the antithrombin effect of the peptide was studied, which was evaluated by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of human citrate blood plasma coagulation.

Results: A decision tree algorithm was developed to predict antithrombin activity and bioavailability of oral peptides. The top-down inductions of decision tree algorithms were used to create the algorithm. The decision tree is pruned if there is a mismatch in the peptide under study. Algorithm criteria or descriptors include amino acid sequence, number of amino acids, molecular weight, clinical potency, body distribution and metabolism index, plasma clearance, and half-life. According to the algorithm, if the result of "Antithrombin Peptide" is positive, it is concluded that it is bioavailable and effective for clinical use. To validate and evaluate the efficiency of the algorithm, a peptide containing antithrombin amino acid sequences was synthesized. The algorithm found the peptide to be antithrombin and bioavailable. The results of the biological activity of the peptide were confirmed in an in vitro experiment.

Conclusion: Employing a decision tree method to assess the antithrombin activity and bioavailability of peptides can facilitate the development of effective oral peptides, hence minimizing the development time and the quantity of in vitro and in vivo studies required to validate efficacy.

Background: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a pivotal role in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by modulating immune responses, inflammatory processes, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes. It has emerged as a key therapeutic target for HCC.

Objective: This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine literature published between 2000 and 2024, aiming to explore the critical roles of TGF-β in HCC and provide a theoretical foundation for future research.

Methods: This study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to analyze publications from January 1, 2000, to October 16, 2024. Visualization tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and SCImago Graphica were utilized to assess publication trends, countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and references, identifying hotspots, trends, and the evolution of TGF-β research in the context of HCC.

Results: The analysis encompassed 3,026 publications originating from 79 different countries. China was identified as the leading country in publication volume, with Fudan University being the most prolific institution. The journal Hepatology stood out as the leading publication in terms of both the volume of articles and citation influence. Keyword analysis revealed that recent research (2020-2024) has focused on metabolic regulation, the tumor immune microenvironment, and targeted therapies related to the TGF-β signaling pathway in HCC.

Conclusion: This study highlights the publication landscape, research trends, and hotspots of TGF- β-related HCC research from 2000 to 2024, providing valuable insights and a theoretical basis for future studies in this critical field.

Proteomics holds immense significance in fundamental and applied research in various fields, including life sciences, medicinal sciences, and pharmaceutical sciences. The rapid development of mass spectrometry (MS) technologies has facilitated MS-based proteomics research, which has emerged as one of the primary methods for determining the composition, structures, and functions of proteins. The necessity of processing these complex datasets has increased significantly owing to the growing volume and diversity of MS data pertaining to proteins. Artificial intelligence (AI) possesses powerful data processing abilities, and is being increasingly employed for handling these challenges. In particular, deep learning has been extensively employed in MSbased proteomics research. This review discusses and compares the different AI algorithms developed for various tasks, including the prediction of protein spectra, retention times, peptide sequences, and MS-based protein structure prediction, and highlights their respective strengths and weaknesses. The limitations and future prospects of AI in MS-based proteomics research are additionally discussed herein.

Neurodegenerative diseases are brought on by the loss of function of nerve cells in the brain or peripheral nervous system and afflict millions of people worldwide. Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease are the two most common neurodegenerative diseases. These neurodegenerative diseases are multi-factorial, progressive, age-related, and influenced by two factors: genetic and environmental. Successful treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is yet a challenging task due to lack of selectivity, toxicity, and the growth of multi-drug-resistant cells to the currently available drugs. Plant-derived, natural secondary metabolites have a significant impact on the research and development of novel medications against neurodegenerative disease. Plant-derived natural products are frequently regarded as safe and relatively safer substitutes for synthetic drugs. The present review deals with the elucidation of plant-derived secondary metabolites, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, as anti-neurological therapeutics with special reference to various enzymatic targets, such as β-secretase, γ-secretase, α-Secretase, acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, and phosphodiesterase-4.