Protein and Peptide Letters最新文献

Introduction: Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) was described as an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator. ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis presents protective actions on cardiovascular diseases and plays an important modulatory role in the neurobiology of mood and anxiety disorders.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) treatment with DIZE on blood pressure, anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in hypertensive transgenic (mRen2)27 rats (TGR).

Methods: Male TGR and Sprague-Dawley rats (10-12 weeks old) were subjected to chronic ICV infusion of DIZE (1.0 μg/h for 7 days). Blood pressure and heart rate were measured by tail plethysmography and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were evaluated through elevated plus maze, marble burying and forced swim tests, respectively.

Results: Treatment with DIZE induced a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure in both TGR and SD rats. A decrease in heart rate was only observed in the hypertensive animals. Additionally, treatment with DIZE attenuated the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors that were observed in TGR.

Conclusion: DIZE has central anti-hypertensive, anxiolytic, and anti-depressive effects.

Background: Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is implicated in various malignancies. The virus enters host cells through endocytosis, during which the minor capsid protein L2 interacts with the S100A10 subunit of the annexin A2 heterotetramer (A2t) on the host cell membrane. This interaction is critical for facilitating HPV entry and subsequent infection of human cells. Therefore, examining the interaction between the L2 protein and S100A10 is crucial for advancing our understanding of the mechanisms by which HPV16 infiltrates cells.

Objective: The cell-free expression (CFE) system was investigated for L2 purification. The structure of L2 was characterized and its interaction with S100A10 was explored.

Methods: The L2 protein was expressed using a CFE expression system, and its expression was verified via Western blotting. L2 was further purified through size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and its structural features were preliminarily assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was employed to analyze the interaction between L2 and S100A10.

Results: Western blotting confirmed the successful expression of L2. TEM and CD provided preliminary structural observations of L2, and SPR measurements yielded precise kinetic parameters for the interaction between L2 and S100A10.

Conclusion: In this study, we successfully expressed the HPV16 L2 protein using a cell-free protein expression system. Preliminary structural analysis using TEM and CD revealed key structural features of L2. Furthermore, SPR analysis provided detailed kinetic parameters for its interaction with S100A10. These findings provide more details on understanding L2's structural features, with broader implications for antipathogen studies.

Introduction: Neurosecretory cells of insects synthesize Adipokinetic Hormone (AKH). Previous studies indicated that AKH improves memory functions. This study aimed to explore the effects of AKH on learning and memory in an Alzheimer's disease model.

Methods: Morris Water Maze (MWM), Passive Avoidance (PA), and Modified Elevated Plus Maze (mEPM) tests were conducted in BALB/c mice. Initially, each group consisted of 8 to 9 animals; in total, 120 animals were used in this study. The groups included control, Ani-AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), Lia-AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), Pht-HrTH (1 and 2 mg/kg), Scopolamine (1 mg/kg), and Scopolamine combinations. Hormones were given for 6 days in the MWM test to evaluate learning and memory before the second trial in the PA test for memory assessment and after the first trial in the mEPM test to examine consolidation.

Results: In the MWM test, Ani-AKH and Pht-HrTH reduced escape latency compared to the scopolamine group (p<0.05). During the probe trial, Ani-AKH increased time in the escape platform quadrant (p<0.5) and reversed scopolamine's effects (p<0.001). Lia-AKH and Pht-HrTh did not affect time in the quadrant but reversed scopolamine's effects (p<0.01). In the PA test, Ani- AKH reversed scopolamine's effects (p<0.5), while Lia-AKH did so in the mEPM test (p<0.01). The control group showed strong muscarinic receptor staining, while the scopolamine group did not. Ani-AKH and Lia-AKH showed moderate to strong receptor staining, indicating partial restoration.

Discussion: AKH and its analogs may enhance memory function by modulating cholinergic pathways, particularly through the partial restoration of muscarinic receptor activity. These results underscore their potential as investigational therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive decline.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that AKH may help reduce memory impairments, though the effects depend on the specific assessment methods used in the tests.

Bacteriophages, or phages, have emerged as powerful platforms in synthetic biology, offering innovative solutions for therapeutic and environmental challenges through advanced genome redesign strategies. This review explores a wide range of phage engineering techniques, including CRISPR (clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas systems, phage display, random and site-directed mutagenesis, retrons, and rebooting approaches, highlighting their potential to create phages with tailored functionalities. CRISPR-Cas systems enable precise genome editing, allowing the development of phages with expanded host ranges, biofilm degradation capabilities, and targeted antimicrobial activity. Phage display facilitates the presentation of peptides on phage surfaces, enabling applications in targeted drug delivery, tumor imaging, and bioremediation. Beyond these, techniques like retron-mediated recombination and homologous recombination offer additional avenues for precise phage genome modification. In the therapeutic realm, engineered phages show promise in combating drug-resistant infections, modulating the microbiome, and delivering targeted therapies for cancer and other diseases. Environmentally, phage-based strategies, such as the use of phage-displayed metal-binding peptides, provide innovative solutions for bioremediation and reducing exposure to toxic heavy metals. This review also addresses challenges, such as phage resistance, immune responses, and the limitations of current engineering methods, while exploring future directions, including the development of improved CRISPR systems, phage-based biosensors, and high-throughput screening platforms. By integrating cutting-edge genome redesign strategies with diverse applications, this review underscores the transformative potential of engineered bacteriophages in addressing global healthcare and environmental sustainability challenges.

Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). It remains viable for extended periods within host macrophages by entering a dormant state. Alpha crystallin 1 (Acr1) is a 16 kDa protein of Mtb and is reported to be highly upregulated in latent TB. Acr1 suppresses the host's immune system by impairing the differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells and macrophages. We hypothesize that Mtb judiciously utilizes its Acr1 protein to paralyse the immune system of the host by inducing the release of IL-10 and generating an immunosuppressive environment.

Methods: We employed in silico tools to identify highly promiscuous, IL-10-inducing and IL-6- non-inducing epitopes of Mtb. Moreover, the selected epitope was synthesized and tested for its suppressive activity and generation of Tregs.

Results: We identified the presence of a specific epitope in Acr1 (F18) that is responsible for bolstering the release of IL-10 and Tregs through in silico tools and verified the activity by in vitro assays. In hPBMCs, the F18 epitope could suppress the proliferation of CD4 T cells stimulated with PHA and expand the pool of Tregs in a dose-dependent manner.

Discussion: The F18 epitope from Mtb's Acr1 protein promotes IL-10 and Treg responses without triggering pro-inflammatory IL-6, suggesting its probable immunoregulatory role. While it holds potential for treating autoimmune diseases, its impact on infection in tuberculosis should be further investigated.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the F18 epitope induces IL-10 production and Treg differentiation while inhibiting CD4+ T cell proliferation and IL-6 secretion, thereby promoting an immunosuppressive environment. Furthermore, this study highlights the possible role of Acr1 and its immunosuppressive epitope F18 as therapeutic agents for inducing suppressive Tregs, which may help in the management of autoimmune diseases.

Introduction: Dysregulation of mevalonate metabolism is a hallmark of tumorigenesis and therapy resistance across malignancies, though its role in bladder cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate its impact on prognosis and cisplatin chemosensitivity in bladder cancer.

Methods: Transcriptomic data and clinical information of bladder cancer patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was used to cluster mevalonate metabolism-related genes into distinct metabolic subtypes (C1 and C2). Associations between mevalonate metabolism, clinical characteristics, immune infiltration, and cisplatin resistance were analyzed using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA), and in vitro experiments.

Results: NMF clustering classified bladder cancer patients into two metabolic subtypes (C1/C2). The C1, characterized by higher mevalonate metabolism (MVAscore), was associated with a poorer prognosis, shorter overall survival (OS), and higher T-stage and pathological grades. Immune analysis showed lower immune cell infiltration in C1. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significantly lower immune infiltration levels in the C1. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between mevalonate metabolism and platinum resistance, with a notable increase in mevalonate metabolism observed in cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cells. In vitro, simvastatin inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer cells and enhanced their sensitivity to cisplatin.

Discussion: Mevalonate metabolism drives BCa heterogeneity and chemoresistance while suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Its dysregulation serves as both a prognostic biomarker and a target for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusion: Mevalonate metabolism contributes to cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer and represents a potential therapeutic target. Simvastatin targeting this pathway enhances the efficacy of cisplatin, providing a novel personalized chemotherapy strategy.

Introduction: Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS are characterized by progressive neuronal dysfunction with limited therapeutic options. Recent advances in molecular biology and drug development have highlighted the therapeutic promise of precision enzyme targeting, offering novel strategies for disease modulation and symptom management.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review spanning recent/current was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Studies focusing on enzyme-based targets, high-throughput screening, and molecular docking in neurodegeneration were included. Thematic synthesis was employed to categorize findings based on enzyme class, disease relevance, and therapeutic outcomes.

Results: Key enzyme families such as kinases, proteases, and oxidoreductases were identified as pivotal modulators in disease progression. Emerging enzyme-targeted compounds demonstrated enhanced bioavailability, blood-brain barrier permeability, and disease-specific efficacy. Novel screening platforms and computational modeling enabled the precise selection of inhibitors, significantly improving the therapeutic index and reducing off-target effects.

Discussion: Targeting enzymes implicated in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding has shown disease-modifying potential. Integrating precision drug discovery tools, such as AI-assisted modeling and enzyme kinetics, supports rational drug design. However, translational challenges persist due to variability in enzyme expression and disease heterogeneity.

Conclusion: Future research should focus on refining enzyme inhibitors and integrating biomarkers to facilitate personalized treatment strategies for neurodegenerative disorders. As the understanding of enzymatic roles in neurodegeneration deepens, precision enzyme-targeted drug discovery holds significant promise in transforming neurotherapeutic approaches.

Background: COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly pathogenic human coronavirus (CoV). For the treatment of COVID-19, various drugs, ayurvedic formulations, used for other diseases, were repurposed. Ayurveda and yoga exhibited a pivotal role in the treatment of COVID-19. Various medicinal plants, including garlic, tulsi, clove, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and turmeric, are recommended for the prevention of COVID-19 as immunity boosters along with their antiviral property.

Objective: In view of the drug repurposing approach, the present work has been initiated with the broader objectives of screening and identification of phytoconstituents of Indian spices against targets, namely furin, 3C-like protease (3CL-PRO), NSP-9 RNA binding protein, papain-like protease, RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP), spike protein concerned with life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 using in-silico tools.

Methods: The phytoconstituents of Indian spices were screened for interaction with several targets using a molecular docking approach with the help of Discovery Studio 4.5 software. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic analyses of selected ligands using ADMET and Lipinski's rule of five were also performed.

Results: In the present study, a total of 37 active phytoconstituents of Indian spices were screened for interaction with several identified targets of COVID-19 using a molecular docking approach. The ligands, namely morin, gingerol, myristic acid, quercetin, gallic acid and alliin were found to be the top interacting ligands with the targets analyzed.

Conclusion: Based on the present in-silico finding, the active components of spices could be considered for drug-lead compounds against COVID-19.

Background: The role of ZNF165 in only a few tumors has been reported. ZNF165 plays an important role in liver cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer, especially in regulating the immune microenvironment, promoting tumor cell proliferation and migration, and serving as a potential target for immunotherapy.

Objective: This study aimed to enhance an understanding of how the ZNF165 gene functions and influences cancer development.

Methods: Using a suite of online resources, including TIMER, TCGA, GTEx, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, TIMER2, STRING, DAVID, RNAactDrug, CancerSEA, and UCSC, along with comprehensive statistical analyses, we conducted a thorough investigation of the pan-cancer landscape of ZNF165. This study encompassed an assessment of ZNF165 levels, their associations with patient outcomes, and clinical correlates. We examined the interplay between ZNF165 and key cancer biomarkers, such as Microsatellite Instability (MSI), Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), immune cell infiltration, and the expression of immune checkpoint genes. We delved into the genetic variations of ZNF165, its biological roles across various cancer types, and its potential links to drug responsiveness. We analyzed single-cell expression patterns of ZNF165 and their implications for the functional dynamics of cancer. We employed quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure ZNF165 levels in Ovarian Cancer (OC) cell lines.

Results: ZNF165 expression displayed aberrations across a diverse range of human cancers and exhibited correlations with clinical stages. High ZNF165 expression in KIRC, KIRP, STAD, and UCEC was significantly associated with poor overall survival. ZNF165 has encouraging diagnostic value in specific tumor types, with gene amplification identified as the predominant genetic alteration. Our analysis further uncovered significant associations between ZNF165 levels and MSI across three distinct cancer types, as well as with TMB in six different malignancies. We detected substantial correlations between ZNF165 levels and immune cell infiltration, as well as the expression of immune checkpoint genes. ZNF165 was found to be involved in several prevalent signaling pathways across various cancer types. ZNF165 may potentially contribute to chemotherapy and chemoresistance, and was observed to be involved in cancer progression. A ceRNA regulatory network involving AFDN-DT, miR-191-5p, and ZNF165 was constructed for OC, revealing significantly elevated ZNF165 levels in OC cell lines. Dysregulated ZNF165 expression across a spectrum of malignancies might play a role in cancer initiation and advancement via multiple biological pathways.

Conclusion: ZNF165 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer in human patients.