scholarly journals Purification of native CCL7 and its functional interaction with selected chemokine receptors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina V. Goncharuk ◽  
Debarati Roy ◽  
Maxim A. Dubinnyi ◽  
Kirill D. Nadezhdin ◽  
Ashish Srivastava ◽  
...  

AbstractChemokine receptors form a major sub-family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and they are involved in a number of cellular and physiological processes related to our immune response and regulation. A better structural understanding of ligand-binding, activation, signaling and regulation of chemokine receptors is very important to design potentially therapeutic interventions for human disorders arising from aberrant chemokine signaling. One of the key limitations in probing the structural details of chemokine receptors is the availability of large amounts of purified, homogenous and fully functional chemokine ligands, and the commercially available products, are not affordable for in-depth structural studies. Moreover, production of uniformly isotope-labeled chemokines, for example, suitable for NMR-based structural investigation, also remains challenging. Here, we have designed a streamlined approach to express and purify the human chemokine CCL7 as well as its 15N-, 15N/13C-, 2H/15N/13C-isotope-labeled derivatives, at milligram levels using E. coli expression system. Purified CCL7 not only maintains a well-folded three-dimensional structure as analyzed using circular dichroism and 1H/15N NMR but it also induces coupling of heterotrimeric G-proteins and β-arrestins for selected chemokine receptors in cellular system. Our strategy presented here may be applicable to other chemokines and therefore, provide a potentially generic and cost-effective approach to produce chemokines in large amounts for functional and structural studies.

Author(s):  
B.V.V. Prasad ◽  
E. Marietta ◽  
J.W. Burns ◽  
M.K. Estes ◽  
W. Chiu

Rotaviruses are spherical, double-shelled particles. They have been identified as a major cause of infantile gastroenteritis worldwide. In our earlier studies we determined the three-dimensional structures of double-and single-shelled simian rotavirus embedded in vitreous ice using electron cryomicroscopy and image processing techniques to a resolution of 40Å. A distinctive feature of the rotavirus structure is the presence of 132 large channels spanning across both the shells at all 5- and 6-coordinated positions of a T=13ℓ icosahedral lattice. The outer shell has 60 spikes emanating from its relatively smooth surface. The inner shell, in contrast, exhibits a bristly surface made of 260 morphological units at all local and strict 3-fold axes (Fig.l).The outer shell of rotavirus is made up of two proteins, VP4 and VP7. VP7, a glycoprotein and a neutralization antigen, is the major component. VP4 has been implicated in several important functions such as cell penetration, hemagglutination, neutralization and virulence. From our earlier studies we had proposed that the spikes correspond to VP4 and the rest of the surface is composed of VP7. Our recent structural studies, using the same techniques, with monoclonal antibodies specific to VP4 have established that surface spikes are made up of VP4.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 9943
Author(s):  
Jong-Won Lee ◽  
Deuk-Woo Kim ◽  
Seung-Eon Lee ◽  
Jae-Weon Jeong

This paper summarizes the recent post-occupancy evaluation (POE) method studies and latest literature reviews. According to the research trends, data visualization of an occupant’s feedback is an important perspective and surveys through POE methods have provided a quick and cost-effective approach for gathering and analyzing an occupant’s feedback. Therefore, the objective of this study is to establish a web-based building occupant survey system that incorporates new approaches based on a geographic information system (GIS) tool and open-source spatial information. This paper reports the following to provide the detailed system framework: (1) development requirements from literature reviews; (2) integration of collected data and 3D (three dimensional) spatial information; (3) system processes and user-friendly functions; and (4) pilot test and data visualization. The difference between the proposed platform and existing online survey systems is that in the former the survey responses are linked to the 3D spatial information of the buildings on a map. Thus, the results provide more intuitive insights for building managers and occupants to identify specific performance issues related to the building.


Author(s):  
Qingjin Peng ◽  
Hector Sanchez

The reverse design develops new products based on the improvement of existing products. The shape recovery of three-dimensional (3D) objects is the basis of the product reverse design. 3D digitization technology is an important tool for the 3D shape recovery. This paper analyses the current 3D data acquisition technology. The accuracy and performance of the 3D laser scanner is evaluated. A cost-effective approach is proposed to recover 3D shape of objects using a structured-light technique. Details of the proposed method are described. Application examples are presented. The accuracy is evaluated using a coordinate measuring machine.


Geophysics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 815-823
Author(s):  
F. M. Peterson ◽  
W. C. Reynish

Three‐dimensional (3-D) seismic prospecting is generally perceived as a very expensive tool that is not suitable for use by other than major oil companies or for the solution of conventional exploration geophysics problems. We illustrate how 3-D techniques were used to provide a very cost‐effective solution to a specific exploration project. A basic geologic and historical seismic outline establishes the economic and environmental framework for the survey. Drilling results and comparisons with conventional data illustrate the effectiveness of the 3-D approach. This survey was carried out during February of 1982 in the Black Creek basin of northwestern Alberta. Prolific and abundant Devonian Keg River pinnacle reefs with reserves in the 0.2 to 100 million barrel recoverable categories provide the exploration target. A prospective area of approximately [Formula: see text] was covered with a 165 ft subsurface grid of 1200 percent CDP data. Field data were acquired with a conventional 96-trace dynamite crew using a rolling, crossed‐array technique. Data processing was carried out with a flexible, conventional seismic processing package, including wavelet deconvolution, surface‐consistent statics, 3-D migration, and geologic slice displays. Total cost of the survey was $50,000 Canadian per sq mi. This paper demonstrates the interpretive power of 3-D surveys.


2014 ◽  
Vol 170 (5) ◽  
pp. 697-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seher Polat ◽  
Alexandra Kulle ◽  
Züleyha Karaca ◽  
Ilker Akkurt ◽  
Selim Kurtoglu ◽  
...  

BackgroundCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited endocrine diseases. Steroid 11β-hydroxylase (P450c11) deficiency (11OHD) is the second most common form of CAH.AimThe aim of the study was to study the functional consequences of three novelCYP11B1gene mutations (p.His125Thrfs*8, p.Leu463_Leu464dup and p.Ser150Leu) detected in patients suffering from 11OHD and to correlate this data with the clinical phenotype.MethodsFunctional analyses were done by using a HEK293 cellin vitroexpression system comparing WT with mutant P450c11 activity. Mutant proteins were examinedin silicoto study their effect on the three-dimensional structure of the protein.ResultsTwo mutations (p.His125Thrfs*8 and p.Leu463_Leu464dup) detected in patients with classic 11OHD showed a complete loss of P450c11 activity. The mutation (p.Ser150Leu) detected in a patient with non-classic 11OHD showed partial functional impairment with 19% of WT activity.ConclusionFunctional mutation analysis enables the correlation of novelCYP11B1mutations to the classic and non-classic 11OHD phenotype respectively. Mutations causing a non-classic phenotype show typically partial impairment due to reduced maximum reaction velocity comparable with non-classic mutations in 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The increasing number of mutations associated with non-classic 11OHD illustrate that this disease should be considered as diagnosis in patients with otherwise unexplained hyperandrogenism.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. 6324-6329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramendra Sundar Dey ◽  
Hans Aage Hjuler ◽  
Qijin Chi

A facile and cost-effective approach to fabricate all-in-one supercapacitor electrodes is achieved with copper foam integrated three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide networks. The resulting electrodes display high specific capacitance close to the theoretical value of graphene and good charging–discharging stability.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2581
Author(s):  
Dan Su ◽  
Lei Lv ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Huan-Li Zhou ◽  
Sami Iqbal ◽  
...  

Nanomaterials and nanostructures provide new opportunities to achieve high-performance optical and optoelectronic devices. Three-dimensional (3D) surfaces commonly exist in those devices (such as light-trapping structures or intrinsic grains), and here, we propose requests for nanoscale control over nanostructures on 3D substrates. In this paper, a simple self-assembly strategy of nanospheres for 3D substrates is demonstrated, featuring controllable density (from sparse to close-packed) and controllable layer (from a monolayer to multi-layers). Taking the assembly of wavelength-scale SiO2 nanospheres as an example, it has been found that textured 3D substrate promotes close-packed SiO2 spheres compared to the planar substrate. Distribution density and layers of SiO2 coating can be well controlled by tuning the assembly time and repeating the assembly process. With such a versatile strategy, the enhancement effects of SiO2 coating on textured silicon solar cells were systematically examined by varying assembly conditions. It was found that the close-packed SiO2 monolayer yielded a maximum relative efficiency enhancement of 9.35%. Combining simulation and macro/micro optical measurements, we attributed the enhancement to the nanosphere-induced concentration and anti-reflection of incident light. The proposed self-assembly strategy provides a facile and cost-effective approach for engineering nanomaterials at 3D interfaces.


Author(s):  
John C. Lucchesi

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes, consisting principally of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, maintain and modulate the initial impact of regulatory factors that recognize and associate with particular genomic sequences. This book’s primary goal is to establish a framework that can be used to understand the basis of epigenetic regulation and to appreciate both its derivation from genetics and its interdependence with genetic mechanisms. A further aim is to highlight the role played by the three-dimensional organization of the genetic material itself (the complex of DNA, histones and non-histone proteins referred to as chromatin) and its distribution within a functionally compartmentalized nucleus. Dysfunctions at any level of genetic regulation have the potential to result in an increased susceptibility to disease or actually give rise to overt pathologies. As illustrated in this book, research is continuously uncovering the role of epigenetics in a variety of human disorders, providing new avenues for therapeutic interventions and advances in regenerative medicine.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1328-1346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arivarasi A. ◽  
Anand Kumar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe, review, classify and analyze the current challenges in three-dimensional printing processes for combined electrochemical and microfluidic fabrication areas, which include printing devices and sensors in specified areas. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the literature focusing on existing challenges is carried out. Focused toward sensors and devices in electrochemical and microfluidic areas, the challenges are oriented for a discussion exploring the suitability of printing varied geometries in an accurate manner. Classifications on challenges are based on four key categories such as process, material, size and application as the printer designs are mostly based on these parameters. Findings A key three-dimensional printing process methodologies have their unique advantages compared to conventional printing methods, still having the challenges to be addressed, in terms of parameters such as cost, performance, speed, quality, accuracy and resolution. Three-dimensional printing is yet to be applied for consumer usable products, which will boost the manufacturing sector. To be specific, the resolution of printing in desktop printers needs improvement. Printing scientific products are halted with prototyping stages. Challenges in three-dimensional printing sensors and devices have to be addressed by forming integrated processes. Research limitations/implications The research is underway to define an integrated process-based on three-dimensional Printing. The detailed technical details are not shared for scientific output. The literature is focused to define the challenges. Practical implications The research can provide ideas to business on innovative designs. Research studies have scope for improvement ideas. Social implications Review is focused on to have an integrated three-dimensional printer combining processes. This is a cost-oriented approach saving much of space reducing complexity. Originality/value To date, no other publication reviews the varied three-dimensional printing challenges by classifying according to process, material, size and application aspects. Study on resolution based data is performed and analyzed for improvements. Addressing the challenges will be the solution to identify an integrated process methodology with a cost-effective approach for printing macro/micro/nano objects and devices.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 125 (10) ◽  
pp. 1521-1525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita van den Heuvel ◽  
Ralph Stadhouders ◽  
Charlotte Andrieu-Soler ◽  
Frank Grosveld ◽  
Eric Soler

Abstract An intimate relationship exists between nuclear architecture and gene activity. Unraveling the fine-scale three-dimensional structure of the genome and its impact on gene regulation is a major goal of current epigenetic research, one with direct implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility. In this context, the novel revolutionary genome editing technologies and emerging new ways to manipulate genome folding offer new promises for the treatment of human disorders.


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