scholarly journals Protein Adaptations in Archaeal Extremophiles

Archaea ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Reed ◽  
Hunter Lewis ◽  
Eric Trejo ◽  
Vern Winston ◽  
Caryn Evilia

Extremophiles, especially those in Archaea, have a myriad of adaptations that keep their cellular proteins stable and active under the extreme conditions in which they live. Rather than having one basic set of adaptations that works for all environments, Archaea have evolved separate protein features that are customized for each environment. We categorized the Archaea into three general groups to describe what is known about their protein adaptations: thermophilic, psychrophilic, and halophilic. Thermophilic proteins tend to have a prominent hydrophobic core and increased electrostatic interactions to maintain activity at high temperatures. Psychrophilic proteins have a reduced hydrophobic core and a less charged protein surface to maintain flexibility and activity under cold temperatures. Halophilic proteins are characterized by increased negative surface charge due to increased acidic amino acid content and peptide insertions, which compensates for the extreme ionic conditions. While acidophiles, alkaliphiles, and piezophiles are their own class of Archaea, their protein adaptations toward pH and pressure are less discernible. By understanding the protein adaptations used by archaeal extremophiles, we hope to be able to engineer and utilize proteins for industrial, environmental, and biotechnological applications where function in extreme conditions is required for activity.

Nanomaterials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Conte ◽  
Giovanni Dal Poggetto ◽  
Benjamin J. Swartzwelter ◽  
Diletta Esposito ◽  
Francesca Ungaro ◽  
...  

Nanoparticles (NPs) based on amphiphilic block copolymers of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and biodegradable polyesters are of particular current interest in drug nanodelivery due to their easily manipulated properties. The interaction of these NPs with biological environments is highly influenced by shell features, which drive biological identity after administration. To widen the strategies available for tuning particle surface chemistry, here we developed a panel of amine-bearing PEGylated NPs with a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) core for the delivery of lipophilic drugs, and investigated the impact of NP modifications on their interaction with abundant circulating proteins (human serum albumin—HSA—and mucin), as well as their transport through biological barriers (artificial mucus—AM, extracellular matrix—ECM). We prepared NPs based on a diamino-terminated PCL (amine-NPs) and its mixture with PEG-PCL copolymers (amine/PEG-NPs) at different PEG molecular weights by nanoprecipitation, as well as corresponding NPs of PEG-PCL (PEG-NPs). The presence of an amine-bearing polymer resulted in NPs with a net positive charge and a zeta potential dependent on the length of PEG in the copolymer. Amine/PEG-NPs had a larger fixed aqueous layer thickness as compared to PEG-NPs, suggesting that PEG conformation is affected by the presence of positive charges. In general, amine-bearing NPs promptly interacted with the dysopsonic protein HSA, due to electrostatic interactions, and lose stability, thereby undergoing time-related aggregation. On the other hand, amine/PEG-NPs interaction with mucin induced switching to a negative surface charge but did not alter the quality of the dispersion. The transport kinetics of NPs through a layer of artificial mucus and tumor extracellular matrix was studied by means of fluorescent NPs based upon FRET. Amine/PEG-NPs did not cross the ECM, but they were promptly transported through the AM, with swifter transport noted at increasing MWs of PEG in the copolymer. Finally, we demonstrated that all the different NP types developed in this study are internalized by human monocytes and, despite the positive charge, they did not induce a measurable inflammatory effect. In conclusion, we showed that the concurrent presence of both PEG and amine groups on NP surface is a promising strategy for directing their interaction with body compartments. While PEG-NPs are confirmed for their capacity to cross ECM-like compartments, amine/PEG-NPs are revealed as a powerful platform to widen the arsenal of nanotools available for overcoming mucus-covered epithelia.


2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Gusils ◽  
S Cuozzo ◽  
F Sesma ◽  
S González

The microbial adhesion process includes passive forces; electrostatic interactions; hydrophobic, steric forces; lipoteichoic acids; and specific structures, such as external appendages (lectins) and (or) extracellular polymers. In a previous work, we showed that Lactobacillus animalis, L. fermentum, and L. fermentum ssp. cellobiosus had lectinlike proteic structures on their surfaces and high hydrophobicity values on the cell surface of L. fermentum ssp. cellobiosus. Here, we examined the presence of the bacterial forces or structures that could be involved in the interaction between bacteria and epithelial cells. Lactobacillus animalis and L. fermentum possessed a net negative surface charge, whereas L. fermentum ssp. cellobiosus showed similar affinity to both cationic and anionic exchange resins, aggregated in the presence of ammonium sulfate, and had high affinity (75.4%) to a hydrophobic matrix. Only L. animalis was shown to have ribitol teichoic acids in the cell wall. The amount of polysaccharides from cell walls varied between different strains, with L. fermentum ssp. cellobiosus having the highest concentration. Lectin extracts obtained from lactobacilli did not possess sugar residues, thereby demonstrating the proteic nature of the superficial surface structures of three strains. The lactic acid bacteria studied here showed different surface determinants, which could be involved in the interactions between these lactobacilli and intestinal epithelial cells.Key words: adhesion, lactobacilli, probiotics, chickens.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanbo Yang ◽  
Miriam Park ◽  
Masashi Maekawa ◽  
Gregory D. Fairn

Abstract The generation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) by phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinases (PIP5Ks) is essential for many functions including control of the cytoskeleton, signal transduction, and endocytosis. Due to its presence in the plasma membrane and anionic charge, PtdIns(4,5)P2, together with phosphatidylserine, provide the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane with a negative surface charge. This negative charge helps to define the identity of the plasma membrane, as it serves to recruit or regulate a multitude of peripheral and membrane proteins that contain polybasic domains or patches. Here, we determine that the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase homolog (PIPKH) alters the subcellular distribution of PtdIns(4,5)P2 by re-localizing the three PIP5Ks to endomembranes. We find a redistribution of the PIP5K family members to endomembrane structures upon PIPKH overexpression that is accompanied by accumulation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3). PIP5Ks are targeted to membranes in part due to electrostatic interactions; however, the interaction between PIPKH and PIP5K is maintained following hydrolysis of PtdIns(4,5)P2. Expression of PIPKH did not impair bulk endocytosis as monitored by FM4-64 uptake but did result in clustering of FM4-64 positive endosomes. Finally, we demonstrate that accumulation of polyphosphoinositides increases the negative surface charge of endosomes and in turn, leads to relocalization of surface charge probes as well as the polycationic proteins K-Ras and Rac1.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-222
Author(s):  
Indika Dilrukshi Koralegedara ◽  
Charith Aravinda Hettiarachchi ◽  
Batugahage Don Rohitha Prasantha ◽  
Kuruppu Mudiyanselage Swarna Wimalasiri

Research background. Food proteins and polysaccharides can be used for the synthesis of nano-scale biopolymer particles with potential applications in the fields of food and pharmaceuticals. This study focuses on utilizing legume proteins for the production of biopolymer particles via regulation of their electrostatic interactions with carrageenan. Experimental approach. Protein isolates were obtained from mung bean (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and black gram (Vigna mungo) and their protein profiles were determined. Next, these isolates were allowed to interact with carrageenan at pH=5.0-7.0 to determine optimum conditions for obtaining nano-scale biopolymer particles. Selected biopolymer mixtures were then subjected to a heat treatment (85 °C for 20 min) to enhance the interactions among biopolymers. Results and conclusion. Nano-scale biopolymer complexes were obtained at pH=6.5. They were roughly spherical in shape with a majority having a diameter in the range of approx. 100-150 nm. Heating of the biopolymer mixtures increased the diameter of the biopolymer particles by approx. 2.5-fold. In addition, their negative surface charge was increased, stabilizing them against aggregation over a broader pH range (4.0-7.0), enhancing their potential to be utilized in food matrices. Novelty and scientific contribution. This study reports the applicability of mung bean, cowpea and black gram proteins for the synthesis of stable biopolymer particles. These biopolymer particles can be potentially used for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive components.


1970 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 261-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Zbinden ◽  
J. N Mehrishi ◽  
S Tomlin

SummaryThe severity of platelet damage induced by hyper- and hypotonic NaCl solutions and freezing and thawing was assessed by microscopic evaluation and measuring inhibition of 5-HT uptake. The same techniques were used to quantitate the effects of aggregating agents. The positively charged macromolecules PS, Poly-L und Poly-O reduced the net negative surface charge as determined by microelectrophoresis, caused platelet aggregation and inhibited 5-HT uptake. The damaging effects of Poly-L and Poly-O were more severe and more closely related to concentration than that of PS. The negatively charged macromolecules Poly-IC and NaPS increased the anodic electrophoretic mobility. Poly-IC and heparin caused a low degree of platelet clumping and no inhibition of 5-HT uptake. NaPS produced severe platelet damage with extensive clumping and complete inhibition of 5-HT uptake. Na laurate had the same effect, but did not alter electrophoretic mobility. ADP caused concentration-dependent platelet aggregation and inhibition of 5-HT uptake. The effects of ADP and NaPS were compared in agitated and non-agitated platelet samples containing identical concentrations of the 2 compounds. Agitation was found to increase the degree of platelet clumping and to reduce 5-HT uptake.


1996 ◽  
Vol 34 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 309-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. S. Jia ◽  
Herbert H. P. Fang ◽  
H. Furumai

Changes of surface charge and extracellular polymer (ECP) content were investigated in batch experiments for three anaerobic sludges, each of which had been enriched at 35°C and pH 639-7.3 for more than 40 batches using propionate, butyrate and glucose, individually, as the sole substrate. Results showed that both ECP and the negative surface charge were dependent on the growth phase of microorganisms. They increased at the beginning of all batches when the microorganisms were in the prolific-growth phase, having high substrate concentration and food-to-microorganisms ratio. Both later gradually returned to their initial levels when the microorganisms were in the declined-growth phase, as the substrate became depleted. The negative surface charge increased linearly with the total-ECP content in all series with slopes of 0.0187, 0.0212 and 0.0157 meq/mg-total-ECP for sludge degrading propionate, butyrate and glucose, respectively. The change of surface charge for the first two sludges was mainly due to the increase of proteinaceous fraction of ECP; but, for glucose-degrading sludge, that could be due to the increases of both proteinaceous and carbohydrate fractions of ECP. The negative-charged nature of anaerobic sludge implies that cations should be able to promote granulation of anaerobic sludge.


Cosmetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Eduardo Guzmán ◽  
Laura Fernández-Peña ◽  
Lorenzo Rossi ◽  
Mathieu Bouvier ◽  
Francisco Ortega ◽  
...  

This work analyzes the dispersion of two highly hydrophobic actives, (9Z)-N-(1,3-dihydroxyoctadecan-2-yl)octadec-9-enamide (ceramidelike molecule) and 2,6-diamino-4-(piperidin-1-yl)pyrimidine 1-oxide (minoxidil), using oil-in-water nanoemulsions with the aim of preparing stable and safe aqueous-based formulations that can be exploited for enhancing the penetration of active compounds through cosmetic substrates. Stable nanoemulsions with a droplet size in the nanometric range (around 200 nm) and a negative surface charge were prepared. It was possible to prepare formulations containing up to 2 w/w% of ceramide-like molecules and more than 10 w/w% of minoxidil incorporated within the oil droplets. This emulsions evidenced a good long-term stability, without any apparent modification for several weeks. Despite the fact that this work is limited to optimize the incorporation of the actives within the nanoemulsion-like formulations, it demonstrated that nanoemulsions should be considered as a very promising tool for enhancing the distribution and availability of hydrophobic molecules with technological interest.


MRS Advances ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (16) ◽  
pp. 815-823
Author(s):  
Ian Sands ◽  
Jinhyung Lee ◽  
Wuxia Zhang ◽  
Yupeng Chen

AbstractRNA delivery into deep tissues with dense extracellular matrix (ECM) has been challenging. For example, cartilage is a major barrier for RNA and drug delivery due to its avascular structure, low cell density and strong negative surface charge. Cartilage ECM is comprised of collagens, proteoglycans, and various other noncollagneous proteins with a spacing of 20nm. Conventional nanoparticles are usually spherical with a diameter larger than 50-60nm (after cargo loading). Therefore, they presented limited success for RNA delivery into cartilage. Here, we developed Janus base nanotubes (JBNTs, self-assembled nanotubes inspired from DNA base pairs) to assemble with small RNAs to form nano-rod delivery vehicles (termed as “Nanopieces”). Nanopieces have a diameter of ∼20nm (smallest delivery vehicles after cargo loading) and a length of ∼100nm. They present a novel breakthrough in ECM penetration due to the reduced size and adjustable characteristics to encourage ECM and intracellular penetration.


MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (46) ◽  
pp. 3121-3126
Author(s):  
Sunith Varghese ◽  
Charuksha Walgama ◽  
Mark Wilkins ◽  
Sadagopan Krishnan ◽  
Kaan Kalkan

ABSTRACTThe present work investigates sol-gel synthesized vanadium oxyhydrate (V2O5·H2O) nanowires decorated with Au nanoparticles as potential photolytic H2 generators. As determined by UV photoelectron and optical spectroscopies, the conduction band edge of V2O5·H2O lies 0.6 eV below standard H+ reduction potential, implying no H2 can be generated. On the contrary, as measured by gas chromatography, our nanoconjugates yield reproducible light-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 5.3%, for the first hour of photolysis under 470 nm excitation. To explain the observed hydrogen reduction, we have hypothesized the vanadia electron energy levels are raised by some negative surface charge. With the objective of validating this hypothesis, we have performed cyclic current-voltage measurements. The derived conduction and valence band edge energies are not only consistent with the optical band gaps, but also validate the hypothesized energy increase by 1.6 eV, respectively. The negative surface charge is also corroborated by the ζ-potential. Based on the measured pH of 2.4, we attribute the negative surface charge to Lewis acid nature of the nanowires, establishing dative bonding with OH−. The present work establishes the importance of surface charge in photoelectrochemical reactions, where it can be instrumental and enabling in photolytic fuel production.


1989 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 1397-1405 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Haehnel ◽  
R Ratajczak ◽  
H Robenek

The lateral distribution of plastocyanin in the thylakoid lumen of spinach and pea chloroplasts was studied by combining immunocytochemical localization and kinetic measurements of P700+ reduction at high time resolution. In dark-adapted chloroplasts, the concentration of plastocyanin in the photosystem I containing stroma membranes exceeds that in photosystem II containing grana membranes by a factor of about two. Under these conditions, the reduction of P700+ with a halftime of 12 microseconds after a laser flash of saturating intensity indicates that to greater than 95% of total photosystem I a plastocyanin molecule is bound. An analysis of the labeling densities, the length of the different lumenal regions, and the total amounts of plastocyanin and P700 shows that most of the remaining presumable mobile plastocyanin is found in the granal lumen. This distribution of plastocyanin is consistent with a more negative surface charge density in the stromal than in the granal lumen. During illumination the concentration of plastocyanin in grana increases at the expense of that in stroma lamellae, indicating a light-driven diffusion from stroma to grana regions. Our observations provide evidence that a high concentration of plastocyanin in grana in the light favors the lateral electron transport from cytochrome b6/f complexes in appressed grana across the long distance to photosystem I in nonappressed stroma membranes.


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