Proteins From Oyster Shell: Biomineralization Regulators and Commercial Polymer Analogs

1999 ◽  
Vol 599 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Wheeler ◽  
C. S. Sikes
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Growth ◽  
Aspartic Acid ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Eastern Oyster ◽  
Matrix Proteins ◽  
The Matrix

AbstractMolluscan shell is a composite made up of μm-sized CaCO3 crystals and an organic phase (matrix). This report outlines our studies on the structure and activities of matrix proteins isolated from the inner calcite layer of shell of the Eastern oyster, including their cellular origin and structure and their relationship to the crystalline mineral phase. In addition, we present results of the synthesis and commercialization of polypeptide polymers which are based on the structure and activities of the oyster proteins. Extracted shell proteins are polyanionic and range in size from relatively small soluble forms to those which are crosslinked and insoluble. The soluble forms are capable of adsorbing to calcite in vitro and in the process changing its growth habit and acting as threshold growth inhibitors. Their function in vivo is not understood, but they may serve to control shell crystal morphology. The insoluble protein forms gels readily and may serve to provide resiliency to the shell and, from in vitro and in situ observations, appears to serve as a site for nucleation of crystals. However, from studies in vitro, these gels do not lower the energy of activation for nucleation, as previously expected. Matrix protein aggregates are identifiable by AFM on the surface of crystals, but as such do not serve as nucleation sites for new crystal growth. If the aggregates are removed, then ectopic crystal growth proceeds readily revealing orientation of the underlying crystals. All the matrix proteins contain domains rich in aspartic acid, are heavily phosphorylated, crossreact in antibody studies and may belong to a limited number of gene families with individuals modified post-synthesis. The proteins are made by a specialized group of cells located primarily some distance from the growing edge of the shell and appear to be assembled into sheets soon after secretion. Soluble anti-scalants and crosslinked insoluble water absorbents have been developed based on the structure and activity of the matrix proteins. These are primarily poly(aspartates) which can be made in large scale via thermal polycondensation of aspartic acid. The soluble forms are commercially used as biodegradable water treatment chemicals among other applications.

scholarly journals Protein Interaction between Ameloblastin and Proteasome Subunit α Type 3 Can Facilitate Redistribution of Ameloblastin Domains within Forming Enamel

2015 ◽  
Vol 290 (34) ◽  
pp. 20661-20673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuhui Geng ◽  
Shane N. White ◽  
Michael L. Paine ◽  
Malcolm L. Snead
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Proteins ◽  
Protein Distribution ◽  
Proteasome Subunit ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Lateral Margins ◽  
Type 3 ◽  
Two Hybrid

Enamel is a bioceramic tissue composed of thousands of hydroxyapatite crystallites aligned in parallel within boundaries fabricated by a single ameloblast cell. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the vertebrate body; however, it starts development as a self-organizing assembly of matrix proteins that control crystallite habit. Here, we examine ameloblastin, a protein that is initially distributed uniformly across the cell boundary but redistributes to the lateral margins of the extracellular matrix following secretion thus producing cell-defined boundaries within the matrix and the mineral phase. The yeast two-hybrid assay identified that proteasome subunit α type 3 (Psma3) interacts with ameloblastin. Confocal microscopy confirmed Psma3 co-distribution with ameloblastin at the ameloblast secretory end piece. Co-immunoprecipitation assay of mouse ameloblast cell lysates with either ameloblastin or Psma3 antibody identified each reciprocal protein partner. Protein engineering demonstrated that only the ameloblastin C terminus interacts with Psma3. We show that 20S proteasome digestion of ameloblastin in vitro generates an N-terminal cleavage fragment consistent with the in vivo pattern of ameloblastin distribution. These findings suggest a novel pathway participating in control of protein distribution within the extracellular space that serves to regulate the protein-mineral interactions essential to biomineralization.

scholarly journals MspI8, the repetitive sequence specifically interacting with nuclear matrix of rat testis cells.

1994 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Rzeszowska-Wolny ◽  
J Rogoliński
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Matrix ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Repetitive Sequences ◽  
Matrix Proteins ◽  
Nuclear Matrix Proteins ◽  
Rat Testis ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Matrix Bound

The nuclear matrix bound DNA fraction of rat testis showed enrichment in repetitive sequences found in the 450 bp band after gel electrophoresis of the MspI digested rat DNA. DNA fragments isolated from this band were cloned. DNA of the clone pMspI8 showed homology to some representatives of rat LINE sequence family, and complexed in vitro more efficiently with testes nuclear matrix proteins than with yeast ARS1 sequence containing the matrix association region (MAR) or DNA from an other clone, MspI19. Western blot analysis showed that MspI8 sequence interacts with testes matrix protein of about 120 kDa.

scholarly journals Membrane deformations induced by the matrix protein of vesicular stomatitis virus in a minimal system

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
pp. 3357-3363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme Solon ◽  
Olivier Gareil ◽  
Patricia Bassereau ◽  
Yves Gaudin
Keyword(s):  
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
M Protein ◽  
Extracellular Medium ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Vesicular Stomatitis ◽  
Membrane Deformations

The matrix (M) protein of vesicular stomatitis virus plays a key role in both assembly and budding of progeny virions. In vitro experiments have shown a strong propensity of M protein to bind to vesicles containing negatively charged phospholipids. In vivo, it has also been demonstrated that recruitment of some cellular proteins by M protein is required for efficient virus budding and release of newly synthesized virions in the extracellular medium. The ability of M protein to deform target membranes in vitro was investigated in this study. It was shown that incubation of purified M protein with giant unilamellar vesicles results in the formation of patches of M protein at their surface, followed by deformations of the membrane toward the inside of the vesicle, which could be observed in phase-contrast microscopy. This provides the first evidence that M protein alone is able to impose the correct budding curvature on the membrane. Using confocal microscopy, patches of M protein that colocalized with negatively charged lipid domains a few minutes after vesicle injection were observed. After a longer incubation period, membrane deformations appeared in these domains. At this time, a strict colocalization of M protein, negatively charged lipids and membrane deformation was observed. The influence on this process of the basic N-terminal part of the protein and of the previously identified hydrophobic loop has also been investigated. Interestingly, the final fission event has never been observed in our experimental system, indicating that other partners are required for this step.

Radiolabeled r-Hirudin as a Measure of Thrombin Activity at, or within, the Rabbit Aorta Wall In Vitro and In Vivo

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (04) ◽  
pp. 499-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark W C Hatton ◽  
Bonnie Ross-Ouellet
Keyword(s):  
Rabbit Aorta ◽  
Balloon Injury ◽  
Recombinant Hirudin ◽  
Aorta Wall ◽  
Thrombin Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Matrix

SummaryThe behavior of 125I-labeled recombinant hirudin towards the uninjured and de-endothelialized rabbit aorta wall has been studied in vitro and in vivo to determine its usefulness as an indicator of thrombin activity associated with the aorta wall. Thrombin adsorbed to either sulfopropyl-Sephadex or heparin-Sepharose bound >95% of 125I-r-hirudin and the complex remained bound to the matrix. Binding of 125I-r-hirudin to the exposed aorta subendothelium (intima-media) in vitro was increased substantially if the tissue was pre-treated with thrombin; the quantity of l25I-r-hirudin bound to the de-endothelialized intima-media (i.e. balloon-injured in vitro) correlated positively with the quantity of bound 131I-thrombin (p <0.01). Aortas balloon-injured in vivo were measured for thrombin release from, and binding of 125I-r-hirudin to, the de-endothelialized intimal surface in vitro; 125I-r-hirudin binding correlated with the amount of active thrombin released (p <0.001). Uptake of 125I-r-hirudin by the aorta wall in vivo was proportional to the uptake of 131I-fibrinogen (as an indicator of thrombin activity) before and after balloon injury. After 30 min in the circulation, specific 125I-r-hirudin binding to the uninjured and de-endo- thelialized (at 1.5 h after injury) aorta wall was equivalent to 3.4 (± 2.5) and 25.6 (±18.1) fmol of thrombin/cm2 of intima-media, respectively. Possibly, only hirudin-accessible, glycosaminoglycan-bound thrombin is measured in this way.

Purification of the Antihemophilic Factor by Gel Filtration on Agarose

1969 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 577-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.M.P Paulssen ◽  
A.C.M.G.B Wouterlood ◽  
H.L.M.A Scheffers
Keyword(s):  
Factor Viii ◽  
Plasma Proteins ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Large Scale Preparation ◽  
Scale Preparation ◽  
Antihemophilic Factor

SummaryFactor VIII can be isolated from plasma proteins, including fibrinogen by chromatography on agarose. The best results were obtained with Sepharose 6B. Large scale preparation is also possible when cryoprecipitate is separated by chromatography. In most fractions containing factor VIII a turbidity is observed which may be due to the presence of chylomicrons.The purified factor VIII was active in vivo as well as in vitro.

Naphthoquinones and derivatives for chemotherapy: perspectives and limitations of their anti-trypanosomatids activities

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luíza Dantas-Pereira ◽  
Edézio F. Cunha-Junior ◽  
Valter V. Andrade-Neto ◽  
John F. Bower ◽  
Guilherme A. M. Jardim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Leishmania Species ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Mechanistic Analysis ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Nanomolar Range

: Chagas disease, Sleeping sickness and Leishmaniasis, caused by trypanosomatids Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp., respectively, are considered neglected tropical diseases, and they especially affect impoverished populations in the developing world. The available chemotherapies are very limited and a search for alternatives is still necessary. In folk medicine, natural naphthoquinones have been employed for the treatment of a great variety of illnesses, including parasitic infections. This review is focused on the anti-trypanosomatid activity and mechanistic analysis of naphthoquinones and derivatives. Among all the series of derivatives tested in vitro, naphthoquinone-derived 1,2,3-triazoles were very active on T. cruzi infective forms in blood bank conditions, as well as in amastigotes of Leishmania spp. naphthoquinones containing a CF3 on a phenyl amine ring inhibited T. brucei proliferation in the nanomolar range, and naphthopterocarpanquinones stood out for their activity on a range of Leishmania species. Some of these compounds showed a promising selectivity index (SI) (30 to 1900), supporting further analysis in animal models. Indeed, high toxicity to the host and inactivation by blood components are crucial obstacles to be overcome to use naphthoquinones and/or their derivatives for chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary initiatives embracing medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology need to be encouraged to allow the optimization of these compounds. Large scale automated tests are pivotal for the efficiency of the screening step, and subsequent evaluation of both the mechanism of action in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo are essential for the development of a novel, specific and safe derivative, minimizing adverse effects.

scholarly journals Lentiviral Vectors for Delivery of Gene-Editing Systems Based on CRISPR/Cas: Current State and Perspectives

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1288
Author(s):  
Wendy Dong ◽  
Boris Kantor
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Lentiviral Vector ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Base Editing ◽  
Epigenome Editing ◽  
Vector Systems ◽  
Dividing Cells

CRISPR/Cas technology has revolutionized the fields of the genome- and epigenome-editing by supplying unparalleled control over genomic sequences and expression. Lentiviral vector (LV) systems are one of the main delivery vehicles for the CRISPR/Cas systems due to (i) its ability to carry bulky and complex transgenes and (ii) sustain robust and long-term expression in a broad range of dividing and non-dividing cells in vitro and in vivo. It is thus reasonable that substantial effort has been allocated towards the development of the improved and optimized LV systems for effective and accurate gene-to-cell transfer of CRISPR/Cas tools. The main effort on that end has been put towards the improvement and optimization of the vector’s expression, development of integrase-deficient lentiviral vector (IDLV), aiming to minimize the risk of oncogenicity, toxicity, and pathogenicity, and enhancing manufacturing protocols for clinical applications required large-scale production. In this review, we will devote attention to (i) the basic biology of lentiviruses, and (ii) recent advances in the development of safer and more efficient CRISPR/Cas vector systems towards their use in preclinical and clinical applications. In addition, we will discuss in detail the recent progress in the repurposing of CRISPR/Cas systems related to base-editing and prime-editing applications.

scholarly journals Pan-ERBB kinase inhibition augments CDK4/6 inhibitor efficacy in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Gut ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. gutjnl-2020-323276
Author(s):  
Jin Zhou ◽  
Zhong Wu ◽  
Zhouwei Zhang ◽  
Louisa Goss ◽  
James McFarland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cell Cancer ◽  
Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Squamous Cancer ◽  
Striking Success

ObjectiveOesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), like other squamous carcinomas, harbour highly recurrent cell cycle pathway alterations, especially hyperactivation of the CCND1/CDK4/6 axis, raising the potential for use of existing CDK4/6 inhibitors in these cancers. Although CDK4/6 inhibition has shown striking success when combined with endocrine therapy in oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer, CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib monotherapy has not revealed evidence of efficacy to date in OSCC clinical studies. Herein, we sought to elucidate the identification of key dependencies in OSCC as a foundation for the selection of targets whose blockade could be combined with CDK4/6 inhibition.DesignWe combined large-scale genomic dependency and pharmaceutical screening datasets with preclinical cell line models, to identified potential combination therapies in squamous cell cancer.ResultsWe identified sensitivity to inhibitors to the ERBB family of receptor kinases, results clearly extending beyond the previously described minority of tumours with EGFR amplification/dependence, specifically finding a subset of OSCCs with dual dependence on ERBB3 and ERBB2. Subsequently. we demonstrated marked efficacy of combined pan-ERBB and CDK4/6 inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that squamous lineage transcription factor KLF5 facilitated activation of ERBBs in OSCC.ConclusionThese results provide clear rationale for development of combined ERBB and CDK4/6 inhibition in these cancers and raises the potential for KLF5 expression as a candidate biomarker to guide the use of these agents. These data suggested that by combining existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agents, we have the capacity to improve therapy for OSCC and other squamous cancer.

scholarly journals A therapeutic vascular conduit to support in vivo cell-secreted therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward X. Han ◽  
Hong Qian ◽  
Bo Jiang ◽  
Maria Figetakis ◽  
Natalia Kosyakova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Graft ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Protein ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Delivery Platform ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage

AbstractA significant barrier to implementation of cell-based therapies is providing adequate vascularization to provide oxygen and nutrients. Here we describe an approach for cell transplantation termed the Therapeutic Vascular Conduit (TVC), which uses an acellular vessel as a scaffold for a hydrogel sheath containing cells designed to secrete a therapeutic protein. The TVC can be directly anastomosed as a vascular graft. Modeling supports the concept that the TVC allows oxygenated blood to flow in close proximity to the transplanted cells to prevent hypoxia. As a proof-of-principle study, we used erythropoietin (EPO) as a model therapeutic protein. If implanted as an arteriovenous vascular graft, such a construct could serve a dual role as an EPO delivery platform and hemodialysis access for patients with end-stage renal disease. When implanted into nude rats, TVCs containing EPO-secreting fibroblasts were able to increase serum EPO and hemoglobin levels for up to 4 weeks. However, constitutive EPO expression resulted in macrophage infiltration and luminal obstruction of the TVC, thus limiting longer-term efficacy. Follow-up in vitro studies support the hypothesis that EPO also functions to recruit macrophages. The TVC is a promising approach to cell-based therapeutic delivery that has the potential to overcome the oxygenation barrier to large-scale cellular implantation and could thus be used for a myriad of clinical disorders. However, a complete understanding of the biological effects of the selected therapeutic is absolutely essential.

scholarly journals Human Oligodendrocytes and Myelin In Vitro to Evaluate Developmental Neurotoxicity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7929
Author(s):  
Megan Chesnut ◽  
Thomas Hartung ◽  
Helena Hogberg ◽  
David Pamies
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Environmental Chemicals ◽  
Developmental Neurotoxicity ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Regulatory Guidelines ◽  
In Vitro Systems ◽  
Human Oligodendrocytes

Neurodevelopment is uniquely sensitive to toxic insults and there are concerns that environmental chemicals are contributing to widespread subclinical developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Increased DNT evaluation is needed due to the lack of such information for most chemicals in common use, but in vivo studies recommended in regulatory guidelines are not practical for the large-scale screening of potential DNT chemicals. It is widely acknowledged that developmental neurotoxicity is a consequence of disruptions to basic processes in neurodevelopment and that testing strategies using human cell-based in vitro systems that mimic these processes could aid in prioritizing chemicals with DNT potential. Myelination is a fundamental process in neurodevelopment that should be included in a DNT testing strategy, but there are very few in vitro models of myelination. Thus, there is a need to establish an in vitro myelination assay for DNT. Here, we summarize the routes of myelin toxicity and the known models to study this particular endpoint.

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