scholarly journals Carbohydrate/glycan-binding specificity of legume lectins in respect to their proposed biological functions

2000 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcio Viana Ramos ◽  
Thalles Barbosa Grangeiro ◽  
Benildo Sousa Cavada ◽  
Iain Shepherd ◽  
Roberval Oliveira de Melo Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
The Other ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Main Hypothesis ◽  
Physiological Functions ◽  
Legume Plants ◽  
Legume Lectins ◽  
Structural Aspects

The lectins, proteins which specifically recognize carbohydrate moieties, have been extensively studied in many biochemical and structural aspects in order to establish the molecular basis of this non-catalytic event. On the other hand, their clinical and agricultural potentials have been growing fast. Although lectins, mainly those from legume plants, had been investigated for biological properties, studies about the physiological functions of lectins are scarce in literature. Therefore, despite the accumulated data on lectins (as proteins), the role played by these signalizing molecules is poorly discussed. In the light of our accumulated results on legume lectins, specially those obtained from plants belonging to the Diocleinae sub-tribe and available data in literature, we discuss here the main hypothesis of their functions according to their carbohydrate/glycan-binding specificity.

Membrane–cytoskeleton interactions in cholesterol-dependent domain formation

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 177-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer N. Byrum ◽  
William Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Biological Properties ◽  
Membrane Rafts ◽  
Membrane Domains ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Membrane Cytoskeleton ◽  
Heterogeneous Structures ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Model Cell ◽  
Actomyosin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Dependent Domain

Since the inception of the fluid mosaic model, cell membranes have come to be recognized as heterogeneous structures composed of discrete protein and lipid domains of various dimensions and biological functions. The structural and biological properties of membrane domains are represented by CDM (cholesterol-dependent membrane) domains, frequently referred to as membrane ‘rafts’. Biological functions attributed to CDMs include signal transduction. In T-cells, CDMs function in the regulation of the Src family kinase Lck (p56lck) by sequestering Lck from its activator CD45. Despite evidence of discrete CDM domains with specific functions, the mechanism by which they form and are maintained within a fluid and dynamic lipid bilayer is not completely understood. In the present chapter, we discuss recent advances showing that the actomyosin cytoskeleton has an integral role in the formation of CDM domains. Using Lck as a model, we also discuss recent findings regarding cytoskeleton-dependent CDM domain functions in protein regulation.

Molecular Basis for Nucleotide-binding Specificity: Role of the Exocyclic Amino Group “N2” in Recognition by a Guanylyl-ribonuclease

2006 ◽  
Vol 355 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greta L. Schrift ◽  
Travis T. Waldron ◽  
Mitchell A. Timmons ◽  
S. Ramaswamy ◽  
William R. Kearney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Nucleotide Binding ◽  
Amino Group

Comparative Evaluation of Onion Germplasm (Allium Cepa L.) Of Bangladesh for Physical And Antioxidant Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-123
Author(s):  
PK Dash ◽  
S Das ◽  
MA Mannan ◽  
M Jahan
Keyword(s):  
Free Radicals ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Physicochemical Analysis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Visual Methods ◽  
Ic50 Value ◽  
Onion Germplasm

Determination of antioxidant activity is one of the key elements for understanding the biological properties of a widely used spice onion (A. cepa). In contrast, physical properties help understand the textural quality of onion necessary for postharvest operations of sorting and grading in particular. Considering the physicochemical importance of onion, the present study focused on the determination of physical attributes and antioxidant content of the onion germplasm in Bangladesh using visual methods and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. The five-onion germplasms (BARI Piaz-2, BARI Piaz-3, BARI Piaz-4, BARI Piaz-5, Faridpuri Vati) collected from selected onion growers of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) of the southwestern part of Bangladesh were used as treatments for physicochemical analysis at the Horticulture laboratory of the Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh during the period from February to August 2019. The laboratory study was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Most of the physical characteristics of onion were highest in germplasm-1 than those of the other germplasm tested. The results showed that the DPPH free radicals were scavenged by all onion germplasm extracts in a concentration-dependent pattern. The highest IC50 value (238.10 ppm) was noticed in germplasm-3 and the lowest in germplasm-5 (161.29 ppm) with no statistical difference from germplasm-4 (172.41 ppm). The lower IC50 value indicating that onion germplasms-5 and -4 extracts were more potent in scavenging free radicals than the other onion germplasms. Thus, the low IC50 value facilitated the germplasm-5 and -4 to be enriched with antioxidant compounds significantly in higher amounts than the others. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 113-123 (2021)

Comparative Phytochemical Research of Solidago Genus: S. graminifolia. Note I. Flavonoids

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26
Author(s):  
Luciana Dobjanschi ◽  
Ramona Păltinean ◽  
Laurian Vlase ◽  
Mihai Babotă ◽  
Luminita Fritea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Quantitative Determination ◽  
Spectrophotometric Method ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
The Other ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Solidago Canadensis ◽  
Phytochemical Composition ◽  
Chromatographic Profile ◽  
Solidago Virgaurea

Abstract Solidago graminifolia L. Salisb. is one of the latest species appeared in Romania. Due to the interest for the Solidago species as medicinal plants, we researched its phytochemical composition in comparison with the other three species present in Romania: Solidago virgaurea L., Solidago canadensis L., Solidago gigantea Aiton. Starting from the chemotaxonomic value of flavonoids, and their valuable biological properties, we wanted to analyze these substances from S. graminifolia compared to other Solidago species in Romanian flora. The studied species have a high content of flavonoids (3.44-5.21%). The flavonoid substances identified in the indigenous species of Solidago have a high chemotaxonomic value, each species having a charateristic chromatographic profile, therefore their analysis is useful in the case of adulterations. The qualitative analysis of flavonoids was performed by TLC and HPLC-MS, mean while the quantitative determination was achieved by spectrophotometric method and individual fractions separated by HPLC-MS.

CRYPTIC CAUSES AND MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN AGEING

INDIAN DRUGS ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (01) ◽  
pp. 5-22
Author(s):  
K Challabotla ◽  
◽  
D Banji ◽  
O.J.F Banji ◽  
Chilipi K Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Natural Process ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Stress Theory ◽  
Biochemical Alterations ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
The Brain

Ageing is a natural process characterized by progressive deterioration of biological functions. Ageing causes both morphological as well as biochemical alterations in various body organs leading to deterioration of health. Proteins, enzymes and neurotransmitters are affected, which in turn can result in dysregulation of various pathways. WHO has reported that by 2020, three quarters of all deaths in developing countries will be age-associated. Currently more than 300 theories exist to explain the phenomenon of ageing; amongst them the oxidative stress theory of ageing is most studied and accepted for the molecular basis of ageing. All these processes can progress at an unprecedented pace on contact with triggering factors, leading to the development of pathological ageing. The probability of developing neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders is relatively high under such circumstances. This review emphasizes the theories and mechanisms of ageing and an overview on the aspects of age associated biochemical changes and the implications on the brain, liver and various organ systems.

scholarly journals Sleep, eat and talk: symbolic enstillment

2021 ◽  
pp. 153-170
Author(s):  
Ruth Ramalho Ruivo Palladino ◽  
Luiz Augusto de Paula Souza ◽  
Mara Lucia Pallotta ◽  
Rogério da Costa ◽  
Maria Claudia Cunha
Keyword(s):  
Child Development ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
The Other ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Treatment Procedures ◽  
And Behavior

Sleep, food and language are pillars of children’s healthy lives, are intertwined from birth and make up the dynamic structure of child development. These are the effects of interdependent conditions: organic, psychic and social, which involve the child and result, simultaneously, from organic and symbolic inheritances. The latter overdetermines and modulates the interaction of the child with the environment, especially with the other human who is there. This heritage will draw patterns of conduct and behavior that can often contribute to changes that compromise, to some extent, the overall development of the child. In the children’s clinic, the description of developmentdisorders, from the mildest to the most severe, includes, as a rule, food, sleep and language aspects, which suggests, then, a base triad, questioning clinicians as to the possibility of there being, more than a simple coincidence, a correlation between fundamental biological functions. If this is the case, it will be important for the clinician to appropriate this perspective, since the implication will probably determine particularities in the diagnostic and treatment procedures. In this direction, it is worth deepening and discussing the development of these functions (sleep, diet, language), seeking to clarify their constitutive correlation, the link between them.

scholarly journals The molecular mechanism of the inherited phosphofructokinase deficiency associated with hemolysis and myopathy

Blood ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-635
Author(s):  
S Vora ◽  
L Corash ◽  
WK Engel ◽  
S Durham ◽  
C Seaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
The Other ◽  
Heterogeneous Mixture ◽  
Muscle Type ◽  
Crossover Point ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency ◽  
2,3 Dpg ◽  
Chromatographic Profiles

Normal human erythrocyte phosphofructokinase (ATP:c D-fructose-6, P-1- phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.11; PFK) has recently been shown to consist of a heterogeneous mixture of five tetrameric isozymes: M4, M3L, M2L2, ML3, and L4 (M, muscle type; L, liver type). In the light of these findings, we have investigated the molecular basis of the inherited erythrocyte PFK deficiency associated with myopathy and hemolysis (Tarui disease). The propositus, a 31-yr-old male, suffered from muscle weakness and myoglobinuria on exertion. He showed mild erythrocytosis despite laboratory evidence of hemolysis. In his erythrocytes a metabolic crossover point was found at the level of PFK; 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) was also significantly reduced. The PFK from the patient's erythrocytes consisted exclusively of the L4 isozyme, and there was a complete absence of the other four. The leukocyte and platelet PFKs from the patient showed normal activities, chromatographic profiles, and precipitation with anti-M4 antibody. These studies provide direct evidence that in Tarui disease the M-type subunits are absent; but the liver- and platelet-type subunits of PFK are unaffected. The paradox of mild erythrocytosis despite hemolysis reflects the decreased production of 2,3-DPG.

scholarly journals ARMC Subfamily: Structures, Functions, Evolutions, Interactions, and Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yutao Huang ◽  
Zijian Jiang ◽  
Xiangyu Gao ◽  
Peng Luo ◽  
Xiaofan Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Tandem Repeats ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The Other ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Armadillo Repeat ◽  
The One ◽  
Similar Domain

Armadillo repeat-containing proteins (ARMCs) are widely distributed in eukaryotes and have important influences on cell adhesion, signal transduction, mitochondrial function regulation, tumorigenesis, and other processes. These proteins share a similar domain consisting of tandem repeats approximately 42 amino acids in length, and this domain constitutes a substantial platform for the binding between ARMCs and other proteins. An ARMC subfamily, including ARMC1∼10, ARMC12, and ARMCX1∼6, has received increasing attention. These proteins may have many terminal regions and play a critical role in various diseases. On the one hand, based on their similar central domain of tandem repeats, this ARMC subfamily may function similarly to other ARMCs. On the other hand, the unique domains on their terminals may cause these proteins to have different functions. Here, we focus on the ARMC subfamily (ARMC1∼10, ARMC12, and ARMCX1∼6), which is relatively conserved in vertebrates and highly conserved in mammals, particularly primates. We review the structures, biological functions, evolutions, interactions, and related diseases of the ARMC subfamily, which involve more than 30 diseases and 40 bypasses, including interactions and relationships between more than 100 proteins and signaling molecules. We look forward to obtaining a clearer understanding of the ARMC subfamily to facilitate further in-depth research and treatment of related diseases.

scholarly journals Antiviral activity of the green marine alga Ulva fasciata on the replication of human metapneumovirus

2010 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 03-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella da Silva Mendes ◽  
Angélica Ribeiro Soares ◽  
Fernanda Otaviano Martins ◽  
Maria Carolina Maciel de Albuquerque ◽  
Sonia Soares Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Marine Algae ◽  
Marine Alga ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Human Metapneumovirus ◽  
The Other ◽  
Virucidal Activity ◽  
Ulva Fasciata ◽  
Viral Particles

We evaluated the antiviral activity of the marine alga, Ulva fasciata, collected from Rasa beach and Forno beach, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the replication of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The algae extracts were prepared using three different methodologies to compare the activity of different groups of chemical composites obtained through these different methodologies. Four out of the six extracts inhibited nearly 100% of viral replication. The results demonstrated that the majority of the extracts (five out of six) possess virucidal activity and therefore have the ability to interact with the extracellular viral particles and prevent the infection. On the other hand, only two extracts (from Forno beach, obtained by maceration and maceration of the decoction) were able to interact with cell receptors, hindering the viral entry. Finally, only the extract of algae collected at Forno beach, obtained by maceration presented intracellular activity. To our knowledge, this is a pioneer study on antiviral activity of marine algae against HMPV. It is also the first on antiviral activity against HMPV ever done in Brazil. The study also shows the effect of different environment factors and different chemical procedures used to obtain the extract on its biological properties.

scholarly journals Intrinsic Regulatory Role of RNA Structural Arrangement in Alternative Splicing Control

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 5161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Taylor ◽  
Krzysztof Sobczak
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Rna Structure ◽  
The Other ◽  
Splicing Regulation ◽  
Rna Structures ◽  
Structural Arrangement ◽  
Biological Functionality ◽  
Cis And Trans ◽  
Structural Aspects

Alternative splicing is a highly sophisticated process, playing a significant role in posttranscriptional gene expression and underlying the diversity and complexity of organisms. Its regulation is multilayered, including an intrinsic role of RNA structural arrangement which undergoes time- and tissue-specific alterations. In this review, we describe the principles of RNA structural arrangement and briefly decipher its cis- and trans-acting cellular modulators which serve as crucial determinants of biological functionality of the RNA structure. Subsequently, we engage in a discussion about the RNA structure-mediated mechanisms of alternative splicing regulation. On one hand, the impairment of formation of optimal RNA structures may have critical consequences for the splicing outcome and further contribute to understanding the pathomechanism of severe disorders. On the other hand, the structural aspects of RNA became significant features taken into consideration in the endeavor of finding potential therapeutic treatments. Both aspects have been addressed by us emphasizing the importance of ongoing studies in both fields.

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