scholarly journals The Future Is Bright for Polyoxometalates

BioChem ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-26
Author(s):  
Manuel Aureliano
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Virus Protein ◽  
Virus Binding ◽  
Environmental Chemical ◽  
Protein Cages ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Ionic Liquid Crystals ◽  
Ph Range ◽  
P Type

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are clusters of units of oxoanions of transition metals, such as Mo, W, V and Nb, that can be formed upon acidification of neutral solutions. Once formed, some POMs have shown to persist in solution, even in the neutral and basic pH range. These inorganic clusters, amenable of a variety of structures, have been studied in environmental, chemical, and industrial fields, having applications in catalysis and macromolecular crystallography, as well as applications in biomedicine, such as cancer, bacterial and viral infections, among others. Herein, we connect recent POMs environmental applications in the decomposition of emergent pollutants with POMs’ biomedical activities and effects against cancer, bacteria, and viruses. With recent insights in POMs being pure, organic/inorganic hybrid materials, POM-based ionic liquid crystals and POM-ILs, and their applications in emergent pollutants degradation, including microplastics, are referred. It is perceived that the majority of the POMs studies against cancer, bacteria, and viruses were performed in the last ten years. POMs’ biological effects include apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, interference with the ions transport system, inhibition of mRNA synthesis, cell morphology changes, formation of reaction oxygen species, inhibition of virus binding to the host cell, and interaction with virus protein cages, among others. We additionally refer to POMs’ interactions with various proteins, including P-type ATPases, aquoporins, cinases, phosphatases, among others. Finally, POMs’ stability and speciation at physiological conditions are addressed.

Pleiotropic Effect of Mahanine and Girinimbine Analogs: Anticancer Mechanism and its Therapeutic Versatility

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 1983-1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Lenin Maruthanila ◽  
Ramakrishnan Elancheran ◽  
Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkar ◽  
Senthamaraikannan Kabilan ◽  
Jibon Kotoky
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Pleiotropic Effect ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Chemopreventive Agents ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anticancer Mechanism ◽  
Metastasis Development

Emerging evidence present credible support in favour of the potential role of mahanine and girinimbine. Non-toxic herbal carbazole alkaloids occur in the edible part of Murraya koenigii, Micromelum minutum, M. zeylanicum, and M. euchrestiolia. Mahanine and girinimbine are the major potent compounds from these species. In fact, they interfered with tumour expansion and metastasis development through down-regulation of apoptotic and antiapoptotic protein, also involved in the stimulation of cell cycle arrest. Consequently, these compounds were well proven for the in-vitro and in vivo evaluation that could be developed as novel agents either alone or as an adjuvant to conventional therapeutics. Therefore, mahanine and girinimbine analogs have the potential to be the promising chemopreventive agents for the tumour recurrence and the treatment of human malignancies. In this review, an updated wide-range of pleiotropic anticancer and biological effects induction by mahanine and girinimbine against cancer cells were deeply summarized.

Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulation into Virus Protein Cages by Self-Assembly in an Aprotic Organic Solvent

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amberly Xie ◽  
Irina Tsvetkova ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Xingchen Ye ◽  
Priyadarshine Hewavitharanage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Solvent ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Virus Protein ◽  
Protein Cages

scholarly journals Molecular Targets of Genistein and Its Related Flavonoids to Exert Anticancer Effects

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee-Sung Chae ◽  
Rong Xu ◽  
Jae-Yeon Won ◽  
Young-Won Chin ◽  
Hyungshin Yim
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Biological Targets ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase

Increased health awareness among the public has highlighted the health benefits of dietary supplements including flavonoids. As flavonoids target several critical factors to exert a variety of biological effects, studies to identify their target-specific effects have been conducted. Herein, we discuss the basic structures of flavonoids and their anticancer activities in relation to the specific biological targets acted upon by these flavonoids. Flavonoids target several signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT kinase, and metastasis. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has been recognized as a valuable target in cancer treatment due to the prognostic implication of PLK1 in cancer patients and its clinical relevance between the overexpression of PLK1 and the reduced survival rates of several carcinoma patients. Recent studies suggest that several flavonoids, including genistein directly inhibit PLK1 inhibitory activity. Later, we focus on the anticancer effects of genistein through inhibition of PLK1.

scholarly journals Novel Targeted Anti-Tumor Nanoparticles Developed from Folic Acid-Modified 2-Deoxyglucose

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoming Jin ◽  
Zhongyao Du ◽  
Huiyuan Guo ◽  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Fazheng Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Water Solubility ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Docking Simulation ◽  
Nano Particles ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Nano Drug Delivery

The glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), specifically inhibits glycolysis of cancer cells and interferes with the growth of cancer cells. However, the excellent water solubility of 2-DG makes it difficult to be concentrated in tumor cells. In this study, a targeted nano-pharmacosome was developed with folic acid-modified 2-DG (FA-2-DG) by using amino ethanol as a cleavable linker. FA-2-DG was able to self-assemble, forming nano-particles with diameters of 10–30 nm. The biological effects were evaluated with cell viability assays and flow cytometry analysis. Compared with a physical mixture of folic acid and 2-DG, FA-2-DG clearly reduced cell viability and resulted in cell cycle arrest. A computational study involving docking simulation suggested that FA-2-DG can dock into the same receptor as folic acid, thus confirming that the structural modification did not affect the targeting performance. The results indicated that the nano-pharmacosome consisting of FA-2-DG can be used for targeting in a nano-drug delivery system.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles Orchestrate Immune and Tumor Interaction Networks

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3696
Author(s):  
Kevin Ho Wai Yim ◽  
Ala’a Al Hrout ◽  
Simone Borgoni ◽  
Richard Chahwan
Keyword(s):  
Communication Networks ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Intercellular Communication ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Surface Markers ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Intercellular Communications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as potent and intricate intercellular communication networks. From their first discovery almost forty years ago, several studies have bolstered our understanding of these nano-vesicular structures. EV subpopulations are now characterized by differences in size, surface markers, cargo, and biological effects. Studies have highlighted the importance of EVs in biology and intercellular communication, particularly during immune and tumor interactions. These responses can be equally mediated at the proteomic and epigenomic levels through surface markers or nucleic acid cargo signaling, respectively. Following the exponential growth of EV studies in recent years, we herein synthesize new aspects of the emerging immune–tumor EV-based intercellular communications. We also discuss the potential role of EVs in fundamental immunological processes under physiological conditions, viral infections, and tumorigenic conditions. Finally, we provide insights on the future prospects of immune–tumor EVs and suggest potential avenues for the use of EVs in diagnostics and therapeutics.

SMBA1, a Bax Activator, Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Malignant Glioma Cells

Pharmacology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 164-172
Author(s):  
Shuangbo Fan ◽  
Qian Xu ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
Yulin Wan ◽  
Sheng Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Arrest ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Apoptosis Pathway ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Dose Dependent

SMBA1 (small-molecule Bax agonists 1), a small molecular activator of Bax, is a potential anti-tumour agent. In the present study, we investigated the biological effects of SMBA1 on glioblastoma (GBM) cells. SMBA1 reduced the viabilities of U87MG, U251 and T98G cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with SMBA1 induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase transition, accompanied by the downregulation of Cdc25c and cyclin B1 and the upregulation of p21. SMBA1 also induced apoptosis of GBM cells in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, SMBA1 induced apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway. Silencing of Bax or ectopic expression of Bcl-2 significantly inhibited SMBA1-induced apoptosis. Moreover, SMBA1 inhibited the growth of U87MG xenograft tumours in vivo. Overall, SMBA1 shows anti-proliferative effects against GBM cells through activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

scholarly journals The N-Terminal 24 Amino Acids of the p55 Gamma Regulatory Subunit of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Binds Rb and Induces Cell Cycle Arrest

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1717-1725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianmin Xia ◽  
Aiwu Cheng ◽  
Damilola Akinmade ◽  
Anne W. Hamburger
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Cell Cycle Arrest ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Regulatory Subunits ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase

ABSTRACT Although phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) is essential for cell cycle progression, the molecular mechanisms that regulate its diverse biological effects are poorly understood. We demonstrate here that Rb, a key regulator of cell cycle progression, associates with p55 kDa (p55α and p55γ) regulatory subunits of PI 3-kinase in vivo and in vitro. Both confocal microscopy and biochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of p55γ in the nucleus. The 24-amino-acid N-terminal end of p55γ, which is unique among PI 3-kinase regulatory subunits, was sufficient to bind Rb. Addition of serum or growth factors to quiescent cells triggered the dissociation of Rb from p55. Ectopic expression of the 24-amino-acid N-terminal end of p55γ inhibited cell cycle progression, as evidenced by induction of cell growth arrest at the G0/G1 phase, inhibition of DNA synthesis, inhibition of cyclin D and cyclin E promoter activity, and changes in the expression of cell cycle-related proteins. The inhibitory effects of the N-terminal end of p55γ on cell cycle progression depended on the presence of functional Rb. These data demonstrate for the first time an association of p55γ with Rb and show that modification of this association can lead to cell cycle arrest.

scholarly journals COMBINED EFFECT OF ANTIBODIES TO BENZO[A]PYRENE, ESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE UPON SEX HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS IN BLOOD SERUM OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS OF FETUS

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 647-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Glushkov ◽  
K. S. Krasilnikova ◽  
E. G. Polenok ◽  
M. V. Kostyanko ◽  
R. V. Olennikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Sex Hormone ◽  
Environmental Chemical ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Positive Correlations

Specific antibodies against environmental chemical gene toxicants and endogenous steroid hormones are shown to modulate concentrations of these compounds in blood serum and their biological effects in experimental models. However, probable hazards of such antibodies in human teratogenesis are still unknown. In particular, potential correlations between specific serum antibodies, sex hormone levels in pregnant women, and congenital malformations in newborns are not clear. The aim of this study was to identify possible associations between occurrence of antibodies to benzo[a]pyrene, estradiol and progesterone (Bp, Es and Pg, respectively), and congenital malformations, and effects of these antibodies upon Es and Pg concentrations in blood serum of pregnant women. We have included into the study 182 women with normal pregnancy and 101 females with congenital malformations of fetus. A non-competitive solid phase immunoassay was performed using Bp, Es and Pg conjugated to bovine serum albumin as antigens. Es and Pg serum concentrations were measured using immunoassay test-systems of “Immunotech” (Moscow). Results: strong positive correlations were revealed between the levels of studied antibodies in the both groups. High IgA-Bp/IgA-Es (> 3) and IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg ratios (> 3) were associated with congenital malformations (OR = 2.2, p = 0.013 and OR = 6.8, p < 0.0001). Positive correlations were revealed between Pg/Es and IgA-Bp/IgA-Es (rS = 0.62, p < 0.0001), and IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg ratios (rS = 0.77, p < 0.0001) in cases with inborn malformations. Similar correlations were found for the women who had normal pregnancy (rS = 0.4, p = 0.0001, and rS = 0.23, p = 0.026, respectively). The Pg/Es proportion correlated with IgG-Bp/IgG-Es (rS = 0.46, p = 0.002), and with IgG-Bp/IgG-Pg ratio (rS = 0.5, p = 0.0009) in cases of malformations, but not in women with normal pregnancy. Conclusion: we have revealed novel associations between congenital malformations of fetus and ratios of IgA-Bp/IgA-Es, as well as IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg, like as positive correlations between hormonal Pg/Es proportions, and ratios of specific antibodies in pregnant women.

scholarly journals Poly-L-lysine Glycoconjugates Inhibit DC-SIGN-mediated Attachment of Pandemic Viruses

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Cramer ◽  
Butrint Aliu ◽  
Xiaohua Jiang ◽  
Timothy Sharpe ◽  
Lijuan Pang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Viral Envelope ◽  
Receptor Internalization ◽  
Envelope Glycoproteins ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Virus Binding ◽  
Lectin Receptor ◽  
Viral Glycoproteins ◽  
Emerging Virus

Envelope glycoproteins of many viruses are heavily glycosylated. Among other functions, virus glycans can mediate interactions with host receptors and contribute to internalization and virus dissemination. The C-type lectin receptor DC-SIGN, which is expressed by cells of the innate immune system, can act as an entry receptor for pathogens, including pandemic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, ebola, and HIV. In the context of the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, this mechanism has been linked to severe cases of COVID-19. Inhibition of the interaction between DC-SIGN and viral envelope glycoproteins has therefore the potential to generate broad spectrum antivirulent agents. Moreover, the important role of this mechanism in numerous viral infections, as well as an interaction partner conserved in the host genome highlight the potential of DC-SIGN-targeted therapeutics not only for the treatment of existing infections, but also for the rapid response to future pandemics with newly emerging virus serotypes. Here, we demonstrate that mannose-functionalized poly-L-lysine glycoconjugates efficiently inhibit the attachment of viral glycoproteins from SARS-CoV-2, ebola, and HIV to DC-SIGN-presenting cells with up to picomolar affinity. Treatment of susceptible cells leads to prolonged receptor internalization and statistically significant inhibition of virus binding for up to 6 h. Furthermore, the polymers are fully biocompatible and readily cleared by the target cells. Finally, the thermodynamic analysis of these multivalent interactions revealed an entropy-driven affinity enhancement, opening promising perspectives for the future development of multivalent therapeutics.

Biosensors for livestock production

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Persaud
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Pesticide Metabolites ◽  
Fluorescent Whitening Agents ◽  
Considerable Impact

AbstractThe rapid development and application of biosensors is likely to have considerable impact on livestock management. Biosensors are considered to be analytical devices incorporating a biological material, or a biologically derived material intimately associated with or integrated within a physicochemical transducer or transducing microsystem. For livestock production it is useful to consider where sensors may be used effectively. These may include monitoring of the living environment to ensure that adequate hygiene and animal welfare are maintained, waste management, monitoring of the metabolic state of the livestock so that adequate intake of nutrients is maintained, detection of oestrus or other conditions, monitoring for bacterial or viral infections, both in live animals, and during the processing of animal products. For animal welfare, biosensors are needed to measure biological effects e.g. genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, biotoxins and endocrine effects. The concentrations of specific analytes that are difficult to detect are important contaminants of water, waste, soil or air (e.g. surfactants, chlorinated hydrocarbons, sulphophenyl carboxylates, sulphonated dyes, fluorescent whitening agents, napthalensulphonates, carboxylic acids, dioxins, pesticide metabolites etc). The development of practical biosensing systems capable of operation under realistic conditions is discussed.

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