scholarly journals Actinoporins: From the Structure and Function to the Generation of Biotechnological and Therapeutic Tools

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santos Ramírez-Carreto ◽  
Beatriz Miranda-Zaragoza ◽  
Claudia Rodríguez-Almazán
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Molecular Probes ◽  
Immunomodulatory Activity ◽  
Molecular Tools ◽  
Sea Anemones ◽  
Liposomal Formulations ◽  
Conformational Plasticity ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
And Function

Actinoporins (APs) are a family of pore-forming toxins (PFTs) from sea anemones. These biomolecules exhibit the ability to exist as soluble monomers within an aqueous medium or as constitutively open oligomers in biological membranes. Through their conformational plasticity, actinoporins are considered good candidate molecules to be included for the rational design of molecular tools, such as immunotoxins directed against tumor cells and stochastic biosensors based on nanopores to analyze unique DNA or protein molecules. Additionally, the ability of these proteins to bind to sphingomyelin (SM) facilitates their use for the design of molecular probes to identify SM in the cells. The immunomodulatory activity of actinoporins in liposomal formulations for vaccine development has also been evaluated. In this review, we describe the potential of actinoporins for use in the development of molecular tools that could be used for possible medical and biotechnological applications.

scholarly journals Toward the Rational Design of a Malaria Vaccine Construct Using the MSP3 Family as an Example: Contribution of Antigenicity Studies in Humans

2009 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 486-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corine G. Demanga ◽  
Lena-Juliette Daher ◽  
Eric Prieur ◽  
Catherine Blanc ◽  
Jean-Louis Pérignon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Merozoite Surface Protein ◽  
Native Proteins ◽  
Malaria Vaccines ◽  
Igg3 Subclass ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Village ◽  
Similar Organization

ABSTRACT Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein (MSP3) is a main target of protective immunity against malaria that is currently undergoing vaccine development. It was shown recently to belong, together with MSP6, to a new multigene family whose C-terminal regions have a similar organization, contain both homologous and divergent regions, and are highly conserved across isolates. In an attempt to rationally design novel vaccine constructs, we extended the analysis of antigenicity and function of region-specific antibodies, previously performed with MSP3 and MSP6, to the remaining four proteins of the MSP3 family using four recombinant proteins and 24 synthetic peptides. Antibodies to each MSP3 family antigen were found to be highly prevalent among malaria-exposed individuals from the village of Dielmo (Senegal). Each of the 24 peptides was antigenic, defining at least one epitope mimicking that of the native proteins, with a distinct IgG isotype pattern for each, although with an overall predominance of the IgG3 subclass. Human antibodies affinity purified upon each of the 24 peptides exerted an antiparasite antibody-dependent cellular inhibition effect, which in most cases was as strong as that of IgG from protected African adults. The two regions with high homology were found to generate a broad network of cross-reactive antibodies with various avidities. A first multigenic construct was designed using these findings and those from related immunogenicity studies in mice and demonstrated valuable immunological properties. These results indicate that numerous regions from the MSP3 family play a role in protection and provide a rationale for the tailoring of new MSP3-derived malaria vaccines.

scholarly journals Sialic Acid—Modified Nanoparticles—New Approaches in the Glioma Management—Perspective Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7494
Author(s):  
Przemyslaw Wielgat ◽  
Katarzyna Niemirowicz-Laskowska ◽  
Agnieszka Z. Wilczewska ◽  
Halina Car
Keyword(s):  
Sialic Acid ◽  
Clinical Observation ◽  
Malignant Cell ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Molecular Processes ◽  
Management Perspective ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
And Function ◽  
Worse Prognosis

The cell surface is covered by a dense and complex network of glycans attached to the membrane proteins and lipids. In gliomas, the aberrant sialylation, as the final stage of glycosylation, is an important regulatory mechanism of malignant cell behavior and correlates with worse prognosis. Better understanding of the role of sialylation in cellular and molecular processes opens a new way in the development of therapeutic tools for human brain tumors. According to the recent clinical observation, the cellular heterogeneity, activity of brain cancer stem cells (BCSCs), immune evasion, and function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are attractive targets for new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the importance of sialic acid-modified nanoparticles in brain tumor progression.

scholarly journals Tunable assembly of amyloid-forming peptides into nanosheets as a retrovirus carrier

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (10) ◽  
pp. 2996-3001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Dai ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Wenhui Xi ◽  
Fang Luo ◽  
Xiang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Amyloid Fibril ◽  
Computational Approaches ◽  
Retroviral Transduction ◽  
And Function

Using and engineering amyloid as nanomaterials are blossoming trends in bionanotechnology. Here, we show our discovery of an amyloid structure, termed “amyloid-like nanosheet,” formed by a key amyloid-forming segment of Alzheimer’s Aβ. Combining multiple biophysical and computational approaches, we proposed a structural model for the nanosheet that is formed by stacking the amyloid fibril spines perpendicular to the fibril axis. We further used the nanosheet for laboratorial retroviral transduction enhancement and directly visualized the presence of virus on the nanosheet surface by electron microscopy. Furthermore, based on our structural model, we designed nanosheet-forming peptides with different functionalities, elucidating the potential of rational design for amyloid-based materials with novel architecture and function.

scholarly journals Oligonucleotides DNA containing 8-trifluoromethyl-2′-deoxyguanosine for observing Z-DNA structure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Liang Bao ◽  
Tatsuki Masuzawa ◽  
Takanori Oyoshi ◽  
Yan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diseases ◽  
Dna Structure ◽  
2D Nmr ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Molecular Probes ◽  
Alternative Form ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Z Dna ◽  
And Function

Abstract Z-DNA is known to be a left-handed alternative form of DNA and has important biological roles as well as being related to cancer and other genetic diseases. It is therefore important to investigate Z-DNA structure and related biological events in living cells. However, the development of molecular probes for the observation of Z-DNA structures inside living cells has not yet been realized. Here, we have succeeded in developing site-specific trifluoromethyl oligonucleotide DNA by incorporation of 8-trifluoromethyl-2′-deoxyguanosine (FG). 2D NMR strongly suggested that FG adopted a syn conformation. Trifluoromethyl oligonucleotides dramatically stabilized Z-DNA, even under physiological salt concentrations. Furthermore, the trifluoromethyl DNA can be used to directly observe Z-form DNA structure and interaction of DNA with proteins in vitro, as well as in living human cells by19F NMR spectroscopy for the first time. These results provide valuable information to allow understanding of the structure and function of Z-DNA.

scholarly journals Molecular Determinants of μ-Conotoxin KIIIA Interaction with the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Nav1.7

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian H. Kimball ◽  
Phuong T. Nguyen ◽  
Baldomero M. Olivera ◽  
Jon T. Sack ◽  
Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
Keyword(s):  
Computational Modeling ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
Molecular Probes ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
In Silico Docking ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

AbstractThe voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel subtype Nav1.7 plays a critical role in pain signaling, making it an important drug target. Here we studied the molecular interactions between μ-conotoxin KIIIA (KIIIA) and the human Nav1.7 channel (hNav1.7). We developed a structural model of hNav1.7 using Rosetta computational modeling and performed in silico docking of KIIIA using RosettaDock to predict residues forming specific pairwise contacts between KIIIA and hNav1.7. We experimentally validated these contacts using mutant cycle analysis. Comparison between our KIIIA-hNav1.7 model and the recently published cryo-EM structure of KIIIA-hNav1.2 revealed key similarities and differences between channel subtypes with potential implications for the molecular mechanism of toxin block. Our integrative approach, combining structural data with computational modeling, experimental validation, and molecular dynamics simulations will be useful for engineering molecular probes to study Nav channel function, and for rational design of novel biologics targeting specific Nav channels.

scholarly journals The architecture and operating mechanism of a cnidarian stinging organelle

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Gibson ◽  
Ahmet Karabulut ◽  
Melainia McClain ◽  
Boris Rubinstein ◽  
Sean McKinney
Keyword(s):  
Structural Complexity ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Operating Mechanism ◽  
Sea Anemones ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
3D Electron Microscopy ◽  
Genetic Perturbations ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
The Operating Mechanism ◽  
And Function

Abstract The stingers of jellyfish, sea anemones and other cnidarians, known as nematocysts, are remarkable cellular weapons used for both predation and defense1. Nematocysts are specialized organelles which consist of a pressurized capsule containing a coiled harpoon-like thread2. These structures are in turn built within specialized cells known as nematocytes3. When triggered4, the capsule explosively discharges, ejecting the coiled thread which punctures the target and rapidly elongates by turning inside out in a process called eversion5,6. Due to the structural complexity of the thread and the extreme speed of discharge, the precise mechanics of nematocyst firing have remained elusive7. Here, using a combination of live and super-resolution imaging, 3D electron microscopy and genetic perturbations, we define the step-by-step sequence of nematocyst operation in the model sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. This analysis reveals the complex biomechanical transformations underpinning the operating mechanism of nematocysts, one of the nature’s most exquisite biological micro-machines. Further, this study will provide insight into the form and function of related cnidarian organelles and serve as a template for the design of bioinspired microdevices.

Synthesis of Nitrile-Functionalized Polydentate N-Heterocycles as Building Blocks for Covalent Triazine Frameworks

Synthesis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian V. Stevens ◽  
Jonas Everaert ◽  
Maarten Debruyne ◽  
Flore Vanden Bussche ◽  
Kristof Van Hecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Heterocyclic Ligands ◽  
Support Materials ◽  
Polydentate Ligands ◽  
Catalytic Metal ◽  
Composition Structure ◽  
And Function ◽  
Application Access ◽  
Modular Nature

AbstractCovalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) based on polydentate ligands are highly promising supports to anchor catalytic metal complexes. The modular nature of CTFs allows to tailor the composition, structure, and function to its specific application. Access to a broad range of chelating building blocks is therefore essential. In this respect, we extended the current available set of CTF building blocks with new nitrile-functionalized N-heterocyclic ligands. This paper presents the synthesis of the six ligands which vary in the extent of the aromatic system and the denticity. The new building blocks may help in a rational design of enhanced support materials in catalysis.

scholarly journals Induction of Protective Antiplague Immune Responses by Self-Adjuvanting Bionanoparticles Derived from Engineered Yersinia pestis

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuran Wang ◽  
Amit K. Singh ◽  
Xiangmin Zhang ◽  
Wei Sun
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Yersinia Pestis ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Outer Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Vector System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Monophosphoryl Lipid A

ABSTRACT A Yersinia pestis mutant synthesizing an adjuvant form of lipid A (monophosphoryl lipid A, MPLA) displayed increased biogenesis of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). To enhance the immunogenicity of the OMVs, we constructed an Asd-based balanced-lethal host-vector system that oversynthesized the LcrV antigen of Y. pestis, raised the amounts of LcrV enclosed in OMVs by the type II secretion system, and eliminated harmful factors like plasminogen activator (Pla) and murine toxin from the OMVs. Vaccination with OMVs containing MPLA and increased amounts of LcrV with diminished toxicity afforded complete protection in mice against subcutaneous challenge with 8 × 105 CFU (80,000 50% lethal dose [LD50]) and intranasal challenge with 5 × 103 CFU (50 LD50) of virulent Y. pestis. This protection was significantly superior to that resulting from vaccination with LcrV/alhydrogel or rF1-V/alhydrogel. At week 4 postimmunization, the OMV-immunized mice showed more robust titers of antibodies against LcrV, Y. pestis whole-cell lysate (YPL), and F1 antigen and more balanced IgG1:IgG2a/IgG2b-derived Th1 and Th2 responses than LcrV-immunized mice. Moreover, potent adaptive and innate immune responses were stimulated in the OMV-immunized mice. Our findings demonstrate that self-adjuvanting Y. pestis OMVs provide a novel plague vaccine candidate and that the rational design of OMVs could serve as a robust approach for vaccine development.

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