Genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamers and their applications for imaging and biosensing

Light-up RNA aptamers and their applications in bioimaging and biosensing of small ligands and biomacromolecules are described.

AQUA-DUCT 1.0: structural and functional analysis of macromolecules from an intramolecular voids perspective

Motivation Tunnels, pores, channels, pockets and cavities contribute to proteins architecture and performance. However, analysis and characteristics of transportation pathways and internal binding cavities are performed separately. We aimed to provide universal tool for analysis of proteins integral interior with access to detailed information on the ligands transportation phenomena and binding preferences. Results AQUA-DUCT version 1.0 is a comprehensive method for macromolecules analysis from the intramolecular voids perspective using small ligands as molecular probes. This version gives insight into several properties of macromolecules and facilitates protein engineering and drug design by the combination of the tracking and local mapping approach to small ligands. Availability and implementation http://www.aquaduct.pl. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Strategies for optimizing the delivery to tumors of macrocyclic photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT)

This review briefly summaries the principles and mechanisms of action of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as concerns its application in the oncological field, highlighting its drawbacks and some of the strategies that have been or are being explored to overcome them. The major aim is to increase the efficiency and selectivity of the photosensitizer (PS) uptake in the cancer cells for optimizing the PDT effects on tumors while sparing normal cells. Some attempts to achieve this are based on the conjugation of the PS to biomolecules (small ligands, peptides) functioning as carriers with the ability to efficiently penetrate cells and/or specifically recognize and bind proteins/receptors overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells. Alternatively, the PS can be entrapped in nanocarriers derived from various types of materials that can target the tumor by exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. The use of nanocarriers is particularly attractive because it allows the simultaneous delivery of more than one drug with the possibility of combining PDT with other therapeutic modalities.