Advances of the novel immunosuppressant brasilicardin A / 生物工程学报

Brasilicardin A (BraA) is a natural diterpene glycoside isolated from the pathogenic actinomycete Nocardia brasiliensis IFM 0406 with highly potent immunosuppressive activity (IC50=0.057 μg/mL). BraA potently inhibits the uptake of amino acids that are substrates for amino acid transport system L of T cells, which is different from the existing clinical immunosuppressants. BraA is more potent in a mouse mixed lymphocyte reaction and less toxic against various human cell lines compared with the known clinical immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporin A, ascomycin and tacrolimus. Therefore, BraA attracted more attention as a new promising immunosuppressant. However, the development of this promising immunosuppressant as drug for medical use is so far hindered because BraA has the unusual and synthetically challenging skeleton and shows the low-yield production in the natural pathogenic producer. This review introduces the molecular structure of BraA, its activity, mechanism of action, chemical synthesis of BraA analogs, heterologous expression of gene cluster, and an application of combining microbial and chemical synthesis for production of BraA, with the aim to facilitate the efficient production of BraA and its analogs.

Research advance on structure and function of amides in Zanthoxylum plants / 中国中药杂志

Zanthoxylum belongs to the Rutaceae family, and there are 81 Zanthoxylum species and 36 varieties in China. Most of the Zanthoxylum plants are used as culinary spice. In recent years, scholars in China and abroad have carried out in-depth research on Zanthoxylum plants, and found that the peculiar numbing sensation of Zanthoxylum plants originates from amides. It is also determined that amides are an important material basis for exerting pharmacological effects, especially in anti-inflammatory analgesia, anesthesia and other aspects. In this paper, 123 amides in 26 Zanthoxylum plants and their pharmacological activity that have been reported were summarized, which provided scientific reference for the clinical application of Zanthoxylum plants and the research and development of new drugs, and also facilitated the sustainable development and utilization of Zanthoxylum plant resources.

Structure-activity relationship of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides / 中国中药杂志

As a traditional Chinese herb and functional food, the fruits of Lycium barbarum has been widely used for thousands of years in China. L. barbarum polysaccharides(LBPs) are predominant active components, which have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, and prebiotic activities. The molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond, branching degree, protein content, chemical modification, and spatial structure of LBPs are closely related to their biological activity. Based on the previous studies of this research team, this paper systematically combed and integrated the research progress of structure, function, and structure-activity relationship of LBPs. At the same time, some problems restricting the clarification of the structure-activity relationship of LBPs were considered and prospected, hoping to provide references for the high value utilization of LBPs and in-depth exploration of their health value.

Termoquímica computacional: en la búsqueda de la precisión química

Introducción: La termoquímica computacional es un campo de gran interés por sus diversas aplicaciones en diferentes campos de la química. En la actualidad, con el avance en el desarrollo de los supercomputadores se pueden emplear diversas metodologías que emplean cálculos de estructura electrónica para estimar valores termodinámicos con errores ~ 1,0 kcal/mol en comparación con los datos experimentales. Metodología: En este artículo se describen brevemente los principales métodos compuestos empleados en la termoquímica computacional como la serie de Petersson, los métodos Weizmann, el modelo HEAT y con especial énfasis en las teorías Gaussian-n. Aplicaciones: Diversas aplicaciones de la termoquímica computacional se presentan en este trabajo tales como el estudio de la reactividad y las estabilidades de nuevos derivados de compuestos químicos con potencialidades como fármacos, estudios de contaminantes en la química de la atmosfera donde se estiman valores importantes de entalpias de formación sobre compuestos derivados del gas de efecto invernadero SF6, estudios de compuestos derivados del petróleo de potencial importancia como nuevos combustibles y el desarrollo de explosivos con estimaciones energéticas de las entalpias de disociación de enlace y de combustión de nuevos compuestos orgánicos. Conclusiones: La termoquímica computacional es una herramienta actual para resolver problemas de la química donde la experimentación es difícil y con un alto costo económico. Se espera en un futuro que esta área desarrolle nuevos métodos y códigos computacionales que permitan estudiar sistemas moleculares de gran tamaño importantes en otras áreas de las ciencias como la física, la biología, ciencias de los materiales, entre otros.

Introdução: A termoquímica computacional é uma área de grande interesse devido às suas diversas aplicações em diferentes campos da química. Hoje em dia, com o avanço no desenvolvimento de supercomputadores, várias metodologias podem ser utilizadas que utilizam cálculos de estrutura eletrônica para estimar valores termodinâmicos com erros de ~ 1,0 kcal/mol em comparação com os dados experimentais. Metodologia: Este artigo descreve resumidamente os principais métodos compostos usados em termoquímica computacional, como a série Petersson, os métodos de Weizmann, o modelo HEAT e com especial ênfase nas teorias Gaussianas-n. Aplicações: Várias aplicações da termoquímica computacional são apresentadas neste trabalho tais como o estudo da reatividade e estabilidades de novos derivados de compostos químicos com potencial como drogas, estudos de poluentes em química atmosférica onde valores importantes de entalpias são estimados de treinamento em compostos derivados do gás de efeito estufa SF6, estudos de compostos derivados do petróleo com potencial importância como novos combustíveis e o desenvolvimento de explosivos com estimativas energéticas das entalpias de dissociação de ligações e combustão de novos compostos orgânicos. Conclusões: A termoquímica computacional é uma ferramenta atual para resolver problemas de química onde a experimentação é difícil e com alto custo econômico. Espera-se que no futuro esta área desenvolva novos métodos e códigos computacionais que permitam estudar grandes sistemas moleculares importantes em outras áreas da ciência como física, biologia, ciência dos materiais, entre outras.

SUMMARY Introductión: Computational thermochemistry is an area of great interest for its various applications in many different fields of chemistry. With the increase of the computational power readily available, it is currently possible to use various calculation based on the electronic structure methods for estimate thermodynamic properties with an error on the order of ~1.0 kcal/mol, which is comparable to experimental values. Methodology: In this work we briefly describe the main composite methods such as Petersson series, the Weizmann methods the HEAT model and with special focus on the Gaussian-n theories. Applications: Various applications of computational thermochemistry are presented in this work such as the study of reactivity and stabilities of new derivatives of chemical compounds with potential use as drugs, studies of pollutants in atmospheric chemistry where important values of enthalpies are estimated of training on compounds derived from the greenhouse gas SF6, studies of compounds derived from petroleum of potential importance as new fuels and the development of explosives with energy estimates of the enthalpies of bond dissociation and combustion of new organic compounds. Conclusions: Computational thermochemistry is a current tool to solve chemistry problems where experimentation is difficult and with a high economic cost. It is expected in the future that this area will develop new methods and computational codes that allow studying large molecular systems important in other areas of science such as physics, biology, materials science, among others.

Physicochemical properties, molecular structure, antioxidant activity, and biological function of extracellular melanin from Ascosphaera apis / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Ascosphaera apis spores containing a dark-colored pigment infect honeybee larvae, resulting in a large-scale collapse of the bee colony due to chalkbrood disease. However, little is known about the pigment or whether it plays a role in bee infection caused by A. apis. In this study, the pigment was isolated by alkali extraction, acid hydrolysis, and repeated precipitation. Ultraviolet (UV) analysis revealed that the pigment had a color value of 273, a maximum absorption peak at 195 nm, and a high alkaline solubility (7.67%) and acid precipitability. Further chemical structure analysis of the pigment, including elemental composition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), proved that it was a eumelanin with a typical indole structure. The molecular formula of melanin is C10H6O4N2, and its molecular weight is 409 Da. Melanin has hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, and phenolic groups that can potentially chelate to metal ions. Antioxidant function analyses showed that A. apis melanin had a high scavenging activity against superoxide, hydroxyl, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and a high reducing ability to Fe3+. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that A. apis melanin was located on the spore wall. The spore wall localization, antioxidant activity, and metal ion chelating properties of fungal melanin have been suggested to contribute to spore pathogenicity. However, further infection experiments showed that melanin-deficient spores did not reduce the mortality of bee larvae, indicating that melanin does not increase the virulence of A. apis spores. This study is the first report on melanin produced by A. apis, providing an important background reference for further study on its role in A. apis.

Lectins in Viscum:a progress review / 中国中药杂志

Viscum plants,the evergreen perennial parasitic shrubs or subshrubs,are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. There are about 70 Viscum species around the world,including 11 species and one variety in China. Mistletoe lectins are typeⅡ ribosome-inactivating proteins( RIPs) extracted from Viscum plants with anticancer and immunoregulatory activities. Many studies have focused on the mistletoe lectins isolated from V. album in Europe and V. album var. coloratum distributed in South Korea,respectively,and several preparations,such as Iscucin Ⓡ,were developed and clinically applied for cancer treatment. Although Viscum plants are widely distributed in China,only a few studies of mistletoe lectins have been reported. The recent progress of mistletoe lectins was reviewed from extraction,purification,quantitative/qualitative detection,molecular structure,pharmacological activities,toxicities,and clinical application,aiming at providing a reference for in-depth research and utilization of mistletoe lectins produced in China.

Descubrimiento de fármacos basado en imagenología de células vivas / Drug discovery based on live cell imaging

RESUMEN El diseño eficiente de compuestos aprovechando las características estructurales de las moléculas y la búsqueda eficiente de dianas terapéuticas, ha proporcionado herramientas efectivas en la investigación de nuevos tratamientos cuando esta se enfoca en mecanismos celulares de la enfermedad. Los cambios fenotípicos producidos por la interacción in vitro entre molécula-diana, pueden controlarse cuantitativamente mediante imagenología de células vivas. Para garantizar una interacción adecuada, es necesario considerar diferentes elementos cruciales: 1. Las características estructurales y la dinámica molecular del compuesto a evaluar. 2. La relevancia del blanco para la fisiopatología de interés. Sin embargo, el desconocimiento del panorama general en el descubrimiento de fármacos, desde problemáticas estructurales y celulares, ha enlentecido la búsqueda de nuevos tratamientos. Esta revisión descriptiva de tema presenta algunos aspectos estructurales importantes para la caracterización de compuestos como candidatos terapéuticos, y aproximaciones experimentales para desarrollo de sistemas celulares. Los tópicos discutidos se enfocan en la monitorización por imagenología de células vivas y así mismo proporcionamos ejemplos relevantes. La monitorización de efectos fenotípicos producidos por interacciones entre candidato químico y blanco terapéutico en un sistema celular puede favorecer la búsqueda eficiente de moléculas potencialmente terapéuticas.

SUMMARY The efficient compounds' design taking advantage of the molecule's structural characteristics and efficient search for therapeutic targets has provided effective tools for the research of new treatments when this is focused on disease cellular mechanisms. Phenotypic changes produced by in vitro interaction between molecules and targets can be monitored quantitatively by live cell imaging. To guarantee adequate interaction, it is necessary to consider different crucial elements: 1. Structural characteristics and molecular dynamics of the evaluated compound. 2. Target relevance for the concern physiopathology. However, overview's ignorance of the drug discovery, from structural and cellular problems, has slowed the new treatments research. This literature review presents some important structural aspects for compounds' characterization as therapeutic candidates and experimental approaches for cellular systems development. Subjects discussed are focused on live cell imaging and we also provide relevant examples. Phenotypic monitoring of interactions' produced effects between the chemical candidate and therapeutic target in a cellular system can favor the efficient search of potentially therapeutic molecules.

Identification, molecular structure and expression characteristics of Torso like gene in Anopheles dirus / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ObjectiveTo characterize Torso-like (tsl) gene and investigate its expression characteristics in Anopheles dirus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for subsequent functional studies of the tsl gene. MethodsAccording to the coding sequences of Drosophila melanogaster and An. gambiae tsl genes, the complete genome of An. dirus was retrieved and the An. dirus tsl gene was characterized. Specific primers were designed and the target gene was amplified using PCR and reverse-transcription PCR assays. The physicochemical properties, signal peptide, transmembrane structure, secondary structure and tertiary structure of the encoded protein TSL were analyzed using bioinformatics tools, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed. In addition, the specific expression of the tls gene was detected in various tissues of An. dirus using a quantitative real-time PCR assay. Results The An. dirus tsl gene was 16 751 bp in length with a CDS region of 1 134 bp, encoding 377 amino acids, and the encoded TSL protein was a stably hydrophilic protein. The TSL protein was predicted to be a secretory protein that was located in extra-membrane regions containing signal peptides. The secondary structure of the TSL protein contained α-helix (51.72%), extended strand (12.20%), β-bridge (4.78%) and random coil (31.30%) in the secondary structure, and a 3D homology model was generated using 5cj9.1.A as a template. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close genetic relationship in the TSL protein between An. dirus and An. farauti. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR assay detected the tsl gene expression in the head, chest, abdomen and foot of An. dirus, with the highest expression in the head and low expression in the foot. Conclusions The tsl gene is characterized in An. dirus at a genomic level, and the prediction of the TSL protein structure and the elucidation of the tissue-specific tsl gene expression in An. dirus provide a basis for the further studies on the gene functions.

Research progress on biological activity and application development of theaflavins / 中草药

Theaflavins are a category of natural compounds characterized with the benzotropolone skeleton. Theaflavins have many pharmacological actions, such as antioxidant, regulating blood-lipid, hypoglycemic, antiviral, anti-inflammation, hypouricemic, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-osteoporosis. Theaflavins is one of the research focuses of natural active ingredients in tea, and it is more and more widely used in the development of terminal products with health food, medicine, cosmetics, animal feed, plant pesticide, and so on. Based on the literatures review of theaflavins in recent years, taking the theaflavins structure as the starting point, the biological activities of theaflavins were reviewed, the research and application of theaflavins in health food, medicine and other fields were focused on, in order to provide reference for the application and development of theaflavins.

Recent progress in the molecular imaging of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies / 药物分析学报

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have become one of the central components of the healthcare system and continuous efforts are made to bring innovative antibody therapeutics to patients in need. It is equally critical to acquire sufficient knowledge of their molecular structure and biological functions to ensure the efficacy and safety by incorporating new detection approaches since new challenges like individual differences and resistance are presented. Conventional techniques for determining antibody disposition including plasma drug concentration measurements using LC-MS or ELISA, and tissue dis-tribution using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence are now complemented with molecular imaging modalities like positron emission tomography and near-infrared fluorescence imaging to obtain more dynamic information, while methods for characterization of antibody's interaction with the target antigen as well as visualization of its cellular and intercellular behavior are still under development. Recent progress in detecting therapeutic antibodies, in particular, the development of methods suitable for illustrating the molecular dynamics, is described here.

In Silico Characterization and Expression Analysis Of The Alpha Subunit Of The Heteromeric Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase From Two Microalgae / Caracterización in silico y análisis de la expresión de la subunidad alfa de la acetil-coenzima a carboxilasa heteromérica de dos microalgas

RESUMEN Las microalgas son microorganismos fotosintéticos con gran potencial para abastecer las demandas energéticas mundiales. Sin embargo, los limitados conocimientos que se tienen de estos organismos, en particular a nivel molecular de los procesos metabólicos, han limitado su uso con estos propósitos. En esta investigación se ha realizado el análisis in silico de la subunidad alfa de la acetil-Coenzima A carboxilasa heteromérica (αACCasa), una enzima clave en la biosíntesis de lípidos de las microalgas Chlorella sp. y Scenedesmus sp. Asimismo, se ha medido la expresión de este gen en ambas especies cultivadas en medios deficientes de nitrógeno. Los resultados indican que la αACCasa muestra conservación estructural y funcional en ambas especies de microalgas y su mayor similitud genética con otras especies de microalgas. Asimismo, se ha mostrado que el nivel de expresión del gen se incrementa significativamente cuando las microalgas son cultivadas en ausencia de nitrógeno, lo cual se relaciona a su vez con una mayor acumulación de lípidos microalgales. En conclusión, el análisis in silico de la αACCasa de Chlorella sp. y Scenedesmus sp. presentan características estructurales, funcionales y evolutivas muy similares con otras especies de microalgas y plantas. Asimismo, el estudio revela que en ambas especies el gen se sobreexpresa cuando las microalgas son sometidas a estrés por deficiencia de nitrógeno, el cual se relaciona significativamente con la acumulación de lípidos totales en estas células.

ABSTRACT Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms with great potential to supply the world's energy demands. However, the limited knowledge of these organisms, particularly at the molecular level of metabolic processes, has limited their use to these purposes. In this investigation, the in silico analysis of the alpha subunit of the heteromeric acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (αACCase), a key enzyme in lipid biosynthesis of microalgae Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp. was carried out. Also, the expression of this gene has been measured in both species cultivated in nitrogen-depleted media. Results indicate that αACCase shows structural and functional conservation in both species of microalgae and their greater genetic similarity with other species of microalgae. Also, it has been shown that the expression levels of this gene are significantly increased when the microalgae are cultured in the absence of nitrogen, which in turn is related to a greater accumulation of microalgal lipids. In conclusion, the in silico analysis of the Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp. αACCase reveals structural, functional and evolutionary characteristics very similar to other microalgae and plant species. Also, the study reveals that in both species the gene is overexpressed when microalgae are subjected to nitrogen deficiency stress, which is significantly related to total lipids accumulation in these cells.

Research progress on chemical constituents and bioactivities of the plants of genus osmunda / 国际中医中药杂志

The plants of genus osmunda have abundant germplasm resource, which are widely distributed in the world. They have long been used for the treatment of viral, fugal and inflammation diseases. These plants have broad bioactivities and contain various chemical constituents such as flavonoids, esters and steroids. They also have high nutrition value, food value and ornamental value with composition of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, cellulose and trace elements (K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, etc). The world wide research progresses of the genus osmunda on plant resources, chemical constituents, bioactivities in the past few decades were collected and summarized. This paper provided the evidences and references for further research and exploitment.

Effects of surface proteins and lipids on molecular structure, thermal properties, and enzymatic hydrolysis of rice starch

Abstract Rice starches with different amylose contents were treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to deplete surface proteins and lipids, and the changes in molecular structure, thermal properties, and enzymatic hydrolysis were evaluated. SDS treatment did not significantly change the molecular weight distribution, crystalline structure, short-range ordered degree, and gelatinization properties of starch, but significantly altered the pasting properties and increased the swelling power of starch. The removal of surface proteins and lipids increased the enzymatic hydrolysis and in vitro digestion of starch. The influences of removing surface proteins and lipids from starch on swelling power, pasting properties, and enzymatic hydrolysis were different among the various starches because of the differences in molecular structures of different starch styles. The aforementioned results indicated that removing the surface proteins and lipids from starch did not change the molecular structure but had significant effects on some functional properties.

Study of the chemical interaction between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement and dentin

Abstract Objective To investigate the chemical interactions between a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) (KetacTM Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Bavaria, Germany) and human dentin. It was also analyzed the dynamics of GIC setting mechanism based on the time intervals required for the GIC and the GIC mixed with dentin to achieve stability. Material and Methods Each constituent of GIC - powder (P) and liquid (L) - and powdered dentin (D), as well as the associations P+L, D+L, and P+L+D in the concentrations of 29%, 50%, 65%, 78%, 82%, and 92% of GIC were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Results New optical absorption bands and/or Raman bands, which were not present in P, L, or D, were observed in the associations. The concentrations of 29% and 50% of GIC showed higher interaction, revealing that the amount of dentin influences the formation of new optical absorption or scattering bands. FTIR bands showed that the setting time to achieve bond stability was longer for the high-viscosity GIC (38±7 min) than for the sample with 29% of GIC (28±4 min). Conclusions The analysis revealed the formation of new compounds or molecular rearrangements resulting from the chemical interactions between GIC and dentin. Moreover, this study provides an effective method to evaluate the dynamics of the setting mechanism of GICs.

Optimizing CAR structure to improve safety and efficiency of CAR-T cell therapy / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# CAR-T cell therapy has developed rapidly in recent years, and has achieved amazing results in the treatment of some malignant tumors of the blood system, but little progress has been made in the treatment of solid tumors. At present, the main problems to be solved in CAR-T cell therapy are: (1) enhancing the killing activity of CAR-T cells; (2) relieving the immunosuppressive state of tumors; (3) bringing CAR-T cells into solid tumors; (4) enhancing the safety of CAR-T cell therapy. By optimizing the structure of CAR, a series of defects in the CAR-T cell therapy can be overcome, and the curative effect of CAR-T can be enhanced and the complications can be alleviated. In this paper, some optimization and improvement measures and methods on the structure design of CAR in recent years are elaborated, and the effectiveness and safety of the CAR-T cell therapy are explored.

The correlation of molecular structure and nanofiltration mass transfer behavior of alkaloids / 药学学报

Based on the charge repulsion and solution-diffusion effect in nanofiltration separation, the correlation among mass transfer behavior, solution environment and molecular structure of three typical alkaloids from medicine was analyzed by nanofiltration mass mathematical model. The experiment revealed a linear relationship between ln[(1-Ro)·Jv/Ro] and Jv, and the regression coefficients were all greater than 0.9. Compared with the ultrafiltration separation behavior conforming to molecular sieve, the mass transfer coefficient of three alkaloids under different pH was pH 3.00 < pH 7.00 < pH 10.00. As the pH changed, the state of alkaloid transit from ionic state to a free state, the alkaloid could easily approach the membrane surface and pass through the nanofiltration membrane with charge repulsion and solution-diffusion effects, and the results were verified by the membrane adsorption tendency. The nanofiltration mass transfer of alkaloids is related to the state and molecular weight. In the ionic state, the charge effect produces separation behavior, and the molecular state is related to the molecular weight. The separation mechanism of nanofiltration for alkaloids was clarified further by analyzing the correlation of nanofiltration mass transfer behavior and molecular structure. The results of nanofiltration technology provide references for separation of alkaloids at room temperature with fast separation and low energy consumption.

Características de la estructura molecular de las proteínas E del virus del Zika y E1 del virus de la rubéola y posibles implicaciones en el neurotropismo y en las alteraciones del sistema nervioso / E-ZIKV and E1-RV proteins molecular structure and their potential implications in neurotropism and nervous system disorders

Resumen Introducción. El virus del Zika (ZIKV) es un flavivirus con envoltura, transmitido a los seres humanos principalmente por el vector Aedes aegypti. La infección por ZIKV se ha asociado con un gran neurotropismo y con efectos neuropáticos, como el síndrome de Guillain-Barré en el adulto y la microcefalia fetal y posnatal, así como con un síndrome de infección congénita similar al producido por el virus de la rubéola (RV). Objetivo. Comparar las estructuras moleculares de la proteína de envoltura E del virus del Zika (E-ZIKV) y de la E1 del virus de la rubéola (E1-RV), y plantear posibles implicaciones en el neurotropismo y en las alteraciones del sistema nervioso asociadas con el ZIKV. Materiales y métodos. La secuencia de aminoácidos de la proteína E-ZIKV (PDB: 5iZ7) se alineó con la de la glucopreteína E1 del virus de la rubéola (PDB: 4ADG). Los elementos de la estructura secundaria se determinaron usando los programas Vector NTI Advance®, DSSP y POSA, así como herramientas de gestión de datos (AlignX®). Uno de los criterios principales de comparación y alineación fue la asignación de residuos estructuralmente equivalentes, con más de 70 % de identidad. Resultados. La organización estructural de la proteína E-ZIKV (PDB: 5iZ7) fue similar a la de E1-RV (PDB: 4ADG) (70 a 80 % de identidad), y se observó una correspondencia con la estructura definida para las glucoproteínas de fusión de membrana de clase II de los virus con envoltura. E-ZIKV y E1-RV exhibieron elementos estructurales de fusión muy conservados en la región distal del dominio II, asociados con la unión a los receptores celulares de entrada del virus de la rubéola (glucoproteína de mielina del oligodendrocito, Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein, MOG), y con los receptores celulares Axl del ZIKV y de otros flavivirus. Conclusión. La comparación de las proteínas E-ZIKV y E1-RV es un paso necesario hacia la definición de otros factores moleculares determinantes del neurotropismo y la patogenia del ZIKV, el cual puede contribuir a generar estrategias de diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento de las complicaciones neurológicas inducidas por el ZIKV.

Abstract Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped flavivirus transmitted to humans mainly by Aedes aegypti. ZIKV infection has been associated with high neurotropism and neuropathic effects such as the Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults, and fetal and postnatal microcephaly and the congenital Zika virus syndrome similar to that produced by rubella virus (VR). Objective: To compare Zika virus membrane protein E (E-ZIKV) and rubella virus membrane protein E1 (E1-RV), and to propose possible implications for neurotropism and nervous system disorders associated with ZIKV infections. Materials and methods: The amino acid sequence of E-ZIKV protein (PDB: 5iZ7) was aligned to that of rubella virus glycoprotein E1 (PDB: 4ADG). The secondary structure elements were determined using the programs Vector NTI Advance®, DSSP, and POSA, and integrated data management tools (AlignX®). One of the main comparison and alignment criteria was the allocation of structurally equivalent residues with more than 70% identity. Results: E-ZIKV structural organization (PDB: 5iZ7) was similar to that of E1-RV (PDB: 4ADG) (70%-80% identity), and it was consistent with relevant structural features of viral membrane class II fusion glycoproteins. E-ZIKV and E1-RV exhibited highly conserved fusion structural elements at the distal region of domain II, which has been associated with the RV myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and Axl cell receptors in ZIKV and other flaviviruses. Conclusion: The comparison of E-ZIKV and E1-RV proteins constitutes an essential step towards the definition of ZIKV neurotropism and pathogenesis molecular determinants, and for the adoption of diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies against neurological complications induced by ZIKV infection.

Research progress on extraction, purification, and molecular structural elucidation of active polysaccharide from Lycii Fructus and analysis on its industrial development status and prospect / 中草药

Lycii Fructus is a precious traditional medicinal and edible herb with multifunction, in which polysaccharide is believed to be a predominant active substance with multifarious biological functions and broad utilization prospect. In this review, the new technology application in extraction, purification, and structural elucidation of Lycii Fructus polysaccharide was systematically untangled, the current research situation and development trend were outlined, and the potential product groups and industry prospect in Lycii Fructus polysaccharide industrialization were analyzed to provide scientific reference for the enhancement of effective utilization and industrial chain of Lycii Fructus resources.

Protein molecular modeling of genetic markers for thyroid cancer / Modelagem molecular proteica dos marcadores genéticos do câncer de tireoide

ABSTRACT Introduction: The advances in thyroid molecular biology studies provide not only insight into thyroid diseases but accurate diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Objective: Design a tutorial on protein molecular modeling of genetic markers for thyroid cancer. Methods: The proteins were selected using the Protein Data Bank sequence and the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) algorithm. The obtained sequences were aligned with the Clustal W multiple alignment algorithms. For the molecular modeling, three-dimensional structures were generated from this set of constraints with the SWISS-MODEL, which is a fully automated protein structure homology-modeling server, accessible via the ExPASy web server. Results: We demonstrated protein analysis, projection of the molecular structure and protein homology of the following molecular markers of thyroid cancer: receptor tyrosine kinase (RET) proto-oncogene; neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1) proto-oncogene; phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); tumor protein p53 (TP53) gene; phosphoinositide 3-kinase/threonine protein kinase (PI3K/AKT); catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1); paired box 8-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PAX8-PPARG); rat sarcoma viral oncogene (RAS); B-raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF); and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR). Conclusion: This study shows the importance of understanding the molecular structure of the markers for thyroid cancer through bioinformatics, and consequently, the development of more effective new molecules as alternative tools for thyroid cancer treatment.

RESUMO Introdução: Os avanços nos estudos de biologia molecular da tireoide não fornecem apenas uma visão sobre as doenças tireoidianas, mas um diagnóstico preciso do câncer de tireoide. Objetivo: Realizar um tutorial sobre modelagem molecular proteica dos marcadores genéticos do câncer de tireoide. Métodos: As proteínas foram selecionadas utilizando sequência do Banco de Dados de Proteínas e algoritmo basic local alignment search tool (BLAST). As sequências obtidas foram alinhadas com os algoritmos de alinhamento múltiplo Clustal W. Para a modelagem molecular, as estruturas tridimensionais foram geradas a partir deste conjunto com o SWISS-MODEL, um servidor de homologia de modelagem de estrutura proteica totalmente automatizado, acessível por meio do servidor web ExPASy. Resultados: Demonstramos a análise das proteínas, a projeção da estrutura molecular e a homologia proteica dos seguintes marcadores moleculares de câncer de tireoide: proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (RET); proto-oncogene neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1); phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); gene tumor protein p53 (TP53); phosphoinositide 3-kinase/threonine protein kinase (PI3K/AKT); catenina beta 1 (CTNNB1); paired box 8-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PAX8-PPARG); rat sarcoma viral oncogene (RAS); B-raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) e thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR). Conclusão: Este estudo mostra a importância do conhecimento da estrutura molecular dos marcadores de câncer da tireoide por meio da bioinformática e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento de novas moléculas mais eficazes como ferramentas alternativas para o seu tratamento.

Solid Phase Extraction Technique Based on Electrospun Nanofibrous / 分析化学

Nanofibers have been considered as a potential kind of sorbent for solid phase extraction, accordingly nanofiber-based solid phase extraction ( Nanofibers based solid phase extraction, NFs-SPE ) becomes a popular research point of sample pretreatment technique. This article reviewed in and abroad research status of practical application in food, environmental and biological sample preparation based on nanofibers mat, and proposed that there was a dual “structure”-“activity” relationship between target adsorption efficiency and the two structures ( nanometer morphological structure and molecular structure ) of nanofibers, which would be the key breakthrough to explore adsorption mechanism.