Polypeptide nanoparticles conjugated with an NIR-II organic dye for TRPV1 channel blockade enhance mild phototheranostics.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted attention as a highly effective non-invasive treatment method. However, the high localized temperatures (>50 °C) required for its treatment will inevitably cause damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Therefore, it is important to develop novel and effective strategies to achieve mild photothermal therapy (mPTT). The overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), a widespread heat stress protein, leads to the generation of heat resistance in cancer cells, which seriously affects the therapeutic effect. Thus, inhibiting the expression of HSPs to reduce the heat resistance of tumor cells is expected to enhance the therapeutic effect of mPTT. Here, we successfully synthesized a fluorescent probe bonded with an amphiphilic polypeptide to a cyanine dye and achieved physical encapsulation of the blocker SB705498 through a self-assembly process. SB705498 promotes transient receptor potential vanilloid member 1 (TRPV1) channel blockade that can inhibit the translocation of the heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF 1) by blocking the influx of calcium and thus affecting the expression of HSPs, which has the potential to enhance the thermotherapy of cancer under mild conditions. In addition, the nanoparticles enabled NIR-II fluorescence imaging with good stability and high photothermal conversion efficiency (48.10 %). Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for realizing precise mPTT(<45 °C) guided by NIR-II imaging. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Inhibition of overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) is expected to enhance the therapeutic effect of mild photothermal therapy (mPTT). In this study, we synthesized a fluorescent probe bonded to cyanine dyes with amphiphilic polypeptides and physically wrapped the blocker SB705498 through a self-assembly process. As a transient receptor potential vanillin 1 (TRPV1) channel blocker, SB705498 inhibits heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) translocation by blocking calcium ion influx, thereby improving mPTT efficacy by inhibiting the expression of HSPs. The nanoparticles also enable NIR-II fluorescence imaging with good stability and high photothermal conversion efficiency (48.10 %). Thus, this study provides a new strategy for NIR-II mPTT.

Development of Macromolecular Cryoprotectants for Cryopreservation of Cells.

Cryopreservation is a common way for long-term storage of therapeutical proteins, erythrocytes, and mammalian cells. For cryoprotection of these biosamples to keep their structural integrity and biological activities, it is essential to incorporate highly efficient cryoprotectants. Currently, permeable small molecular cryoprotectants such as glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide dominate in cryostorage applications, but they are harmful to cells and human health. As acting in the extracellular space, membrane-impermeable macromolecular cryoprotectants, which exert remarkable membrane stabilization against cryo-injury and are easily removed post-thaw, are promising candidates with biocompatibility and feasibility. Water-soluble hydroxyl-containing polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyol-based polymers are potent ice recrystallization inhibitors, while polyampholytes, polyzwitterions, and bio-inspired (glyco)polypeptides can significantly increase post-thaw recovery with reduced membrane damages. In this review, the synthetic macromolecular cryoprotectants are systematically summarized based on their synthesis routes, practical utilities, and cryoprotective mechanisms. It provides a valuable insight in development of highly efficient macromolecular cryoprotectants with valid ice recrystallization inhibition activity for highly efficient and safe cryopreservation of cells.

[Bibliometric analysis of researches on the Plasmodium falciparum repetitive interspersed families of polypeptides protein from 1993 to 2022].

OBJECTIVE: To perform a bibliometric analysis of researches on the Plasmodium falciparum repetitive interspersed families of polypeptides (RIFIN) protein from 1993 to 2022 and identify the hot topics in the RIFIN protein research, so as to provide insights into future researches on RIFIN protein. METHODS: RIFIN protein-associated publications were retrieved in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1993 to 2022 and all bibliometric analyses were performed using the software CiteSpace 6.2.4.0. The annual number of RIFIN protein-associated publications was analyzed from 1993 to 2022, and country, author and institution collaboration networks were created. Keywords were extracted from RIFIN protein-associated publications for plotting keyword co-occurrence, clustering, burst and timeline maps to identify the hot topics in the RIFIN protein research. RESULTS: A total of 745 English RIFIN protein-associated publications were included in the final bibliometric analysis, and there were 18 to 36 publications each year from 1993 to 2022. The top three countries with the highest activity in the RIFIN protein research included the United States, the United Kingdom and France, universities and research institutes were highly active in the RIFIN protein research; however, no authors were identified with a high activity in the RIFIN protein research. There were three keyword clusters in the RIFIN protein-associated publications, including repetitive DNA sequence, molecular epidemiology and antigenic variation. Keyword co-occurrence, burst and timeline analyses showed that previous RIFIN protein-associated publications mainly focused on gene properties and functions, involving keywords of repetitive DNA sequence and evolution, and recent hot topics for the RIFIN protein research shifted to genetic diversity and immune response, involving keywords of genetic diversity, antigenic variation and binding. CONCLUSIONS: The annual number of RIFIN protein-associated publications was relatively stable from 1993 to 2022. This bibliometric analysis may provide insights into future researches on the RIFIN protein.

Molecular dynamics simulation on regulation of liquid-liquid phase separation of repetitive peptides.

Understanding the intricate interactions governing protein and peptide behavior in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is crucial for unraveling biological functions and dysfunctions. This study employs a residue-leveled coarse-grained molecular dynamics approach to simulate the phase separation of repetitive polyproline and polyarginine peptides (poly PR) with varying lengths and sequences in solution, considering different concentrations and temperatures. Our findings highlight the crucial role of sequence order in promoting LLPS in peptides with identical lengths of repetitive sequences. Interestingly, repetitive peptides containing fewer than 10 polyarginine repeats exhibit no LLPS, even at salt concentrations up to 3 M. Notably, our simulations align with experimental observations, pinpointing a salt concentration of 2.7 M for PR25-induced LLPS. Utilizing the same methodology, we predict the required salt concentrations for LLPS induction as 1.2 M, 1.5 M, and 2.7 M for PR12, PR15, and PR35, respectively. These predictions demonstrate good agreement with experimental results. Extending our investigation to include the peptide glutamine and arginine (GR15) in DNA solution, our simulations mirror experimental observations of phase separation. To unveil the molecular forces steering peptide phase separation, we introduce a dielectric constant modifier and hydrophobicity disruptor into poly PR systems. Our coarse-grained analysis includes an examination of temperature effects, leading to the inference that both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions drive phase separation in peptide systems.

Injectable Thermo-Responsive Peptide Hydrogels and Its Enzyme Triggered Dynamic Self-Assembly.

Endogenous stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels hold significant promise for practical applications due to their spatio-temporal controllable drug delivery. Herein, we report a facile strategy to construct a series of in situ formation polypeptide hydrogels with thermal responsiveness and enzyme-triggered dynamic self-assembly. The thermo-responsive hydrogels are from the diblock random copolymer mPEG-b-P(Glu-co-Tyr). The L-glutamic acid (Glu) segments with different γ-alkyl groups, including methyl, ethyl, and n-butyl, offer specific secondary structure, facilitating the formation of hydrogel. The L-tyrosine (Tyr) residues not only provide hydrogen-bond interactions and thus adjust the sol-gel transition temperatures, but also endow polypeptide enzyme-responsive properties. The PTyr segments could be phosphorylated, and the phosphotyrosine copolymers were amphiphilies, which could readily self-assemble into spherical aggregates and transform into sheet-like structures upon dephosphorylation by alkaline phosphatase (ALP). P(MGlu-co-Tyr/P) and P(MGlu-co-Tyr) copolymers showed good compatibility with both MC3T3-E1 and Hela cells, with cell viability above 80% at concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL. The prepared injectable polypeptide hydrogel and its enzyme-triggered self-assemblies show particular potential for biomedical applications.

Utility of Triethyloxonium Tetrafluoroborate for Chloride Removal during Sarcosine N-Carboxyanhydride Synthesis: Improving NCA Purity.

The clinical translation of polysarcosine (pSar) as polyethylene glycol (PEG) replacement in the development of novel nanomedicines creates a broad demand of polymeric material in high-quality making high-purity sarcosine N-carboxyanhydride (Sar-NCA) as monomer for its production inevitable. Within this report, we present the use of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate in Sar-NCA synthesis with focus on amino acid and chloride impurities to avoid the sublimation of Sar-NCAs. With a view towards upscaling into kilogram or ton scale, a new methodology of monomer purification is introduced by utilizing the Meerwein's Salt triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate to remove chloride impurities by covalent binding and converting chloride ions into volatile products within a single step. The novel straightforward technique enables access to monomers with significantly reduced chloride content (<100 ppm) compared to Sar-NCA derived by synthesis or sublimation. The derived monomers enable the controlled-living polymerization in DMF and provide access to pSar polymers with Poisson-like molecular weight distribution within a high range of chain lengths (Xn 25-200). In conclusion, the reported method can be easily applied to Sar-NCA synthesis or purification of commercially available pSar-NCAs and eases access to well-defined hetero-telechelic pSar polymers.

An Elastin-Derived Composite Matrix for Enhanced Vascularized and Innervated Bone Tissue Reconstruction: From Material Development to Preclinical Evaluation.

Despite progress in bone tissue engineering, reconstruction of large bone defects remains an important clinical challenge. Here, a biomaterial designed to recruit bone cells, endothelial cells, and neuronal fibers within the same matrix is developed, enabling bone tissue regeneration. The bioactive matrix is based on modified elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) grafted with laminin-derived adhesion peptides IKVAV and YIGSR, and the SNA15 peptide for retention of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. The composite matrix shows suitable porosity, interconnectivity, biocompatibility for endothelial cells, and the ability to support neurites outgrowth by sensory neurons. Subcutaneous implantation leads to the formation of osteoid tissue, characterized by the presence of bone cells, vascular networks, and neuronal structures, while minimizing inflammation. Using a rat femoral condyle defect model, longitudinal micro-CT analysis is performed, which demonstrates a significant increase in the volume of mineralized tissue when using the ELP-based matrix compared to empty defects and a commercially available control (Collapat). Furthermore, visible blood vessel networks and nerve fibers are observed within the lesions after a period of two weeks. By incorporating multiple key components that support cell growth, mineralization, and tissue integration, this ELP-based composite matrix provides a holistic and versatile solution to enhance bone tissue regeneration.

Intra-nanoparticle plasmonic nanogap based spatial-confinement SERS analysis of polypeptides.

Sensing and characterizing water-soluble polypeptides are essential in various biological applications. However, detecting polypeptides using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) remains a challenge due to the dominance of aromatic amino acid residues and backbones in the signal, which hinders the detection of non-aromatic amino acid residues. Herein, intra-nanoparticle plasmonic nanogap were designed by etching the Ag shell in Au@AgNPs (i.e., obtaining AuAg cores) with chlorauric acid under mild conditions, at the same time forming the outermost Au shell and the void between the AuAg cores and the Au shell (AuAg@void@Au). By varying the Ag to added chloroauric acid molar ratios, we pioneered a simple, controllable, and general synthetic strategy to form interlayer-free nanoparticles with tunable Au shell thickness, achieving precise regulation of electric field enhancement within the intra-nanogap. As validation, two polypeptide molecules, bacitracin and insulin B, were successfully synchronously encapsulated and spatial-confined in the intra-nanogap for sensing. Compared with concentrated 50 nm AuNPs and Au@AgNPs as SERS substrates, our simultaneous detection method improved the sensitivity of the assay while benefiting to obtain more comprehensive characteristic peaks of polypeptides. The synthetic strategy of confining analytes while fabricating plasmonic nanostructures enables the diffusion of target molecules into the nanogap in a highly specific and sensitive manner, providing the majority of the functionality required to achieve peptide detection or sequencing without the hassle of labeling.

Immunogens in Balamuthia mandrillaris: a proteomic exploration.

Balamuthia mandrillaris is the causative agent of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, a rare and often fatal infection affecting the central nervous system. The amoeba is isolated from diverse environmental sources and can cause severe infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Given the limited understanding of B. mandrillaris, our research aimed to explore its protein profile, identifying potential immunogens crucial for early granulomatous amoebic encephalitis diagnosis. Cultures of B. mandrillaris and other amoebas were grown under axenic conditions, and total amoebic extracts were obtained. Proteomic analyses, including two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, were performed. A 50-kDa band showed a robust recognition of antibodies from immunized BALB/c mice; peptides contained in this band were matched with elongation factor-1 alpha, which emerged as a putative key immunogen. Besides, lectin blotting revealed the presence of glycoproteins in B. mandrillaris, and confocal microscopy demonstrated the focal distribution of the 50-kDa band throughout trophozoites. Cumulatively, these observations suggest the participation of the 50-kDa band in adhesion and recognition mechanisms. Thus, these collective findings demonstrate some protein characteristics of B. mandrillaris, opening avenues for understanding its pathogenicity and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Development of a Potency Assay for Nous-209, a Multivalent Neoantigens-Based Genetic Cancer Vaccine.

Quality control testing of vaccines, including potency assessment, is critical to ensure equivalence of clinical lots. We developed a potency assay to support the clinical advancement of Nous-209, a cancer vaccine based on heterologous prime/boost administration of two multivalent viral vector products: GAd-209 and MVA-209. These consist of a mix of four Adeno (Great Ape Adenovirus; GAd) and four Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectors respectively, each containing a different transgene encoding a synthetic polypeptide composed of antigenic peptide fragments joined one after the other. The potency assay employs quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-Q-PCR) to quantitatively measure the transcripts from the four transgenes encoded by each product in in vitro infected cells, enabling simultaneous detection. Results showcase the assay's robustness and biological relevance, as it effectively detects potency loss in one component of the mixture comparably to in vivo immunogenicity testing. This report details the assay's setup and validation, offering valuable insights for the clinical development of similar genetic vaccines, particularly those encoding synthetic polypeptides.

Maximizing Polysaccharides and Phycoerythrin in Porphyridium purpureum via the Addition of Exogenous Compounds: A Response-Surface-Methodology Approach.

Phycoerythrin and polysaccharides have significant commercial value in medicine, cosmetics, and food industries due to their excellent bioactive functions. To maximize the production of biomass, phycoerythrin, and polysaccharides in Porphyridium purpureum, culture media were supplemented with calcium gluconate (CG), magnesium gluconate (MG) and polypeptides (BT), and their optimal amounts were determined using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on three single-factor experiments. The optimal concentrations of CG, MG, and BT were determined to be 4, 12, and 2 g L-1, respectively. The RSM-based models indicated that biomass and phycoerythrin production were significantly affected only by MG and BT, respectively. However, polysaccharide production was significantly affected by the interactions between CG and BT and those between MG and BT, with no significant effect from BT alone. Using the optimized culture conditions, the maximum biomass (5.97 g L-1), phycoerythrin (102.95 mg L-1), and polysaccharide (1.42 g L-1) concentrations met and even surpassed the model-predicted maximums. After optimization, biomass, phycoerythrin, and polysaccharides concentrations increased by 132.3%, 27.97%, and 136.67%, respectively, compared to the control. Overall, this study establishes a strong foundation for the highly efficient production of phycoerythrin and polysaccharides using P. purpureum.

Well-defined star (co)polypeptides via a fast, efficient, and metal-free strategy.

Polypeptides, especially star polypeptides, as a unique kind of biological macromolecules have broad applications in biomedical fields such as drug release, gene delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicines due to their close structural similarity to naturally occurring peptides and proteins, biocompatibility, and amino acid functionality. However, the synthesis of star polypeptide mainly relies on the conventional primary amine-initiated ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) and suffers from low polymerization activity and limited controllability. This study proposes a fast, efficient and metal-free strategy to access star (co)polypeptides by combining the Michael reaction between acrylates and secondary aminoalcohols with the hydrogen-bonding organocatalytic ROP of NCA. This approach enables the preparation of a library of star (co)polypeptides with predesigned molecular weights, narrow molecular weight distributions, tunable arm number, and arm compositions. Importantly, this method exhibits high activity and selectivity at room temperature, making it both practical and versatile in synthesis applications.

Interaction of mycotoxins zearalenone, α-zearalenol, and ß-zearalenol with cytochrome P450 (CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4) enzymes and organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP1A2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1).

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycoestrogen produced by Fusarium fungi. ZEN is a frequent contaminant in cereal-based products, representing significant health threat. The major reduced metabolites of ZEN are α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and ß-zearalenol (ß-ZEL). Since the toxicokinetic interactions of ZEN/ZELs with cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) have been barely characterized, we examined these interactions applying in vitro models. ZEN and ZELs were relatively strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 and moderate inhibitors of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9. Both CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 decreased ZEN and ß-ZEL concentrations in depletion assays, while only CYP1A2 reduced α-ZEL levels. OATPs tested were strongly or moderately inhibited by ZEN and ZELs; however, these mycotoxins did not show higher cytotoxicity in OATP-overexpressing cells. Our results help the deeper understanding of the toxicokinetic/pharmacokinetic interactions of ZEN, α-ZEL, and ß-ZEL.

Velvet antler polypeptide (VAP) protects against cerebral ischemic injury through NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Velvet antler polypeptide (VAP) has been shown to play important roles in the immune and nervous systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of VAP on cerebral ischemic injury with the involvement of NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PC-12 cells stimulated by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) was used to mimic cerebral ischemic injury in vitro. The levels of ROS, SOD, and intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ were measured by the relevant kits. Meanwhile, the expressions of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) were determined by ELISA kit assay. In addition, MTT, EdU, and flow cytometry assays were used to measure the cell proliferation and apoptosis. Besides which, the related proteins of NF-κB signaling pathway were measured by western blotting assay. RESULTS: VAP alleviated cerebral ischemic injury by reducing OGD/R-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in PC-12 cells in a time dependent manner. Mechanistically, VAP inhibited the levels of p-p65 and p-IkB-α in a time dependent manner, which was induced by OGD/R operation. Moreover, NF-κB agonist diprovocim overturned the suppression effects of VAP on OGD/R-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in PC-12 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that VAP may alleviate cerebral ischemic injury by suppressing the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Interplay of Ritonavir-Boosted Oral Cabazitaxel with the Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide (OATP) Uptake Transporters and Carboxylesterase 1 in Mice.

Intravenously administered chemotherapeutic cabazitaxel is used for palliative treatment of prostate cancer. An oral formulation would be more patient-friendly and reduce the need for hospitalization. We therefore study determinants of the oral pharmacokinetics of cabazitaxel in a ritonavir-boosted setting, which reduces the CYP3A-mediated first-pass metabolism of cabazitaxel. We here assessed the role of organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs) in the disposition of orally boosted cabazitaxel and its active metabolites, using the Oatp1a/b-knockout and the OATP1B1/1B3-transgenic mice. These transporters may substantially affect plasma clearance and hepatic and intestinal drug disposition. The pharmacokinetics of cabazitaxel and DM2 were not significantly affected by Oatp1a/b and OATP1B1/1B3 activity. In contrast, the plasma AUC0-120 min of DM1 in Oatp1a/b-/- was 1.9-fold (p < 0.05) higher than that in wild-type mice, and that of docetaxel was 2.4-fold (p < 0.05) higher. We further observed impaired hepatic uptake and intestinal disposition for DM1 and docetaxel in the Oatp-ablated strains. None of these parameters showed rescue by the OATP1B1 or -1B3 transporters in the humanized mouse strains, suggesting a minimal role of OATP1B1/1B3. Ritonavir itself was also a potent substrate for mOatp1a/b, showing a 2.9-fold (p < 0.0001) increased plasma AUC0-120 min and 3.5-fold (p < 0.0001) decreased liver-to-plasma ratio in Oatp1a/b-/- compared to those in wild-type mice. Furthermore, we observed the tight binding of cabazitaxel and its active metabolites, including docetaxel, to plasma carboxylesterase (Ces1c) in mice, which may complicate the interpretation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mouse studies. Collectively, these results will help to further optimize (pre)clinical research into the safety and efficacy of orally applied cabazitaxel.

A novel lncRNA-hidden polypeptide regulates malignant phenotypes and pemetrexed sensitivity in A549 pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells.

The advance of high-throughput sequencing enhances the discovery of short ORFs embedded in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Here, we uncovered the production and biological activity of lncRNA-hidden polypeptides in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In the present study, bioinformatics was used to screen the lncRNA-hidden polypeptides in LUAD. Analysis of protein expression was done by western blot or immunofluorescence assay. The functions of the polypeptide were determined by detecting its effects on cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and pemetrexed (PEM) sensitivity. The protein interactors of the polypeptide were analyzed by mass spectrometry after Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. The results showed that the lncRNA LINC00954 was confirmed to encode a novel polypeptide LINC00954-ORF. The polypeptide had tumor-suppressor features in A549 cells by repressing cell growth, motility and invasion. Moreover, the polypeptide enhanced PEM sensitivity and suppressed growth in A549/PEM cells. The protein interactors of this polypeptide had close correlations with RNA processing, amide metabolic process, translation, RNA binding, RNA transport, and DNA replication. As a conclusion, the LINC00954-ORF polypeptide embedded in lncRNA LINC00954 possesses tumor-suppressor features in A549 and PEM-resistant A549 cells and sensitizes PEM-resistant A549 cells to PEM, providing evidence that the LINC00954-ORF polypeptide is a potential anti-cancer agent in LUAD.

[Research progress of non-coding RNA-encoding polypeptides in primary hepatocellular carcinoma].

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, with rapid progression and a poor prognosis. More and more studies have shown that there are small open reading frames (sORFs) on the molecular sequences of a large number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which can encode conserved peptides that play an important role in controlling the occurrence and development of HCC. This article introduces the discovery, prediction, and validation methods of ncRNA-encoding polypeptides and reviews its research progress, with the aim of providing new targets and ideas for early-stage diagnosis, targeted therapy, and prognosis assessment of HCC.

Isolation, purification, and antiosteoporosis activity of donkey bone collagen from discarded bone and its antioxidant peptides.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of osteoporosis. In this study, it was observed that donkey bone collagen (DC) at a concentration of 500 µg/mL scavenged 17.89 % of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, indicating its antioxidant properties. Additionally, when an oxidative damage osteoblast model was created using H2O2, 100 µg/mL DC demonstrated the ability to enhance cell survival by 27.31 %. Furthermore, 50 µg/mL DC increased the intracellular differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level by 62.65 %. Additionally, the study revealed that DC significantly increased the expression of osteoporosis-related factors in serum and effectively restored the abnormal structure of spongy bone in mice osteoporosis model. Peptides (GGWFL, ANLGPA, and GWFK) isolated from DC through gastrointestinal digestion and subsequent enzymatic purification in vitro demonstrated the ability to safeguard osteoblasts from H2O2-induced damage by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This protection resulted in enhanced cell survival and promoted osteoblast differentiation. This investigation underscores that DC can shield oxidative damage osteoblast model from oxidative stress, ameliorate osteoporosis, and enhance bone density in mice osteoporosis model. These findings suggest various DC applications in the food and medicine industries.

Polypeptides from traditional Chinese medicine: Comprehensive review of perspective towards cancer management.

Cancer has always been a focus of global attention, and the difficulty of treatment and poor prognosis have always plagued humanity. Conventional chemotherapeutics and treatment with synthetic disciplines will cause adverse side effects and drug resistance. Therefore, searching for a safe, valid, and clinically effective drug is necessary. At present, some natural compounds have proved to have the potential to fight cancer. Polypeptides obtained from traditional Chinese medicine are good anti-cancer ingredients. The anticancer activity has been fully demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. However, most of the functional studies on traditional Chinese medicine polypeptides are at the stage of basic experimental research, and fewer of them have been applied to clinical trials. Hence, this review mainly discusses the chemical structure, extraction, separation and purification methods, the anti-cancer mechanism, and structure-activity relationships of traditional Chinese medicine polypeptides. It provides theoretical support for strengthening the rapid separation and purification and the overall efficacy and mechanism of action, as well as the industrialization and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine polypeptides.

Protein-based nanoparticles for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery.

To realize the full potential of emerging nucleic acid therapies, there is a need for effective delivery agents to transport cargo to cells of interest. Protein materials exhibit several unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization via recombinant and chemical modifications, among other features, which establish a promising basis for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery systems. In this review, we highlight progress made in the use of non-viral protein-based nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, while elaborating on key physicochemical properties that have enabled the use of these materials for nanoparticle formulation and drug delivery. To conclude, we comment on the prospects and unresolved challenges associated with the translation of protein-based nucleic acid delivery systems for therapeutic applications.