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2021

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Articles 1 - 30 of 304

Full-Text Articles in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology

Likely Community Transmission Of Covid-19 Infections Between Neighboring, Persistent Hotspots In Ontario, Canada, Ben C. Shirley, Eliseos J. Mucaki, Peter Rogan Dec 2021

Likely Community Transmission Of Covid-19 Infections Between Neighboring, Persistent Hotspots In Ontario, Canada, Ben C. Shirley, Eliseos J. Mucaki, Peter Rogan

Biochemistry Publications

Introduction: This study aimed to produce community-level geo-spatial mapping of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ontario Canada in near real-time to support decision-making. This was accomplished by area-to-area geostatistical analysis, space-time integration, and spatial interpolation of COVID-19 positive individuals.
Methods: COVID-19 cases and locations were curated for geostatistical analyses from March 2020 through June 2021, corresponding to the first, second, and third waves of infections. Daily cases were aggregated according to designated forward sortation area (FSA), and postal codes (PC) in municipal regions Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, London, Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor/Essex county. Hotspots were identified with area-to-area tests including Getis-Ord Gi*, Global …

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Sharing The Salt Bowl: Counterion Identity Drives N-Alkyl Resorcinarene Affinity For Pyrophosphate In Water, Kwaku Twum, Seyed Iraj Sadraei, Jordan Feder, S. Maryamdokht Taimoory, Kari Rissanen, John F. Trant, Ngong Kodiah Beyeh Dec 2021

Sharing The Salt Bowl: Counterion Identity Drives N-Alkyl Resorcinarene Affinity For Pyrophosphate In Water, Kwaku Twum, Seyed Iraj Sadraei, Jordan Feder, S. Maryamdokht Taimoory, Kari Rissanen, John F. Trant, Ngong Kodiah Beyeh

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

N-Alkyl ammonium resorcinarene chloride receptors, NARX4, have been shown to act as high-sensitivity detectors of pyrophosphate (PPi), a biomarker of disease, in aqueous media through the chloride-to-PPi exchange [NAR(Cl)4 to NARPPi]. The nature of the anion of the macrocyclic NARX4 (X = Cl−, Br−, triflate OTf−) receptor greatly influences the PPi-affinity in aqueous media. The binding affinity for [NAR (Cl)4] is 3.61 × 105 M−1, while the NAR (Br)4 and NAR (OTf)4 show stronger binding of 5.30 × 105 M−1, and 6.10 × 105 M−1, respectively. The effects of upper rim ammonium cation, –N+H2R substituents (R = 3-hydroxypropyl, cyclohexyl, …

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High-Resolution Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structure Of Photosystem Ii From The Mesophilic Cyanobacterium, Synechocystis Sp. Pcc 6803, Christopher J. Gisriel, Jimin Wang, Jinchan Liu, David A. Flesher, Krystle M. Reiss, Hao-Li Huang, Ke R. Yang, William H. Armstrong, M. R. Gunner, Victor S. Batista, Richard J. Debus, Gary W. Brudvig Dec 2021

High-Resolution Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structure Of Photosystem Ii From The Mesophilic Cyanobacterium, Synechocystis Sp. Pcc 6803, Christopher J. Gisriel, Jimin Wang, Jinchan Liu, David A. Flesher, Krystle M. Reiss, Hao-Li Huang, Ke R. Yang, William H. Armstrong, M. R. Gunner, Victor S. Batista, Richard J. Debus, Gary W. Brudvig

Publications and Research

Photosystem II (PSII) enables global-scale, light-driven water oxidation. Genetic manipulation of PSII from the mesophilic cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has provided insights into the mechanism of water oxidation; however, the lack of a highresolution structure of oxygen-evolving PSII from this organism has limited the interpretation of biophysical data to models based on structures of thermophilic cyanobacterial PSII. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of PSII from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 at 1.93-Å resolution. A number of differences are observed relative to thermophilic PSII structures, including the following: the extrinsic subunit PsbQ is maintained, the C terminus of the …

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Late-Life Exercise Mitigates Skeletal Muscle Epigenetic Aging, Kevin A. Murach, Andrea L. Dimet-Wiley, Yuan Wen, Camille R. Brightwell, Christine M. Latham, Cory M. Dungan, Christopher S. Fry, Stanley J. Watowich Dec 2021

Late-Life Exercise Mitigates Skeletal Muscle Epigenetic Aging, Kevin A. Murach, Andrea L. Dimet-Wiley, Yuan Wen, Camille R. Brightwell, Christine M. Latham, Cory M. Dungan, Christopher S. Fry, Stanley J. Watowich

Center for Muscle Biology Faculty Publications

There are functional benefits to exercise in muscle, even when performed late in life, but the contributions of epigenetic factors to late-life exercise adaptation are poorly defined. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and mitochondrial-specific examination of methylation, targeted high-resolution methylation analysis, and DNAge™ epigenetic aging clock analysis with a translatable model of voluntary murine endurance/resistance exercise training (progressive weighted wheel running, PoWeR), we provide evidence that exercise may mitigate epigenetic aging in skeletal muscle. Late-life PoWeR from 22–24 months of age modestly but significantly attenuates an age-associated shift toward promoter hypermethylation. The epigenetic age of muscle …

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Cryptococcus Neoformans Melanization Incorporates Multiple Catecholamines To Produce Polytypic Melanin, Rosanna P. Baker, Christine Chrissian, Ruth E. Stark, Arturo Casadevall Dec 2021

Cryptococcus Neoformans Melanization Incorporates Multiple Catecholamines To Produce Polytypic Melanin, Rosanna P. Baker, Christine Chrissian, Ruth E. Stark, Arturo Casadevall

Publications and Research

Melanin is a major virulence factor in pathogenic fungi that enhances the ability of fungal cells to resist immune clearance. Cryptococcus neoformans is an important human pathogenic fungus that synthesizes melanin from exogenous tissue catecholamine precursors during infection, but the type of melanin made in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is unknown. We analyzed the efficacy of various catecholamines found in brain tissue in supporting melanization using animal brain tissue and synthetic catecholamine mixtures reflecting brain tissue proportions. Solid-state NMR spectra of the melanin pigment produced from such mixtures yielded more melanin than expected if only the preferred constituent dopamine had been incorporated, …

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Reaction Of Alkynyl- And Alkenyltrifluoroborates With Propargyldicobalt Cations: Alkynylation, Alkenylation, And Cyclopropanation Product Pathways, Brent St Onge, S. Maryamdokht Taimoory, Jeffrey Battersby, John F. Trant, James R. Green Dec 2021

Reaction Of Alkynyl- And Alkenyltrifluoroborates With Propargyldicobalt Cations: Alkynylation, Alkenylation, And Cyclopropanation Product Pathways, Brent St Onge, S. Maryamdokht Taimoory, Jeffrey Battersby, John F. Trant, James R. Green

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

The Lewis acid-mediated Nicholas reactions of propargyl acetate–Co2(CO)6 complexes with a series of potassium alkynyltrifluoroborates and potassium alkenyltrifluoroborates are described. Alkynyltrifluoroborates directly alkynylate the intermediate propargyldicobalt cations. In contrast, alkenyltrifluoroborates proceed through one of the three modes of dominant reactivity: C-2-substituted alkenyltrifluorobrates directly alkenylate, predominantly with the retention of stereochemistry. C-1-substituted alkenyltrifluoroborates alkenylate at C-2. Potassium vinyltrifluoroborate incorporates a cyclopropane at the site propargyl to alkynedicobalt. Computational analysis of these systems explains the differential modes of reactivity of alkenyltrifluoroborates and outlines the probable mechanisms for the formation of each product.

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Protocol For Fabricating Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold Strain Sensors On Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Gloves For Wearable Electronics, Sara S. Mechael, Yunyun Wu, Yiting Chen, Tricia Breen Carmichael Dec 2021

Protocol For Fabricating Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold Strain Sensors On Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Gloves For Wearable Electronics, Sara S. Mechael, Yunyun Wu, Yiting Chen, Tricia Breen Carmichael

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

This protocol describes the fabrication of patterned conductive gold films on nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) gloves for wearable strain sensors using electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) plating, a solution-based metallization technique. The resulting NBR/ENIG films are strain sensitive; resistance measurements of a patterned sensing array can be used to map human hand motions. This protocol also describes challenges related to the ENIG process and troubleshooting steps to achieve conformal gold films for strain sensing over a large working range. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Mechael et al. (2021).

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A Link Between Methylglyoxal And Heart Failure During Hiv-1 Infection, Prasanta K. Dasg, Fadhel A. Alomar, Jesse L. Cox, Joellyn Mcmillan, Bryan T. Hackfort, Edward Makarov, Brenda Morsey, Howard S. Fox, Howard E. Gendelman, Santhi Gorantla, Keshore R. Bidasee Dec 2021

A Link Between Methylglyoxal And Heart Failure During Hiv-1 Infection, Prasanta K. Dasg, Fadhel A. Alomar, Jesse L. Cox, Joellyn Mcmillan, Bryan T. Hackfort, Edward Makarov, Brenda Morsey, Howard S. Fox, Howard E. Gendelman, Santhi Gorantla, Keshore R. Bidasee

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Early-onset heart failure (HF) continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) infection (PLWH), yet the molecular causes for this remain poorly understood. Herein NOD.Cg- PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ humanized mice (Hu-mice), plasma from PLWH, and autopsied cardiac tissues from deceased HIV seropositive individuals were used to assess if there is a link between the glycolysis byproduct methylglyoxal (MG) and HF in the setting of HIV-1 infection. At five weeks post HIV infection, Hu-mice developed grade III-IV diastolic dysfunction (DD) with an associated two-fold increase in plasma …

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Aquaporin Expression And Cholesterol Content In Eel Swimbladder Tissue, Victoria Drechsel, Gabriel Schneebauer, Birgit Fiechtner, Christopher P. Cutler, Bernd Pelster Dec 2021

Aquaporin Expression And Cholesterol Content In Eel Swimbladder Tissue, Victoria Drechsel, Gabriel Schneebauer, Birgit Fiechtner, Christopher P. Cutler, Bernd Pelster

Department of Biology Faculty Publications

Leakiness of the swimbladder wall of teleost fishes must be prevented to avoid diffusional loss of gases out of the swimbladder. Guanine incrustation as well as high concentrations of cholesterol in swimbladder membranes in midwater and deep-sea fish has been connected to a reduced gas permeability of the swimbladder wall. On the contrary, the swimbladder is filled by diffusion of gases, mainly oxygen and CO2, from the blood and the gas gland cells into the swimbladder lumen. In swimbladder tissue of the zebrafish and the Japanese eel, aquaporin mRNA has been detected, and the aquaporin protein has been considered important …

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Enhancing Therapeutic Approaches For Melanoma Patients Targeting Epigenetic Modifiers., Maria Gracia-Hernandez, Zuleima Munoz, Alejandro Villagra Dec 2021

Enhancing Therapeutic Approaches For Melanoma Patients Targeting Epigenetic Modifiers., Maria Gracia-Hernandez, Zuleima Munoz, Alejandro Villagra

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications

Melanoma is the least common but deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanomagenesis is driven by a series of mutations and epigenetic alterations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that allow melanomas to grow, evolve, and metastasize. Epigenetic alterations can also lead to immune evasion and development of resistance to therapies. Although the standard of care for melanoma patients includes surgery, targeted therapies, and immune checkpoint blockade, other therapeutic approaches like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immune cell-based therapies are used for patients with advanced disease or unresponsive to the conventional first-line therapies. Targeted therapies such as the use of BRAF and …

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The Application Of Mathematical Optimization And Flavor-Detection Technologies For Modeling Aroma Of Hops, Yutong Liu Dec 2021

The Application Of Mathematical Optimization And Flavor-Detection Technologies For Modeling Aroma Of Hops, Yutong Liu

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In recent years, proprietary hops (Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic) become the most sought-after hops among brewers due to their excellent aroma. However, they are restricted to the owners unless other growers purchase the costly licensing agreements. Many public hops are available to the growers without any additional costs, but their aroma is difficult to match to the proprietary hops. Although proprietary and public hop varieties are unique in their aroma profiles, all hops varieties contain similar volatile compounds, merely differ in the quantity of different individual compounds. The main objective of this thesis was to investigate the feasibility of matching …

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Single-Variable Porous Nanomaterial Series From Polymer Structure-Directing Agents, Morgan Stefik Dec 2021

Single-Variable Porous Nanomaterial Series From Polymer Structure-Directing Agents, Morgan Stefik

Faculty Publications

Block polymer structure-directing agents (SDA) enable the production of porous nanoscale materials. Most strategies rely upon polymer equilibration where diverse morphologies are realized in porous functional materials. This review details how solvent selectivity determines the polymer SDA behaviors, spanning from bulk-type to solution-type. Equilibrating behavior of either type, however, obscures nanostructure cause-and-effect since the resulting sample series convolve multiple spatial variations. Solution-type SDA behaviors include both dynamic and persistent micelles. Persistent micelle templates (PMT) use high solvent selectivity for kinetic entrapment. PMTs enable independent wall thickness control with demonstrated 2 Å precision alterations. Unimodal PMT pore size distributions have spanned …

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Early Life Neonicotinoid Exposure Results In Proximal Benefits And Ultimate Carryover Effects, Thomas Zgirski, Pierre Legagneux, Olivier Chastel, Lyette Regimbald, Louise Prouteau, Audrey Le Pogam, Hélène Budzinski, Oliver P. Love, François Vézina Dec 2021

Early Life Neonicotinoid Exposure Results In Proximal Benefits And Ultimate Carryover Effects, Thomas Zgirski, Pierre Legagneux, Olivier Chastel, Lyette Regimbald, Louise Prouteau, Audrey Le Pogam, Hélène Budzinski, Oliver P. Love, François Vézina

Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research Publications

Neonicotinoids are insecticides widely used as seed treatments that appear to have multiple negative effects on birds at a diversity of biological scales. Adult birds exposed to a low dose of imidacloprid, one of the most commonly used neonicotinoids, presented reduced fat stores, delayed migration and potentially altered orientation. However, little is known on the effect of imidacloprid on birds growth rate despite studies that have documented disruptive effects of low imidacloprid doses on thyroid gland communication. We performed a 2 × 2 factorial design experiment in Zebra finches, in which nestling birds were exposed to a very low dose …

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Herd Immunity Drives The Epidemic Fadeout Of Avian Cholera In Arctic-Nesting Seabirds, Jacintha G.B. Van Dijk, Samuel A. Iverson, H. Grant Gilchrist, N. Jane Harms, Holly L. Hennin, Oliver P. Love, E. Isabel Buttler, Stephanie Lesceu, Jeffrey T. Foster, Mark R. Forbes, Catherine Soos Dec 2021

Herd Immunity Drives The Epidemic Fadeout Of Avian Cholera In Arctic-Nesting Seabirds, Jacintha G.B. Van Dijk, Samuel A. Iverson, H. Grant Gilchrist, N. Jane Harms, Holly L. Hennin, Oliver P. Love, E. Isabel Buttler, Stephanie Lesceu, Jeffrey T. Foster, Mark R. Forbes, Catherine Soos

Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research Publications

Avian cholera, caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, is a common and important infectious disease of wild birds in North America. Between 2005 and 2012, avian cholera caused annual mortality of widely varying magnitudes in Northern common eiders (Somateria mollissima borealis) breeding at the largest colony in the Canadian Arctic, Mitivik Island, Nunavut. Although herd immunity, in which a large proportion of the population acquires immunity to the disease, has been suggested to play a role in epidemic fadeout, immunological studies exploring this hypothesis have been missing. We investigated the role of three potential drivers of fadeout of avian cholera …

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Synergistic Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Activity Of Hypoxis Hemerocallidea-Derived Silver Nanoparticles And Streptomycin Against Respiratory Pathobionts, Oluwole S. Aremu, T. Qwebani-Ogunleye, Lebogang Katata-Seru, Zimbili Mkhize, John F. Trant Dec 2021

Synergistic Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Activity Of Hypoxis Hemerocallidea-Derived Silver Nanoparticles And Streptomycin Against Respiratory Pathobionts, Oluwole S. Aremu, T. Qwebani-Ogunleye, Lebogang Katata-Seru, Zimbili Mkhize, John F. Trant

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

Respiratory tract infections arise due to the introduction of microbes into the airway, disrupting the normal, healthy, complex interdependent microbiome. The selective disruption of this community can be either beneficial or dangerous. Nanoparticles are a potential tool for modifying this population. Coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using ethanolic extracts of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (EEHH), a Southern African plant used extensively in traditional medicine and the source of many bioactive secondary metabolites. The room temperature reaction between silver nitrate and EEHH forms largely spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 6–20 nm. These nanoparticles show similar levels of antibacterial activity as …

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New Isolate From Salvinia Molesta With Antioxidant And Urease Inhibitory Activity, Nadra Naheed, Saima Maher, Farooq Saleem, Ajmal Khan, Abdul Wadood, Saima Rasheed, M. Iqbal Choudhary, Matheus Froeyen, Iskandar Abdullah, Muhammad Usman Mirza, John F. Trant, Sarfraz Ahmad Dec 2021

New Isolate From Salvinia Molesta With Antioxidant And Urease Inhibitory Activity, Nadra Naheed, Saima Maher, Farooq Saleem, Ajmal Khan, Abdul Wadood, Saima Rasheed, M. Iqbal Choudhary, Matheus Froeyen, Iskandar Abdullah, Muhammad Usman Mirza, John F. Trant, Sarfraz Ahmad

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

Urease plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis pyelonephritis, urinary catheter encrustation, hepatic coma, hepatic encephalopathy, and peptic acid duodenal ulcers. Salvinia molesta was explored to identify new bioactive compounds with particular emphasis on urease inhibitors. The aqueous methanol extract was fractionated using solvents of increasing polarity. A series of column chromatography and later HPLC were performed on butanol extract. The structures of the resulting pure compounds were resolved using NMR (1D and 2D), infrared, and mass spectroscopy. The novel isolate was evaluated for antioxidant activity (using DPPH, superoxide anion radical scavenging, oxidative burst, and Fe+2 chelation assays), …

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Charting A New Frontier Integrating Mathematical Modeling In Complex Biological Systems From Molecules To Ecosystems, Katharine A. White, Kira D. Mcentire, Nicole R. Buan, Lecia Robinson, Elisar Barbar Dec 2021

Charting A New Frontier Integrating Mathematical Modeling In Complex Biological Systems From Molecules To Ecosystems, Katharine A. White, Kira D. Mcentire, Nicole R. Buan, Lecia Robinson, Elisar Barbar

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Advances in quantitative biology data collection and analysis across scales (molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological) have transformed how we understand, categorize, and predict complex biological systems. This surge of quantitative data creates an opportunity to apply, develop, and evaluate mathematical models of biological systems and explore novel methods of analysis. Simultaneously, thanks to increased computational power, mathematicians, engineers, and physical scientists have developed sophisticated models of biological systems at different scales. Novel modeling schemes can offer deeper understanding of principles in biology, but there is still a disconnect between modeling and experimental biology that limits our ability to fully realize …

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Adrenocortical Attunement, Reactivity, And Potential Genetic Correlates Among Parent-Daughter Dyads From Low-Income Families, Jennifer Byrd-Craven, Michael M. Criss, Jessica L. Calvi, Lixian Cui, Amanda Baraldi, Amanda Sheffield Morris Dec 2021

Adrenocortical Attunement, Reactivity, And Potential Genetic Correlates Among Parent-Daughter Dyads From Low-Income Families, Jennifer Byrd-Craven, Michael M. Criss, Jessica L. Calvi, Lixian Cui, Amanda Baraldi, Amanda Sheffield Morris

Athletic Performance Research

Examining the multitude of influences on the development of adolescent stress responses, especially among low-income families, is a critical and understudied topic in the field. The current study examined cortisol attunement between adolescent girls and parents (mostly mothers) from predominantly low-income, single parent, ethnic minority families before and after an in-laboratory disagreement discussion task. The sample consisted of 118 adolescents (Mage = 13.79 years, 76.3% ethnic minorities, 23.7% European Americans) and primary caregivers (Mage = 40.62 years; Mdn yearly income = $24,000; 43.2% single parents; 50% living below poverty line). We investigated oxytocin receptor (OXTR rs53576) …

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Evaluation Of The Trunarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer As A Pre-Analysis Screening Device For The Orange County Crime Lab, Sarah Yang, D. Bauer, C. Woltz, S. Soto, Michael Ibba Dec 2021

Evaluation Of The Trunarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer As A Pre-Analysis Screening Device For The Orange County Crime Lab, Sarah Yang, D. Bauer, C. Woltz, S. Soto, Michael Ibba

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Forensic analysis of suspected narcotics is often dangerous as the substances’ composition is unknown. Many techniques for drug identification require handling of the substance outside of its packaging, which can expose the analyst to potentially harmful chemicals. The TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer is a portable Raman spectroscopy device that is non-destructive of evidence and can be used to screen drugs through simple packaging to minimize the risk of exposure. The Orange County Crime Lab (OCCL) is testing the limits of this device to determine if it can be used to screen new evidence within the Seized Drugs Lab. The OCCL …

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Reintegrating Biology Through The Nexus Of Energy, Information, And Matter, Kim L. Hoke, Sara L. Zimmer, Adam B. Roddy, Mary Jo Ondrechen, Craig E. Williamson, Nicole R. Buan Dec 2021

Reintegrating Biology Through The Nexus Of Energy, Information, And Matter, Kim L. Hoke, Sara L. Zimmer, Adam B. Roddy, Mary Jo Ondrechen, Craig E. Williamson, Nicole R. Buan

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Information, energy, and matter are fundamental properties of all levels of biological organization, and life emerges from the continuous flux of matter, energy, and information. This perspective piece defines and explains each of the three pillars of this nexus. We propose that a quantitative characterization of the complex interconversions between matter, energy, and information that compose this nexus will help us derive biological insights that connect phenomena across different levels of biological organization. We articulate examples from multiple biological scales that highlight how this nexus approach leads to a more complete understanding of the biological system. Metrics of energy, information, …

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Expanding The Conservation Genomics Toolbox: Incorporating Structural Variants To Enhance Genomic Studies For Species Of Conservation Concern, Stephanie J. Galla Dec 2021

Expanding The Conservation Genomics Toolbox: Incorporating Structural Variants To Enhance Genomic Studies For Species Of Conservation Concern, Stephanie J. Galla

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Structural variants (SVs) are large rearrangements (>50 bp) within the genome that impact gene function and the content and structure of chromosomes. As a result, SVs are a significant source of functional genomic variation, that is, variation at genomic regions underpinning phenotype differences, that can have large effects on individual and population fitness. While there are increasing opportunities to investigate functional genomic variation in threatened species via single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data sets, SVs remain understudied despite their potential influence on fitness traits of conservation interest. In this future-focused Opinion, we contend that characterizing SVs offers the conservation genomics …

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Characterization Of The Multifunctional Enzyme Proline Utilization A, Yizi Mao Dec 2021

Characterization Of The Multifunctional Enzyme Proline Utilization A, Yizi Mao

Department of Biochemistry: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Proline is a unique and important amino acid. Proline is a proteogenic amino acid and its metabolism is involved in many critical cellular functions. Therefore, proline metabolism is tightly regulated, and dysfunction of proline metabolism is related to human diseases. The first step of proline oxidization to ∆1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) is catalyzed by proline dehydrogenase (PRODH). P5C is then non-enzymatically hydrolyzed to glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSA), which can be further oxidized to glutamate by P5C dehydrogenase (P5CDH/GSALDH). In Gram-negative bacteria, the PRODH and P5CDH enzymes are expressed as one polypeptide called proline utilization A (PutA). In some Gram-negative bacteria an …

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Analysis Of Hendra Virus Fusion Protein N-Terminal Transmembrane Residues, Chelsea T. Barrett, Hadley E. Neal, Kearstin Edmonds, J. Lizbeth Reyes Zamora, Carole L. Moncman, Andreea Popa, Everett Clinton Smith, Stacy R. Webb, Rebecca Ellis Dutch Nov 2021

Analysis Of Hendra Virus Fusion Protein N-Terminal Transmembrane Residues, Chelsea T. Barrett, Hadley E. Neal, Kearstin Edmonds, J. Lizbeth Reyes Zamora, Carole L. Moncman, Andreea Popa, Everett Clinton Smith, Stacy R. Webb, Rebecca Ellis Dutch

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Hendra virus (HeV) is a zoonotic enveloped member of the family Paramyoxviridae. To successfully infect a host cell, HeV utilizes two surface glycoproteins: the attachment (G) protein to bind, and the trimeric fusion (F) protein to merge the viral envelope with the membrane of the host cell. The transmembrane (TM) region of HeV F has been shown to have roles in F protein stability and the overall trimeric association of F. Previously, alanine scanning mutagenesis has been performed on the C-terminal end of the protein, revealing the importance of β-branched residues in this region. Additionally, residues S490 and Y498 have …

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Recovery Of Altered Diabetic Myofibroblast Heterogeneity And Gene Expression Associated With Cd301b+ Macrophages, Maryellen R. Haas, Darlene V. Nguyen, Brett A. Shook Nov 2021

Recovery Of Altered Diabetic Myofibroblast Heterogeneity And Gene Expression Associated With Cd301b+ Macrophages, Maryellen R. Haas, Darlene V. Nguyen, Brett A. Shook

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

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From Fat To Bilayers: Understanding Where And How Vitamin E Works, Jeffrey Atkinson, Drew Marquardt, Mitchell Dipasquale, Thad Harroun Nov 2021

From Fat To Bilayers: Understanding Where And How Vitamin E Works, Jeffrey Atkinson, Drew Marquardt, Mitchell Dipasquale, Thad Harroun

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

Vitamin E was one of the last fat-soluble vitamins to be discovered. We provide here an historical review of the discovery and the increasingly more detailed understanding of the role of α-tocopherol both as an antioxidant and as a structural component of phospholipid bilayer membranes. Despite the detailed descriptions now available of the orientation, location, and dynamics of α-tocopherol in lipid bilayers, there are still gaps in our knowledge of the effect of α-tocopherol and its potential receptors than control gene transcription.

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Structure Of A Monomeric Photosystem Ii Core Complex From A Cyanobacterium Acclimated To Far-Red Light Reveals The Functions Of Chlorophylls D And F, Christopher J. Gisriel, Gaozhong Shen, Ming-Yang Ho, Vasily Kurashov, David A. Flesher, Jimin Wang, William H. Armstrong, John H. Golbeck, Marilyn R. Gunner, David J. Vinyard, Richard J. Debus, Gary W. Brudvig, Donald A. Bryant Nov 2021

Structure Of A Monomeric Photosystem Ii Core Complex From A Cyanobacterium Acclimated To Far-Red Light Reveals The Functions Of Chlorophylls D And F, Christopher J. Gisriel, Gaozhong Shen, Ming-Yang Ho, Vasily Kurashov, David A. Flesher, Jimin Wang, William H. Armstrong, John H. Golbeck, Marilyn R. Gunner, David J. Vinyard, Richard J. Debus, Gary W. Brudvig, Donald A. Bryant

Publications and Research

Far-red light (FRL) photoacclimation in cyanobacteria provides a selective growth advantage for some terrestrial cyanobacteria by expanding the range of photosynthetically active radiation to include far-red/near-infrared light (700–800 nm). During this photoacclimation process, photosystem II (PSII), the water:plastoquinone photooxidoreductase involved in oxygenic photosynthesis, is modified. The resulting FRL-PSII is comprised of FRL-specific core subunits and binds chlorophyll (Chl) d and Chl f molecules in place of several of the Chl a molecules found when cells are grown in visible light. These new Chls effectively lower the energy canonically thought to define the “red limit” for light required to drive photochemical …

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Stabilin Receptors Clear Lps And Control Systemic Inflammation, Fatima Cabral, Mustafa Al-Rahem, John Skaggs, Thushara A. Thomas, Naresh Kumar, Qian Wu, Paolo Fadda, Lianbo Yu, John M. Robinson, Jonghan Kim, Ekta Pandey, Xinghui Sun, Wael N. Jarjour, Murugesan V.S. Rajaram, Edward N. Harris, Latha P. Ganesan Nov 2021

Stabilin Receptors Clear Lps And Control Systemic Inflammation, Fatima Cabral, Mustafa Al-Rahem, John Skaggs, Thushara A. Thomas, Naresh Kumar, Qian Wu, Paolo Fadda, Lianbo Yu, John M. Robinson, Jonghan Kim, Ekta Pandey, Xinghui Sun, Wael N. Jarjour, Murugesan V.S. Rajaram, Edward N. Harris, Latha P. Ganesan

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) cause lethal endotoxemia if not rapidly cleared from blood circulation. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) systemically clear LPS by unknown mechanisms. We discovered that LPS clearance through LSEC involves endocytosis and lysosomal inactivation via Stabilin-1 and 2 (Stab1 and Stab2) but does not involve TLR4. Cytokine production was inversely related to clearance/endocytosis of LPS by LSEC. When exposed to LPS, Stabilin double knockout mice (Stab DK) and Stab1 KO, but not Stab2 KO, showed significantly enhanced systemic inflammatory cytokine production and early death compared with WT mice. Stab1 KO is not significantly different from Stab DK in circulatory …

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Chemical And Biological Characterization Of The Anticancer Potency Of Salvia Fruticosa In A Model Of Human Malignant Melanoma, Sotiris Kyriakou, Venetia Tragkola, Michael Plioukas, Ioannis Anestopoulos, Paschalina S. Chatzopoulou, Eirini Sarrou, Dimitrios T. Trafalis, Maria V. Deligiorgi, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidi Nov 2021

Chemical And Biological Characterization Of The Anticancer Potency Of Salvia Fruticosa In A Model Of Human Malignant Melanoma, Sotiris Kyriakou, Venetia Tragkola, Michael Plioukas, Ioannis Anestopoulos, Paschalina S. Chatzopoulou, Eirini Sarrou, Dimitrios T. Trafalis, Maria V. Deligiorgi, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidi

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Thus, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches is of great importance. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is known for its anticancer properties and in this context, we aimed to investigate its potential anti-melanoma activity in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. Cytotoxicity was assessed through a colorimetric-based sulforhodamine-B (SRB) assay in primary malignant melanoma (A375), non-malignant melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and non-tumorigenic melanocyte neighbouring keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Among eight (8) different fractions of S. fruticosa extracts (SF1-SF8) tested, SF3 was found to possess …

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Mt10-Cvb3 Vaccine Virus Protects Against Cvb4 Infection By Inducing Cross-Reactive, Antigen-Specific Immune Responses, Ninaad Lasrado, Rajkumar Arumugam, Mahima T. Rasquinha, Meghna Sur, David Steffen, Jay Reddy Nov 2021

Mt10-Cvb3 Vaccine Virus Protects Against Cvb4 Infection By Inducing Cross-Reactive, Antigen-Specific Immune Responses, Ninaad Lasrado, Rajkumar Arumugam, Mahima T. Rasquinha, Meghna Sur, David Steffen, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Group B coxsackieviruses (CVB) containing six serotypes, B1–B6, affect various organs, and multiple serotypes can induce similar diseases such as myocarditis and pancreatitis. Yet, no vaccines are currently available to prevent these infections. Translationally, the derivation of vaccines that offer protection against multiple serotypes is highly desired. In that direction, we recently reported the generation of an attenuated strain of CVB3, termed Mt10, which completely protects against both myocarditis and pancreatitis induced by the homologous wild-type CVB3 strain. Here, we report that the Mt10 vaccine can induce cross-protection against multiple CVB serotypes as demonstrated with CVB4. We note that the …

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Dual Activities Of Acc Synthase: Novel Clues Regarding The Molecular Evolution Of Acs Genes, Chang Xu, Bowei Hao, Gongling Sun, Yuanyuan Mei, Lifang Sun, Yunmei Sun, Yibo Wang, Yongyan Zhang, Wei Zhang, Mengyuan Zhang, Yue Zhang, Dan Wang, Zihe Rao, Xin Li, Jeffery Shen, Ning Ning Wang Nov 2021

Dual Activities Of Acc Synthase: Novel Clues Regarding The Molecular Evolution Of Acs Genes, Chang Xu, Bowei Hao, Gongling Sun, Yuanyuan Mei, Lifang Sun, Yunmei Sun, Yibo Wang, Yongyan Zhang, Wei Zhang, Mengyuan Zhang, Yue Zhang, Dan Wang, Zihe Rao, Xin Li, Jeffery Shen, Ning Ning Wang

Life Sciences Faculty Research

Ethylene plays profound roles in plant development. The rate-limiting enzyme of ethylene biosynthesis is 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (ACS), which is generally believed to be a single-activity enzyme evolving from aspartate aminotransferases. Here, we demonstrate that, in addition to catalyzing the conversion of S-adenosyl-methionine to the ethylene precursor ACC, genuine ACSs widely have Cβ-S lyase activity. Two N-terminal motifs, including a glutamine residue, are essential for conferring ACS activity to ACS-like proteins. Motif and activity analyses of ACS-like proteins from plants at different evolutionary stages suggest that the ACC-dependent pathway is uniquely developed in seed plants. A putative catalytic mechanism for …

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