The AKT modulator A-443654 reduces α-synuclein expression and normalizes ER stress and autophagy.

Accumulation of α-synuclein is a main underlying pathological feature of Parkinson's disease and α-synucleinopathies, for which lowering expression of the α-synuclein gene (SNCA) is a potential therapeutic avenue. Using a cell-based luciferase reporter of SNCA expression we performed a quantitative high-throughput screen of 155,885 compounds and identified A-443654, an inhibitor of the multiple functional kinase AKT, as a potent inhibitor of SNCA. HEK-293 cells with CAG repeat expanded ATXN2 (ATXN2-Q58 cells) have increased levels of α-synuclein.

Cytochrome c oxidase oxygen reduction reaction induced by cytochrome c on nickel-coordination surfaces based on graphene oxide in suspension.

Background: The electrochemical and spectroscopic investigation of bacterial electron-transfer proteins stabilized on solid state electrodes has provided an effective approach for functional respiratory enzyme studies.

Methods: We assess the biocompatibility of carboxylated graphene oxide (CGO) functionalized with Nickel nitrilotriacetic groups (CGO-NiNTA) ccordinating His-tagged cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

Results: Kinetic studies employing UV-visible absorption spectroscopy confirmed that the immobilized CcO oxidized horse-heart cytochrome c (Cyt c) albeit at a slower rate than isolated CcO.