A Conformational-Dependent Interdomain Redox Relay at the Core of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Activity.

Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) are a family of chaperones resident in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition to holdase function, some members catalyze disulfide bond formation and isomerization, a crucial step for native folding and prevention of aggregation of misfolded proteins. PDIs are characterized by an arrangement of thioredoxin-like domains, with the canonical protein disulfide isomerase A1 (PDIA1) organized as four thioredoxin-like domains forming a horseshoe with two active sites, and ', at the extremities.

Stress-induced protein disaggregation in the endoplasmic reticulum catalysed by BiP.

Protein synthesis is supported by cellular machineries that ensure polypeptides fold to their native conformation, whilst eliminating misfolded, aggregation prone species. Protein aggregation underlies pathologies including neurodegeneration. Aggregates' formation is antagonised by molecular chaperones, with cytoplasmic machinery resolving insoluble protein aggregates.

Unravelling the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of the Marine Sponge from the Portuguese Coastline.

Inflammation is a double-edged sword, as it can have both protective effects and harmful consequences, which, combined with oxidative stress (OS), can lead to the development of deathly chronic inflammatory conditions. Over the years, research has evidenced the potential of marine sponges as a source of effective anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. Within this framework, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory potential of the marine sponge .

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles with manganese and lanthanide salts: synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity studies.

Several organic salts based on the combination of two different choline derivative cations and MnCl3-, GdCl4- and TbCl4- as anions were immobilized in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) by a two-step synthetic method. Firstly, MSNs were functionalized with choline derivative cations with chloride anions and then the metals were incorporated by the reaction of the chloride with the respective metal chloride salts. These nanomaterials were fully characterized by different characterization techniques such as 1H-NMR, FT-IR, elemental analysis, TEM, TGA, N2 adsorption, XRD and DLS.

Boosting Antimicrobial Activity of Ciprofloxacin by Functionalization of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are very promising nanomaterials for treating bacterial infections when combined with pharmaceutical drugs. Herein, we report the preparation of two nanomaterials based on the immobilization of ciprofloxacin in mesoporous silica nanoparticles, either as the counter-ion of the choline derivative cation (MSN-[Ch][Cip]) or via anchoring on the surface of amino-group modified MSNs via an amide bond (MSN-Cip). Both nanomaterials were characterized by TEM, FTIR and solution H NMR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, XRD and N adsorption at 77 K in order to provide the desired structures.

Highlighting the Biological Potential of the Brown Seaweed for Skin Applications.

Skin aging is a biological process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The last ones, mainly exposure to UV radiation, increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production leading to a loss of extracellular matrix, also enhanced by enzymatic degradation of matrix supporting molecules. Thus, and with the growing demand for eco-friendly skin products, natural compounds extracted from brown seaweeds revealed to be good candidates due to their broad range of bioactivities, especially as antioxidants.