Publications by authors named "G C Rastelli"
Exploring Biological Targets of Magnolol and Honokiol and their Nature-Inspired Synthetic Derivatives: In Silico Identification and Experimental Validation of Estrogen Receptors.
J Nat Prod
November 2024
In this work, we describe the results of a computational investigation aimed at identifying potential biological targets of honokiol, magnolol and a series of synthetic prodrug derivatives obtained through esterification of the free hydroxyl groups. The ligand-based and structure-based analyses revealed that these compounds potentially interact with several biological targets, some of which are known while others are new. Honokiol, magnolol, and three of the newly synthesized derivatives may bind to estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA new easy protocol to functionalize the middle layer of commercial surgical face masks (FMs) with Zn and Cu oxides is proposed in order to obtain antibacterial personal protective equipment. Zinc and copper oxides were synthesized embedded in a polydopamine (PDA) shell as potential antibacterial agents; they were analyzed by XRD and TEM, revealing, in all the cases, the formation of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). PDA is a natural polymer appreciated for its simple and rapid synthesis, biocompatibility, and high functionalization; it is used in this work as an organic matrix that, in addition to stabilizing NPs, also acts as a diluent in the functionalization step, decreasing the metal loading on the polypropylene (PP) surface.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProstate cancer (PCA) is one of the most prevalent types of male cancers. While current treatments for early-stage PCA are available, their efficacy is limited in advanced PCA, mainly due to drug resistance or low efficacy. In this context, novel valuable therapeutic opportunities may arise from the combined inhibition of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a critical process in cells that helps them maintain calcium levels, especially when internal stores are low, and occurs in specialized regions of skeletal muscle where specific proteins are located.
- - Mutations in certain proteins associated with SOCE are linked to a muscle disorder known as tubular aggregate myopathy, which shows an increase in specific structures as muscles age, particularly in male mice.
- - A study on mice with a muscle-specific knockout of a protein called Orai1 found that these mice had a shorter lifespan, reduced weight, exercise intolerance, and more damaged mitochondria, while also showing changes in muscle structure, including a lack of tubular aggregates with age.
Article Synopsis
- Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy R1/2A (LGMD R1/2A) is linked to mutations in the CAPN3 gene, which encodes Calpain 3, a protease critical for muscle function and calcium regulation.
- Research using both Capn3 deficient (C3KO) and wild-type (WT) mice revealed that the absence of Calpain 3 resulted in increased resting calcium levels and altered Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) activity.
- After exercise, C3KO mice demonstrated reduced muscle force and impaired calcium dynamics, highlighting that the dysregulation of SOCE due to the loss of Calpain 3 contributes significantly to LGMD R1/2