Membrane Protein Production in Escherichia coli: Protocols and Rules.

Despite recent progresses in the use of eukaryotic expression system, production of membrane proteins for structural studies still relies on microbial expression systems. In this review, we provide protocols to achieve high level expression of membrane proteins in Escherichia coli, especially using the T7 RNA polymerase based expression system. From the design of the construct, the choice of the appropriate vector-host combination, the assessment of the bacterial fitness, to the selection of bacterial mutant adapted to the production of the target membrane protein, the chapter covers all necessary methods for a rapid optimization of a specific target membrane protein.

Transition kinetics of mixed lipid:photosurfactant assemblies studied by time-resolved small angle X-ray scattering.

Hypothesis: Photoswitchable surfactants are used in the design of many light-responsive colloids and/or self-assemblies. Photo-isomerization enables to control molecular equilibrium, and triggers transient reorganizations with possibly out-of-equilibrium intermediate states that have been overlooked. Here, we address this question by an in depth structural investigation of intermediate lipid-surfactant assemblies that occur during fast isothermal photo-triggered transition in lipid:surfactant mixtures.

Diazaspirononane Nonsaccharide Inhibitors of O-GlcNAcase (OGA) for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders.

O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification of tau understood to lower the speed and yield of its aggregation, a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). O-GlcNAcase (OGA) is the only enzyme that removes O-linked -acetyl-d-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) from target proteins. Therefore, inhibition of OGA represents a potential approach for the treatment of AD by preserving the O-GlcNAcylated tau protein.

Inducible intracellular membranes: molecular aspects and emerging applications.

Membrane remodeling and phospholipid biosynthesis are normally tightly regulated to maintain the shape and function of cells. Indeed, different physiological mechanisms ensure a precise coordination between de novo phospholipid biosynthesis and modulation of membrane morphology. Interestingly, the overproduction of certain membrane proteins hijack these regulation networks, leading to the formation of impressive intracellular membrane structures in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Consecutive borylcupration/C-C coupling of γ-alkenyl aldehydes towards diastereoselective 2-(borylmethyl)cycloalkanols.

Copper(i) catalyzes the borylative cyclization of γ-alkenyl aldehydes through chemo- and regioselective addition of Cu-B to C[double bond, length as m-dash]C and concomitant intramolecular 1,2-addition of Cu-C on C[double bond, length as m-dash]O. The products are formed in an exclusive diastereoselective manner and computational analysis identifies the key points for the observed chemo- and diastereoselectivity.