Exploring thienothiadiazine dioxides as isosteric analogues of benzo- and pyridothiadiazine dioxides in the search of new AMPA and kainate receptor positive allosteric modulators.

The synthesis and biological evaluation on AMPA and kainate receptors of new examples of 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-thieno[3,2-e]-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxides is described. The introduction of a cyclopropyl chain instead of an ethyl chain at the 4-position of the thiadiazine ring was found to dramatically improve the potentiator activity on AMPA receptors, with compound 32 (BPAM395) expressing in vitro activity on AMPARs (EC2x = 0.24 μM) close to that of the reference 4-cyclopropyl-substituted benzothiadiazine dioxide 10 (BPAM344).

Prevention and Therapy of Metastatic HER-2 Mammary Carcinoma with a Human Candidate HER-2 Virus-like Particle Vaccine.

Vaccines are a promising therapeutic alternative to monoclonal antibodies against HER-2+ breast cancer. We present the preclinical activity of an ES2B-C001, a VLP-based vaccine being developed for human breast cancer therapy. FVB mice challenged with HER-2+ mammary carcinoma cells QD developed progressive tumors, whereas all mice vaccinated with ES2B-C001+Montanide ISA 51, and 70% of mice vaccinated without adjuvant, remained tumor-free.

Development of Thiochroman Dioxide Analogues of Benzothiadiazine Dioxides as New Positive Allosteric Modulators of α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid (AMPA) Receptors.

On the basis of the activity of 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides as positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors, thiochroman 1,1-dioxides were designed applying the isosteric replacement concept. The new compounds expressed strong modulatory activity on AMPA receptors , although lower than their corresponding benzothiadiazine analogues. The pharmacokinetic profile of three thiochroman 1,1-dioxides (, , ) was examined after oral administration, showing that these compounds freely cross the blood-brain barrier.

Capsid-like particles decorated with the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain elicit strong virus neutralization activity.

The rapid development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is a global priority. Here, we develop two capsid-like particle (CLP)-based vaccines displaying the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. RBD antigens are displayed on AP205 CLPs through a split-protein Tag/Catcher, ensuring unidirectional and high-density display of RBD.

Binding of a negative allosteric modulator and competitive antagonist can occur simultaneously at the ionotropic glutamate receptor GluA2.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are ligand-gated ion channels governing neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Three major types of antagonists are known for the AMPA-type receptor GluA2: competitive, noncompetitive (i.e.

Molecular architecture of the Jumonji C family histone demethylase KDM5B.

The full length human histone 3 lysine 4 demethylase KDM5B (PLU-1/Jarid1B) has been studied using Hydrogen/Deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, homology modelling, sequence analysis, small angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy. This first structure on an intact multi-domain Jumonji histone demethylase reveal that the so-called PLU region, in the central region of KDM5B, has a curved α-helical three-dimensional structure, that acts as a rigid linker between the catalytic core and a region comprising four α-helices, a loop comprising the PHD2 domain, two large intrinsically disordered loops and the PHD3 domain in close proximity. The dumbbell shaped and curved KDM5B architecture observed by electron microscopy is complementary to the nucleosome surface and has a striking overall similarity to that of the functionally related KDM1A/CoREST complex.

Small-angle neutron scattering studies on the AMPA receptor GluA2 in the resting, AMPA-bound and GYKI-53655-bound states.

The AMPA receptor GluA2 belongs to the family of ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are responsible for most of the fast excitatory neuronal signalling in the central nervous system. These receptors are important for memory and learning, but have also been associated with brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. Today, one drug is on the market for the treatment of epilepsy targeting AMPA receptors, a negative allosteric modulator of these receptors.

Peptides Derived from Histone 3 and Modified at Position 18 Inhibit Histone Demethylase KDM6 Enzymes.

The KDM6 subfamily of histone lysine demethylases has recently been implicated as a putative target in the treatment of a number of diseases; this makes the availability of potent and selective inhibitors important. Due to high sequence similarity of the catalytic domain of Jumonji C histone demethylases, the development of small-molecule, family-specific inhibitors has, however, proven challenging. One approach to achieve the selective inhibition of these enzymes is the use of peptides derived from the substrate, the histone 3 C terminus.

Invisible detergents for structure determination of membrane proteins by small-angle neutron scattering.

A novel and generally applicable method for determining structures of membrane proteins in solution via small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is presented. Common detergents for solubilizing membrane proteins were synthesized in isotope-substituted versions for utilizing the intrinsic neutron scattering length difference between hydrogen and deuterium. Individual hydrogen/deuterium levels of the detergent head and tail groups were achieved such that the formed micelles became effectively invisible in heavy water (D O) when investigated by neutrons.

Lysine demethylase inhibition protects pancreatic β cells from apoptosis and improves β-cell function.

Transcriptional changes control β-cell survival in response to inflammatory stress. Posttranslational modifications of histone and non-histone transcriptional regulators activate or repress gene transcription, but the link to cell-fate signaling is unclear. Inhibition of lysine deacetylases (KDACs) protects β cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis and reduces type 1 diabetes incidence in animals.

Structure-Based Design of a New Scaffold for Cell-Penetrating Peptidic Inhibitors of the Histone Demethylase PHF8.

The histone demethylase PHF8 catalyzes demethylation of mono- and di-methylated Lys9 on histone H3 (H3K9me1/2), and is a transcriptional activator involved in the development and cancer. Affinity and specificity of PHF8 towards H3K9me2 is affected by interaction with both the catalytic domain and a PHD reader domain. The latter specifically recognizes tri-methylated Ly4 on histone H3.

Expression, purification and characterization of the human MTA2-RBBP7 complex.

The repressive Nucleosome Remodeling and histone Deacetylation (NuRD) complex remodels the chromatin structure by coupling ATP-dependent remodeling activity with histone deacetylase function and plays important roles in regulating gene transcription, DNA damage repair and chromatin assembly. The complex is composed of six subunits: Metastasis Associated proteins MTA1/2/3 initially recruit histone chaperones RBBP4/7 followed by the histone deacetylases HDAC1/2 forming a core complex. Further association of the CpG-binding protein MBD2/3, p66α/β and the ATP-dependent helicase CDH3/4 constitutes the NuRD complex.

Structure and binding properties of a cameloid nanobody raised against KDM5B.

The histone demethylase KDM5B is considered to be a promising target for anticancer therapy. Single-chain antibodies from llama (nanobodies) have been raised to aid in crystallization and structure determination of this enzyme. The antigen-binding properties of 15 of these nanobodies have been characterized.

Mechanisms of peptide-induced pore formation in lipid bilayers investigated by oriented 31P solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

There is a considerable interest in understanding the function of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), but the details of their mode of action is not fully understood. This motivates extensive efforts in determining structural and mechanistic parameters for AMP's interaction with lipid membranes. In this study we show that oriented-sample (31)P solid-state NMR spectroscopy can be used to probe the membrane perturbations and disruption by AMPs.

Heparin inhibits membrane interactions and lipid-induced fibrillation of a prion amyloidogenic determinant.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), particularly heparin, are known to reduce the toxicities of various amyloidogenic proteins. The molecular factors underlying the antitoxic effects of GAGs, however, are still not fully understood. Because interactions of amyloidogenic proteins and their aggregates with membranes are believed to play major roles in affecting amyloid pathogenesis, our objective in this study was to elucidate the effect of heparin on membrane interactions of the 21-residue amyloidogenic determinant of the prion protein [PrP(106-126)].

Membrane interactions of novicidin, a novel antimicrobial peptide: phosphatidylglycerol promotes bilayer insertion.

Novicidin is an antimicrobial peptide derived from ovispirin, a cationic peptide which originated from the ovine cathelicidin SMAP-29. Novicidin, however, has been designed to minimize the cytotoxic properties of SMAP-29 and ovisipirin toward achieving potential therapeutic applications. We present an analysis of membrane interactions and lipid bilayer penetration of novicidin, using an array of biophysical techniques and biomimetic membrane assemblies, complemented by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.

Phospholipid-induced fibrillation of a prion amyloidogenic determinant at the air/water interface.

The peptide fragment 106-126 of prion protein [PrP(106-126)] is a prominent amyloidogenic determinant. We present analysis of PrP(106-126) fibrillation at the air/water interface and, in particular, the relationship between the fibrillation process and interactions of the peptide with phospholipid monolayers. We find that lipid monolayers deposited at the air/water interface induce rapid formation of remarkably highly ordered fibrils by PrP(106-126), and that the extent of fibrillation and fiber organization were dependent upon the presence of negatively charged and unsaturated phospholipids in the monolayers.

HIF-1 attenuates Ref-1 expression in endothelial cells: reversal by siRNA and inhibition of geranylgeranylation.

Redox factor-1 (Ref-1), a multifunctional protein with DNA repairing activities, plays a cytoprotective function by post-translational redox modification of numerous transcription factors, including hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). In the present study, activation of HIF-1 by hypoxia and dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG), a hypoxia mimic, diminished Ref-1 mRNA and protein expression in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Similarly, adenoviral delivery of the stabilized form of HIF-1alpha decreased Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels.

Atorvastatin prevents hypoxia-induced inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression but does not affect heme oxygenase-1 in human microvascular endothelial cells.

Beneficial cardiovascular effects of statins, the inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, are particularly assigned to the modulation of inflammation. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are listed among the crucial protective, anti-inflammatory genes in the vasculature. Here we show that atorvastatin at pharmacologically relevant concentration (0.