Development of chimeric MrNV virus-like particles capable of binding to SARS-CoV-2-susceptible cells and reducing infection by pseudovirus variants.

SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, primarily targets lung tissue, leading to pneumonia and lung injury. The spike protein of this virus binds to the common receptor on susceptible tissues and cells called the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) of the angiotensin (ANG) system. In this study, we produced chimeric Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus virus-like particles, presenting a short peptide ligand (ACE2tp), based on angiotensin-II (ANG II), on their outer surfaces to allow them to specifically bind to ACE2-overexpressing cells called ACE2tp-MrNV-VLPs.

Skin Anti-Aging Potential of Ethanolic Extracts on Promoting Cell Proliferation and Collagen Production in Human Fibroblasts (CCD-986sk Cells).

Collagen loss in the skin dermis is a major cause of age-related changes to the skin. Natural phytochemical substances are desirable for the prevention of skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. (IPC) has been utilized for nutritional and therapeutic purposes, and its extract contains collagenase inhibitory activity while causing no cytotoxicity.

Mice Immunized with the Vaccine Candidate HexaPro Spike Produce Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Updated and revised versions of COVID-19 vaccines are vital due to genetic variations of the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen. Furthermore, vaccines that are safe, cost-effective, and logistic-friendly are critically needed for global equity, especially for middle- to low-income countries. Recombinant protein-based subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been reported using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the prefusion spike trimers (S-2P).

Comparative Proteome-Wide Analysis of Bone Marrow Microenvironment of β-Thalassemia/Hemoglobin E.

β-thalassemia/Hb E is a global health issue, which is characterized by a range of clinical symptoms from a mild and asymptomatic anemia to severe disorders that require transfusions from infancy. Pathological mechanisms of the disease involve the excess of unmatched alpha globin and iron overload, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and ultimately to the premature death of erythroid precursors in bone marrow (BM) and peripheral organs. However, it is unclear as to how BM microenvironment factors contribute to the defective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia/Hb E patients.

Polyphosphate kinase 1 of Burkholderia pseudomallei controls quorum sensing, RpoS and host cell invasion.

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram negative bacterium and the causative agent of melioidosis. Nonetheless, how virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms are regulated have been elusive. In this study, we determined a role of polyphosphate kinase 1 (Ppk1) in regulation of quorum sensing (QS) and the sigma factor RpoS, and identified genes co-regulated by Ppk1, QS and RpoS.

Utilization of Whole-Cell MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry to Differentiate Burkholderia pseudomallei Wild-Type and Constructed Mutants.

Whole-cell matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS) has been widely adopted as a useful technology in the identification and typing of microorganisms. This study employed the whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS to identify and differentiate wild-type and mutants containing constructed single gene mutations of Burkholderia pseudomallei, a pathogenic bacterium causing melioidosis disease in both humans and animals. Candidate biomarkers for the B.

Source-identifying biomarker ions between environmental and clinical Burkholderia pseudomallei using whole-cell matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, which is an endemic disease in Northeast Thailand and Northern Australia. Environmental reservoirs, including wet soils and muddy water, serve as the major sources for contributing bacterial infection to both humans and animals. The whole-cell matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been applied as a rapid, accurate, and high-throughput tool for clinical diagnosis and microbiological research.