Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Truncated Analogs of the Scorpion Venom-Derived Peptide IsCT against .

is an opportunistic pathogen in humans and a frequent cause of severe nosocomial infections and fatal infections in immunocompromised individuals. Its ability to form biofilms has been the main driving force behind its resistance to almost all conventional antibiotics, thereby limiting treatment efficacy. In an effort to discover novel therapeutic agents to fight -associated biofilm infections, the truncated analogs of scorpion venom-derived peptide IsCT were synthesized and their anti-biofilm properties were examined.

A Complex Interplay Between Melatonin and RORβ: RORβ is Unlikely a Putative Receptor for Melatonin as Revealed by Biophysical Assays.

A nuclear retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-related orphan receptor β (RORβ) is strictly expressed in the brain, particularly in the pineal gland where melatonin is primarily synthesized and concentrated. The controversial issues regarding the direct interaction of melatonin toward ROR receptors have prompted us to investigate the potential melatonin binding sites on different ROR isoforms. We adopted computational and biophysical approaches to investigate the potential of melatonin as the ligand for RORs, in particular RORβ.

Fibroblast growth factor-21 potentiates the stimulatory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on transepithelial calcium transport and TRPV6 Ca channel expression.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is a salient liver-derived endocrine regulator for metabolism of glucose and triglyceride as well as bone remodeling. Previously, certain peptides in the FGF family have been shown to modulate calcium absorption across the intestinal epithelia. Since FGF21 receptor, i.

A scorpion venom peptide derivative BmKn‒22 with potent antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial and serious life-threatening infections and infections caused by this bacterium continue to pose a major medical challenge worldwide. The ability of P. aeruginosa to produce multiple virulence factors and in particular to form biofilms makes this bacterium resistant to all known antibiotics.