Large-scale proteogenomics characterization of microproteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains a burden to this day, due to the rise of multi and extensively drug-resistant bacterial strains. The genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strain H37Rv underwent an annotation process that excluded small Open Reading Frames (smORFs), which encode a class of peptides and small proteins collectively known as microproteins. As a result, there is an overlooked part of its proteome that is a rich source of potentially essential, druggable molecular targets.

Effects of Nicotine on the Thermodynamics and Phase Coexistence of Pulmonary Surfactant Model Membranes.

Phase separation is essential for membrane function, and alterations in phase coexistence by membrane-interacting molecules, such as nicotine, can impair membrane stability. With the increasing use of e-cigarettes, concerns have arisen about the impact of nicotine on pulmonary surfactants. Here, we used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and electron spin resonance (ESR) to examine nicotine's effect on the phase coexistence of two surfactant models: pure DPPC and a DPPC/POPC/POPG mixture.

Unveiling the Antimycobacterial Potential of Novel 4-Alkoxyquinolines: Insights into Selectivity, Mechanism of Action, and Exposure.

This work presents a comprehensive investigation into the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a novel series of 4-alkoxyquinolines as potential antimycobacterial agents. The design approach, which combined molecular simplification and chain extension, resulted in compounds with potent and selective activity against both drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant strains. The lead molecule, targeting the cytochrome complex, exhibited favorable kinetic solubility and remarkable chemical stability under acidic conditions.

Losartan and enalapril maleate differently influence SARS-CoV-2-infected vero cells.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to global healthcare systems, particularly impacting individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension. This study sought to assess the impact of the antihypertensive medications, losartan and enalapril maleate on SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Vero E6 cells were infected and treated in vitro, evaluating cell viability via the MTT colorimetric assay.