Correction: Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of a Scorpion Venom Peptide Derivative In Vitro and In Vivo.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Small molecule modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR): Structure, classification, and mechanisms.

The advent of small molecule modulators targeting the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has revolutionized the treatment of persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) (pwCF). Presently, these small molecule CFTR modulators have gained approval for usage in approximately 90 % of adult pwCF. Ongoing drug development endeavors are focused on optimizing the therapeutic benefits while mitigating potential adverse effects associated with this treatment approach.

An unexpected role of neutrophils in clearing apoptotic hepatocytes in vivo.

Billions of apoptotic cells are removed daily in a human adult by professional phagocytes (e.g. macrophages) and neighboring nonprofessional phagocytes (e.

Pyroptotic Patterns in Blood Leukocytes Predict Disease Severity and Outcome in COVID-19 Patients.

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has lasted for over 2 years now and has already caused millions of deaths. In COVID-19, leukocyte pyroptosis has been previously associated with both beneficial and detrimental effects, so its role in the development of this disease remains controversial. Using transcriptomic data (GSE157103) of blood leukocytes from 126 acute respiratory distress syndrome patients (ARDS) with or without COVID-19, we found that COVID-19 patients present with enhanced leukocyte pyroptosis.

Mitigation of honokiol on fluoride-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cognitive deficits through activating AMPK/PGC-1α/Sirt3.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute greatly to fluoride-induced cognitive impairment and behavioural disorders. Honokiol, a natural biphenolic compound, possesses antioxidant and mitochondrial protective properties. The present study investigated the protective actions of honokiol on NaF-elicited cognitive deficits and elucidated the possible mechanism of honokiol-mediated protection.

Sirt3-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in fluoride-induced cognitive deficits.

Excessive fluoride is capable of inducing cognitive deficits, but the mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of fluoride on mitochondrial dysfunction and neurobiological alterations, as well as cognitive impairment. C57BL/6 mice were orally administered 25, 50, and 100 mg/L NaF for 90 days.

Redox Sensing Modulates the Activity of the ComE Response Regulator of Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans, a dental pathogen, encodes the ComDE two-component system comprised of a histidine kinase (ComD) and a response regulator (ComE). This system is necessary for production of bacteriocins and development of genetic competence. ComE interacts with its cognate promoters to activate the transcription of bacteriocin and competence-related genes.

Oxidant Sensing by TRPM2 Inhibits Neutrophil Migration and Mitigates Inflammation.

Blood neutrophils perform an essential host-defense function by directly migrating to bacterial invasion sites to kill bacteria. The mechanisms mediating the transition from the migratory to bactericidal phenotype remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that TRPM2, a trp superfamily member, senses neutrophil-generated reactive oxygen species and restrains neutrophil migration.

SepM, a Streptococcal Protease Involved in Quorum Sensing, Displays Strict Substrate Specificity.

Unlabelled: Streptococcus mutans, a causative agent of dental caries, relies on multiple quorum-sensing (QS) pathways that coordinate the expression of factors needed for colonization in the oral cavity. S. mutans uses small peptides as QS signaling molecules that typically are secreted into the outside milieu.

Moesin and myosin phosphatase confine neutrophil orientation in a chemotactic gradient.

Neutrophils respond to invading bacteria by adopting a polarized morphology, migrating in the correct direction, and engulfing the bacteria. How neutrophils establish and precisely orient this polarity toward pathogens remains unclear. Here we report that in resting neutrophils, the ERM (ezrin, radixin, and moesin) protein moesin in its active form (phosphorylated and membrane bound) prevented cell polarization by inhibiting the small GTPases Rac, Rho, and Cdc42.

Hp1404, a new antimicrobial peptide from the scorpion Heterometrus petersii.

Antimicrobial peptides have attracted much interest as a novel class of antibiotics against a variety of microbes including antibiotics resistant strains. In this study, a new cationic antimicrobial peptide Hp1404 was identified from the scorpion Heterometrus petersii, which is an amphipathic α-helical peptide and has a specific inhibitory activity against gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Hp1404 can penetrate the membrane of S.

Antibacterial activity and mechanism of a scorpion venom peptide derivative in vitro and in vivo.

BmKn2 is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) characterized from the venom of scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch by our group. In this study, Kn2-7 was derived from BmKn2 to improve the antibacterial activity and decrease hemolytic activity. Kn2-7 showed increased inhibitory activity against both gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria.

StCT2, a new antibacterial peptide characterized from the venom of the scorpion Scorpiops tibetanus.

Bacterial infection poses an increasing threat to global public health and new types of antibacterial agents are urgently needed to respond to the threat. Scorpion venom contains series of bioactive peptides, among which antibacterial peptide is an important part. Herein, a new antimicrobial peptide StCT2 was characterized from the venomous gland cDNA library of the Scorpiops tibetanus.

Anti-HIV-1 activity of a new scorpion venom peptide derivative Kn2-7.

For over 30 years, HIV/AIDS has wreaked havoc in the world. In the absence of an effective vaccine for HIV, development of new anti-HIV agents is urgently needed. We previously identified the antiviral activities of the scorpion-venom-peptide-derived mucroporin-M1 for three RNA viruses (measles viruses, SARS-CoV, and H5N1).

Ctriporin, a new anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus peptide from the venom of the scorpion Chaerilus tricostatus.

Antibiotic-resistant microbes, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, seriously threaten human health. The outbreak of "superbugs" in recent years emphasizes once again the need for the development of new antimicrobial agents or resources. Antimicrobial peptides have an evident bactericidal effect against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Virucidal activity of a scorpion venom peptide variant mucroporin-M1 against measles, SARS-CoV and influenza H5N1 viruses.

Outbreaks of SARS-CoV, influenza A (H5N1, H1N1) and measles viruses in recent years have raised serious concerns about the measures available to control emerging and re-emerging infectious viral diseases. Effective antiviral agents are lacking that specifically target RNA viruses such as measles, SARS-CoV and influenza H5N1 viruses, and available vaccinations have demonstrated variable efficacy. Therefore, the development of novel antiviral agents is needed to close the vaccination gap and silence outbreaks.

Cloning and functional characterization of a new antimicrobial peptide gene StCT1 from the venom of the scorpion Scorpiops tibetanus.

Scorpion has an innovative venom gland, which is an important determinant in contributing to its successful survival for more than 400 million years. Scorpion venom contains a diversity of bioactive peptides, which represent a tremendous hitherto unexplored resource for use in drug design and development. Here, StCT1, a new antimicrobial peptide gene, was screened and isolated from the venomous gland cDNA library of the scorpion Scorpiops tibetanus.

(Z)-3-Ferrocenyl-2-phenyl-acrylonitrile.

In the structure of the title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(14)H(10)N)], the unsubstituted cyclo-penta-diene (Cp) ring is disordered over two positions, with site-occupancy factors 0.76 (2) and 0.24 (2).