Transcriptional Profiling of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Calu-3 Cells Reveals Immune-Related Signaling Pathways.

The COVID-19 disease, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, becoming a pandemic that infected millions of people and caused significant deaths. COVID-19 continues to be a major threat, and there is a need to deepen our understanding of the virus and its mechanisms of infection. To study the cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, we performed an RNA sequencing of infected vs.

Subcutaneous, Oral, and Intranasal Immunization of BALB/c Mice with K39 Antigen Induces Non-Protective Humoral Immune Response.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a high-burden disease caused by parasites of the genus. The K39 kinesin is a highly antigenic protein of , but little is known about the immune response elicited by this antigen. We evaluated the humoral immune response of female BALB/c mice ( = 6) immunized with the rK39-HFBI construct, formed by the fusion of the K39 antigen to a hydrophobin partner.

Quantum Biochemistry and MM-PBSA Description of the ZIKV NS2B-NS3 Protease: Insights into the Binding Interactions beyond the Catalytic Triad Pocket.

The Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3 has a binding site formed with the participation of a H51-D75-S135 triad presenting two forms, active and inactive. Studies suggest that the inactive conformation is a good target for the design of inhibitors. In this paper, we evaluated the co-crystallized structures of the protease with the inhibitors benzoic acid (5YOD) and benzimidazole-1-ylmethanol (5H4I).

Neutralizing Effect of Synthetic Peptides toward SARS-CoV-2.

The outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 has taken many lives worldwide. Although vaccination has started, the development of drugs to either alleviate or abolish symptoms of COVID-19 is still necessary. Here, four synthetic peptides were assayed regarding their ability to protect Vero E6 cells from SARS-CoV-2 infection and their toxicity to human cells and zebrafish embryos.

Potential protein markers in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) revealed by salivary proteomics.

The lack of specific pharmacological therapy for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its clinical heterogeneity demand efforts directed toward the identification of biomarkers to aid in diagnosis. Proteomics offers a new perspective for studying the altered proteins associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and we have saliva as an easy-to-collect biological fluid with important biomolecules for investigating biomarkers in various diseases. In this sense, saliva could be used to identify potential biomarkers of ASD.

Non-structural protein 1 from Zika virus: Heterologous expression, purification, and potential for diagnosis of Zika infections.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections were associated with neurological disorders only after the Brazilian outbreak in 2015. The lack of vaccines and precise diagnosis requires a precise method to detect ZIKV infection. This study aimed to evaluate three ZIKV recombinant proteins for the development of ZIKV infections.

Plant Expression of Hydrophobin Fused K39 Antigen for Visceral Leishmaniasis Immunodiagnosis.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease of high mortality caused by the protozoan . Its transmission cycle is complex, and it has in the domestic dog its main reservoir. The diagnostic tests currently used rely on prokaryotic systems' proteins, but their low sensitivity increases the disease's burden.

Orally hypoglycemic activity of an insulin mimetic glycoprotein isolated from Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl. (Euphorbiaceae) seeds, Cq-IMP.

The genus Cnidoscolus (Euphorbiaceae) is widely distributed in tropical areas. In the Northeast of Brazil, the species C. quercifolius is endemic and has been used in traditional medicine.

Untargeted metabolomic profiling of accessory sex gland fluid from Morada Nova rams.

The present study was conducted to characterize the metabolome of accessory gland fluid (AGF) of locally adapted Morada Nova rams, raised in the Brazilian Northeast. AGF was collected by an artificial vagina from five vasectomized rams. Metabolites were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS), with the support of Human Metabolome Database, PubChem, LIPID Metabolites, Pathways Strategy databases, and MetaboAnalyst platforms.

Protein profile of the ovarian follicular fluid of brown brocket deer (; Fisher, 1814).

The aim of this study was to characterize the protein profile of ovarian follicular fluid (FF) of brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). Five adult females received an ovarian stimulation treatment and the FF was collected by laparoscopy from small/medium (≤3.5 mm) and large (>3.

Role of membrane sterol and redox system in the anti-candida activity reported for Mo-CBP, a protein from Moringa oleifera seeds.

Plant proteins are emerging as an alternative to conventional treatments against candidiasis. The aim of this study was to better understand the mechanism of action of Mo-CBP against Candida spp, evaluating redox system activity, lipid peroxidation, DNA degradation, cytochrome c release, medium acidification, and membrane interaction. Anti-candida activity of Mo-CBP decreased in the presence of ergosterol, which was not observed with antioxidant agents.

Detection of serum and salivary IgE and IgG1 immunoglobulins specific for diagnosis of food allergy.

Given the growing incidence and prevalence of life-threatening food allergies, health concerns have raised new perspectives for in vivo and in vitro diagnostic methodologies, pointing to saliva as a promising material, already used to diagnose other pathologies. Based on the above considerations, this study aimed to verify the possible use of saliva for the detection of IgE and IgG1 in the diagnosis of food allergy. This was a randomized, cross-sectional clinical study with a quantitative approach, developed at a hospital referral center in allergy in the state of Ceará, from January to July 2015.

Mo-CBP-PepI, Mo-CBP-PepII, and Mo-CBP-PepIII are synthetic antimicrobial peptides active against human pathogens by stimulating ROS generation and increasing plasma membrane permeability.

The efficiency of current antimicrobial drugs is noticeably decreasing and thus the development of new treatments is necessary. Natural and synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted great attention as promising candidates. Inspired on Mo-CBP, an antimicrobial protein from Moringa oleifera seeds, we designed and synthesized three AMPs named Mo-CBP-PepI, Mo-CBP-PepII, and Mo-CBP-PepIII.

Proteomic analysis to identify candidate biomarkers associated with type 1 diabetes.

Purpose: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is one of the most common chronic diseases observed during childhood. The incidence of DM1 is increasing worldwide, and there is currently no way to prevent or delay the onset or to cure the disease. Most diseases, including diabetes, stem from abnormalities in the functioning of proteins, and some studies have reported the expression of protein variation to be involved in the development of DM1.

Proteomic analysis of follicular fluid from tropically-adapted goats.

The present study was conducted to characterize the major proteome of ovarian follicular fluid from locally-adapted, "Canindé" goats in the northeast of Brazil. Eight estrous cycling goats received a hormonal treatment consisting of medroxyprogesterone acetate, D-cloprostenol and FSH. Fluid was collected by laparoscopy from small (<3mm), medium (3-4mm) and large (>4mm) follicles and then, proteins were analyzed by 2-D SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry.

Sperm membrane proteins associated with the boar semen cryopreservation.

This study aimed to define sperm membrane protein markers of semen freezability of boars with the aid of a proteomic approach. Semen from fourteen adult boars were subjected to slow freezing and rapid thawing. After thawing, sperm vigor and motility were analyzed, and based on these results, animals were separated into two groups: good (GFEs) and poor freezability (PFEs).

Proteome of the rete testis fluid from tropically-adapted Morada Nova rams.

The rete testis has a close relationship with sperm development and may have other functions besides serving as an intercalated channel. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the proteins of rete testis fluid (RTF) from tropically-adapted Morada Nova rams. Testicles obtained from six Morada Nova rams were dissected and the head of the epididymis was separated to access the efferent ducts.

Effect of increased testicular temperature on seminal plasma proteome of the ram.

The present study evaluated the effects of heat stress on the ram seminal plasma proteome. Six Morada Nova rams were scrotal insulated for 8 days. Scrotal circumference, sperm parameters, and seminal fluid proteins were evaluated before (Day 0) and twice during scrotal insulation (Days 4 and 8), and weekly until semen parameters returned to preinsulation values (normal).

Assessment of DNA damage in goat preantral follicles after vitrification of the ovarian cortex.

Effective methods for gamete preservation should have low impact on DNA integrity. The present study investigated the effects of vitrification of goat ovarian tissues on the occurrence of DNA fragmentation and DNA double-stand breaks using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay and detection of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX), respectively. Goat ovaries were collected at a local abattoir and 12 tissue fragments were prepared from each ovarian pair.