Systematic QM/MM Study for Predicting P NMR Chemical Shifts of Adenosine Nucleotides in Solution and Stages of ATP Hydrolysis in a Protein Environment.

NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy allows for important atomistic insights into the structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules; however, reliable assignments of experimental spectra are often difficult. Herein, quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations can provide crucial support. A major problem for the simulations is that experimental NMR signals are time-averaged over much longer time scales, and since computed chemical shifts are highly sensitive to local changes in the electronic and structural environment, sufficiently large averages over representative structural ensembles are essential.

Introducing adjuvant-loaded particulate hepatitis B core antigen as an alternative therapeutic hepatitis B vaccine component.

Background & Aims: Particulate hepatitis B core antigen (HBcoreAg) is a potent immunogen used as a vaccine carrier platform. HBcoreAg produced in encapsidates random bacterial RNA (RNA). Using the heterologous protein-prime, viral-vector-boost therapeutic hepatitis B vaccine , we compared the properties of different HBcoreAg forms.

Characterizing ATP processing by the AAA+ protein p97 at the atomic level.

The human enzyme p97 regulates various cellular pathways by unfolding hundreds of protein substrates in an ATP-dependent manner, making it an essential component of protein homeostasis and an impactful pharmacological target. The hexameric complex undergoes substantial conformational changes throughout its catalytic cycle. Here we elucidate the molecular motions that occur at the active site in the temporal window immediately before and after ATP hydrolysis by merging cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.

Transient RNA Interactions Leave a Covalent Imprint on a Viral Capsid Protein.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of persistent liver infections. Its DNA-based genome is synthesized through reverse transcription of an RNA template inside the assembled capsid shell. In addition to the structured assembly domain, the capsid protein harbors a C-terminal extension that mediates both the enclosure of RNA during capsid assembly and the nuclear entry of the capsid during infection.

MicroRNAs are minor constituents of extracellular vesicles that are rarely delivered to target cells.

Mammalian cells release different types of vesicles, collectively termed extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) with an apparent potential to deliver their miRNA cargo to recipient cells to affect the stability of individual mRNAs and the cells' transcriptome. The extent to which miRNAs are exported via the EV route and whether they contribute to cell-cell communication are controversial.

Efficient and reproducible depletion of hepatitis B virus from plasma derived extracellular vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging fundamental players in viral infections by shuttling viral components, mediating immune responses and likely the spread of the virus. However, the obstacles involved in purifying EVs and removing contaminating viral particles in a reliable and effective manner bottlenecks the full potential for the development of clinical and diagnostic treatment options targeting EV. Because of the similarities in size, density, membrane composition and mode of biogenesis of EVs and virions there are no standardized approaches for virus-removal from EV preparations yet.

Observation of a Transient Reaction Intermediate Illuminates the Mechanochemical Cycle of the AAA-ATPase p97.

The human ATPase p97, also known as valosin containing protein or Cdc48, is a highly abundant AAA+ engine that fuels diverse energy-consuming processes in the human cell. p97 represents a potential target for cancer therapy and its malfunction causes a degenerative disease. Here, we monitor the enzymatic activity of p97 in real time via an NMR-based approach that allows us to follow the steps that couple ATP turnover to mechanical work.

Mechanisms of Plant Tolerance to RNA Viruses Induced by Plant-Growth-Promoting Microorganisms.

Plant viruses are globally responsible for the significant crop losses of economically important plants. All common approaches are not able to eradicate viral infection. Many non-conventional strategies are currently used to control viral infection, but unfortunately, they are not always effective.

Comparison of Free Radical Levels in the Aerosol from Conventional Cigarettes, Electronic Cigarettes, and Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products.

Aerosols from electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products have been found to contain lower levels of almost all compounds from the list of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents known to be present in tobacco products and tobacco smoke than smoke from conventional cigarettes. Free radicals, which also pose potential health risks, are not considered in this list, and their levels in the different product types have not yet been compared under standardized conditions. We compared the type and quantity of free radicals in mainstream aerosol of 3R4F research cigarettes, two types of electronic cigarettes, and a heat-not-burn tobacco product.

Phase transition dynamics of single optically trapped aqueous potassium carbonate particles.

Fast dynamics (down to 10 ms) during exposure to changing relative humidity of single optically trapped K2CO3 particles were observed in the submicron to micron size range with time-resolved broadband light scattering and Raman spectroscopy. The study shows that complex multiple processes accompany efflorescence and deliquescence of unsupported aerosol particles. Efflorescence can occur in a single process in less than 10 ms (prompt) or proceed via multiple successive processes (multistep) that can last up to more than 10 seconds.