Violaceoid F induces nuclear translocation of FOXO3a by inhibiting CRM1 via a novel mechanism and suppresses HeLa cell growth.

FOXO3a is a transcription factor involved in cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. FOXO3a is localized in the cytoplasm in cancer cells, and its nuclear translocation by small molecules is expected to prevent cancer cell growth. In this study, we screened a fungal broth library in HeLa cells using fluorescently labeled FOXO3a and an AI-based imaging system.

Current development of Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) in diagnostics: a review.

The ability of the immune system to fight against pathogens relies on the intricate collaboration between antibodies and Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). These receptors are a group of transmembrane glycoprotein molecules, which can specifically detect and bind to the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules. They are distributed on a diverse array of immune cells, forming a strong defence system to eliminate invading threats.

Generation of peptides using phage display technology for cancer diagnosis and molecular imaging.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide; nearly 10 million people died from it in 2020. The high mortality rate results from the lack of effective screening approaches where early detection cannot be achieved, reducing the chance of early intervention to prevent cancer development. Non-invasive and deep-tissue imaging is useful in cancer diagnosis, contributing to a visual presentation of anatomy and physiology in a rapid and safe manner.

Assessing the potential of NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors biomarker in curbing dengue virus infections: vs. approach.

An increase in the occurrence of viral infectious diseases is a global concern for human health. According to a WHO report, dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most common viral diseases affecting approximately 400 million people annually, with worsening symptoms in nearly 1% of cases. Both academic and industrial researchers have conducted numerous studies on viral epidemiology, virus structure and function, source and route of infection, treatment targets, vaccines, and drugs.

Dengue virus infection - a review of pathogenesis, vaccines, diagnosis and therapy.

The transmission of dengue virus (DENV) from an infected Aedes mosquito to a human, causes illness ranging from mild dengue fever to fatal dengue shock syndrome. The similar conserved structure and sequence among distinct DENV serotypes or different flaviviruses has resulted in the occurrence of cross reaction followed by antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Thus far, the vaccine which can provide effective protection against infection by different DENV serotypes remains the biggest hurdle to overcome.

Bioactivities and Mode of Actions of Dibutyl Phthalates and Nocardamine from sp. H11809.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) produced by sp. H11809 exerted inhibitory activity against human GSK-3β ( GSK-3β) and 3D7 ( 3D7) malaria parasites. The current study aimed to determine DBP's plausible mode of action against GSK-3β and 3D7.

Updates on Dengue Vaccine and Antiviral: Where Are We Heading?

Approximately 100-400 million people from more than 100 countries in the tropical and subtropical world are affected by dengue infections. Recent scientific breakthroughs have brought new insights into novel strategies for the production of dengue antivirals and vaccines. The search for specific dengue inhibitors is expanding, and the mechanisms for evaluating the efficacy of novel drugs are currently established, allowing for expedited translation into human trials.

Radioprotective Role of Natural Polyphenols: From Sources to Mechanisms.

The identification and development of radioprotective agents have emerged as a subject matter of research during recent years due to the growing usage of ionizing radiation in different areas of human life. Previous work on synthetic radioprotectors has achieved limited progress because of the numerous issues associated with toxicity. Compounds extracted from plants have the potential to serve as lead candidates for developing ideal radioprotectors due to their low cost, safety, and selectivity.

Methadone hydrochloride and leukemia cells: Effects on cell viability, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic proteins expression level.

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer where abnormal and immature leucocytes are produced in the bone marrow. Methadone hydrochloride is a man-made drug that is commonly used in the maintenance treatment for drug addiction. The objective of this research was to determine the cytotoxic activity and apoptotic effects of methadone hydrochloride treatment towards two leukemia cell lines which are CCRF-CEM and HL-60.

Roles and Prospects of Dengue Virus Non-structural Proteins as Antiviral Targets: An Easy Digest.

Dengue is a neglected disease caused by the infection of dengue virus which is transmitted by mosquitoes and to some, it could be fatal. Regardless of the enormous work devoted to research for the treatment of dengue, to this day there is no cure, and treatment is solely limited to supportive care by treating the symptoms. The inhibition of the viral RNA non-structural enzymes has been the most popular approach amongst the strategies applied to the search and development of dengue antivirals.

Human neonatal Fc receptor as a new potential antibody binding protein for antibody immobilization.

A critical challenge in producing an antibody-based assay with the highest reproducibility and sensitivity is the strategy to immobilize antibodies to solid phase. To date, numerous methods of antibody immobilization were reported but each was subjected to its advantages and limitations. The current study proposes a new potential antibody binding protein, the human neonatal fragment crystallizable (Fc) receptor.

Expression of soluble human Neonatal Fc-receptor (FcRn) in Escherichia coli through modification of growth environment.

Neonatal Fc-receptor (FcRn) with its affinity to immunoglobulin G (IgG) has been the subject of many pharmacokinetic studies in the past century. This protein is well known for its unique feature in maintaining the circulating IgG from degradation in blood plasma. FcRn is formed by non-covalent association between the α-chain with the β-2-microglobulin (β2m).

Discovery of a small molecule PDI inhibitor that inhibits reduction of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120.

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a promiscuous protein with multifunctional properties. PDI mediates proper protein folding by oxidation or isomerization and disrupts disulfide bonds by reduction. The entry of HIV-1 into cells is facilitated by the PDI-catalyzed reductive cleavage of disulfide bonds in gp120.

Yeast glycogen synthase kinase-3beta pathway inhibitors from an organic extract of Streptomyces sp.

Investigation of a microbial fermentation organic extract of Streptomyces sp. H7667 led to the isolation of three new imides, 3-[(5E)-5-methyl-4-oxo-2-hydroxy-5-octenyl]glutarimide (1), 2-amino-N-2'-(phenylacetyl)propanimide (5), and 2-amino-N-(2'-(cyclohex-2''-enyl)acetyl)acetimide (6), and one new isoflavonoid glycoside, 6-O-methyl-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyldaidzein (7), along with four known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY spectra.

Requirement of the conserved, hydrophobic C-terminus region for the activation of heparanase.

Heparanase is an endo-beta-D-glucuronidase responsible for the cleavage of heparan sulfate, participating in extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling. Heparanase activity is well correlated with the potential for metastasis and angiogenesis in a large number of tumor-derived cell types, directly implicating the involvement of heparanase in tumor progression. Here, we provide the first evidence that the hydrophobic C-terminus region of heparanase has specific roles in intracellular trafficking, secretion, activation, and heparanase-mediated tumor cell migration.

Involvement of disulfide bond formation in the activation of heparanase.

Heparanase is overexpressed in many solid tumor cells and is capable of specifically cleaving heparan sulfate, and this activity is associated with the metastatic potential of tumor cells; however, the activation mechanism of heparanase has remained unknown. In this study, we investigated the link between disulfide bond formation and the activation of heparanase in human tumor cells. Mass spectrometry analysis of heparanase purified from a conditioned medium of human fibrosarcoma cells revealed two disulfide bonds, Cys127-Cys179 and Cys437-Cys542, and one S-cysteinylation at the Cys211 residue.