Insights into the Complexation of Actinides by Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid from Characterization of the Americium(III) Complex.

Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) is a frequently used chelator in the nuclear and medical industries, especially for the complexation of trivalent actinides. However, structural data on these complexes in the solid-state have long remained elusive. Herein, a detailed structural analysis of the presented crystal structures of [C(NH)][Nd(DTPA)]·HO and [C(NH)][Am(DTPA)]·HO, where [C(NH)] is guanidinium, details the subtle differences in the Lewis acidity between a lanthanide/actinide pair of similar ionic sizes.

Biophysical mapping of TREM2-ligand interactions reveals shared surfaces for engagement of multiple Alzheimer's disease ligands.

TREM2 is a signaling receptor expressed on microglia that has emerged as an important drug target for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While a number of TREM2 ligands have been identified, little is known regarding the structural details of how they engage. To better understand this, we created a protein library of 28 different TREM2 variants that could be used to map interactions with various ligands using biolayer interferometry.

Host response to cholestyramine can be mediated by the gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota has been implicated as a major factor contributing to metabolic diseases and the response to drugs used for the treatment of such diseases. In this study, we tested the effect of cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant that reduces blood cholesterol, on the murine gut microbiota and metabolism. We also explored the hypothesis that some effects of this drug on systemic metabolism can be attributed to alterations in the gut microbiota.