Gluten Exorphins Promote Cell Proliferation through the Activation of Mitogenic and Pro-Survival Pathways.

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic and systemic autoimmune disorder that affects preferentially the small intestine of individuals with a genetic predisposition. CD is promoted by the ingestion of gluten, a storage protein contained in the endosperm of the seeds of wheat, barley, rye, and related cereals. Once in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, gluten is enzymatically digested with the consequent release of immunomodulatory and cytotoxic peptides, i.

Mechanistic insight into the impact of a bivalent ligand on the structure and dynamics of a GPCR oligomer.

Development of effective bivalent ligands has become the focus of intensive research toward modulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomers, particularly in the field of GPCR pharmacology. Experimental studies have shown that they increased binding affinity and signaling potency compared to their monovalent counterparts, yet underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. To address this, we performed accelerated molecular dynamics simulations on bivalent-ligand bound Adenosine 2A receptor (AR) dimer in the context of a modeled tetramer, which consists of AR and dopamine 2 receptor (DR) homodimers and their cognate G proteins.

Linker residues regulate the activity and stability of hexokinase 2, a promising anticancer target.

Hexokinase (HK) catalyzes the first step in glucose metabolism, making it an exciting target for the inhibition of tumor initiation and progression due to their elevated glucose metabolism. The upregulation of hexokinase-2 (HK2) in many cancers and its limited expression in normal tissues make it a particularly attractive target for the selective inhibition of cancer growth and the eradication of tumors with limited side effects. The design of such safe and effective anticancer therapeutics requires the development of HK2-specific inhibitors that will not interfere with other HK isozymes.

Utilization of Biased G Protein-Coupled ReceptorSignaling towards Development of Safer andPersonalized Therapeutics.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in a wide variety of physiologicalprocesses. Therefore, approximately 40% of currently prescribed drugs have targeted this receptorfamily. Discovery of -arrestin mediated signaling and also separability of G protein and b-arrestinsignaling pathways have switched the research focus in the GPCR field towards development ofbiased ligands, which provide engagement of the receptor with a certain effector, thus enrichinga specific signaling pathway.