α-Adrenergic receptor-PKC-Pyk2-Src signaling boosts L-type Ca channel Ca1.2 activity and long-term potentiation in rodents.

The cellular mechanisms mediating norepinephrine (NE) functions in brain to result in behaviors are unknown. We identified the L-type Ca channel (LTCC) Ca1.2 as a principal target for G-coupled α-adrenergic receptors (ARs).

Selective Targeting of Vibrios by Fluorescent Siderophore-Based Probes.

Siderophores are small molecules used to specifically transport iron into bacteria via related receptors. By adapting siderophores and hijacking their pathways, we may discover an efficient and selective way to target microbes. Herein, we report the synthesis of a siderophore-fluorophore conjugate VF-FL derived from vibrioferrin (VF).

Manipulating Cellular Activities Using an Ultrasound-Chemical Hybrid Tool.

We developed an ultrasound-chemical hybrid tool to precisely manipulate cellular activities. A focused ultrasound coupled with gas-filled microbubbles was used to rapidly trigger the influx of membrane-impermeable chemical dimerizers into living cells to regulate protein dimerization and location without inducing noticeable toxicity. With this system, we demonstrated the successful modulation of phospholipid metabolism triggered by a short pulse of ultrasound exposure.

Utilizing an iron(iii)-chelation masking strategy to prepare mono- and bis-functionalized aerobactin analogues for targeting pathogenic bacteria.

A direct and selective method for the functionalization of aerobactin has been described. Selectivity was achieved by masking the functioning carboxylate via iron-chelation, leaving the two remaining carboxylates for direct modification. Both mono- and bis-functionalized aerobactin effectively targeted pathogenic bacteria, showing a facile method with prospective applications.

Facile and Versatile Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Enterobactin Analogues and Applications in Bacterial Detection.

Siderophores, such as enterobactin (Ent), are small molecules that can be selectively imported into bacteria along with iron by cognate transporters. Siderophore conjugates are thus a promising strategy for delivering functional reagents into bacteria. In this work, we present an easy-to-perform, one-pot chemoenzymatic synthesis of functionalized monoglucosylated enterobactin (MGE).