Bisquinoline-based fluorescent cadmium sensors.

Rational molecular design afforded fluorescent Cd sensors based on bisquinoline derivatives. Introduction of three methoxy groups at the 5,6,7-positions of the quinoline rings of BQDMEN (,'-bis(2-quinolylmethyl)-,'-dimethylethylenediamine) resulted in the reversal of metal ion selectivity in fluorescence enhancement from zinc to cadmium. Introduction of bulky alkyl groups and an ,-bis(2-quinolylmethyl)amine structure, as well as replacement of one of the two tertiary amine binding sites with an oxygen atom and the use of a 1,2-phenylene backbone significantly improved the Cd specificity.

Systematic analysis of biomolecular conformational ensembles with PENSA.

Atomic-level simulations are widely used to study biomolecules and their dynamics. A common goal in such studies is to compare simulations of a molecular system under several conditions-for example, with various mutations or bound ligands-in order to identify differences between the molecular conformations adopted under these conditions. However, the large amount of data produced by simulations of ever larger and more complex systems often renders it difficult to identify the structural features that are relevant to a particular biochemical phenomenon.

Non-spike protein inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by natural products through the key mediator protein ORF8.

The recent pernicious COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2. While most therapeutic strategies have focused on the viral spike protein, Open Reading Frame 8 (ORF8) plays a critical role in causing the severity of the disease. Nonetheless, there still needs to be more information on the ORF8 binding epitopes and their appropriate safe inhibitors.

Structural diversity of axonemes across mammalian motile cilia.

Reproduction, development and homeostasis depend on motile cilia, whose rhythmic beating is powered by a microtubule-based molecular machine called the axoneme. Although an atomic model of the axoneme is available for the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, structures of mammalian axonemes are incomplete. Furthermore, we do not fully understand how molecular structures of axonemes vary across motile-ciliated cell types in the body.

Apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in atherogenesis.

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the main structural protein of LDLs, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and lipoprotein(a), and is crucial for their formation, metabolism and atherogenic properties. In this Review, we present insights into the role of apoB-containing lipoproteins in atherogenesis, with an emphasis on the mechanisms leading to plaque initiation and growth. LDL, the most abundant cholesterol-rich lipoprotein in plasma, is causally linked to atherosclerosis.