A theoretical framework capable of predicting the first unit that unfolds in pulled modular proteins has been recently introduced, for "fast enough" pulling velocities. Within this picture, we investigate the unfolding pathway in a chain of identical units and predict that the module closest to the pulled end opens first. Steered molecular dynamics of a simple construct, specifically a chain composed of two coiled-coil motives, shows that this is indeed the case. Notwithstanding, the unfolding behavior strongly depends on the terminus (C or N) from which this homopolyprotein is pulled. Therefore, anisotropic features are revealed and seem to play an important role for the observed unfolding pathway.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jctc.8b00347 | DOI Listing |
J Alzheimers Dis
January 2025
Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is characterized by cognitive decline and the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ). It affects millions, with numbers expected to double by 2050. SMOC2, implicated in inflammation and fibrosis, may play a role in AD pathogenesis, particularly in microglial cell function, offering a potential therapeutic target.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMol Plant
January 2025
Leibniz Institut für Gemüse und Zierpflanzenbau (IGZ) e.V., Großbeeren, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany. Electronic address:
Plants are able to sense and remember heat stress. An initial priming heat stress enables plants to acclimate so that they are able to survive a subsequent higher temperature. The heatshock transcription factors (HSFs) play a crucial role in this process, but the mechanisms by which plants sense heat stress are not well understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Cell Mol Med
January 2025
Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
This study aims to elucidate the potential genetic commonalities between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and rheumatic diseases through a disease interactome network, according to publicly available large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The analysis included linkage disequilibrium score regression analysis, cross trait meta-analysis and colocalisation analysis to identify common genetic overlap. Using modular partitioning, the network-based association between the two disease proteins in the protein-protein interaction set was divided and quantified.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetab Eng
January 2025
Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Province Basic Research Center for Synthetic Biology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China. Electronic address:
High sugar intake has become a global health concern due to its association with various diseases. Mogroside V (MG-V), a zero-calorie sweetener with multiple medical properties, is emerging as a promising sugar substitute. However, its application is hindered by low natural abundance and the inefficiency of conventional plant extraction methods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrofluid Nanofluidics
July 2024
Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, 1200 E University Blvd, Tucson 85721, Arizona, USA.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain by actively allowing the entry of ions and nutrients while limiting the passage of from toxins and pathogens. A healthy BBB has low permeability and high selectivity to maintain normal brain functions. Increased BBB permeability can result from neurological diseases and traumatic injuries.
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