Evolution of proteins is constrained by their structure and function. While there is a consensus that the plasticity of intrinsically disordered proteins relaxes the structural constraints on evolution there is a paucity of data on the molecular details of these processes. The Nuclear Coactivator Binding Domain (NCBD) from CREB-binding protein is a protein interaction domain, which contains a hydrophobic core but is not behaving as a typical globular domain, and has been described as 'molten-globule like'. The highly dynamic properties of NCBD makes it an interesting model system for evolutionary structure-function investigation of intrinsically disordered proteins. We have here compared the structure and biophysical properties of an ancient version of NCBD present in a bilaterian animal ancestor living around 600 million years ago with extant human NCBD. Using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism and kinetics we show that although NCBD has increased its thermodynamic stability, it has retained its dynamic biophysical properties in the ligand-free state in the evolutionary lineage leading from the last common bilaterian ancestor to humans. Our findings suggest that the dynamic properties of NCBD have been maintained by purifying selection and thus are important for its function, which includes mediating several distinct protein-protein interactions.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8967867 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-03217-y | DOI Listing |
Med Chem
January 2025
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Natural Resources Valorization, Faculty of Sciences of Agadir, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
Background: We continue to struggle with the prevention and treatment of the influenza virus. The 2009 swine flu pandemic, caused by the H1N1 strain of influenza A, resulted in numerous fatalities. The threat of influenza remains a significant concern for global health, and the development of novel drugs targeting these viruses is highly desirable.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Mater
January 2025
State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China.
Replicating the structural and functional features of native myocardium, particularly its high-density cellular alignment and efficient electrical connectivity, is essential for engineering functional cardiac tissues. Here, novel electrohydrodynamically printed InterPore microfibrous lattices with anisotropic architectures are introduced to promote high-density cellular alignment and enhanced tissue interconnectivity. The interconnected pores in the microfibrous lattice enable dynamic, cell-mediated remodeling of fibrous hydrogels, resulting in continuous, mechanically stable tissue bundles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall Methods
January 2025
Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
In situ monitoring is essential for catalytic process design, offering real-time insights into active structures and reactive intermediates. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy excels at probing geometric and electronic properties of paramagnetic species during reactions. Yet, state-of-the-art liquid-phase EPR methods, like flat cells, require custom resonators, consume large amounts of reagents, and are unsuited for tracking initial kinetics or use with solid catalysts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Phys Chem C Nanomater Interfaces
January 2025
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1433 AS, Norway.
Hybrid molecular ferroelectrics with orientationally disordered mesophases offer significant promise as lead-free alternatives to traditional inorganic ferroelectrics owing to properties such as room temperature ferroelectricity, low-energy synthesis, malleability, and potential for multiaxial polarization. The ferroelectric molecular salt HdabcoClO is of particular interest due to its ultrafast ferroelectric room-temperature switching. However, so far, there is limited understanding of the nature of dynamical disorder arising in these compounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeliyon
January 2025
Centre for Tropicalization (CENTROP), Defence Research Institute, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Nitrocellulose (NC)-based propellants have played a pivotal role in the development of energetic materials for both military and civilian applications. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of NC-based propellants, tracing their evolution from their historical origins as smokeless gunpowder to modern advancements. It discusses the chemical composition and classifications of NC propellants, along with continuous efforts to refine smokeless powder formulations through studies on smoke formation, residues, and additives.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!