The rate of glucose metabolism sets the cell morphology across yeast strains and species.

Yeasts are a diverse group of unicellular fungi that have developed a wide array of phenotypes and traits over 400 million years of evolution. However, we still lack an understanding of the biological principles governing the range of cell morphologies, metabolic modes, and reproductive strategies yeasts display. In this study, we explored the relationship between cell morphology and metabolism in sixteen yeast strains across eleven species.

Design, synthesis, and antiviral activity of fragmented-lapatinib aminoquinazoline analogs towards SARS-CoV-2 inhibition.

The severe impact of COVID-19 on global health and economies highlights the critical need for innovative treatments. Recently, lapatinib, a drug initially used for breast cancer, has been identified as a potential inhibitor of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, meriting further investigation. Utilizing rational design strategies and guided by MD simulations, we developed novel aminoquinazoline analogs based on fragmented lapatinib's structure.

On the formation and stability mechanisms of diverse lipid-based nanostructures for drug delivery.

In the evolving landscape of nanotechnology and pharmaceuticals, lipid nanostructures have emerged as pivotal areas of research due to their unique ability to mimic biological membranes and encapsulate active molecules. These nanostructures offer promising avenues for drug delivery, vaccine development, and diagnostic applications. This comprehensive review explores the complex mechanisms underlying the formation and stability of various lipid nanostructures, including lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles.

Elucidating the impact of S-adenosylmethionine and histamine binding on N-methyltransferase conformational dynamics: Insights from an in silico study.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) is a crucial enzyme involved in histamine methylation, playing an important role in the epigenetic modification of biology. It entails the addition of methyl groups to histamine molecules, thereby regulating gene expression, cellular signal transduction, and other biological processes. Therefore, gaining a profound understanding of the detailed mechanism underlying HNMT-mediated methylation reactions is instrumental in elucidating the role of histamine methylation in biology.

Mitigation of ischemia/reperfusion injury via selenium nanoparticles: Suppression of STAT1 to inhibit cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and inflammation.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) following myocardial infarction, a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, is characterized by detrimental oxidative stress and inflammation. In response, we proposed an I/RI alleviation strategy using the intravenous injection of spherical selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesized by a template method. Single-cell sequencing revealed these proposed SeNPs exhibited exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, disrupting the STAT1-ROS cycle, therefore preserving mitochondrial respiration and inhibiting caspase-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Molecular mechanism of interaction between SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE and APETALA1 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Point mutations were introduced into specific leucine (L) amino acids within the K domain of SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP), and their effects on the SVP-AP1 interaction were assessed. Yeast two-hybrid experiments and β-galactosidase activity assays demonstrated that SVP maintained its capacity to interact with APETALA1 (AP1) despite point mutations at the 108th, 116th, 119th, and 127th leucine residues, where leucine was substituted with alanine (A). However, the mutation of the leucine residue at position 124 to alanine abolished the interaction between SVP and AP1 regardless of whether the mutation was singular or combined with others.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new dual APN/NEP inhibitors as potent analgesics.

An alternative approach for the management of acute and chronic pains involves prolonging the half-life of endogenous opiates, such as enkephalins that are released in response to nociceptive stimuli. This can be achieved through the inhibition of enzymatic pathways responsible for the hydrolysis of these peptides, particularly targeting Aminopeptidase N (APN) and Neutral Endopeptidase (NEP). In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of dual enkephalinase inhibitors (DENKIs) targeting both APN and NEP as novel analgesic treatments.

Ultrasound-assisted enhancement of bioactive compounds in hawthorn vinegar: A functional approach to anticancer and antidiabetic effects.

In this study, the effects of ultrasound treatment on bioactive components and functional properties of hawthorn vinegar (Crataegus tanacetifolia) were investigated. Parameters such as total phenolic compound (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ascorbic acid (AA), DPPH radical scavenging activity and CUPRAC reducing capacity were optimised by surface response method (RSM) and 14 min duration and 61.40 % amplitude were determined as the most suitable treatment conditions.

Effect of myoglobin on the flavor, color and texture of high-moisture soy protein concentrate -wheat gluten extrudates.

The rising demand for plant-based meat analogues presents challenges in replicating the sensory qualities of animal meat. This study investigates the impact of Pichia-derived porcine myoglobin (PMb) and bovine hemoglobin (BHb) on the flavor profile, sensory attributes, macrostructure, color, and texture of high-moisture extruded soy protein concentrate-wheat gluten. The addition of PMb and BHb significantly altered the flavor profile by decreasing aldehyde content (hexanal and nonanal), while the contents of ketones (2,3-octanedione and 3,5-octadien-2-one), pyrazines (2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine), and furans (2-pentylfuran) were increased.

Preparation of the immobilized α-adrenoceptor column by the ultra-high affinity protein pair CL7/Im7 and its application in drug-protein interaction analysis.

Immobilizing the target protein on a solid surface with controlled orientation, high specificity, and maintained activity is a proven strategy to enhance the stability of the protein. In this study, we employed an ultra-high affinity protein pair consisting of a mutant of colicin E7 Dnase and its corresponding inhibitor, immunity protein 7(Im7), to develop an immobilized α-adrenoceptor (α-AR) column. Briefly, we expressed α-AR fused with CL7 as a tag at its C-terminus in Escherichia coli cells.

Paradoxical effects of inhibition of Δ14-reductase and Δ7-reductase on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development after parthenogenetic activation.

Follicular fluid-derived meiosis-activating sterol (FF-MAS), an intermediate in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, plays a crucial role in the meiotic resumption of mammalian oocytes. Maintaining a high concentration of FF-MAS in vitro is challenging; therefore, AY9944 A-7, an inhibitor of Δ14-reductase [which converts FF-MAS to testis meiosis-activating sterol (T-MAS)] and Δ7-reductase (which converts T-MAS to cholesterol), has been used to enhance oocyte maturation. This study examined the effects of various concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 40 μM) of AY9944 A-7 on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of prepared thymol@UIO-66 and thymol/ZnONPs@UIO-66 nanoparticles against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A synergistic approach.

This study introduces a novel approach to enhance the antibacterial properties of UIO-66 by incorporating both Thymol and ZnO nanoparticles within its framework which represents a significant advancement like exhibiting a synergistic antibacterial effect, providing a prolonged and controlled release, and mitigating cytotoxicity associated with the release of free ZnO nanoparticles by combining these two antimicrobial agents within a single, well-defined metal-organic framework. UIO-66 frameworks are investigated as carriers for the natural antimicrobial agent, Thymol, and ZnONPs offering a novel drug delivery system for antibacterial applications. Results demonstrated 132, 90, 184, and 223 nm sizes for UIO-66, ZnONPs, UIO-66 encapsulated Thymol, and UIO-66 encapsulated both Thymol and ZnONPs, respectively.

An alternative approach to biokinetic modelling for phenol pollutant degradation and microbial growth using Genetic Programming.

Biokinetic models can optimise pollutant degradation and enhance microbial growth processes, aiding to protect ecosystem protection. Traditional biokinetic approaches (such as Monod, Haldane, etc.) can be challenging, as they require detailed knowledge of the organism's metabolism and the ability to solve numerous kinetic differential equations based on the principles of micro, molecular biology and biochemistry (first engineering principles) which can lead to discrepancies between predicted and actual degradation rates.

Sequence-based Identification of Polyamine Oxidase Genes in Sorghum bicolor L.

Polyamine oxidase (PAOs) are enzymes associated with polyamine catabolism and play important roles in growth and development and stress tolerance of plants. In the present study, genome-wide discovery and analysis of the PAO family in sorghum was done utilizing model PAO of Arabidopsis. Six PAO genes were found using publicly available genomic data.

Understanding Individual Differences in Happiness Sources and Implications for Health Technology Design: Exploratory Analysis of an Open Dataset.

Background: Psychologists have developed frameworks to understand many constructs, which have subsequently informed the design of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) aimed at improving mental health outcomes. The science of happiness is one such domain that holds significant applied importance due to its links to well-being and evidence that happiness can be cultivated through interventions. However, as with many constructs, the unique ways in which individuals experience happiness present major challenges for designing personalized DMHIs.

Fatuamide A, a Hybrid PKS/NRPS Metallophore from a sp. Marine Cyanobacterium Collected in American Samoa.

A structurally novel metabolite, fatuamide A (), was discovered from a laboratory cultured strain of the marine cyanobacterium sp., collected from Faga'itua Bay, American Samoa. A bioassay-guided approach using NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells directed the isolation of fatuamide A, which was obtained from the most cytotoxic fraction.

Cellulose Nanofiber-Reinforced γ-AlOOH Aerogels for Enhanced Removal of Environmental Pollutants.

In this study, we report the modification of a monolithic γ-aluminum oxy-hydroxide (γ-AlOOH) aerogel with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) using the sol-gel method via supercritical drying. The optimized 2% CNF (w/w) results in a monolithic CNF-γ-AlOOH that is amorphous in nature, along with C-C and C-O-C functional groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the as-synthesized CNF-γ-AlOOH showed CNF embedded in the γ-AlOOH aerogel.

Protocol for visualizing the chromatin assembly properties of epigenetic protein complexes via an HTM module-mediated artificial tethering system.

The detailed chromatin assembly processes for many epigenetic regulatory complexes are largely unknown. Here, we present a protocol utilizing heterochromatin-targeting module (HTM) module-mediated chromatin tethering followed by microscopy-based visualization to detect the recruitment priority between two components in Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Moreover, we detail procedures for detecting the resultant histone-modifying activities of PRC1 using immunofluorescence (IF) analyses.

Bacterial sensor evolved by decreasing complexity.

Bacterial receptors feed into multiple signal transduction pathways that regulate a variety of cellular processes including gene expression, second messenger levels, and motility. Receptors are typically activated by signal binding to ligand-binding domains (LBDs). Cache domains are omnipresent LBDs found in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, including humans.

Integrating ex situ biomimetic extraction analyses into contaminated sediment assessment and management decisions.

This study evaluated a novel ex situ passive sampling biomimetic extraction (BE) method to estimate toxic potency in sediments. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis of polydimethylsiloxane fibers equilibrated with field sediments was used to quantify bioavailable polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other unresolved, site-specific contaminant mixtures. This method is biomimetic because contaminants partition to the fiber based on hydrophobicity and abundance, and GC-FID quantification accounts for all constituents absorbed to the fiber that may contribute to toxicity.

Prebiotics Beyond the Gut: Omics Insights, Artificial Intelligence, and Clinical Trials in Organ-Specific Applications.

Prebiotics, traditionally linked to gut health, are increasingly recognized for their systemic benefits, influencing multiple organ systems through interactions with the gut microbiota. Compounds like inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) enhance short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, benefiting neurocognitive health, cardiovascular function, immune modulation, and skin integrity. Advances in biotechnology, including deep eutectic solvents (DES) for extraction and machine learning (ML) for personalized formulations, have expanded prebiotic applications.

Eco-friendly zinc oxide nanoparticle biosynthesis powered by probiotic bacteria.

The rapid advancement of nanotechnology, particularly in the realm of pharmaceutical sciences, has significantly transformed the potential for treating life-threatening diseases. A pivotal aspect of this evolution is the emergence of "green nanotechnology," which emphasizes the environmentally sustainable synthesis of raw materials through biological processes. This review focuses on the biological synthesis and application of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) from probiotic bacteria, particularly those sourced from wastewater.

Preclinical evaluation of zirconium-89 labeled anti-Trop2 antibody-drug conjugate (Trodelvy) for imaging in gastric cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.

Purpose: Trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop2) is overexpressed in various solid tumors and contributes to tumor progression, while its expression remains low in normal tissues. Trop2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), sacituzumab govitecan-hziy (Trodelvy), has shown efficacy in targeting this antigen. Leveraging the enhanced specificity of ADCs, we conducted the first immunoPET imaging study of Trop2 expression in gastric cancer (GC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models using Zr-labeled Trodelvy ([Zr]Zr-DFO-Trodelvy).