Crystal structure of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (crtE) from Nonlabens dokdonensis DSW-6

Structural Insight into Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase (GGDPS) for Cancer Therapy

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS), the source of the isoprenoid donor in protein geranylgeranylation reactions, has become an attractive target for anticancer therapy due to the reliance of cancers on geranylgeranylated proteins. Current GGDPS inhibitor development focuses on optimizing the drug-target enzyme interactions of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate-based drugs. To advance GGDPS inhibitor development, understanding the enzyme structure, active site, and ligand/product interactions is essential. Here we provide a comprehensive structure-focused review of GGDPS. We reviewed available yeast and human GGDPS structures and then used AlphaFold modeling to complete unsolved structural aspects of these models. We delineate the elements of higher-order structure formation, product-substrate binding, the electrostatic surface, and small-molecule inhibitor binding. With the rise of structure-based drug design, the information provided here will serve as a valuable tool for rationally optimizing inhibitor selectivity and effectiveness.

Beneficial effect of ζ-carotene-like compounds on acute UVB irradiation by alleviating inflammation and regulating intestinal flora

ζ-Carotene is a key intermediate in the carotenoid pathway, but owing to its low content and difficulties in isolation, its application is restricted. In this study, three genes (pnCrtE, pnCrtB, and pnCrtP) in the carotenoid pathway of Antarctic moss were identified, recombined, and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21(DE3). The expression product was identified as one of the ζ-carotenes by UV absorbance spectrum, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and super-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrum (UPLC-MS), and was called a ζ-carotene-like compound (CLC). Excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is one of the main risk factors for skin photodamage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of CLC on UVB-induced skin photodamage in mice. In this paper, through histological examinations (hematoxylin-eosin, HE; Masson and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling, Tunel), biochemical index detection (reactive oxygen species, ROS; inflammatory factors; cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers, CPDs and hyaluronic acid, HA), quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and intestinal content flora, etc., it is concluded that CLC has the potential to enhance skin antioxidant capacity by activating the nuclear transcription factor/antioxidant reaction element (Nrf2/ARE) pathway and also reduce skin inflammation and aging by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Moreover, the regulation of intestinal flora may potentially mitigate skin damage induced by UVB radiation. This research not only developed a green and sustainable platform for the efficient synthesis of CLC but also laid a foundation for its application in functional food and medicine for skin resistance against UVB damage.