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Siew ZY, Asudas E, Khoo CT, Cho GH, Voon K, Fang CM. Fighting nature with nature: antiviral compounds that target retroviruses. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:130. [PMID: 38416180 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03846-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of lentivirus that targets the human immune system and leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) at a later stage. Up to 2021, there are millions still living with HIV and many have lost their lives. To date, many anti-HIV compounds have been discovered in living organisms, especially plants and marine sponges. However, no treatment can offer a complete cure, but only suppressing it with a life-long medication, known as combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) which are often associated with various adverse effects. Also, it takes many years for a discovered compound to be approved for clinical use. Thus, by employing advanced technologies such as automation, conducting systematic screening and testing protocols may boost the discovery and development of potent and curative therapeutics for HIV infection/AIDS. In this review, we aim to summarize the antiretroviral therapies/compounds and their associated drawbacks since the discovery of azidothymidine. Additionally, we aim to provide an updated analysis of the most recent discoveries of promising antiretroviral candidates, along with an exploration of the current limitations within antiretroviral research. Finally, we intend to glean insightful perspectives and propose future research directions in this crucial area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yun Siew
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Elishea Asudas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chia Ting Khoo
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Gang Hyeon Cho
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kenny Voon
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Tan HS, Yan P, Agustie HA, Loh HS, Rayamajhi N, Fang CM. Characterisation of ESBL/AmpC-Producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from poultry farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Lett Appl Microbiol 2023; 76:6912251. [PMID: 36688778 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases (AmpCs)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been increasingly reported and imposing significant threat to public. Livestock production industry might be the important source for clinically important ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. This study aims to investigate the resistance profile, phenotypic ESBL production, beta-lactamase genes, virulence factors, and plasmid replicon types among 59 Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from poultry faecal samples in Malaysia's commercial poultry farm. There were 38.7% and 32.3% of Escherichia coli resistant to cefotaxime and cefoxitin, respectively, while Klebsiellaspp. demonstrated resistance rate of 52.6% to both mentioned antimicrobials. Majority of the E. coli isolates carried blaTEM and blaCMY-2 group. blaSHV was the most prevalent gene detected in Klebsiellaspp., followed by blaDHA and blaTEM. Resistance to extended spectrum cephalosporin in our isolates was primarily mediated by plasmid mediated AmpC beta-lactamase such as CMY-2 group and DHA enzyme. The CTX-M genes were found in two ESBL-producing E. coli. IncF, IncI1, and IncN plasmids were most frequently detected in E. coli and Klebsiellaspp. The virulence factor, including EAST1 and pAA were identified at low frequency. This study highlights the poultry as a reservoir of resistance and virulence determinants and prevalence of plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae might drive their dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Shee Tan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pan Yan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hollysia Alda Agustie
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hwei-San Loh
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nabin Rayamajhi
- Warrenton Regional Animal Health Laboratory, 272 Academy Hill Rd, Warrenton, VA 20186 , USA
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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Wong SHM, Fang CM, Loh HS, Ngai SC. Trailing TRAIL Resistance in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells with Trichostatin A and Zebularine. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:817-831. [PMID: 36380402 DOI: 10.2174/1871520623666221114095733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to sensitize the resistant breast adenocarcinoma cells towards Tumour Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease involving complex mechanisms. TRAIL is a potential anticancer candidate for targeted treatment due to its selective killing effects on neoplastic cells. Nonetheless, resistance occurs in many cancers either intrinsically or after multiple treatments. OBJECTIVE Therefore, this research investigated whether the combination of Trichostatin A (TSA) and Zebularine (Zeb) (TZ) followed by TRAIL (TZT) could sensitize the human breast adenocarcinoma cells towards apoptosis. METHODS The breast adenocarcinoma cells, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and E-MDA-MB-231 (E-cadherin re-expressed MDA-MB-231) were treated with TSA, Zeb, TZ, TRAIL and TZT. The cells were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining and FITC-Annexin V/Propidium Iodide apoptosis detection prior to proteome profiling. RESULTS Based on morphological observation, apoptosis was induced in all cells treated with all treatment regimens though it was more evident for the TZT-treated cells. In the apoptosis detection analysis, TZ increased early apoptosis significantly in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 while TRAIL induced late apoptosis significantly in E-MDA-MB-231. Based on the proteome profiling on MDA-MB-231, TRAIL R2 and Fas expression was increased. For E-MDA-MB- 231, down-regulation of catalase, paraoxonase-2 (PON2), clusterin, an inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) and cell stress proteins validated the notion that E-cadherin re-expression enhances TZT anti-cancer efficacy. Similar trend was observed in MCF-7 whereby TZT treatment down-regulated the anti-apoptotic catalase and PON2, increased the proapoptotic, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated agonist of cell death (Bad) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) and HtrA serine peptidase 2 (HTRA2) as well as TRAIL receptors (TRAIL R1 and TRAIL R2). CONCLUSION TZ treatment serves as an efficient treatment regimen for MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, while TRAIL serves as a better treatment option for E-MDA-MB-231. Therefore, future studies on E-cadherin's positive regulatory role in TRAIL-induced apoptosis are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia How Ming Wong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hwei-San Loh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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Loh FK, Nathan S, Chow SC, Fang CM. Cytolysin A-mediated protein exportation efficiency and its role in enhancing the fitness of live recombinant Salmonella Typhi vaccine strain. Lett Appl Microbiol 2022; 74:820-830. [PMID: 35138654 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The genetic fusion of cytolysin A (ClyA) to heterologous antigen expressed in live Salmonella vector demonstrated efficient translocation into periplasmic space and extracellular medium. Accumulating evidence has shown that clyA-mediated antigen delivery improved growth fitness and enhanced immunogenicity of live vector vaccine, but the factors influencing this protein exportation has not been investigated. In this study, Toxoplasma gondii antigen fused at C-terminal of clyA protein was expressed in live S. Typhi vector via both plasmid and chromosomal-based expressions. The bivalent strains showed comparable growth rates as monovalent strains, but in varies antigen exportation efficiency. ClyA-fusion antigen with positive charges were translocated to the extracellular spaces, whereas those with negative charges were retained in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, excessive cellular resources expenditure on antigen expression, especially antigen with larger size, could limit the clyA-fusion antigen exportation, resulting in undesirable metabolic burden that eventually affects the growth fitness. Altogether, the present work indicates potential linkage of factors mainly on antigen properties and expression platforms that may affect clyA-mediated antigen delivery to enhance the growth fitness of live vector strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Kean Loh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sek-Chuen Chow
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih Selangor, Malaysia
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Hui MLY, Tan LTH, Letchumanan V, He YW, Fang CM, Chan KG, Law JWF, Lee LH. The Extremophilic Actinobacteria: From Microbes to Medicine. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:682. [PMID: 34201133 PMCID: PMC8230038 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Actinobacteria constitute prolific sources of novel and vital bioactive metabolites for pharmaceutical utilization. In recent years, research has focused on exploring actinobacteria that thrive in extreme conditions to unearth their beneficial bioactive compounds for natural product drug discovery. Natural products have a significant role in resolving public health issues such as antibiotic resistance and cancer. The breakthrough of new technologies has overcome the difficulties in sampling and culturing extremophiles, leading to the outpouring of more studies on actinobacteria from extreme environments. This review focuses on the diversity and bioactive potentials/medically relevant biomolecules of extremophilic actinobacteria found from various unique and extreme niches. Actinobacteria possess an excellent capability to produce various enzymes and secondary metabolites to combat harsh conditions. In particular, a few strains have displayed substantial antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), shedding light on the development of MRSA-sensitive antibiotics. Several strains exhibited other prominent bioactivities such as antifungal, anti-HIV, anticancer, and anti-inflammation. By providing an overview of the recently found extremophilic actinobacteria and their important metabolites, we hope to enhance the understanding of their potential for the medical world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Lok-Yung Hui
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia
| | - Vengadesh Letchumanan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Ya-Wen He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China;
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor 43500, Malaysia;
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 50600, Malaysia
| | - Jodi Woan-Fei Law
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (M.L.-Y.H.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.)
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Yap ZH, Kong WY, Azeez AR, Fang CM, Ngai SC. Anti-cancer Effects of Epigenetics Drugs Scriptaid and Zebularine in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1582-1591. [PMID: 34102995 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210608103251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High relapse and metastasis progression in breast cancer patients have prompted the need to explore alternative treatments. Epigenetic therapy has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy due to the reversibility of epigenome structures. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the anti-cancer effects of epigenetic drugs scriptaid and zebularine in human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. METHODS First, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of scriptaid, zebularine and the combination of both drugs on human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells was determined. Next, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with scriptaid, zebularine and the combination of both. After treatments, the anti-cancer effects were evaluated via cell migration assay, cell cycle analysis and apoptotic studies, which included histochemical staining and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the apoptotic genes. RESULTS Both epigenetic drugs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with 2 nM scriptaid, 8 µM zebularine and combination of 2 nM scriptaid and 2 µM zebularine. Both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells exhibited a reduction in cell migration after the treatments. In particular, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited a significant reduction in cell migration (p < 0.05) after the treatments of zebularine and the combination of scriptaid and zebularine. Besides, cell cycle analysis demonstrated that scriptaid and the combination of both drugs could induce cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, histochemical staining allowed the observation of apoptotic features, such as nuclear chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, nuclear chromatin fragmentation and cytoplasmic extension, in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells after the treatments. Further apoptotic studies revealed that the upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were found in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with zebularine and MCF-7 cells treated with all drug regimens. CONCLUSION Collectively, these findings suggest that scriptaid and zebularine are potential anti-cancer drugs, either single or in combination, for the therapy of breast cancer. Further investigations of the gene regulatory pathways directed by scriptaid and zebularine are definitely warranted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Hung Yap
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Wei Yang Kong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Abdur Rahmaan Azeez
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor. Malaysia
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Loh FK, Nathan S, Chow SC, Fang CM. Immunogenicity and protection efficacy of enhanced fitness recombinant Salmonella Typhi monovalent and bivalent vaccine strains against acute toxoplasmosis. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 115:392-404. [PMID: 33525974 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1881369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The proficiency of Salmonella Typhi to induce cell-mediated immunity has allowed its exploitation as a live vector against the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii vaccine research is of great medical value due to the lack of a suitable toxoplasmosis vaccine. In the present work, we integrated T. gondii antigen into a growth-dependent chromosome locus guaBA of S. Typhi CVD910 strain to form recombinant S. Typhi monovalent CVD910-SAG1 expressed T. gondii SAG1 antigen and monovalent CVD910-GRA2 expressed T. gondii GRA2 antigen. Furthermore, a low-copy stabilized recombinant plasmid encoding SAG1 antigen was transformed into CVD910-GRA2 to form bivalent CVD910-GS strain. An osmolarity-regulated promoter was also incorporated to control the gene transcription, whereas clyA export protein was included to translocate the antigen out of the cytoplasm. Both CVD910-GRA2 and CVD910-GS displayed healthy growth fitness and readily expressed the encoded T. gondii antigens. When administered in vivo, CVD910-GS successfully induced both humoral and cellular immunity in the immunized BALB/c mice, and extended mice survival against virulent T. gondii. In particular, the mice immunized with bivalent CVD910-GS presented the highest titers of IgG, percentages of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, B cells and memory T cells, and total IgG+ memory B cells as compared to the CVD910-GRA2 and control strains. The CVD910-GS group also generated mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine profile with secretions of IFN-ɣ, IL-2 and IL-10. This study demonstrated the importance of enhancing live vector fitness to sustain heterologous antigen expression for eliciting robust immune responses and providing effective protection against pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Kean Loh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sek-Chuen Chow
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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Mahendran ASK, Lim YS, Fang CM, Loh HS, Le CF. The Potential of Antiviral Peptides as COVID-19 Therapeutics. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:575444. [PMID: 33041819 PMCID: PMC7522797 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.575444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Suria Karnan Mahendran
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Yin Sze Lim
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Hwei-San Loh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Cheng Foh Le
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
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Fang CM, Mohammodi V, Nihtianov S, Sluiter MHF. Stability, geometry and electronic properties of BH n (n = 0 to 3) radicals on the Si{0 0 1}3 × 1:H surface from first-principles. J Phys Condens Matter 2020; 32:235201. [PMID: 31962296 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ab6e43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A new generation of radiation detectors relies on the crystalline Si and amorphous B (c-Si/a-B) junctions that are prepared through chemical vapor deposition of diborane (B2H6) on Si at low temperature (~400 °C). The Si wafer surface is dominated by the Si{0 0 1}3 × 1 domains that consist of two different Si species at low temperature. Here we investigate the geometry, stability and electronic properties of the hydrogen passivated Si{0 0 1}3 × 1 surfaces with deposited BH n (n = 0 to 3) radicals using parameter-free first-principles approaches. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations using the density functional theory (DFT) including van der Waals interaction reveal that in the initial stage the BH3 molecules/radicals deposit on the Si(-H), forming (-Si)BH4 radicals which then decompose into (-Si)BH2 with release of H2 molecules. Structural optimizations provide strong local relaxation and reconstructions at the deposited Si surface. Electronic structure calculations reveal the formation of various defect states in the forbidden gap. This indicates limitations of the presently used rigid electron-counting and band-filling models. The attained information enhances our understanding of the initial stage of the PureB process and the electric properties of the products.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Fang
- BCAST, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2AD, United Kingdom
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Wong SHM, Kong WY, Fang CM, Loh HS, Chuah LH, Abdullah S, Ngai SC. The TRAIL to cancer therapy: Hindrances and potential solutions. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 143:81-94. [PMID: 31561055 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is an ordered and orchestrated cellular process that occurs in physiological and pathological conditions. Resistance to apoptosis is a hallmark of virtually all malignancies. Despite being a cause of pathological conditions, apoptosis could be a promising target in cancer treatment. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), also known as Apo-2 ligand (Apo2L), is a member of TNF cytokine superfamily. It is a potent anti-cancer agent owing to its specific targeting towards cancerous cells, while sparing normal cells, to induce apoptosis. However, resistance occurs either intrinsically or after multiple treatments which may explain why cancer therapy fails. This review summarizes the apoptotic mechanisms via extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, as well as the apoptotic resistance mechanisms. It also reviews the current clinically tested recombinant human TRAIL (rhTRAIL) and TRAIL receptor agonists (TRAs) against TRAIL-Receptors, TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2, in which the outcomes of the clinical trials have not been satisfactory. Finally, this review discusses the current strategies in overcoming resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia How Ming Wong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wei Yang Kong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hwei-San Loh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lay-Hong Chuah
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia; Advanced Engineering Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syahril Abdullah
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia; UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Kong WY, Yee ZY, Mai CW, Fang CM, Abdullah S, Ngai SC. Zebularine and trichostatin A sensitized human breast adenocarcinoma cells towards tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02468. [PMID: 31687564 PMCID: PMC6819948 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising cancer therapeutic agent due to its selective killing on cancer cells while sparing the normal cells. Nevertheless, breast adenocarcinoma cells can develop TRAIL resistance. Therefore, this project investigated the anti-cancer effects of the combination of epigenetic drugs zebularine and trichostatin A (ZT) with TRAIL (TZT) on the human breast adenocarcinoma cells. This treatment regimen was compared with the natural anti-cancer compound curcumin (Cur) and standard chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox). As compared to TRAIL treatment, TZT treatment hampered the cell viability of human breast adenocarcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 significantly but not MCF-7 and immortalized non-cancerous human breast epithelial cells MCF10A. Unlike TZT, Cur and Dox treatments reduced cell viability in both human breast adenocarcinoma and epithelial cells significantly. Nevertheless, there were no changes in cell cycle in both TRAIL and TZT treatments in breast adenocarcinoma and normal epithelial cells. Intriguingly, Cur and Dox treatment generally induced G2/M arrest in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and MCF10A but Cur induced S phase arrest in MCF10A. The features of apoptosis such as morphological changes, apoptotic activity and the expression of cleaved poly (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) protein were more prominent in TRAIL and TZT-treated MDA-MB-231 as compared to MCF10A at 24 h post-treatment. Compared to TZT treatment, Cur and Dox treatments exhibited lesser apoptotic features in MDA-MB-231. Collectively, the sensitization using Zeb and TSA to augment TRAIL-induced apoptosis might be an alternative therapy towards human breast adenocarcinoma cells, without harming the normal human breast epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang Kong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, 43500, Malaysia
| | - Zong Yang Yee
- School of Post-Graduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, 43500, Malaysia
| | - Syahril Abdullah
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia
- UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, 43500, Malaysia
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12
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Loh FK, Nathan S, Chow SC, Fang CM. Vaccination challenges and strategies against long-lived Toxoplasma gondii. Vaccine 2019; 37:3989-4000. [PMID: 31186188 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of Toxoplasma gondii in 1908, it is estimated that one-third of the global population has been exposed to this ubiquitous intracellular protozoan. The complex life cycle of T. gondii has enabled itself to overcome stress and transmit easily within a broad host range thus achieving a high seroprevalence worldwide. To date, toxoplasmosis remains one of the most prevalent HIV-associated opportunistic central nervous system infections. This review presents a comprehensive overview of different vaccination approaches ranging from traditional inactivated whole-T. gondii vaccines to the popular DNA vaccines. Extensive discussions are made to highlight the challenges in constructing these vaccines, selecting adjuvants as well as delivery methods, immunisation approaches and developing study models. Herein we also deliberate over the latest and promising enhancement strategies that can address the limitations in developing an effective T. gondii prophylactic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Kean Loh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sek-Chuen Chow
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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13
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Pang EL, Peyret H, Ramirez A, Loh HS, Lai KS, Fang CM, Rosenberg WM, Lomonossoff GP. Epitope Presentation of Dengue Viral Envelope Glycoprotein Domain III on Hepatitis B Core Protein Virus-Like Particles Produced in Nicotiana benthamiana. Front Plant Sci 2019; 10:455. [PMID: 31057572 PMCID: PMC6477658 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Dengue fever is currently ranked as the top emerging tropical disease, driven by increased global travel, urbanization, and poor hygiene conditions as well as global warming effects which facilitate the spread of Aedes mosquitoes beyond their current distribution. Today, more than 100 countries are affected most of which are tropical Asian and Latin American nations with limited access to medical care. Hence, the development of a dengue vaccine that is dually cost-effective and able to confer a comprehensive protection is ultimately needed. In this study, a consensus sequence of the antigenic dengue viral glycoprotein domain III (cEDIII) was used aiming to provide comprehensive coverage against all four circulating dengue viral serotypes and potential clade replacement event. Utilizing hepatitis B tandem core technology, the cEDIII sequence was inserted into the immunodominant c/e1 loop region so that it could be displayed on the spike structures of assembled particles. The tandem core particles displaying cEDIII epitopes (tHBcAg-cEDIII) were successfully produced in Nicotiana benthamiana via Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression strategy to give a protein of ∼54 kDa, detected in both soluble and insoluble fractions of plant extracts. The assembled tHBcAg-cEDIII virus-like particles (VLPs) were also visualized from transmission electron microscopy. These VLPs had diameters that range from 32 to 35 nm, presenting an apparent size increment as compared to tHBcAg control particles without cEDIII display (namely tEL). Mice immunized with tHBcAg-cEDIII VLPs showed a positive seroconversion to cEDIII antigen, thereby signifying that the assembled tHBcAg-cEDIII VLPs have successfully displayed cEDIII antigen to the immune system. If it is proven to be successful, tHBcAg-cEDIII has the potential to be developed as a cost-effective vaccine candidate that confers a simultaneous protection against all four infecting dengue viral serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Leen Pang
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Hadrien Peyret
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hwei-San Loh
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Song Lai
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
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14
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Abstract
Transcription factors are gene regulators that activate or repress target genes. One family of the transcription factors that have been extensively studied for their crucial role in regulating gene network in the immune system is the interferon regulatory factors (IRFs). IRFs possess a novel turn-helix turn motif that recognizes a specific DNA consensus found in the promoters of many genes that are involved in immune responses. IRF5, a member of IRFs has recently gained much attention for its role in regulating inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases. Here, we discuss the role of IRF5 in regulating immune cells functions and how the dysregulation of IRF5 contributes to the pathogenesis of immune disorders. We also review the latest findings of potential IRF5 inhibitors that modulate IRF5 activity in the effort of developing therapeutic approaches for treating inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwinder Kaur
- a School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science , The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus , Selangor Darul , Ehsan , Malaysia
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- c School of Pharmacy , Monash University Malaysia , Selangor Darul , Ehsan , Malaysia.,e Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Monash University Malaysia , Selangor Darul , Ehsan , Malaysia
| | - Sek-Chuen Chow
- d School of Science , Monash University Malaysia , Selangor Darul , Ehsan , Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- b Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science , The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus , Selangor Darul , Ehsan , Malaysia
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15
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Fang CM, van Huis MA. Structure and stability of hcp iron carbide precipitates: A first-principles study. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00408. [PMID: 28971151 PMCID: PMC5619990 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hexagonal close-packed (hcp) iron carbides play an important role in steel processing and in steel products. The recent discovery of novel ultrafine (2–5 nm) iron carbide (ε'-Fe2+xC) precipitates in TRIP steel sheds a new light on the hcp family of carbides. Here we present a first-principles study on the relative stability, and the electronic, magnetic properties of the ε'-Fe2C phases. Different stackings of Fe-sheets and orderings of C atoms were investigated and compared with experimental data and with Jack’s model. We find very favorable formation enthalpies for these new members of the hcp family, and we present a first-principles-refined model for the crystal structure of the ultrafine Fe(C) precipitates. These findings are useful for the characterization of nano-sized iron carbide precipitates, for understanding their role in the microstructure of steels, and for the design of novel steels having even more desirable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Fang
- Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST), Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK.,Soft Condensed Matter, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584CC Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M A van Huis
- Soft Condensed Matter, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584CC Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Azman AS, Othman I, Fang CM, Chan KG, Goh BH, Lee LH. Antibacterial, Anticancer and Neuroprotective Activities of Rare Actinobacteria from Mangrove Forest Soils. Indian J Microbiol 2017; 57:177-187. [PMID: 28611495 PMCID: PMC5446825 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-016-0627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mangrove is a complex ecosystem that contains diverse microbial communities, including rare actinobacteria with great potential to produce bioactive compounds. To date, bioactive compounds extracted from mangrove rare actinobacteria have demonstrated diverse biological activities. The discovery of three novel rare actinobacteria by polyphasic approach, namely Microbacterium mangrovi MUSC 115T, Sinomonas humi MUSC 117T and Monashia flava MUSC 78T from mangrove soils at Tanjung Lumpur, Peninsular Malaysia have led to the screening on antibacterial, anticancer and neuroprotective activities. A total of ten different panels of bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300, ATCC 70069, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NRBC 112582 and others were selected for antibacterial screening. Three different neuroprotective models (hypoxia, oxidative stress, dementia) were done using SHSY5Y neuronal cells while two human cancer cells lines, namely human colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) and human cervical carcinoma cell lines (Ca Ski) were utilized for anticancer activity. The result revealed that all extracts exhibited bacteriostatic effects on the bacteria tested. On the other hand, the neuroprotective studies demonstrated M. mangrovi MUSC 115T extract exhibited significant neuroprotective properties in oxidative stress and dementia model while the extract of strain M. flava MUSC 78T was able to protect the SHSY5Y neuronal cells in hypoxia model. Furthermore, the extracts of M. mangrovi MUSC 115T and M. flava MUSC 78T exhibited anticancer effect against Ca Ski cell line. The chemical analysis of the extracts through GC-MS revealed that the majority of the compounds present in all extracts are heterocyclic organic compound that could explain for the observed bioactivities. Therefore, the results obtained in this study suggested that rare actinobacteria discovered from mangrove environment could be potential sources of antibacterial, anticancer and neuroprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adzzie-Shazleen Azman
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
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17
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Abstract
Silica based materials are attractive because of their versatility and their unique structures and properties, which have led to numerous applications of silica in a range of fields. Recently, various low-dimensional silica materials have been synthesized experimentally. Here we present a first-principles study on the geometry and stability of novel low-dimensional silica nano-ribbons (SNRs) using density-functional theory (DFT) with van der Waals interactions (optB88-vdW). SNRs of various widths with different surface groups, and with the geometry of hexagonal rings and squares, were taken into consideration. An atomically flat ribbon with mixing squares and rings is also included. The calculations showed high stability for the single layer and bilayer silica ribbons, both containing hexagonal rings. The calculations also revealed a high flexibility of silica chains. The local structure and chemical bonding were carefully analyzed. Electronic band structure calculations showed an insulating nature of the SNRs with energy gaps of about 5.0 to 6.0 eV, which are determined by nonbonding and anti-bonding O 2p states.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Fang
- Soft Condensed Matter (SCM), Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (DINS), Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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18
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Lee LH, Azman AS, Zainal N, Eng SK, Fang CM, Hong K, Chan KG. Novosphingobium malaysiense sp. nov. isolated from mangrove sediment. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2014; 64:1194-1201. [PMID: 24408529 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.059014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel bacterium, strain MUSC 273(T), was isolated from mangrove sediments of the Tanjung Lumpur river in the state of Pahang in peninsular Malaysia. The bacterium was yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming. The taxonomy of strain MUSC 273(T) was studied by a polyphasic approach and the organism showed a range of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the genus Novosphingobium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MUSC 273(T) showed the highest sequence similarity to those of Novosphingobium indicum H25(T) (96.8 %), N. naphthalenivorans TUT562(T) (96.4 %) and N. soli CC-TPE-1(T) (95.9 %) and lower sequence similarity to members of all other species of the genus Novosphingobium. Furthermore, in phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain MUSC 273(T) formed a distinct cluster with members of the genus Novosphingobium. DNA-DNA relatedness of strain MUSC 273(T) to the type strains of the most closely related species, N. indicum MCCC 1A01080(T) and N. naphthalenivorans DSM 18518(T), was 29.2 % (reciprocal 31.0 %) and 17 % (reciprocal 18 %), respectively. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10, the major polyamine was spermidine and the DNA G+C content was 63.3±0.1 mol%. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingoglycolipid. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C17 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0, C15 : 0 2-OH and C16 : 1ω7c. Comparison of BOX-PCR fingerprints indicated that strain MUSC 273(T) represented a unique DNA profile. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain MUSC 273(T) represents a novel species of the genus Novosphingobium, for which the name Novosphingobium malaysiense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 273(T) ( = DSM 27798(T) = MCCC 1A00645(T) = NBRC 109947(T)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Learn-Han Lee
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Adzzie-Shazleen Azman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Nurullhudda Zainal
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Shu-Kee Eng
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.,Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Kui Hong
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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19
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Panchanathan R, Liu H, Liu H, Fang CM, Erickson LD, Pitha PM, Choubey D. Distinct regulation of murine lupus susceptibility genes by the IRF5/Blimp-1 axis. J Immunol 2011; 188:270-8. [PMID: 22116829 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified lupus susceptibility genes such as IRF5 and PRDM1 (encoding for IFN regulatory factor 5 [IRF]5 and Blimp-1) in the human genome. Accordingly, the murine Irf5 and Prdm1 genes have been shown to play a role in lupus susceptibility. However, it remains unclear how IRF5 and Blimp-1 (a transcriptional target of IRF5) contribute to lupus susceptibility. Given that the murine lupus susceptibility locus Nba2 includes the IFN-regulated genes Ifi202 (encoding for the p202 protein), Aim2 (encoding for the Aim2 protein), and Fcgr2b (encoding for the FcγRIIB receptor), we investigated whether the IRF5/Blimp-1 axis could regulate the expression of these genes. We found that an Irf5 deficiency in mice decreased the expression of Blimp-1 and reduced the expression of the Ifi202. However, the deficiency increased the expression of Aim2 and Fcgr2b. Correspondingly, increased expression of IRF5 in cells increased levels of Blimp-1 and p202 protein. Moreover, Blimp-1 expression increased the expression of Ifi202, whereas it reduced the expression of Aim2. Interestingly, an Aim2 deficiency in female mice increased the expression of IRF5. Similarly, the Fcgr2b-deficient mice expressed increased levels of IRF5. Moreover, increased expression of IRF5 and Blimp-1 in lupus-prone C57BL/6.Nba2, New Zealand Black, and C57BL/6.Sle123 female mice (as compared with age-matched C57BL/6 female mice) was associated with increased levels of the p202 protein. Taken together, our observations demonstrate that the IRF5/Blimp-1 axis differentially regulates the expression of Nba2 lupus susceptibility genes, and they suggest an important role for the IRF5/Blimp-1/p202 axis in murine lupus susceptibility.
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20
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Fang CM, Sluiter MHF, van Huis MA, Ande CK, Zandbergen HW. Origin of predominance of cementite among iron carbides in steel at elevated temperature. Phys Rev Lett 2010; 105:055503. [PMID: 20867931 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.105.055503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A long-standing challenge in physics is to understand why cementite is the predominant carbide in steel. Here we show that the prevalent formation of cementite can be explained only by considering its stability at elevated temperature. A systematic highly accurate quantum mechanical study was conducted on the stability of binary iron carbides. The calculations show that all the iron carbides are unstable relative to the elemental solids, α-Fe and graphite. Apart from a cubic Fe23C6 phase, the energetically most favorable carbides exhibit hexagonal close-packed Fe sublattices. Finite-temperature analysis showed that contributions from lattice vibration and anomalous Curie-Weis magnetic ordering, rather than from the conventional lattice mismatch with the matrix, are the origin of the predominance of cementite during steel fabrication processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Fang
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands.
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21
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Fang CM, Zainuddin ZF, Musa M, Thong KL. Cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant protein from a single synthetic multivalent construct of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Protein Expr Purif 2006; 47:341-7. [PMID: 16510294 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2005.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Revised: 12/15/2005] [Accepted: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis remains a major infectious disease with over 8 million new cases and 2 million deaths annually. Therefore, a vaccine more potent than BCG is desperately needed. In this regard, an approximately 800 bp DNA encoding a mycobacterial synthetic gene designated as VacIII (containing ubiquitin gene UbGR and four immunogenic mycobacterial epitopes or genes of ESAT-6, Phos1, Hsp 16.3, and Mtb8.4) was sub-cloned into a bacterial expression vector of pRSET-B resulting in a 6 x His-VacIII fusion gene construction. This recombinant clone was over expressed in Escherichia coli BL-21 (DE-3). The expressed fusion protein was found almost entirely in the insoluble form (inclusion bodies) in cell lysate. The inclusion bodies were solubilized with 8M urea and the recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA column and dialyzed by urea gradient dialysis. This method produced a relatively high yield of recombinant VacIII protein and the cloned VacIII gene offers the potential development of other vaccine formats such as DNA vaccine and recombinant vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee-Mun Fang
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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22
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Abstract
Asip is a mammalian homologue of polarity protein Par-3 of Caenorhabditis elegans and Bazooka of Drosophila melanogaster. Asip/Par-3/Bazooka are PDZ-motif containing proteins that localize asymmetrically to the cell periphery and play a pivotal role in cell polarity and asymmetric cell division. In the present study, we have cloned human asip cDNA and its splicing variants by 5'-RACE and RT-PCR using candidate human EST clones which have a high homology to rat asip cDNA. The full-length cDNA of human asip encodes a 1,353 aa protein exhibiting 88% similarity to the rat one. Human asip is a single copy gene consisting of at least 26 exons and localizing in human chromosome 10, band p11.2, with some extraordinarily long introns. All exon/intron boundary nucleotides conform to the "gt-ag" rule. Three main transcripts were detected by Northern blot analysis, and at least five variants, from alternative splicing and polyadenylation, have been identified by RT-PCR and liver cDNA library screening. Exon 17b deleted asip mRNAs expressed ubiquitously in normal human tissues, including liver, on RT-PCR analysis. However, they were absent from most human liver cancer cell lines examined. More interestingly, the expression of exon 17b deleted variants was down regulated in 52.6% (10/19) clinic specimens of human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), compared with the surrounding nontumorous liver tissues from the same patients. The presence of various splicing transcripts, the variation of their distribution among different tissues and cells, and their differential expressions in human HCCs suggest that human Asip isoforms may function in different context.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Fang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
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23
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Fang CM, Shi C, Xu YH. Deregulated c-myc expression in quiescent CHO cells induces target gene transcription and subsequent apoptotic phenotype. Cell Res 1999; 9:305-14. [PMID: 10628839 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cr.7290029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human c-myc cDNA was fused with the hormone-binding domain (HBD) cDNA of murine estrogen receptor gene and the chimeric gene was introduced into the CHO cells. The fusion protein, c-MycER, becomes activated when the synthetic steroid, 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (OHT), binds HBD. Activated c-MycER, likely c-Myc, can induce quiescent CHO cells reentry into S phase and subsequent cell death under serum-free condition. In addition, the expression of some proposed c-myc target genes such as ODC, MrDb, cad, rcc1 and rcl were found to increase upon OHT induction before S phase entry and apoptosis, indicating that these target genes are involved in cell cycle regulation and/or apoptosis control. However, the mutant D106-143c-MycER protein does not have above activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Fang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
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Abstract
Posterior soft-tissue defects of the elbow are difficult to reconstruct by conventional techniques such as closure by approximation or skin graft. An ideal technique should be an easy and reliable one-stage procedure that provides predictable surgical results with regard to elbow function and cosmesis. This report details our experience in 7 patients who underwent a one-stage procedure for coverage of the posterior elbow employing the reverse pedicled lateral arm flap. All flaps survived and all patients were able to resume full range of motion of the elbow joint at the 6-month follow-up. Complications included forearm paraesthesia in 3 patients and conspicuous scarring in a young female patient. We emphasize two valuable refinements in surgical technique including measuring posterior elbow defect in full flexion and postoperative elbow extension splinting. In trauma-related defects of the posterior elbow, a preoperative angiogram is important before raising this flap.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Tung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, ROC
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25
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Wang KC, Fang CM, Chen WJ, Lee SS, Yang WE, Shih CH. Pyomyositis of the calf muscles mimicking distal deep venous thrombosis: a case report. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ) 1997; 26:358-9. [PMID: 9181195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pyomyositis is a pyogenic infection of skeletal muscle. It is relatively rare in temperate climates. Unfamiliarity with the lesion may lead to a delay in diagnosis. This report describes pyomyositis of the calf muscles in a patient with chronic hepatitis whose clinical symptoms simulated those of distal deep venous thrombosis. The correct diagnosis was not made until computed tomography revealed a local abscess in the calf muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Keelung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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26
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Fang CM, Ettema AR, Haas C, Wiegers GA. Electronic structure of the misfit-layer compound (SnS)1.17NbS2 deduced from band-structure calculations and photoelectron spectra. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1995; 52:2336-2347. [PMID: 9981299 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.52.2336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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27
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Fang CM, Huang TJ, Chen WJ, Lee ST, Hsu RW. Intradural lumbar disc herniation--a case report. Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi 1994; 17:297-300. [PMID: 7954013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
One case of intradural lumbar disc herniation at the L3-L4 disc level with cauda equina syndrome is reported. Myelo-CT demonstrated an intradural tumor-like lesion with complete block. An intradural fragment of sequestrated disc material was found intraoperatively. Accurate preoperative diagnosis of the intradural nature of the disease and prompt surgical treatment resulted in a smooth recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Fang
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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28
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Huang TJ, Chen WJ, Chen JY, Fang CM, Chu LY. [Measurements of the lumbar spinal canal of Chinese by computed tomography]. Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi 1994; 17:44-9. [PMID: 8205497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The study of the lumbar canal sizes in Chinese has not been reported before. Thirty adult patients, aged 20 to 40 years, who sustained thoracolumbar or lumbar fracture-dislocation and needed further computed tomographic (CT) scanning were included in this study. There was no significant back pain or sciatica on these patients before. Measurements of the med-sagittal anteroposterior (A-P) and interpedicular (I-P) diameters of the spinal canals L1 to L5 were requested at the same time during CT scanning. The results show that the lowest normal limits of the A-P and I-P diameters of the lumbar canals in Chinese are 11 mm and 19 mm respectively. The I-P diameters increase progressively from the first to the fifth vertebrae. The A-P diameters, however, are more variable and shortest at L2, L3 and L4 vertebrae.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Huang
- Dept. of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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