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Emery A, Moore S, Crowe J, Murray J, Peacock O, Thompson D, Betts F, Rapps S, Ross L, Rothschild-Rodriguez D, Arana Echarri A, Davies R, Lewis R, Augustine DX, Whiteway A, Afzal Z, Heaney J, Drayson MT, Turner JE, Campbell JP. The effects of short-term, progressive exercise training on disease activity in smouldering multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: a single-arm pilot study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:174. [PMID: 38317104 PMCID: PMC10840198 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11817-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of physical activity are associated with reduced risk of the blood cancer multiple myeloma (MM). MM is preceded by the asymptomatic stages of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) which are clinically managed by watchful waiting. A case study (N = 1) of a former elite athlete aged 44 years previously indicated that a multi-modal exercise programme reversed SMM disease activity. To build from this prior case study, the present pilot study firstly examined if short-term exercise training was feasible and safe for a group of MGUS and SMM patients, and secondly investigated the effects on MGUS/SMM disease activity. METHODS In this single-arm pilot study, N = 20 participants diagnosed with MGUS or SMM were allocated to receive a 16-week progressive exercise programme. Primary outcome measures were feasibility and safety. Secondary outcomes were pre- to post-exercise training changes to blood biomarkers of MGUS and SMM disease activity- monoclonal (M)-protein and free light chains (FLC)- plus cardiorespiratory and functional fitness, body composition, quality of life, blood immunophenotype, and blood biomarkers of inflammation. RESULTS Fifteen (3 MGUS and 12 SMM) participants completed the exercise programme. Adherence was 91 ± 11%. Compliance was 75 ± 25% overall, with a notable decline in compliance at intensities > 70% V̇O2PEAK. There were no serious adverse events. There were no changes to M-protein (0.0 ± 1.0 g/L, P =.903), involved FLC (+ 1.8 ± 16.8 mg/L, P =.839), or FLC difference (+ 0.2 ± 15.6 mg/L, P =.946) from pre- to post-exercise training. There were pre- to post-exercise training improvements to diastolic blood pressure (- 3 ± 5 mmHg, P =.033), sit-to-stand test performance (+ 5 ± 5 repetitions, P =.002), and energy/fatigue scores (+ 10 ± 15%, P =.026). Other secondary outcomes were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS A 16-week progressive exercise programme was feasible and safe, but did not reverse MGUS/SMM disease activity, contrasting a prior case study showing that five years of exercise training reversed SMM in a 44-year-old former athlete. Longer exercise interventions should be explored in a group of MGUS/SMM patients, with measurements of disease biomarkers, along with rates of disease progression (i.e., MGUS/SMM to MM). REGISTRATION https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN65527208 (14/05/2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Emery
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - S Moore
- Department for Haematology, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - J Crowe
- Department for Haematology, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - J Murray
- Department for Haematology, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - O Peacock
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - D Thompson
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - F Betts
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - S Rapps
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - L Ross
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | | | - R Davies
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - R Lewis
- Department for Physiotherapy, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - D X Augustine
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Department for Cardiology, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - A Whiteway
- Department for Haematology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Z Afzal
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunity and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jlj Heaney
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunity and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M T Drayson
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunity and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - J E Turner
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - J P Campbell
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, WA, Joondalup, Australia.
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2
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Nirmalraj PN, Rossell MD, Dachraoui W, Thompson D, Mayer M. In Situ Observation of Chemically Induced Protein Denaturation at Solvated Interfaces. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:48015-48026. [PMID: 37797325 PMCID: PMC10591235 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10510] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Proteins unfold in chaotropic salt solutions, a process that is difficult to observe at the single protein level. The work presented here demonstrates that a liquid-based atomic force microscope and graphene liquid-cell-based scanning transmission electron microscope make it possible to observe chemically induced protein unfolding. To illustrate this capability, ferritin proteins were deposited on a graphene surface, and the concentration-dependent urea- or guanidinium-induced changes of morphology were monitored for holo-ferritin with its ferrihydrite core as well as apo-ferritin without this core. Depending on the chaotropic agent the liquid-based imaging setup captured an unexpected transformation of natively folded holo-ferritin proteins into rings after urea treatment but not after guanidinium treatment. Urea treatment of apo-ferritin did not result in nanorings, confirming that nanorings are a specific signature of denaturation of holo-ferritins after exposture to sufficiently high urea concentrations. Mapping the in situ images with molecular dynamics simulations of ferritin subunits in urea solutions suggests that electrostatic destabilization triggers denaturation of ferritin as urea makes direct contact with the protein and also disrupts the water H-bonding network in the ferritin solvation shell. Our findings deepen the understanding of protein denaturation studied using label-free techniques operating at the solid-liquid interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Niraj Nirmalraj
- Transport
at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Marta D. Rossell
- Electron
Microscopy Center, Swiss Federal Laboratories
for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Walid Dachraoui
- Electron
Microscopy Center, Swiss Federal Laboratories
for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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3
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Kiray G, Panteli V, Enright N, Handley S, Marmoy O, Thompson D, Henderson R. 8 Unexpected retinopathy in a patient presenting with bilateral optic disc swelling. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2023; 8:A3. [PMID: 37797989 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-biposa.8] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A 12-year-old boy presented with 5 day history of blurry vision, 'wobbly eyes', tinnitus and difficulty seeing at night. Local ophthalmology noted bilateral optic disc swelling and referred him urgently for neurological investigations.Clinical Findings: At presentation VA was RE 0.00 and LE 0.2 with normal Ishihara colour vision. His extraocular movements were full without manifest strabismus. Fundoscopy showed bilateral optic disc swelling. Electrophysiology unexpectedly revealed a functionally cone isolated retina with markedly abnormal rod function. Pattern VEPs indicated bilateral macular pathway dysfunction affecting left eye more than right eye. Wide field imaging showed bilateral diffusely scattered yellow-white flecks in the midperiphery of each eye. His kinetic visual fields were moderately restricted bilaterally. MRI showed a Chiari 1 malformation with cerebellar tonsil herniation, but LP opening pressure was normal.Differential diagnosis included RDH5 retinopathy or vitamin A deficiency. On questioning he reported a diet restricted to only meat and biscuits. His vitamin A levels were subnormal at 0.14 umol/L (reference range 0.9-2.5umol/l) and he was started on high-dose Vitamin A supplements.Four months after supplementation retinal appearances had normalised, the rod ERGs recovered, nyctalopia and visual field restriction resolved. PVEPs had improved but an element of LE macular pathway dysfunction remained. Optic disc swelling settled leaving mild temporal pallor, particularly of the LE with some RNFL loss.It is important to recognise nutritional Vitamin A deficiency in children as prompt recognition and treatment can improve symptoms, reverse retinal pathology which we have demonstrated with electrophysiological findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kiray
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - V Panteli
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - N Enright
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S Handley
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - O Marmoy
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - D Thompson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R Henderson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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4
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Panteli V, Alwis A, Desai N, Marmoy O, Thompson D, Prabhakar P. 9 MOG associated encephalitis presenting as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2023; 8:A3. [PMID: 37797998 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-biposa.9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A young Caucasian male (7y) with normal BMI was atypical for his provisional diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), that resolved following a Lumbar Puncture (LP). At 8y he presented with a 2-week history of headaches and vomiting that started some weeks after flu vaccination and an upper respiratory infection.Visual Acuity (VA) and colour vision were normal. Ocular motility was full. Fundoscopy and OCT showed recurrence of papilloedema, with enlarged blind spots on Kinetic perimetry.LP opening pressure was 30cm H2O and CSF white cells were elevated (23). Repeat brain and spine imaging showed new white matter signal changes in keeping with neuroinflammation, as well as enhancement of the left optic nerve extending to the chiasm and optic tract. VA, colour vision and pupillary reactions remained normal.Pattern VEP peak times were prolonged from the left eye compared to right eye to small check widths, consistent with relative macular-cortex pathway dysfunction. Hemifield PVEPs were slightly prolonged and reduced from the bitemporal fields indicating chiasmal dysfunction. Normal PERGs excluded PVEP delay associated with primary RGC disease.Further investigations showed oligoclonal band and serum-MOG antibody positivity.Management: Initial treatment with Acetazolamide 125mg bd for a week, following LP, was changed to IV methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone.Symptoms improved significantly following LP and steroid treatment. He will be followed in a Demyelination Clinic.MOG-associated disease has been reported with raised intracranial pressure and should be considered especially in children with atypical clinical phenotype for IIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Panteli
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Alwis
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - N Desai
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - O Marmoy
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Thompson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - P Prabhakar
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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5
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Davoudian K, Bhattacharya S, Thompson D, Thompson M. Coupled Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Destabilisation of the Gelsolin-Actin Complex Enables Facile Detection of Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Lysophosphatidic Acid. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1426. [PMID: 37759826 PMCID: PMC10527313 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091426] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a promising biomarker candidate to screen for ovarian cancer (OC) and potentially stratify and treat patients according to disease stage. LPA is known to target the actin-binding protein gelsolin which is a key regulator of actin filament assembly. Previous studies have shown that the phosphate headgroup of LPA alone is inadequate to bind to the short chain of amino acids in gelsolin known as the PIP2-binding domain. Thus, the molecular-level detail of the mechanism of LPA binding is poorly understood. Here, we model LPA binding to the PIP2-binding domain of gelsolin in the gelsolin-actin complex through extensive ten-microsecond atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We predict that LPA binding causes a local conformational rearrangement due to LPA interactions with both gelsolin and actin residues. These conformational changes are a result of the amphipathic nature of LPA, where the anionic phosphate, polar glycerol and ester groups, and lipophilic aliphatic tail mediate LPA binding via charged electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals interactions. The negatively-charged LPA headgroup binds to the PIP2-binding domain of gelsolin-actin while its hydrophobic tail is inserted into actin, creating a strong LPA-insertion pocket that weakens the gelsolin-actin interface. The computed structure, dynamics, and energetics of the ternary gelsolin-LPA-actin complex confirms that a quantitative OC assay is possible based on LPA-triggered actin release from the gelsolin-actin complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Davoudian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada;
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- SSPC—The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland;
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- SSPC—The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland;
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada;
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6
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Gibney A, de Paiva REF, Singh V, Fox R, Thompson D, Hennessy J, Slator C, McKenzie CJ, Johansson P, McKee V, Westerlund F, Kellett A. A Click Chemistry-Based Artificial Metallo-Nuclease. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202305759. [PMID: 37338105 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305759] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Artificial metallo-nucleases (AMNs) are promising DNA damaging drug candidates. Here, we demonstrate how the 1,2,3-triazole linker produced by the Cu-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction can be directed to build Cu-binding AMN scaffolds. We selected biologically inert reaction partners tris(azidomethyl)mesitylene and ethynyl-thiophene to develop TC-Thio, a bioactive C3 -symmetric ligand in which three thiophene-triazole moieties are positioned around a central mesitylene core. The ligand was characterised by X-ray crystallography and forms multinuclear CuII and CuI complexes identified by mass spectrometry and rationalised by density functional theory (DFT). Upon Cu coordination, CuII -TC-Thio becomes a potent DNA binding and cleaving agent. Mechanistic studies reveal DNA recognition occurs exclusively at the minor groove with subsequent oxidative damage promoted through a superoxide- and peroxide-dependent pathway. Single molecule imaging of DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells shows that the complex has comparable activity to the clinical drug temozolomide, causing DNA damage that is recognised by a combination of base excision repair (BER) enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gibney
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Raphael E F de Paiva
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vandana Singh
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Fox
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Joseph Hennessy
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Creina Slator
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christine J McKenzie
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Pegah Johansson
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vickie McKee
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Westerlund
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrew Kellett
- SSPC, the, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Yang Z, Cazade PA, Lin JL, Cao Z, Chen N, Zhang D, Duan L, Nijhuis CA, Thompson D, Li Y. High performance mechano-optoelectronic molecular switch. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5639. [PMID: 37704605 PMCID: PMC10499996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly-efficient molecular photoswitching occurs ex-situ but not to-date inside electronic devices due to quenching of excited states by background interactions. Here we achieve fully reversible in-situ mechano-optoelectronic switching in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of tetraphenylethylene molecules by bending their supporting electrodes to maximize aggregation-induced emission (AIE). We obtain stable, reversible switching across >1600 on/off cycles with large on/off ratio of (3.8 ± 0.1) × 103 and 140 ± 10 ms switching time which is 10-100× faster than other approaches. Multimodal characterization shows mechanically-controlled emission with UV-light enhancing the Coulomb interaction between the electrons and holes resulting in giant enhancement of molecular conductance. The best mechano-optoelectronic switching occurs in the most concave architecture that reduces ambient single-molecule conformational entropy creating artificially-tightened supramolecular assemblies. The performance can be further improved to achieve ultra-high switching ratio on the order of 105 using tetraphenylethylene derivatives with more AIE-active sites. Our results promise new applications from optimized interplay between mechanical force and optics in soft electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Pierre-André Cazade
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Jin-Liang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Cao
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Ningyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lian Duan
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Molecules and Materials MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired NanoSystems Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China.
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8
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Rath SP, Thompson D, Goswami S, Goswami S. Many-Body Molecular Interactions in a Memristor. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2204551. [PMID: 36043246 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202204551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Electronic transitions in molecular-circuit elements hinge on complex interactions between molecules and ions, offering a multidimensional parameter space to embed, access, and optimize material functionalities for target-specific applications. This opportunity is not cultivated in molecular memristors because their low-temperature charge transport, which is a route to decipher molecular many-body interactions, is unexplored. To address this, robust, temperature-resilient molecular memristors based on a Ru complex of an azo aromatic ligand are designed, and current-voltage sweep measurements from room temperature down to 2 K with different cooling protocols are performed. By freezing out or activating different components of supramolecular dynamics, the local Coulombic interactions between the molecules and counterions that affect the electronic transport can be controlled. Operating conditions are designed where functionalities spanning bipolar, unipolar, nonvolatile, and volatile memristors with sharp as well as gradual analog transitions are captured within a single device. A mathematical design space evolves, thereof comprising 36 tuneable parameters in which all possible steady-state functional variations in a memristor characteristic can be attainable. This enables a deterministic design route to engineer neuromorphic devices with unprecedented control over the transformation characteristics governing their functional flexibility and tunability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi P Rath
- Centre for Nanoscience and Engineering, CeNSE, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Sreebrata Goswami
- Centre for Nanoscience and Engineering, CeNSE, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Sreetosh Goswami
- Centre for Nanoscience and Engineering, CeNSE, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
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Goswami S, Rath SP, Thompson D, Hedström S, Annamalai M, Pramanick R, Ilic BR, Sarkar S, Hooda S, Nijhuis CA, Martin J, Williams RS, Goswami S, Venkatesan T. Author Correction: Charge disproportionate molecular redox for discrete memristive and memcapacitive switching. Nat Nanotechnol 2023; 18:1116. [PMID: 37369797 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sreetosh Goswami
- NUSNNI-NanoCore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Science and Engineerinßg, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Santi P Rath
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, India
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Svante Hedström
- Fysikum, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Svensk Kärnbränslehantering, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Rajib Pramanick
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, India
| | - B Robert Ilic
- Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Soumya Sarkar
- NUSNNI-NanoCore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Science and Engineerinßg, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sonu Hooda
- NUSNNI-NanoCore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- NUSNNI-NanoCore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jens Martin
- NUSNNI-NanoCore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Leibniz Institut für Kristallzüchtung, Materials Science Department, Berlin, Germany.
| | - R Stanley Williams
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sreebrata Goswami
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, India.
| | - T Venkatesan
- NUSNNI-NanoCore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Science and Engineerinßg, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Materials Science and Engineering Department, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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10
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Vishnoi S, Bhattacharya S, Walsh EM, Okoh GI, Thompson D. Computational Peptide Design Cotargeting Glucagon and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptors. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:4934-4947. [PMID: 37523325 PMCID: PMC10428222 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00752] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Peptides are sustainable alternatives to conventional therapeutics for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) linked disorders, promising biocompatible and tailorable next-generation therapeutics for metabolic disorders including type-2 diabetes, as agonists of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). However, single agonist peptides activating GLP-1R to stimulate insulin secretion also suppress obesity-linked glucagon release. Hence, bioactive peptides cotargeting GCGR and GLP-1R may remediate the blood glucose and fatty acid metabolism imbalance, tackling both diabetes and obesity to supersede current monoagonist therapy. Here, we design and model optimized peptide sequences starting from peptide sequences derived from earlier phage-displayed library screening, identifying those with predicted molecular binding profiles for dual agonism of GCGR and GLP-1R. We derive design rules from extensive molecular dynamics simulations based on peptide-receptor binding. Our newly designed coagonist peptide exhibits improved predicted coupled binding affinity for GCGR and GLP-1R relative to endogenous ligands and could in the future be tested experimentally, which may provide superior glycemic and weight loss control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Vishnoi
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | | | | | - Damien Thompson
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
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11
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Wang Y, Liu S, Li L, Li H, Yin Y, Rencus-Lazar S, Guerin S, Ouyang W, Thompson D, Yang R, Cai K, Gazit E, Ji W. Manipulating the Piezoelectric Response of Amino Acid-Based Assemblies by Supramolecular Engineering. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37392396 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Variation in the molecular architecture significantly affects the electronic and supramolecular structure of biomolecular assemblies, leading to dramatically altered piezoelectric response. However, relationship between molecular building block chemistry, crystal packing and quantitative electromechanical response is still not fully understood. Herein, we systematically explored the possibility to amplify the piezoelectricity of amino acid-based assemblies by supramolecular engineering. We show that a simple change of side-chain in acetylated amino acids leads to increased polarization of the supramolecular arrangements, resulting in significant enhancement of their piezoelectric response. Moreover, compared to most of the natural amino acid assemblies, chemical modification of acetylation increased the maximum piezoelectric tensors. The predicted maximal piezoelectric strain tensor and voltage constant of acetylated tryptophan (L-AcW) assemblies reach 47 pm V-1 and 1719 mV m/N, respectively, comparable to commonly used inorganic materials such as bismuth triborate crystals. We further fabricated an L-AcW crystal-based piezoelectric power nanogenerator that produces a high and stable open-circuit voltage of over 1.4 V under mechanical pressure. For the first time, the illumination of a light-emitting diode (LED) is demonstrated by the power output of an amino acid-based piezoelectric nanogenerator. This work presents the supramolecular engineering toward the systematic modulation of piezoelectric response in amino acid-based assemblies, facilitating the development of high-performance functional biomaterials from simple, readily available, and easily tailored building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Shuaijie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lingling Li
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hui Li
- Xi'an Modern Chemistry Research Institute, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Sigal Rencus-Lazar
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Sarah Guerin
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Wengen Ouyang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Rusen Yang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710126, China
| | - Kaiyong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Wei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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12
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Bergaglio T, Bhattacharya S, Thompson D, Nirmalraj PN. Label-Free Digital Holotomography Reveals Ibuprofen-Induced Morphological Changes to Red Blood Cells. ACS Nanosci Au 2023; 3:241-255. [PMID: 37360843 PMCID: PMC10288613 DOI: 10.1021/acsnanoscienceau.3c00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the dose-dependent effect of over-the-counter drugs on red blood cells (RBCs) is crucial for hematology and digital pathology. Yet, it is challenging to continuously record the real-time, drug-induced shape changes of RBCs in a label-free manner. Here, we demonstrate digital holotomography (DHTM)-enabled real-time, label-free concentration-dependent and time-dependent monitoring of ibuprofen on RBCs from a healthy donor. The RBCs are segmented based on three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) refractive index tomograms, and their morphological and chemical parameters are retrieved with their shapes classified using machine learning. We directly observed the formation and motion of spicules on the RBC membrane when aqueous solutions of ibuprofen were drop-cast on wet blood, creating rough-membraned echinocyte forms. At low concentrations of 0.25-0.50 mM, the ibuprofen-induced morphological change was transient, but at high concentrations (1-3 mM) the spiculated RBC remained over a period of up to 1.5 h. Molecular simulations confirmed that aggregates of ibuprofen molecules at high concentrations significantly disrupted the RBC membrane structural integrity and lipid order but produced negligible effect at low ibuprofen concentrations. Control experiments on the effect of urea, hydrogen peroxide, and aqueous solutions on RBCs showed zero spicule formation. Our work clarifies the dose-dependent chemical effects on RBCs using label-free microscopes that can be deployed for the rapid detection of overdosage of over-the-counter and prescribed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Bergaglio
- Transport
at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
- Graduate
School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Peter Niraj Nirmalraj
- Transport
at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
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13
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Zwane R, Klug J, Guerin S, Thompson D, Reilly AM. Decoding Supramolecular Packing Patterns from Computed Anisotropic Deformability Maps of Molecular Crystals. J Phys Chem C Nanomater Interfaces 2023; 127:5533-5543. [PMID: 36998252 PMCID: PMC10041627 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c08212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The ability to encode and embed desired mechanical properties into active pharmaceutical ingredient solid forms would significantly advance drug development. In recent years, computational methods, particularly dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT), have come of age, opening the possibility of reliably predicting and rationally engineering the mechanical response of molecular crystals. Here, many-body dispersion and Tkatchenko-Scheffler dispersion-corrected DFT were used to calculate the elastic constants of a series of archetypal systems, including paracetamol and aspirin polymorphs and model hydrogen-bonded urea and π-π-bound benzene crystals, establishing their structure-mechanics relations. Both methods showed semiquantitative and excellent qualitative agreement with experiment. The calculations revealed that the plane of maximal Young's modulus generally coincides with extended H-bond or π-π networks, showing how programmable supramolecular packing dictates the mechanical behavior. In a pharmaceutical setting, these structure-mechanics relations can steer the molecular design of solid forms with improved physicochemical and compression properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reabetswe
R. Zwane
- School
of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Joaquin Klug
- School
of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Sarah Guerin
- Bernal
Institute, Department of Physics, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Bernal
Institute, Department of Physics, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Anthony M. Reilly
- School
of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
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14
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Djaïleb L, Armstrong W, Thompson D, Gafita A, Farolfi A, Grogan T, Fendler W, Czernin J, Hope T, Calais J. Pre-surgical 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET for biochemical recurrence risk assessment: Follow-up analysis of a multicenter prospective phase 3 imaging trial. Médecine Nucléaire 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mednuc.2023.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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15
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Philips R, Chase D, Thompson D, Hardcastle M, Kiupel M. An extradural cyst in a French Bulldog. N Z Vet J 2023; 71:145-151. [PMID: 36735932 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2176937] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CASE HISTORY A 7-year-old, male neutered French Bulldog was referred to a specialist veterinary hospital for evaluation of progressive paraparesis of 6-months' duration. The owners reported both faecal and urinary incontinence at home. CLINICAL FINDINGS The dog presented with ambulatory paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia that was more pronounced in the right pelvic limb. The pelvic limb withdrawal response and sciatic myotatic response were reduced bilaterally. Postural reaction responses were delayed in both pelvic limbs, and this was more obvious in the right pelvic limb. The anal tone and perineal sensation were normal at the time of examination.An L4-S3 myelopathy was suspected. CT of the spine revealed a compressive, bilobed, extramedullary, cyst-like structure within the vertebral canal, between L7 and S3. Surgical removal of the cyst via a L7-S1 dorsal laminectomy was performed. Histopathological examination and additional immunohistochemistry of the excised structure indicated a probable ependymal cyst with a ciliated lining. The dog recovered well post-operatively, and at follow-up 3 weeks later had some improvement of his neurological signs. The paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia had improved; however, the remaining neurological examination was similar to the pre-surgical examination. DIAGNOSIS Extradural cyst. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Spinal cysts can contribute to clinical signs that resemble other common chronic spinal cord diseases, such as intervertebral disc disease. Therefore, this disease should be considered as a differential when dealing with cases of progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. This case report may potentially provide opportunities in the future for further understanding of the pathogenesis, behaviour, outcomes and subclassification of spinal cysts in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Philips
- Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Chase
- Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Thompson
- Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M Hardcastle
- Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M Kiupel
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
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16
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Vishnoi S, Bhattacharya S, Thompson D. Sequence-based knowledge driven structural design of peptide drugs as co-agonists of GLP-1/GCG receptors. Biophys J 2023; 122:197a-198a. [PMID: 36782946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.1202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Vishnoi
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Limerick, Ireland
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17
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Maraba O, Bhattacharya S, Conda-Sheridan M, Thompson D. Modelling peptide self-assembly within a partially disordered tau filament. Nano Ex 2023. [DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/acb839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Peptide self-assemblies are a natural template for designing bio-inspired functional materials given the extensive characterisation of neurodegenerative and non-disease biological amyloid protein assemblies and advances in rational, modelling-led materials design. These bioinspired materials employ design rules obtained from known aggregation-prone peptides or de novo screening for sequences most amenable to self-assemble functional nanostructures. Here, we exploit the hybrid nature of a complex peptide with both ordered crystalline and intrinsically disordered regions, namely, the microtubule-binding domain (MBD) of tau protein, to probe the physical driving forces for self-assembly at the molecular level. We model the peptide in its native and mutated states to identify the supramolecular packing driving stabilisation at the prefibrillar level. We use extensive atomic-resolution molecular dynamics computer simulations, contact maps, hydrogen-bond networks and free energy calculations to model the tau MBD and its two known familial mutants, the P301L and K280Δ, along with a control double mutant, P301L+ K280Δ as a first step towards understanding their effects on oligomer stability in fibrillar fold. Our results indicate that the mutations destabilise supramolecular packing in the pro-fibrillar hexamer by breaking contacts in the ordered domain of tau MBD, which helps explain mutation-induced toxicity levels as the more stable wild-type peptide assemblies may be less prone to crumbling, producing fewer toxic small oligomeric seeds. Our most important finding is that tau familial mutations causing frontotemporal dementia may show distinct morphologies delineating different stages of self-assembly. The models show that the P301L mutant is more pro-nucleating with low tendency for assembly polymerisation, whereas K280 is more pro-elongating with potential for protofibrillar growth. Our data provides a predictive mechanistic model for distinct peptide self-assembly features depending on the location and nature of single missense mutations on the partially disordered pathogenic MBD, which may explain the prevalence of polymorphic filamentous tau strains observed experimentally.
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18
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Siddall AG, Stokes KA, Thompson D, Izard R, Greeves J, Bilzon JLJ. Influence of smoking status on acute biomarker responses to successive days of arduous military training. BMJ Mil Health 2023; 169:52-56. [PMID: 32718978 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001533] [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: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Habitual smoking is highly prevalent in military populations despite its association with poorer training outcomes. Smoking imposes challenges on the immune and endocrine systems which could alter how smokers acutely respond to, and recover from, intensive exercise particularly over multiple days of training. METHODS Over a two-day period, 35 male British Army recruits (age 22±3 years; mass 76.9±8.0 kg; height 1.78±0.06 m; 15 smokers) completed a 16.1 km loaded march (19.1 kg additional mass) on the first morning and a best-effort 3.2 km 'log race' (carrying a 60 kg log between six and eight people) on the subsequent morning. Blood samples were obtained on waking and immediately postexercise on both days and analysed for C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), testosterone to cortisol ratio and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). RESULTS Independent of smoking group, the exercise bouts on both days evoked significant increases in IL-6 (p<0.001) and decreases in testosterone to cortisol ratio (p<0.05). CRP concentrations on day 2 were significantly higher than both time points on day 1 (p<0.001), and a 9% decline in IGF-1 occurred over the two-day period, but was not significant (p=0.063). No significant differences were observed between smokers and non-smokers (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Military-specific tasks elicited inflammatory and endocrine responses, with systemic CRP and IGF-1 indicating that the physiological stress generated during the first training day was still evident on the second day. Despite the well-established impacts of smoking on resting levels of the markers examined, responses to two days of arduous military-specific training did not differ by smoking status.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Siddall
- Occupational Performance Research Group, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - K A Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - D Thompson
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - R Izard
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command, Upavon, UK
| | - J Greeves
- Army Personnel Research Capability, Army Headquarters, Andover, UK
| | - J L J Bilzon
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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19
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Abdul Ahad S, Bhattacharya S, Kilian S, Ottaviani M, Ryan KM, Kennedy T, Thompson D, Geaney H. Lithiophilic Nanowire Guided Li Deposition in Li Metal Batteries. Small 2023; 19:e2205142. [PMID: 36398602 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) provide superior energy densities far beyond current Li-ion batteries (LIBs) but practical applications are hindered by uncontrolled dendrite formation and the build-up of dead Li in "hostless" Li metal anodes. To circumvent these issues, we created a 3D framework of a carbon paper (CP) substrate decorated with lithiophilic nanowires (silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and SiGe alloy NWs) that provides a robust host for efficient stripping/plating of Li metal. The lithiophilic Li22 Si5 , Li22 (Si0.5 Ge0.5 )5, and Li22 Ge5 formed during rapid Li melt infiltration prevented the formation of dead Li and dendrites. Li22 Ge5 /Li covered CP hosts delivered the best performance, with the lowest overpotentials of 40 mV (three times lower than pristine Li) when cycled at 1 mA cm-2 /1 mAh cm-2 for 1000 h and at 3 mA cm-2 /3 mAh cm-2 for 500 h. Ex situ analysis confirmed the ability of the lithiophilic Li22 Ge5 decorated samples to facilitate uniform Li deposition. When paired with sulfur, LiFePO4, and NMC811 cathodes, the CP-LiGe/Li anodes delivered 200 cycles with 82%, 93%, and 90% capacity retention, respectively. The discovery of the highly stable, lithiophilic NW decorated CP hosts is a promising route toward stable cycling LMBs and provides a new design motif for hosted Li metal anodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Abdul Ahad
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Seamus Kilian
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Michela Ottaviani
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Tadhg Kennedy
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Hugh Geaney
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
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20
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Dorival J, Moraïs S, Labourel A, Rozycki B, Cazade PA, Dabin J, Setter-Lamed E, Mizrahi I, Thompson D, Thureau A, Bayer EA, Czjzek M. Mapping the deformability of natural and designed cellulosomes in solution. Biotechnol Biofuels 2022; 15:68. [PMID: 35725490 PMCID: PMC9210761 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Natural cellulosome multi-enzyme complexes, their components, and engineered ‘designer cellulosomes’ (DCs) promise an efficient means of breaking down cellulosic substrates into valuable biofuel products. Their broad uptake in biotechnology relies on boosting proximity-based synergy among the resident enzymes, but the modular architecture challenges structure determination and rational design. Results We used small angle X-ray scattering combined with molecular modeling to study the solution structure of cellulosomal components. These include three dockerin-bearing cellulases with distinct substrate specificities, original scaffoldins from the human gut bacterium Ruminococcus champanellensis (ScaA, ScaH and ScaK) and a trivalent cohesin-bearing designer scaffoldin (Scaf20L), followed by cellulosomal complexes comprising these components, and the nonavalent fully loaded Clostridium thermocellum CipA in complex with Cel8A from the same bacterium. The size analysis of Rg and Dmax values deduced from the scattering curves and corresponding molecular models highlight their variable aspects, depending on composition, size and spatial organization of the objects in solution. Conclusions Our data quantifies variability of form and compactness of cellulosomal components in solution and confirms that this native plasticity may well be related to speciation with respect to the substrate that is targeted. By showing that scaffoldins or components display enhanced compactness compared to the free objects, we provide new routes to rationally enhance their stability and performance in their environment of action. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13068-022-02165-3.
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21
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Wang Y, Zhang Q, Astier HPAG, Nickle C, Soni S, Alami FA, Borrini A, Zhang Z, Honnigfort C, Braunschweig B, Leoncini A, Qi DC, Han Y, Del Barco E, Thompson D, Nijhuis CA. Dynamic molecular switches with hysteretic negative differential conductance emulating synaptic behaviour. Nat Mater 2022; 21:1403-1411. [PMID: 36411348 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To realize molecular-scale electrical operations beyond the von Neumann bottleneck, new types of multifunctional switches are needed that mimic self-learning or neuromorphic computing by dynamically toggling between multiple operations that depend on their past. Here, we report a molecule that switches from high to low conductance states with massive negative memristive behaviour that depends on the drive speed and number of past switching events, with all the measurements fully modelled using atomistic and analytical models. This dynamic molecular switch emulates synaptic behavior and Pavlovian learning, all within a 2.4-nm-thick layer that is three orders of magnitude thinner than a neuronal synapse. The dynamic molecular switch provides all the fundamental logic gates necessary for deep learning because of its time-domain and voltage-dependent plasticity. The synapse-mimicking multifunctional dynamic molecular switch represents an adaptable molecular-scale hardware operable in solid-state devices, and opens a pathway to simplify dynamic complex electrical operations encoded within a single ultracompact component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Cameron Nickle
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Fuad A Alami
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Borrini
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christian Honnigfort
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
- Center of Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Björn Braunschweig
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
- Center of Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Leoncini
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dong-Cheng Qi
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yingmei Han
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Enrique Del Barco
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
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22
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Banreti A, Bhattacharya S, Wien F, Matsuo K, Réfrégiers M, Meinert C, Meierhenrich U, Hudry B, Thompson D, Noselli S. Biological effects of the loss of homochirality in a multicellular organism. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7059. [PMID: 36400783 PMCID: PMC9674851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34516-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Homochirality is a fundamental feature of all known forms of life, maintaining biomolecules (amino-acids, proteins, sugars, nucleic acids) in one specific chiral form. While this condition is central to biology, the mechanisms by which the adverse accumulation of non-L-α-amino-acids in proteins lead to pathophysiological consequences remain poorly understood. To address how heterochirality build-up impacts organism's health, we use chiral-selective in vivo assays to detect protein-bound non-L-α-amino acids (focusing on aspartate) and assess their functional significance in Drosophila. We find that altering the in vivo chiral balance creates a 'heterochirality syndrome' with impaired caspase activity, increased tumour formation, and premature death. Our work shows that preservation of homochirality is a key component of protein function that is essential to maintain homeostasis across the cell, tissue and organ level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Banreti
- grid.461605.0Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- grid.10049.3c0000 0004 1936 9692Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Frank Wien
- grid.426328.9DISCO Beamline, Synchrotron SOLEIL, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Koichi Matsuo
- grid.257022.00000 0000 8711 3200HiSOR Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Matthieu Réfrégiers
- grid.417870.d0000 0004 0614 8532Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS; UPR4301, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Cornelia Meinert
- grid.462124.70000 0004 0384 8488Université Côte d’Azur, Institut de Chimie de Nice, CNRS; UMR 7272, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Uwe Meierhenrich
- grid.462124.70000 0004 0384 8488Université Côte d’Azur, Institut de Chimie de Nice, CNRS; UMR 7272, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Bruno Hudry
- grid.461605.0Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Damien Thompson
- grid.10049.3c0000 0004 1936 9692Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stéphane Noselli
- grid.461605.0Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
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23
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Aminzadeh A, Arhatari BD, Maksimenko A, Hall CJ, Hausermann D, Peele AG, Fox J, Kumar B, Prodanovic Z, Dimmock M, Lockie D, Pavlov KM, Nesterets YI, Thompson D, Mayo SC, Paganin DM, Taba ST, Lewis S, Brennan PC, Quiney HM, Gureyev TE. Imaging Breast Microcalcifications Using Dark-Field Signal in Propagation-Based Phase-Contrast Tomography. IEEE Trans Med Imaging 2022; 41:2980-2990. [PMID: 35584078 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2022.3175924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast microcalcifications are an important primary radiological indicator of breast cancer. However, microcalcification classification and diagnosis may be still challenging for radiologists due to limitations of the standard 2D mammography technique, including spatial and contrast resolution. In this study, we propose an approach to improve the detection of microcalcifications in propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography of breast tissues. Five fresh mastectomies containing microcalcifications were scanned at different X-ray energies and radiation doses using synchrotron radiation. Both bright-field (i.e. conventional phase-retrieved images) and dark-field images were extracted from the same data sets using different image processing methods. A quantitative analysis was performed in terms of visibility and contrast-to-noise ratio of microcalcifications. The results show that while the signal-to-noise and the contrast-to-noise ratios are lower, the visibility of the microcalcifications is more than two times higher in the dark-field images compared to the bright-field images. Dark-field images have also provided more accurate information about the size and shape of the microcalcifications.
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24
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van den Bosch K, Witkowski E, Thompson D, Cron G. Reprappendixoductive ecology offers some answers to the pepperbark tree persistence puzzle in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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25
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Bera S, Cazade PA, Bhattacharya S, Guerin S, Ghosh M, Netti F, Thompson D, Adler-Abramovich L. Molecular Engineering of Rigid Hydrogels Co-assembled from Collagenous Helical Peptides Based on a Single Triplet Motif. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:46827-46840. [PMID: 36206330 PMCID: PMC9585512 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09982] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The potential of ultra-short peptides to self-assemble into well-ordered functional nanostructures makes them promising minimal components for mimicking the basic ingredient of nature and diverse biomaterials. However, selection and modular design of perfect de novo sequences are extremely tricky due to their vast possible combinatorial space. Moreover, a single amino acid substitution can drastically alter the supramolecular packing structure of short peptide assemblies. Here, we report the design of rigid hybrid hydrogels produced by sequence engineering of a new series of ultra-short collagen-mimicking tripeptides. Connecting glycine with different combinations of proline and its post-translational product 4-hydroxyproline, the single triplet motif, displays the natural collagen-helix-like structure. Improved mechanical rigidity is obtained via co-assembly with the non-collagenous hydrogelator, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) diphenylalanine. Characterizations of the supramolecular interactions that promote the self-supporting and self-healing properties of the co-assemblies are performed by physicochemical experiments and atomistic models. Our results clearly demonstrate the significance of sequence engineering to design functional peptide motifs with desired physicochemical and electromechanical properties and reveal co-assembly as a promising strategy for the utilization of small, readily accessible biomimetic building blocks to generate hybrid biomolecular assemblies with structural heterogeneity and functionality of natural materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santu Bera
- Department
of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler
Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,
and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Pierre-Andre Cazade
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Sarah Guerin
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Moumita Ghosh
- Department
of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler
Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,
and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Francesca Netti
- Department
of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler
Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,
and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department
of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler
Faculty of Medicine, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,
and The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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26
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Callender C, Johnson B, Musaad S, Thompson D. Baseline Diet Quality Using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 for African American Girls in an Online Obesity Prevention Program. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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27
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Thompson D, Huang P, Chan B, Koff J, Murray T. 494 Bacteriophage distribution on aerosolized particles. J Cyst Fibros 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(22)01184-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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28
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Ji W, Xue B, Yin Y, Guerin S, Wang Y, Zhang L, Cheng Y, Shimon LJW, Chen Y, Thompson D, Yang R, Cao Y, Wang W, Cai K, Gazit E. Modulating the Electromechanical Response of Bio-Inspired Amino Acid-Based Architectures through Supramolecular Co-Assembly. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:18375-18386. [PMID: 36164777 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular packing dictates the physical properties of bio-inspired molecular assemblies in the solid state. Yet, modulating the stacking modes of bio-inspired supramolecular assemblies remains a challenge and the structure-property relationship is still not fully understood, which hampers the rational design of molecular structures to fabricate materials with desired properties. Herein, we present a co-assembly strategy to modulate the supramolecular packing of N-terminally capped alanine-based assemblies (Ac-Ala) by changing the amino acid chirality and mixing with a nonchiral bipyridine derivative (BPA). The co-assembly induced distinct solid-state stacking modes determined by X-ray crystallography, resulting in significantly enhanced electromechanical properties of the assembly architectures. The highest rigidity was observed after the co-assembly of racemic Ac-Ala with a bipyridine coformer (BPA/Ac-DL-Ala), which exhibited a measured Young's modulus of 38.8 GPa. Notably, BPA crystallizes in a centrosymmetric space group, a condition that is broken when co-crystallized with Ac-L-Ala and Ac-D-Ala to induce a piezoelectric response. Enantiopure co-assemblies of BPA/Ac-D-Ala and BPA/Ac-L-Ala showed density functional theory-predicted piezoelectric responses that are remarkably higher than the other assemblies due to the increased polarization of their supramolecular packing. This is the first report of a centrosymmetric-crystallizing coformer which increases the single-crystal piezoelectric response of an electrically active bio-inspired molecular assembly. The design rules that emerge from this investigation of chemically complex co-assemblies can facilitate the molecular design of high-performance functional materials comprised of bio-inspired building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xue
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Sarah Guerin
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Yuehui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- CAEP Software Center for High Performance Numerical Simulation, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yuanqi Cheng
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Linda J W Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yu Chen
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Rusen Yang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710126, China
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Wei Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Kaiyong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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29
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Fox R, Klug J, Thompson D, Kellett A, Reilly A. Stability of co-crystals – a density functional theory study. Acta Cryst Sect A 2022. [DOI: 10.1107/s2053273322090957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
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30
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Javan Nikkhah S, Thompson D. Copolyelectrolyte-Based Nanocapsules for Oral Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: A Mesoscale Modeling Survey. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:3875-3886. [PMID: 35916698 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00699] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antibody therapy generally requires parenteral injection to attain the required bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, but improved formulations may slow enzymatic degradation of the antibody in the gastrointestinal tract, permitting the use of noninvasive oral delivery. Rationally designed carrier materials can potentially improve therapeutic activity both by shielding fragile biopharmaceuticals from proteolytic degradation and targeting specific receptors in vivo. One potentially useful class of protein carriers is block copolyelectrolytes, one polyelectrolyte plus one neutral hydrophilic polymer block, that self-assemble into stable micelles, providing a simple and biocompatible nanocapsule separating the protein from the outer medium. Here, we develop and implement an integrated mesoscale model to design molecular structures for block copolyelectrolyte nanocapsules predicted to protect Trastuzumab, an antibody used to treat breast cancer, in the low pH gastrointestinal tract and to selectively release this antibody in the more neutral intestinal environment. The simulations show a tightly packed self-assembled core-shell structure at pH = 3 that is ruptured and dynamically reassembled into a weaker structure at pH = 7. Our model identifies that the designed block copolyelectrolyte characteristics, such as block length ratio, can control the level of drug protection and release in vivo, providing simple design rules for engineering polyelectrolyte-based formulations that may allow oral administration of targeted antibody chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sousa Javan Nikkhah
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Republic of Ireland.,Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Republic of Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Republic of Ireland
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31
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Anderson M, Bennett M, Cedeno R, Dudek MK, Fichthorn K, Finney AR, Ford I, Freeman C, Hare A, Hewson C, Hill A, Kim J, Kirschhock C, Kuttner C, Meldrum F, Nilsson Lill SO, Pooley R, Rietveld IB, Rimer J, Roberts K, Rogal J, Salvalaglio M, Sefcik J, Sun W, Thompson D, Tong J, Trueman M, Vekilov P. Growing crystals by design: general discussion. Faraday Discuss 2022; 235:383-405. [PMID: 35781547 DOI: 10.1039/d2fd90022j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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32
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Liu R, Han Y, Sun F, Khatri G, Kwon J, Nickle C, Wang L, Wang CK, Thompson D, Li ZL, Nijhuis CA, Del Barco E. Stable Universal 1- and 2-Input Single-Molecule Logic Gates. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2202135. [PMID: 35546046 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202202135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Controllable single-molecule logic operations will enable development of reliable ultra-minimalistic circuit elements for high-density computing but require stable currents from multiple orthogonal inputs in molecular junctions. Utilizing the two unique adjacent conductive molecular orbitals (MOs) of gated Au/S-(CH2 )3 -Fc-(CH2 )9 -S/Au (Fc = ferrocene) single-electron transistors (≈2 nm), a stable single-electron logic calculator (SELC) is presented, which allows real-time modulation of output current as a function of orthogonal input bias (Vb ) and gate (Vg ) voltages. Reliable and low-voltage (ǀVb ǀ ≤ 80 mV, ǀVg ǀ ≤ 2 V) operations of the SELC depend upon the unambiguous association of current resonances with energy shifts of the MOs (which show an invariable, small energy separation of ≈100 meV) in response to the changes of voltages, which is confirmed by electron-transport calculations. Stable multi-logic operations based on the SELC modulated current conversions between the two resonances and Coulomb blockade regimes are demonstrated via the implementation of all universal 1-input (YES/NOT/PASS_1/PASS_0) and 2-input (AND/XOR/OR/NAND/NOR/INT/XNOR) logic gates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Liu
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Yingmei Han
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Feng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Image Processing of Shandong Province, School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, P. R. China
| | - Gyan Khatri
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Jaesuk Kwon
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Cameron Nickle
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Lejia Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo, 315048, P. R. China
| | - Chuan-Kui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Image Processing of Shandong Province, School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, P. R. China
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Zong-Liang Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Image Processing of Shandong Province, School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, P. R. China
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, Netherlands
| | - Enrique Del Barco
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
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33
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Rutsch F, O'brien K, Nitschke Y, Sullivan C, Howe J, Lynch A, Schrier D, Thompson D, Sabbagh Y. INZ-701, a recombinant ENPP1-Fc protein, effectively treats and prevents neointimal proliferation in WT and ENPP1 Deficient mice. Cardiovasc Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac066.235] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Inozyme Pharma
Inactivating mutations in ENPP1, which encodes the ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), underlie the rare inherited disorder, generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI)/autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets type 2 (ARHR2) also known as ENPP1 Deficiency. ENPP1 Deficiency is characterized by calcification of large and medium sized arteries and marked neointimal proliferation of arteries, leading to arterial stenosis and severe cardiovascular and skeletal complications. ENPP1 Deficiency is associated with a 50% mortality rate in the first six months of life, and there are no approved treatments.
Previous research demonstrated that INZ-701 protein prevented arterial calcification in an ENPP1 deficient mouse model (Enpp1 asj/asj). This study was designed to determine whether INZ-701 can prevent neointimal proliferation in WT and an ENPP1 deficient mouse model (ttw/ttw). Carotid ligation was performed to induce intimal proliferation in the mice.
In the preventive arm of the study, INZ-701 (10mg/kg) or vehicle was administered subcutaneously every other day starting in 6-week-old ttw/ttw-mice. Carotid ligation was performed in these mice at the age of 7 weeks and dosing continued for another 2 weeks. Carotid intimal and medial area caudal from the ligation were analyzed by histomorphometry 14 days and 21 days after carotid ligation. In the therapeutic arm of the study, INZ-701 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered subcutaneously every other day starting 7 days after carotid ligation, when intimal proliferation had already developed, in 8-week-old ttw/ttw-mice. After one week of treatment, histomorphometry was performed.
Fourteen days after carotid ligation, ttw/ttw-mice preventatively treated with INZ-701 showed a significantly reduced intimal area (p<0.001) and intimal/medial (I/M) ratio (p<0.001) compared to those treated with vehicle. This effect was also observed in mice treated with INZ-701, which were treated for 28 days and were subsequently dissected 21 days after carotid ligation. Interestingly, similar effects of INZ-701 were found in WT mice in the preventative study. In the therapeutic arm of the study, subcutaneous injection of INZ-701 beginning at 7 days post carotid ligation also led to a significant reduction in the I/M ratio (p<0.001) in the INZ-701 treated group compared to vehicle treated ttw/ttw-mice.
These findings demonstrate that INZ-701 prevents neointimal proliferation after carotid injury in a murine model of ENPP1 Deficiency. INZ-701 is hypothesized to restore circulating levels of AMP and adenosine, both potent inhibitors of intimal hyperplasia. Neointimal proliferation is a key feature in the pathophysiology of ENPP1 Deficiency and our results build on prior evidence to support the potential of INZ-701 to treat this rare and life-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rutsch
- Münster University Children’s Hospital , Münster , Germany
| | - K O'brien
- Inozyme Pharma , Boston , United States of America
| | - Y Nitschke
- Münster University Children’s Hospital , Münster , Germany
| | - C Sullivan
- Inozyme Pharma , Boston , United States of America
| | - J Howe
- Inozyme Pharma , Boston , United States of America
| | - A Lynch
- Inozyme Pharma , Boston , United States of America
| | - D Schrier
- Inozyme Pharma , Boston , United States of America
| | - D Thompson
- Inozyme Pharma , Boston , United States of America
| | - Y Sabbagh
- Inozyme Pharma , Boston , United States of America
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34
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Synhaivska O, Bhattacharya S, Campioni S, Thompson D, Nirmalraj PN. Single-Particle Resolution of Copper-Associated Annular α-Synuclein Oligomers Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets of Neurodegeneration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1410-1421. [PMID: 35414168 PMCID: PMC9073932 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00021] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
Metal ions stabilize
protein–protein interactions and can
modulate protein aggregation. Here, using liquid-based atomic force
microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we study the concentration-dependent
effect of Cu2+ ions on the aggregation pathway of α-synuclein
(α-Syn) proteins, which play a key role in the pathology of
Parkinson’s disease. The full spectrum of α-Syn aggregates
in the presence and absence of Cu2+ ions from monomers
to mature fibrils was resolved and quantified at the gold–water
interface. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the atomic force microscopy
(AFM) findings on the heterogeneity in aggregated states of α-Syn.
The formation of annular oligomers was exclusively detected upon incubating
α-Syn with Cu2+ ions. Our findings emphasize the
importance of targeting annular α-Syn protein oligomers for
therapeutic intervention and their potential role as biomarkers for
early detection and monitoring progression of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Synhaivska
- Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Silvia Campioni
- Functional Materials Laboratory, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94T9PX, Ireland
| | - Peter Niraj Nirmalraj
- Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
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Kavanagh ON, Bhattacharya S, Marchetti L, Elmes R, O’Sullivan F, Farragher JP, Robinson S, Thompson D, Walker GM. Hydroxychloroquine Does Not Function as a Direct Zinc Ionophore. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050899. [PMID: 35631485 PMCID: PMC9147311 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-mediated correction of abnormal biological zinc homeostasis could provide new routes to treating neurodegeneration, cancer, and viral infections. Designing therapeutics to facilitate zinc transport intracellularly is hampered by inadequate concentrations of endogenous zinc, which is often protein-bound in vivo. We found strong evidence that hydroxychloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria and employed as a potential treatment for COVID-19, does not bind and transport zinc across biological membranes through ionophoric mechanisms, contrary to recent claims. In vitro complexation studies and liposomal transport assays are correlated with cellular zinc assays in A549 lung epithelial cells to confirm the indirect mechanism of hydroxychloroquine-mediated elevation in intracellular zinc without ionophorism. Molecular simulations show hydroxychloroquine-triggered helix perturbation in zinc-finger protein without zinc chelation, a potential alternative non-ionophoric mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisín N. Kavanagh
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University (National University of Ireland), W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 NR58 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Luke Marchetti
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University (National University of Ireland), W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Robert Elmes
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University (National University of Ireland), W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Finbarr O’Sullivan
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 NR58 Dublin, Ireland
| | - John P. Farragher
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
| | - Shane Robinson
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Sciences, T45 P663 Cork, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Gavin M. Walker
- SSPC, The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (S.B.); (L.M.); (R.E.); (F.O.); (J.P.F.); (S.R.); (D.T.); (G.M.W.)
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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Ji W, Yuan H, Xue B, Guerin S, Li H, Zhang L, Liu Y, Shimon LJW, Si M, Cao Y, Wang W, Thompson D, Cai K, Yang R, Gazit E. Co-Assembly Induced Solid-State Stacking Transformation in Amino Acid-Based Crystals with Enhanced Physical Properties. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202201234. [PMID: 35170170 PMCID: PMC9311667 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The physical characteristics of supramolecular assemblies composed of small building blocks are dictated by molecular packing patterns in the solid-state. Yet, the structure-property correlation is still not fully understood. Herein, we report the unexpected cofacial to herringbone stacking transformation of a small aromatic bipyridine through co-assembly with acetylated glutamic acid. The unique solid-state structural transformation results in enhanced physical properties of the supramolecular organizations. The co-assembly methodology was further expanded to obtain diverse molecular packings by different bipyridine and acetylated amino acid derivatives. This study presents a feasible co-assembly approach to achieve the solid-state stacking transformation of supramolecular organization and opens up new opportunities to further explore the relationship between molecular arrangement and properties of supramolecular assemblies by crystal engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, The National "111" Project for Biomechanics and Tissue Repair Engineering, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Hui Yuan
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.,School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710126, China
| | - Bin Xue
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sarah Guerin
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Hui Li
- Science and Technology on Combustion and Explosion Laboratory, Xi'an Modern Chemistry Research Institute, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- CAEP Software Center for High Performance Numerical Simulation, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of the Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Linda J W Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Mingsu Si
- Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of the Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Kaiyong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, The National "111" Project for Biomechanics and Tissue Repair Engineering, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Rusen Yang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710126, China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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Li X, Cazade PA, Qi P, Thompson D, Guo C. The role of externally-modulated electrostatic interactions in amplifying charge transport across lysine-doped peptide junctions. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Sousa Javan Nikkhah
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Pierre A. Cazade
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jennifer J. McManus
- H. H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, United Kingdom
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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Gamero-Quijano A, Cazade PA, Bhattacharya S, Walsh S, Herzog G, Thompson D, Scanlon MD. On the origin of chaotrope-modulated electrocatalytic activity of cytochrome c at electrified aqueous|organic interfaces. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:3270-3273. [PMID: 35079752 PMCID: PMC8902681 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc05293d] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemical, spectroscopic and computational methods are used to demonstrate that electrified aqueous|organic interfaces are a suitable bio-mimetic platform to study and contrast the accelerated electrocatalytic activity of cytochrome c towards the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of denaturing agents such as guanidinium chloride and urea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Gamero-Quijano
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Pierre-André Cazade
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Sarah Walsh
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Grégoire Herzog
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Damien Thompson
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| | - Micheál D Scanlon
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials & Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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Ji W, Yuan H, Xue B, Guerin S, Li H, Zhang L, Liu Y, Shimon LJW, Si M, Cao Y, Wang W, Thompson D, Cai K, Yang R, Gazit E. Co‐Assembly Induced Solid‐State Stacking Transformation in Amino Acid‐Based Crystals with Enhanced Physical Properties. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202201234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology Ministry of Education, The National “111” Project for Biomechanics and Tissue Repair Engineering, College of Bioengineering Chongqing University Chongqing 400044 P. R. China
| | - Hui Yuan
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Xidian University Xi'an 710126 China
| | - Bin Xue
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure Department of Physics Nanjing University Nanjing 210093 Jiangsu China
| | - Sarah Guerin
- Department of Physics Bernal Institute University of Limerick Limerick V94 T9PX Ireland
| | - Hui Li
- Science and Technology on Combustion and Explosion Laboratory Xi'an Modern Chemistry Research Institute Xi'an 710065 China
| | - Lei Zhang
- CAEP Software Center for High Performance Numerical Simulation Beijing 100088 China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of the Ministry of Education Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Linda J. W. Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
| | - Mingsu Si
- Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of the Ministry of Education Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure Department of Physics Nanjing University Nanjing 210093 Jiangsu China
| | - Wei Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure Department of Physics Nanjing University Nanjing 210093 Jiangsu China
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics Bernal Institute University of Limerick Limerick V94 T9PX Ireland
| | - Kaiyong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology Ministry of Education, The National “111” Project for Biomechanics and Tissue Repair Engineering, College of Bioengineering Chongqing University Chongqing 400044 P. R. China
| | - Rusen Yang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Xidian University Xi'an 710126 China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
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Thompson D, Nagel J, Gasteau D, Manohar S. Laser-induced ultrasound transmitters for large-volume ultrasound tomography. Photoacoustics 2022; 25:100312. [PMID: 34868873 PMCID: PMC8626690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2021.100312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present a protocol for the design, fabrication and characterisation of laser-induced ultrasound transmitters with a specific, user-defined frequency response for the purpose of ultrasound tomography of large-volume biomedical samples. Using an analytic solution to the photoacoustic equation and measurements of the optical and acoustic properties of the materials used in the transmitters, we arrive at a required mixture of carbon black and polydimethylsiloxane to achieve the desired frequency response. After an in-depth explanation of the fabrication and characterisation approaches we show the performance of the fabricated transmitter, which has a centre frequency of 0.9 MHz, 200% bandwidth and 45.8 ∘ opening angle, multi-kPa pressures over a large depth range in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Thompson
- Correspondence to: University of Twente, Technical Medical centre, Enschede, Netherlands.
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Silva AHD, Constantinides M, Valetopoulou A, Sgardelis P, Mankad K, D'Arco F, Jankovic I, Thompson D. Paediatric spinal cord low-grade gliomas-evaluation and management of post-surgical residual disease. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:577-586. [PMID: 34855000 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05412-4] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the evaluation and management of post-surgical residual disease for low-grade intramedullary spinal cord tumours (IMSCT) in childhood. METHODS A single-centre retrospective review of low-grade IMSCTs treated between 2000 and 2019. All surgeries were performed with intent of safe maximal resection guided by intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM). Pre- and post-operative MRIs were reviewed to assess the extent of resection (EOR), recorded as follows: gross total resection (GTR), near total resection (NTR), sub-total resection (STR) and partial resection (PR). Outcome measures were time to recurrence, need for and modality of additional therapy and ambulatory status at last follow-up. RESULTS Thirty patients underwent surgery for IMSCT (median age 6.9 years). EOR was GTR = 8, NTR = 4, STR = 9, PR = 9. All patients were alive at last follow-up (median follow-up 73 months [IQR 93 months]). Eighteen patients (60%) remained radiologically stable. Twelve patients (40%) developed recurrence during surveillance. Progression free survival was significantly better in cases with GTR + NTR in comparison to either STR or PR (p = 0.039). 10/30 (33%) patients were treated with additional therapy. At last follow-up, 26/30 patients were independently mobile. CONCLUSION Survival rates for low-grade IMSCT are excellent. Radical micro-surgical resection, guided by IONM provides effective means of balancing the objectives of maximal safe resection, functional outcome and tumour control. Whilst evidence of 'residual disease' was identified in over 2/3 of immediate post-operative MRI scans, additional treatment was required in only 1/3 of cases. Critical appraisal of post-operative imaging findings is required to better define 'residual disease'. Small volume residual disease (< 5%) does not compromise progression-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H D Silva
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - M Constantinides
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - A Valetopoulou
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - P Sgardelis
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - K Mankad
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - F D'Arco
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - I Jankovic
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - D Thompson
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
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Chen Y, Guerin S, Yuan H, O’Donnell J, Xue B, Cazade PA, Haq EU, Shimon LJW, Rencus-Lazar S, Tofail SAM, Cao Y, Thompson D, Yang R, Gazit E. Guest Molecule-Mediated Energy Harvesting in a Conformationally Sensitive Peptide–Metal Organic Framework. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:3468-3476. [PMID: 35073071 PMCID: PMC8895394 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Sarah Guerin
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Hui Yuan
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China
| | - Joseph O’Donnell
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Bin Xue
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Pierre-Andre Cazade
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Ehtsham Ul Haq
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Linda J. W. Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sigal Rencus-Lazar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Syed A. M. Tofail
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Yi Cao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Rusen Yang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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Verma V, Soto R, Bhattacharya S, Thompson D, Ryan KM, Padrela L. Thermodynamic solubility of celecoxib in organic solvents. CrystEngComm 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1ce01415c] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This work investigates the solubility of the stable polymorph of celecoxib (CEL) drug in a range of pure organic solvents, including methanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, and toluene, within the temperature range 278–303 K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Verma
- SSPC Research Centre, Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Rodrigo Soto
- SSPC Research Centre, Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Marti i Franquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Kevin M. Ryan
- SSPC Research Centre, Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Luis Padrela
- SSPC Research Centre, Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
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Bhattacharya S, Xu L, Thompson D. Characterization of Amyloidogenic Peptide Aggregability in Helical Subspace. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2340:401-448. [PMID: 35167084 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1546-1_18] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prototypical amyloidogenic peptides amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-synuclein (αS) can undergo helix-helix associations via partially folded helical conformers, which may influence pathological progression to Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), respectively. At the other extreme, stable folded helical conformers have been reported to resist self-assembly and amyloid formation. Experimental characterisation of such disparities in aggregation profiles due to subtle differences in peptide stabilities is precluded by the conformational heterogeneity of helical subspace. The diverse physical models used in molecular simulations allow sampling distinct regions of the phase space and are extensive in capturing the ensemble of rich helical subspace. Robust and powerful computational predictive methods utilizing network theory and free energy mapping can model the origin of helical population shifts in amyloidogenic peptides, which highlight their inherent aggregability. In this chapter, we discuss computational models, methods, design rules, and strategies to identify the driving force behind helical self-assembly and the molecular origin of aggregation resistance in helical intermediates of Aβ42 and αS. By extensive multiscale mapping of intrapeptide interactions, we show that the computational models can capture features that are otherwise imperceptible to experiments. Our models predict that targeting terminal residues may allow modulation and control of initial pathogenic aggregability of amyloidogenic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Ahmed A, Efthymiou C, Sanii R, Patyk-Kaźmierczak E, Alsharabasy AM, Winterlich M, Kumar N, Sensharma D, Tong W, Guerin S, Farras Costa P, Hudson S, Thompson D, Zaworotko MJ, Tasiopoulos A, Papatriantafyllopoulou C. NUIG4: A Biocompatible pcu Metal-Organic Framework with an Exceptional Doxorubicin Encapsulation Capacity. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:1378-1385. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02176a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising multifunctional porous materials for biomedical and environmental applications. Here, we report synthesis and characterization of a new MOF based on tetrahedral secondary building unit [Zn4O(CBAB)3]n...
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Xu L, Bhattacharya S, Thompson D. Predictive Modeling of Neurotoxic α-Synuclein Polymorphs. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2340:379-399. [PMID: 35167083 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1546-1_17] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Assembly of monomeric α-synuclein (αS) into aggregation-resistant helically folded tetramers and related multimers is a key target for Parkinson's disease (PD). Protein dynamics hampers experimental characterization of the polymorphism of these structures and so computational modeling and simulation is providing a complementary approach to obtain high-resolution structural information on the assembly of αS and interactions with biological surfaces. These computational techniques are particularly valuable for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and short-lived peptide and protein assemblies with as yet undetermined 3D structures. Experimental observables such as NMR J-coupling constants and chemical shifts can be predicted directly from simulation data, and compared with available experimental data to generate the most physically realistic atomic-resolution structure. For appropriately validated and benchmarked computational models, macroscopic aggregation properties can be related to the calculated thermodynamic properties at an atomic level. In this chapter, we describe a useful protocol for designing helical αS multimers, especially tetramers, and scanning the peptide-membrane interface for cell-bound αS tetramers. These computationally modeled structures are validated by comparison with the range of available known experimental parameters at time of writing in early 2020, and used to generate predictive design rules to motivate and guide experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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48
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Gamero-Quijano A, Bhattacharya S, Cazade PA, Molina-Osorio AF, Beecher C, Djeghader A, Soulimane T, Dossot M, Thompson D, Herzog G, Scanlon MD. Modulating the pro-apoptotic activity of cytochrome c at a biomimetic electrified interface. Sci Adv 2021; 7:eabg4119. [PMID: 34739310 PMCID: PMC8570605 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg4119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death via apoptosis is a natural defence against excessive cell division, crucial for fetal development to maintenance of homeostasis and elimination of precancerous and senescent cells. Here, we demonstrate an electrified liquid biointerface that replicates the molecular machinery of the inner mitochondrial membrane at the onset of apoptosis. By mimicking in vivo cytochrome c (Cyt c) interactions with cell membranes, our platform allows us to modulate the conformational plasticity of the protein by simply varying the electrochemical environment at an aqueous-organic interface. We observe interfacial electron transfer between an organic electron donor decamethylferrocene and O2, electrocatalyzed by Cyt c. This interfacial reaction requires partial Cyt c unfolding, mimicking Cyt c in vivo peroxidase activity. As proof of concept, we use our electrified liquid biointerface to identify drug molecules, such as bifonazole, that can potentially down-regulate Cyt c and protect against uncontrolled neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Gamero-Quijano
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Pierre-André Cazade
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Andrés F. Molina-Osorio
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Cillian Beecher
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Ahmed Djeghader
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Tewfik Soulimane
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Manuel Dossot
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l’Environnement, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Damien Thompson
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Grégoire Herzog
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l’Environnement, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Micheál D. Scanlon
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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49
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Graby J, Khavandi A, Thompson D, Downie P, Antoniades C, Rodrigues JCL. CT coronary angiography-guided cardiovascular risk screening in asymptomatic patients: is it time? Clin Radiol 2021; 76:801-811. [PMID: 34404515 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the UK, whilst millions live with various forms of the disease. Coronary artery disease constitutes a significant portion of this morbidity and mortality, and is the leading cause of premature death. Increasing focus is thus being placed on the optimisation of CVD prevention, where risk screening plays a key role. Indeed, the decline in age-adjusted cardiovascular mortality achieved up to now has been largely attributed to primary preventative therapies (e.g., statins) introduced earlier in the disease process. National initiatives exist to improve cardiovascular health at a population level, but in its current form, CVD screening at the individual level is predominantly undertaken using multivariate risk scores based on population-based data. These have multiple innate flaws, highlighted in this review. Non-invasive imaging plays a key role in the screening of other disease processes, helping to personalise the screening process. Although the coronary artery calcium score as a screening tool has a role in national and international guidance, whether a shift to screening with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is now appropriate is open for discussion. Image acquisition techniques continue to improve with reducing radiation exposure and an ever-expanding evidence-base for additional prognostic data offered by CTCA. This enables the potential identification of sub-clinical atherosclerosis, including with novel artificial intelligence techniques. This review aims to report current guidelines regarding cardiac CT imaging in the asymptomatic primary prevention setting, advances in various CT technologies and future opportunities for progress in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Graby
- Department of Cardiology, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG, UK; Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - A Khavandi
- Department of Cardiology, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG, UK
| | - D Thompson
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - P Downie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road, Salisbury, SP2 8BJ, UK
| | - C Antoniades
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - J C L Rodrigues
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK; Department of Radiology, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG, UK.
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50
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Guerin S, Khorasani S, Gleeson M, O’Donnell J, Sanii R, Zwane R, Reilly AM, Silien C, Tofail SA, Liu N, Zaworotko M, Thompson D. A Piezoelectric Ionic Cocrystal of Glycine and Sulfamic Acid. Cryst Growth Des 2021; 21:5818-5827. [PMID: 34650339 PMCID: PMC8498985 DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.1c00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cocrystallization of two or more molecular compounds can dramatically change the physicochemical properties of a functional molecule without the need for chemical modification. For example, coformers can enhance the mechanical stability, processability, and solubility of pharmaceutical compounds to enable better medicines. Here, we demonstrate that amino acid cocrystals can enhance functional electromechanical properties in simple, sustainable materials as exemplified by glycine and sulfamic acid. These coformers crystallize independently in centrosymmetric space groups when they are grown as single-component crystals but form a noncentrosymmetric, electromechanically active ionic cocrystal when they are crystallized together. The piezoelectricity of the cocrystal is characterized using techniques tailored to overcome the challenges associated with measuring the electromechanical properties of soft (organic) crystals. The piezoelectric tensor of the cocrystal is mapped using density functional theory (DFT) computer models, and the predicted single-crystal longitudinal response of 2 pC/N is verified using second-harmonic generation (SHG) and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The experimental measurements are facilitated by polycrystalline film growth that allows for macroscopic and nanoscale quantification of the longitudinal out-of-plane response, which is in the range exploited in piezoelectric technologies made from quartz, aluminum nitride, and zinc oxide. The large-area polycrystalline film retains a damped response of ≥0.2 pC/N, indicating the potential for application of such inexpensive and eco-friendly amino acid-based cocrystal coatings in, for example, autonomous ambient-powered devices in edge computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Guerin
- SSPC,
Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sanaz Khorasani
- SSPC,
Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Matthew Gleeson
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Joseph O’Donnell
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rana Sanii
- SSPC,
Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Reabetswe Zwane
- SSPC,
Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- School
of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 C7F8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anthony M. Reilly
- SSPC,
Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- School
of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 C7F8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christophe Silien
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Syed A.M. Tofail
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ning Liu
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Michael Zaworotko
- SSPC,
Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- SSPC,
Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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