Redox switching mechanism of the adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase domain (APSK2) of human PAPS synthase 2

Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK) catalyzes the rate-limiting biosynthetic step of the universal sulfuryl donor 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS). In higher eukaryotes, the APSK and ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) domains are fused in a single chain. Humans have two bifunctional PAPS synthetase isoforms: PAPSS1 with the APSK1 domain and PAPSS2 containing the APSK2 domain. APSK2 displays a distinct higher activity for PAPSS2-mediated PAPS biosynthesis during tumorigenesis. How APSK2 achieves excess PAPS production has remained unclear. APSK1 and APSK2 lack the conventional redox-regulatory element present in plant PAPSS homologs. Here we elucidate the dynamic substrate recognition mechanism of APSK2. We discover that APSK1 contains a species-specific Cys-Cys redox-regulatory element that APSK2 lacks. The absence of this element in APSK2 enhances its enzymatic activity for excess PAPS production and promotes cancer development. Our results help to understand the roles of human PAPSSs during cell development and may facilitate PAPSS2-specific drug discovery.

Electrochemical control of bone microstructure on electroactive surfaces for modulation of stem cells and bone tissue engineering

Controlling stem cell behavior at the material interface is crucial for the development of novel technologies in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The composition and presentation of bio-factors on a surface strongly influence the activity of stem cells. Herein, we designed an electroactive surface that mimics the initial process of trabecular bone formation, by immobilizing chondrocyte-derived plasma membrane nanofragments (PMNFs) on its surface for rapid mineralization within 2 days. Moreover, the electroactive surface was based on the conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy), which enabled dynamic control of the presentation of PMNFs on the surface via electrochemical redox switching, further resulting in the formation of bone minerals with different morphologies. Furthermore, bone minerals with contrasting surface morphologies had differential effects on the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMSCs) cultured on the surface. Together, this electroactive surface showed multifunctional characteristics, not only allowing dynamic control of PMNF presentation but also promoting the formation of bone minerals with different morphologies within 2 days. This electroactive substrate could be valuable for more precise control of stem cell growth and differentiation, and further development of more suitable microenvironments containing bone apatite for housing a bone marrow stem cell niche, such as biochips/bone-on-chips.

Self-Assembled Monolayers of Molecular Conductors with Terpyridine-Metal Redox Switching Elements: A Combined AFM, STM and Electrochemical Study

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of terpyridine-based transition metal (ruthenium and osmium) complexes, anchored to gold substrate via tripodal anchoring groups, have been investigated as possible redox switching elements for molecular electronics. An electrochemical study was complemented by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) methods. STM was used for determination of the SAM conductance values, and computation of the attenuation factor β from tunneling current-distance curves. We have shown that SAMs of Os-tripod molecules contain larger adlayer structures compared with SAMs of Ru-tripod molecules, which are characterized by a large number of almost evenly distributed small islands. Furthermore, upon cyclic voltammetric experimentation, Os-tripod films rearrange to form a smaller number of even larger islands, reminiscent of the Ostwald ripening process. Os-tripod SAMs displayed a higher surface concentration of molecules and lower conductance compared with Ru-tripod SAMs. The attenuation factor of Os-tripod films changed dramatically, upon electrochemical cycling, to a higher value. These observations are in accordance with previously reported electron transfer kinetics studies.

Synthesis of Bis{meso-Tetrakis(4-N-alkylpyridiniumyl)porphyrinato}cerium and Its Redox Switching Behavior

A novel double-decker porphyrin complex, bis{meso-tetrakis(4-N-alkylpyridiniumyl)porphyrinato}cerium, was prepared. Electrochemical measurements revealed that this complex exhibited reversible redox waves corresponding to a 1e^– redox reaction of the cerium center. Treating the complex alternately with an oxidant and a reductant resulted in the reversible redox switching between the oxidized and reduced states in an organic solvent.

Reversible Redox Cycling of Well-Defined, Ultrasmall Cu/Cu2O Nanoparticles

Exceptionally small and well-defined copper (Cu) and cuprite (Cu₂O) nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by the reaction of mesitylcopper(I) with either H₂ or air, respectively. In the presence of substoichiometric quantities of ligands, namely, stearic or di(octyl)phosphinic acid (0.1-0.2 equiv vs Cu), ultrasmall nanoparticles are prepared with diameters as low as ∼2 nm, soluble in a range of solvents. The solutions of Cu NPs undergo quantitative oxidation, on exposure to air, to form Cu₂O NPs. The Cu₂O NPs can be reduced back to Cu(0) NPs using accessible temperatures and low pressures of hydrogen (135 °C, 3 bar H₂). This striking reversible redox cycling of the discrete, solubilized Cu/Cu(I) colloids was successfully repeated over 10 cycles, representing 19 separate reactions. The ligands influence the evolution of both composition and size of the nanoparticles, during synthesis and redox cycling, as explored in detail using vacuum-transfer aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and visible spectroscopy.

Redox Switching of Orthoquinone-Containing Aromatic Compounds with Hydrogen and Oxygen Gas

Unique redox switching of orthoquinone-containing pentacyclic aromatic compounds with molecular hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a palladium nanoparticle catalyst (SAPd) is disclosed. These molecules were predicted by in silico screening before synthesis. Efficient protocols for the synthesis of orthoquinone-containing aromatic compounds by palladium-mediated homocoupling and the benzoin condensation reaction were developed. Clear switching between orthoquinone and aromatic hydroquinone compounds was observed on the basis of their photoluminescence properties. Furthermore, the twist strain of the orthoquinone moiety could induce dramatic changes in color and emission.