Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic, commensal, gram-negative oral bacterium that is carcinogenic and causes a wide range of human diseases. The present study focused on the analysis of the hypothetical protein, H...Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic, commensal, gram-negative oral bacterium that is carcinogenic and causes a wide range of human diseases. The present study focused on the analysis of the hypothetical protein, HMPREF3221_01179, derived from F. nucleatum strain MJR7757B, employing various computational methods to anticipate both its structure and functional characteristics. NCBI conserved domain analysis, NCBI BLASTp and MEGA Phylogenetic tree study characterize the target protein as an outer membrane efflux protein (ToIC family) which facilitate the bacterial transmembrane transport. With a molecular weight of 52120.02 Da, an isoelectric point (pI) of 8.33, and an instability index of 29.47, the protein is anticipated to exhibit good solubility in the extracellular space and crucial stability for pharmaceutical applications. The protein’s structure meets quality standards during the construction and refinement of its 3D model. The efflux inhibitor Arginine beta-naphthylamide exhibits a significant binding affinity (-7.1 kcal/mol) to the binding site of the target protein. The in-silico analysis improves the understanding of the protein and facilitates future investigations into therapeutic medication.展开更多
Background: Cosmetic formulations, and particularly solar products which contain mineral and chemical UV-filters, are often suspected of causing harmful effects on marine fauna and flora. After the publication of our ...Background: Cosmetic formulations, and particularly solar products which contain mineral and chemical UV-filters, are often suspected of causing harmful effects on marine fauna and flora. After the publication of our work in 2019 concerning the ecotoxicological effects of such formulations on corals (Seriatopora hystrix), we here provide some new information about the biodegradability and the ecotoxicological effects of these products on marine zoo- and phytoplankton. Therefore, we choose to realize in silico and in vitro studies of the biodegradability of several solar products but also to evaluate the ecotoxicological effects of these products on one phytoplankton, i.e. Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and one zooplankton, i.e. Acartia tonsa, of a great importance for sea species survival (notably as sources of food). Materials and methods: Two different approaches were used to study the biodegradability of the tested products: One in silico method and an in vitro one. 2 solar products were involved in the in silico study which consisted in the determination of the degradation factor (DF) of each ingredient of the tested formulas in order to finally obtain their estimated biodegradability percentage. Already available data concerning each ingredient coupled to a computer model developed with one of our partners were used to achieve this study. The in vitro study involved 8 formulas containing UV-filters and was led by following the OECD 301 F guidelines. Ecotoxicological studies of 7 of the formulas containing UV-filters were for their part realized by following the ISO 10253 guidelines for the experiments led with Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and the ISO 14669 guidelines for the experiments led with Acartia tonsa. In these studies, the effect of each tested product on crustaceans’ mortality and algal growth inhibition was assessed. Results: The in silico study predicted that formulas containing chemical UV-filters display a high biodegradability (superior to the threshold value of 60% given by the OECD 301 F guidelines). In the in vitro part of our work, the 8 tested formulas showed a biodegradability slightly inferior to the one predicted in the in silico experiments. Therefore, in order to evaluate if these calculated biodegradability value could have significant harmful effects on zoo- or phytoplankton, we studied the effect of our products regarding the growth inhibition on Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the mortality on Acartia tonsa. In this last part of the study, all the tested products were classified as “non ecotoxic” following an internal classification based on Part 4 entitled “Environmental Hazards” of Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), 9<sup>th</sup> edition (2021). Conclusions: These results are notably in line with those published by our teams in 2019 on the effects of solar cosmetic products on corals and seem to confirm that formulas containing mineral and chemical UV-filters can be daily used without displaying significant noxious effects on marine fauna and flora. .展开更多
Salicylic acid(SA)is an effective elicitor to promote plant defenses and growth.This study aimed to investigate rice(Oryza sativa L.)cv.Khao Dawk Mali 105 treated with salicylic acid(SA)-Ricemate as an enhanced plant ...Salicylic acid(SA)is an effective elicitor to promote plant defenses and growth.This study aimed to investigate rice(Oryza sativa L.)cv.Khao Dawk Mali 105 treated with salicylic acid(SA)-Ricemate as an enhanced plant protection mechanism against bacterial leaf blight(BLB)disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv.oryzae(Xoo).Results indicated that the use of SA-Ricemate as a foliar spray at concentrations of more than 100 mg L^(-1)can reduce the severity of BLB disease by 71%.SA-Ricemate treatment also increased the hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))content of rice leaf tissues over untreated samples by 39–61%.Malondialdehyde(MDA)in rice leaves treated with SA-Ricemate also showed an increase of 50–65%when comparing to non-treated samples.The differential development of these defense compounds was faster and distinct when the SA-Ricemate-treated rice was infected with Xoo,indicating plant-induced resistance.Besides,SA-Ricemate elicitor at a concentration of 50–250 mg L^(-1)was correlated with a substantial increase in the accumulation of total chlorophyll content at 2.53–2.73 mg g^(-1)of fresh weight which suggests that plant growth is activated by SA-Ricemate.The catalase-and aldehyde dehydrogenase-binding sites were searched for using the CASTp server,and the findings were compared to the template.Chemsketch was used to design and optimize SA,which was then docked to the catalase and aldehyde dehydrogenase-binding domains of the enzymes using the GOLD 3.0.1 Software.SA is shown in several docked conformations with the enzymes catalase and aldehyde dehydrogenase.All three catalase amino acids(GLN7,VAL27,and GLU38)were discovered to be involved in the creation of a strong hydrogen bond with SA when SA was present.In this mechanism,the aldehyde dehydrogenase amino acids LYS5,HIS6,and ASP2 were all implicated,and these amino acids created strong hydrogen bonds with SA.In field conditions,SA-Ricemate significantly reduced disease severity by 78%and the total grain yield was significantly increased which was an increase of plant height,tiller per hill,and panicle in three field trials during Aug–Nov 2017 and 2018.Therefore,SA-Ricemate can be used as an alternative elicitor on replacing harmful pesticides to control BLB disease with a high potential of increasing rice defenses,growth,and yield components.展开更多
Although the GABAA receptor(GABAAR)has been proposed as the main action site for sevoflurane,isoflurane,halothane,enflurane,propofol,and benzodiazepines(BZDs),binding of these anesthetics with high-resolution structur...Although the GABAA receptor(GABAAR)has been proposed as the main action site for sevoflurane,isoflurane,halothane,enflurane,propofol,and benzodiazepines(BZDs),binding of these anesthetics with high-resolution structures of the GABAAR have been rarely examined by comparative docking analyses.Moreover,various combinations of ligands on more GABAARs with various subtypes need to be analyzed to understand the elaborate action mechanism of GABAARs better because some GABAA ligands showed specificity toward the distinct subtypes of the GABAAR.Methods:We performed in silico docking analysis to compare the binding modes of sevoflurane,isoflurane,halothane,enflurane,propofol,and BZDs to the GABAAR based on one of the most recently provided 3D structures.We performed the docking analysis and the affinity-based ranking of the binding sites.Results:Our docking studies revealed that isoflurane,halothane,and enflurane docked in an extracellular domain(ECD)on GABAARs,in contrast to sevoflurane.Conclusion:Our results supported a multi-site mechanism for the allosteric modulation of propofol.Propofol was bound to the pore or favored various subsites in the transmembrane domain(TMD).Our result confirmed that different chemically related BZD ligands interact via distinct binding modes rather than by using a common binding mode,as previously suggested.展开更多
Virtual screening can be a helpful approach to propose treatments for COVID-19 by developing inhibitors for blocking the attachment of the virus to human cells. This study uses molecular docking, recovery time and dyn...Virtual screening can be a helpful approach to propose treatments for COVID-19 by developing inhibitors for blocking the attachment of the virus to human cells. This study uses molecular docking, recovery time and dynamics to analyze if potential inhibitors of main protease (M<sup>pro</sup>) of SARS-CoV-2 can interfere in the attachment of nanobodies, specifically Nb20, in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. The potential inhibitors are four compounds previously identified in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based enzymatic assay for the SARS-CoV-2 M<sup>pro</sup>: Boceprevir, Calpain Inhibitor II, Calpain Inhibitor XII, and GC376. The findings reveal that Boceprevir has the higher affinity with the RBD/Nb20 complex, followed by Calpain Inhibitor XII, GC376 and Calpain Inhibitor II. The recovery time indicates that the RBD/Nb20 complex needs a relatively short time to return to what it was before the presence of the ligands. For the RMSD the Boceprevir and Calpain Inhibitor II have the shortest interaction times, while Calpain Inhibitor XII shows slightly more interaction, but with significant pose fluctuations. On the other hand, GC376 remains stably bound for a longer duration compared to the other compounds, suggesting that they can potentially interfere with the neutralization process of Nb20.展开更多
BACKGROUND Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae(M.leprae),an intracellular pathogen that has tropism and affects skin and nervous system cells.The disease has two forms of presentation:Paucibacillary an...BACKGROUND Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae(M.leprae),an intracellular pathogen that has tropism and affects skin and nervous system cells.The disease has two forms of presentation:Paucibacillary and multibacillary,with different clinical and immunological manifestations.Unlike what occurs in the multibacillary form,the diagnostic tests for the paucibacillary form are nonspecific and not very sensitive,allowing the existence of infected individuals without treatment,which contributes to the spread of the pathogen in the population.To mitigate this contamination,more sensitive diagnostic tests capable of detecting paucibacillary patients are needed.AIM To predict the three-dimensional structure models of M.leprae antigens with serodiagnostic potential for leprosy.METHODS In this in silico study,satisfactory templates were selected in the Protein Data Bank(PDB)using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool to predict the structural templates of ML2038,ML0286,ML0050,and 85B antigens by comparative modeling.The templates were selected according to general criteria such as sequence identity,coverage,X-ray resolution,Global Model Quality Estimate value and phylogenetic relationship;Clustal X 2.1 software was used in this analysis.Molecular modeling was completed using the software Modeller 9v13.Visualization of the models was made using ViewerLite 4.2 and PyMol software,and analysis of the quality of the predicted models was performed using the QMEAN score and Z-score.Finally,the three-dimensional moels were validated using the MolProbity and Verify 3D platforms.RESULTS The three-dimensional structure models of ML2038,ML0286,ML0050,and 85B antigens of M.leprae were predicted using the templates PDB:3UOI(90.51%identity),PDB:3EKL(87.46%identity),PDB:3FAV(40.00%identity),and PDB:1F0N(85.21%identity),respectively.The QMEAN and Z-score values indicated the good quality of the structure models.These data refer to the monomeric units of antigens,since some of these antigens have quaternary structure.The validation of the models was performed with the final three-dimensional structure-monomer(ML0050 and 85B antigens)and quaternary structures(ML2038 and ML0286).The majority of amino acid residues were observed in favorable and allowed regions in the Ramachandran plot,indicating correct positioning of the side chain and absence of steric impediment.The MolProbity score value and Verify 3D results of all models indicated a satisfactory prediction.CONCLUSION The polarized immune response against M.leprae creates a problem in leprosy detection.The selection of immunodominant epitopes is essential for the development of more sensitive serodiagnostic tests,for this it is important to know the three-dimensional structure of the antigens,which can be predicted with bioinformatics tools.展开更多
根据日本晴cab4基因序列(GenBank:AK104499.1)设计引物,用RT-PCR的方法从籼稻9311中克隆了叶绿素a/b结合蛋白基因的全长cDNA,命名为cab-9311(cab gene from 9311)。insilico分析表明:cab-9311与cab4基因同源性为99%,编码的蛋白含有244...根据日本晴cab4基因序列(GenBank:AK104499.1)设计引物,用RT-PCR的方法从籼稻9311中克隆了叶绿素a/b结合蛋白基因的全长cDNA,命名为cab-9311(cab gene from 9311)。insilico分析表明:cab-9311与cab4基因同源性为99%,编码的蛋白含有244个氨基酸,与cab4基因编码的蛋白同源性为98%。蛋白分子质量为26.9kD,理论等电点为6.52。第54位～第216位氨基酸是一个典型的叶绿素a/b结合蛋白功能域(chlorophyll a/bbinding domain)。跨膜分析和蛋白质三级预测显示,该蛋白在C端有一个典型的跨膜区。亚细胞定位分析表明该蛋白定位于叶绿体,是一个叶绿体内囊体膜上的锚定蛋白。展开更多
There are many studies on enzymatic pathways of anthocyanin biosynthesis, but little is known about the anthocyanins transport in Oryze sativa. In silico analysis, the OsMRP15 (LOC_Os06g06440), an orthologous gene of ...There are many studies on enzymatic pathways of anthocyanin biosynthesis, but little is known about the anthocyanins transport in Oryze sativa. In silico analysis, the OsMRP15 (LOC_Os06g06440), an orthologous gene of mazie anthocyanin transporter ZmMRP3, has been identified in rice. The OsMRP15 contained a 4425bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 1475 amino acid protein, belonging to a MRP subfamily of ABC transporters, and has a high sequence identity, very similar protein structure, and the same arrangement of domains to ZmMRP3, but the genomic structure of OsMRP15 was significant difference with ZmMRP3. The prediction promoter of OsMRP15 has many presumed anthocyanin regulatory sites. The phylogenetic analysis of MRPs in rice, mazie and Arabidopsis showed that OsMRP15 and ZmMRP3 belonged to the same subbranch. The expression pattern indicated that OsMRP15 was co-expression with two anthocyanin transcription factors. These analysis results implied that as an ortholog of ZmMRP3, the function of OsMRP15 was possibly as a membrane-bound transporter required for vacuolar uptake of anthocyanins in rice.展开更多
In recent years, Jatropha curcas L. has gained popularity as a potential biodiesel plant. The varying oil content, reported between accessions belonging to different agroclimatic zones, has necessitated the assessment...In recent years, Jatropha curcas L. has gained popularity as a potential biodiesel plant. The varying oil content, reported between accessions belonging to different agroclimatic zones, has necessitated the assessment of the existing genetic variability to generate reliable molecular markers for selection of high oil yielding variety. EST derived SSR markers are more useful than genomic markers as they represent the transcriptome, thus, directly linked to functional genes. The present report describes the in silico mining of the microsatellites (SSRs) using J. curcas ESTs from various tissues viz. embryo, root, leaf and seed available in the public domain of NCBI. A total of 13,513 ESTs were downloaded. From these ESTs, 7552 unigenes were obtained and 395 SSRs were generated from 377 SSR-ESTs. These EST-SSRs can be used as potential microsatellite markers for diversity analysis, MAS etc. Since the Jatropha genes carrying SSRs have been identified in this study, thus, EST-SSRs directly linked to genes will be useful for developing trait linked markers.展开更多
In silico methods to study biodegradable implants have recently received increasing attention due to their potential in reducing experimental time and cost. An important application case for in silico methods are magn...In silico methods to study biodegradable implants have recently received increasing attention due to their potential in reducing experimental time and cost. An important application case for in silico methods are magnesium(Mg)-based biodegradable implants, as they represent a powerful alternative to traditional materials used for temporary orthopaedic applications. Controlling Mg alloy degradation is critical to designing an implant that supports the bone healing process. To simulate different aspects of this biodegradation process, several mathematical models have been proposed with the ultimate aim of replacing laboratory experiments with computational modeling. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical discussion of the published models and their performance with respect to capturing the complexity of the biodegradation process. This complexity is presented initially. Additionally, the present review discusses the different approaches of optimizing and quantifying the different sources of errors and uncertainties within the proposed models.展开更多
5-Dimethylaminopropylamino-8-hydroxytriazoloacridinone(C-1305)is a promising antitumor compound developed in our laboratory.A better understanding of its metabolic transformations is still needed to explain the multid...5-Dimethylaminopropylamino-8-hydroxytriazoloacridinone(C-1305)is a promising antitumor compound developed in our laboratory.A better understanding of its metabolic transformations is still needed to explain the multidirectional mechanism of pharmacological action of triazoloacridinone derivatives at all.Thus,the aim of the current work was to predict oxidative pathways of C-1305 that would reflect its phase I metabolism.The multi-tool analysis of C-1305 metabolism included electrochemical conversion and in silico sites of metabolism predictions in relation to liver microsomal model.In the framework of the first approach,an electrochemical cell was coupled on-line to an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer.The effluent of the electrochemical cell was also injected onto a liquid chromatography column for the separation of different products formed prior to mass spectrometry analysis.In silico studies were performed using MetaSite software.Standard microsomal incubation was employed as a reference procedure.We found that C-1305 underwent electrochemical oxidation primarily on the dialkylaminoalkylamino moiety.An unknown N-dealkylated and hydroxylated C-1305 products have been identified.The electrochemical system was also able to simulate oxygenation reactions.Similar pattern of C-1305 metabolism has been predicted using in silico approach.Both proposed strategies showed high agreement in relation to the generated metabolic products of C-1305.Thus,we conclude that they can be considered as simple alternatives to enzymatic assays,affording time and cost efficiency.展开更多
The formation of calcium phosphate phases is extremely important in a biomedical engineering context. These phosphates are used in many applications, such as grafts, drug-delivery processes and evaluation of the bioac...The formation of calcium phosphate phases is extremely important in a biomedical engineering context. These phosphates are used in many applications, such as grafts, drug-delivery processes and evaluation of the bioactivity of metallic surfaces. Considering this scenario, it is useful to evaluate the thermodynamic conditions for the precipitation of phosphates of biomedical interest, mainly hydroxyapatite. In this work, we investigate the effects of two important factors using a thermodynamic framework: 1) carbon dioxide partial pressure;and 2) buffer type (2-Amino-2-hydroxy- methyl-propane-1,3-diol, known as TRIS and 2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl] ethanesulfonic acid, also called HEPES), on the driving force behind the precipitation of calcium phosphates in simulated body fluids. The in silico results show that the pH value is governed by carbon dioxide content, as expected to occur in vivo. Moreover, the buffers can deplete the free calcium available in solution and, consequently, can cause difficulties in the calcium phosphate precipitation.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the structural requirements for effective binding of andrographolide(AGP)and its derivatives(SRJ09and SRJ23)to mutant K-ras for inhibition of exchange factor binding viain silico docking simul...OBJECTIVE To investigate the structural requirements for effective binding of andrographolide(AGP)and its derivatives(SRJ09and SRJ23)to mutant K-ras for inhibition of exchange factor binding viain silico docking simulations.METHODS The molecular docking studies were carried out by using SiteMap v3.4andGlide v6.6modules(Schrdinger,Inc.).Surface mapping on the 3-D X-ray crystal structures of three mutant K-ras proteins-K-rasG12V(PDB ID:4EPX),K-rasG12C(PDB ID:4LDJ),and K-rasG12D(PDB ID:4DSU),as well as wild-type K-ras protein(PDB ID:4LPK),was performed to generate possible sites for ligand binding.Thirty conformers were generated for each of the studied compounds,and these conformers were docked into each possible binding site in both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins.The free energy of binding of the compounds with the wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins was performed using prime molecular mechanics with generalized Born and solvent accessibility(MM-GBSA)approach.RESULTS The conformers of AGP,SRJ09 and SRJ23that were found to form the most stable complex inside each possible binding siteas indicated by the highest binding free energy,both in wild-type and mutant proteins,were selected.A common binding site between switchⅠ and Ⅱregions,where a pocket surrounded by amino acid residues Lys5,Leu6,Val7,Ser39,Asp54,Leu56,Tyr71,Thr74,and Gly75,was found in all K-rasG12 mutants.This site corresponds to the hydrophobic binding pockets having aliphatic side-chain portionsas found previously for other Ras binders,which are located betweenα-helix 2 and the core β-sheets(between switchⅠ and Ⅱregions).This common binding pocket was not observed in the wild-type K-ras.A binding pocket adjacent to switchⅡregion(amino acid 60-72),where all ligands bind well,was found instead.All compoundsanchor well inside the common binding pocket in each of the K-fasG12 mutants and these compounds showed the strongest binding interactions to K-fasG12 C.SRJ09 and SRJ23 showed stronger binding interactions to both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins as compared with the parent compound.Overall,the compounds displayed higher binding energies toall three mutant proteins as compared to their wild-type counterpart.CONCLUSION AGP,SRJ09,and SRJ23 are potential K-ras-targeting anti-cancer agents.The compounds target both wild-type and mutant K-ras but they bind to a different binding pocket in the wild-type protein.Both binding pockets found in wild-type and mutant K-ras involve switchⅡ region that binds the guanine nucleotide exchange factor(GEF)such as Son of Sevenless.These suggest a possible inhibition of exchange factor binding to both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins.Lower binding energies of the compounds to wild-type K-ras protein suggest a transient binding and inhibition.Stronger binding of all compounds to mutant K-ras proteins could lead to more targeted and prolonged inhibition.展开更多
Aim Rhodiola rosea L. possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties including lung-protective, and it has been implemented in folk medicine for several 100 years. However, the accurate mechanisms of its lung- p...Aim Rhodiola rosea L. possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties including lung-protective, and it has been implemented in folk medicine for several 100 years. However, the accurate mechanisms of its lung- protective activity remain unclear. This study aimed at investigating the possible mechanisms of lung-protective activity of Rhodiola rosea L. in pulmonary fibrosis model. Methods Pathological observation, ROS detection and measure- ments of biochemical indexes on rat models proved lung-protective effect of Rhodiola rosea L. Identification of active compounds in Rhodiola rosea L. was executed through several methods including UPLC-TOF-MS. SEA docking, too- lecular modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics （MD） simulation were applied in this study to explore possible mechanisms of the lung-protective potential of Rhodiola rosea L. Furthermore, in vitro cytological examina- tion and Western blot were used for validating the efficacy of the selected compounds. Results Experiments on rat models showed a potent lung-protective effect of Rhodiola rosea L. Then we analyzed the chemical composition of Rhodiola rosea L. and found out their key targets. Moreover, in silico analysis results testified good interaction be- tween selected compound 13 and key targets Akt-1/Caspase-1, and compound 10 also interacts well with Akt-1. Fur- ther Western blot analysis proved changed expression levels of those target proteins, indicating that selected small compounds indeed acted on those targets. Conclusion In silico analysis and experimental validation together demon- strated that selected compound 10 in Rhodiola rosea L. targeted Akt-1 in hepatocytes. Besides, compound 13 targeted both Caspase-1 and Akt-1. These small compounds may ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis by acting on their targets which are related to apoptosis or autophagy. The conclusions above may shed light on the complex molecular mechanisms of Rhodiola rosea L. acting on pneumonocyte and ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis.展开更多
文摘Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic, commensal, gram-negative oral bacterium that is carcinogenic and causes a wide range of human diseases. The present study focused on the analysis of the hypothetical protein, HMPREF3221_01179, derived from F. nucleatum strain MJR7757B, employing various computational methods to anticipate both its structure and functional characteristics. NCBI conserved domain analysis, NCBI BLASTp and MEGA Phylogenetic tree study characterize the target protein as an outer membrane efflux protein (ToIC family) which facilitate the bacterial transmembrane transport. With a molecular weight of 52120.02 Da, an isoelectric point (pI) of 8.33, and an instability index of 29.47, the protein is anticipated to exhibit good solubility in the extracellular space and crucial stability for pharmaceutical applications. The protein’s structure meets quality standards during the construction and refinement of its 3D model. The efflux inhibitor Arginine beta-naphthylamide exhibits a significant binding affinity (-7.1 kcal/mol) to the binding site of the target protein. The in-silico analysis improves the understanding of the protein and facilitates future investigations into therapeutic medication.
文摘Background: Cosmetic formulations, and particularly solar products which contain mineral and chemical UV-filters, are often suspected of causing harmful effects on marine fauna and flora. After the publication of our work in 2019 concerning the ecotoxicological effects of such formulations on corals (Seriatopora hystrix), we here provide some new information about the biodegradability and the ecotoxicological effects of these products on marine zoo- and phytoplankton. Therefore, we choose to realize in silico and in vitro studies of the biodegradability of several solar products but also to evaluate the ecotoxicological effects of these products on one phytoplankton, i.e. Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and one zooplankton, i.e. Acartia tonsa, of a great importance for sea species survival (notably as sources of food). Materials and methods: Two different approaches were used to study the biodegradability of the tested products: One in silico method and an in vitro one. 2 solar products were involved in the in silico study which consisted in the determination of the degradation factor (DF) of each ingredient of the tested formulas in order to finally obtain their estimated biodegradability percentage. Already available data concerning each ingredient coupled to a computer model developed with one of our partners were used to achieve this study. The in vitro study involved 8 formulas containing UV-filters and was led by following the OECD 301 F guidelines. Ecotoxicological studies of 7 of the formulas containing UV-filters were for their part realized by following the ISO 10253 guidelines for the experiments led with Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and the ISO 14669 guidelines for the experiments led with Acartia tonsa. In these studies, the effect of each tested product on crustaceans’ mortality and algal growth inhibition was assessed. Results: The in silico study predicted that formulas containing chemical UV-filters display a high biodegradability (superior to the threshold value of 60% given by the OECD 301 F guidelines). In the in vitro part of our work, the 8 tested formulas showed a biodegradability slightly inferior to the one predicted in the in silico experiments. Therefore, in order to evaluate if these calculated biodegradability value could have significant harmful effects on zoo- or phytoplankton, we studied the effect of our products regarding the growth inhibition on Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the mortality on Acartia tonsa. In this last part of the study, all the tested products were classified as “non ecotoxic” following an internal classification based on Part 4 entitled “Environmental Hazards” of Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), 9<sup>th</sup> edition (2021). Conclusions: These results are notably in line with those published by our teams in 2019 on the effects of solar cosmetic products on corals and seem to confirm that formulas containing mineral and chemical UV-filters can be daily used without displaying significant noxious effects on marine fauna and flora. .
基金supported by the Suranaree University of Technology,Thailand,the Thailand Science Research and Innovation(TSRI)the National Science,Research and Innovation Fund,Thailand(NSRF)(90464).
文摘Salicylic acid(SA)is an effective elicitor to promote plant defenses and growth.This study aimed to investigate rice(Oryza sativa L.)cv.Khao Dawk Mali 105 treated with salicylic acid(SA)-Ricemate as an enhanced plant protection mechanism against bacterial leaf blight(BLB)disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv.oryzae(Xoo).Results indicated that the use of SA-Ricemate as a foliar spray at concentrations of more than 100 mg L^(-1)can reduce the severity of BLB disease by 71%.SA-Ricemate treatment also increased the hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))content of rice leaf tissues over untreated samples by 39–61%.Malondialdehyde(MDA)in rice leaves treated with SA-Ricemate also showed an increase of 50–65%when comparing to non-treated samples.The differential development of these defense compounds was faster and distinct when the SA-Ricemate-treated rice was infected with Xoo,indicating plant-induced resistance.Besides,SA-Ricemate elicitor at a concentration of 50–250 mg L^(-1)was correlated with a substantial increase in the accumulation of total chlorophyll content at 2.53–2.73 mg g^(-1)of fresh weight which suggests that plant growth is activated by SA-Ricemate.The catalase-and aldehyde dehydrogenase-binding sites were searched for using the CASTp server,and the findings were compared to the template.Chemsketch was used to design and optimize SA,which was then docked to the catalase and aldehyde dehydrogenase-binding domains of the enzymes using the GOLD 3.0.1 Software.SA is shown in several docked conformations with the enzymes catalase and aldehyde dehydrogenase.All three catalase amino acids(GLN7,VAL27,and GLU38)were discovered to be involved in the creation of a strong hydrogen bond with SA when SA was present.In this mechanism,the aldehyde dehydrogenase amino acids LYS5,HIS6,and ASP2 were all implicated,and these amino acids created strong hydrogen bonds with SA.In field conditions,SA-Ricemate significantly reduced disease severity by 78%and the total grain yield was significantly increased which was an increase of plant height,tiller per hill,and panicle in three field trials during Aug–Nov 2017 and 2018.Therefore,SA-Ricemate can be used as an alternative elicitor on replacing harmful pesticides to control BLB disease with a high potential of increasing rice defenses,growth,and yield components.
文摘Although the GABAA receptor(GABAAR)has been proposed as the main action site for sevoflurane,isoflurane,halothane,enflurane,propofol,and benzodiazepines(BZDs),binding of these anesthetics with high-resolution structures of the GABAAR have been rarely examined by comparative docking analyses.Moreover,various combinations of ligands on more GABAARs with various subtypes need to be analyzed to understand the elaborate action mechanism of GABAARs better because some GABAA ligands showed specificity toward the distinct subtypes of the GABAAR.Methods:We performed in silico docking analysis to compare the binding modes of sevoflurane,isoflurane,halothane,enflurane,propofol,and BZDs to the GABAAR based on one of the most recently provided 3D structures.We performed the docking analysis and the affinity-based ranking of the binding sites.Results:Our docking studies revealed that isoflurane,halothane,and enflurane docked in an extracellular domain(ECD)on GABAARs,in contrast to sevoflurane.Conclusion:Our results supported a multi-site mechanism for the allosteric modulation of propofol.Propofol was bound to the pore or favored various subsites in the transmembrane domain(TMD).Our result confirmed that different chemically related BZD ligands interact via distinct binding modes rather than by using a common binding mode,as previously suggested.
文摘Virtual screening can be a helpful approach to propose treatments for COVID-19 by developing inhibitors for blocking the attachment of the virus to human cells. This study uses molecular docking, recovery time and dynamics to analyze if potential inhibitors of main protease (M<sup>pro</sup>) of SARS-CoV-2 can interfere in the attachment of nanobodies, specifically Nb20, in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. The potential inhibitors are four compounds previously identified in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based enzymatic assay for the SARS-CoV-2 M<sup>pro</sup>: Boceprevir, Calpain Inhibitor II, Calpain Inhibitor XII, and GC376. The findings reveal that Boceprevir has the higher affinity with the RBD/Nb20 complex, followed by Calpain Inhibitor XII, GC376 and Calpain Inhibitor II. The recovery time indicates that the RBD/Nb20 complex needs a relatively short time to return to what it was before the presence of the ligands. For the RMSD the Boceprevir and Calpain Inhibitor II have the shortest interaction times, while Calpain Inhibitor XII shows slightly more interaction, but with significant pose fluctuations. On the other hand, GC376 remains stably bound for a longer duration compared to the other compounds, suggesting that they can potentially interfere with the neutralization process of Nb20.
文摘BACKGROUND Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae(M.leprae),an intracellular pathogen that has tropism and affects skin and nervous system cells.The disease has two forms of presentation:Paucibacillary and multibacillary,with different clinical and immunological manifestations.Unlike what occurs in the multibacillary form,the diagnostic tests for the paucibacillary form are nonspecific and not very sensitive,allowing the existence of infected individuals without treatment,which contributes to the spread of the pathogen in the population.To mitigate this contamination,more sensitive diagnostic tests capable of detecting paucibacillary patients are needed.AIM To predict the three-dimensional structure models of M.leprae antigens with serodiagnostic potential for leprosy.METHODS In this in silico study,satisfactory templates were selected in the Protein Data Bank(PDB)using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool to predict the structural templates of ML2038,ML0286,ML0050,and 85B antigens by comparative modeling.The templates were selected according to general criteria such as sequence identity,coverage,X-ray resolution,Global Model Quality Estimate value and phylogenetic relationship;Clustal X 2.1 software was used in this analysis.Molecular modeling was completed using the software Modeller 9v13.Visualization of the models was made using ViewerLite 4.2 and PyMol software,and analysis of the quality of the predicted models was performed using the QMEAN score and Z-score.Finally,the three-dimensional moels were validated using the MolProbity and Verify 3D platforms.RESULTS The three-dimensional structure models of ML2038,ML0286,ML0050,and 85B antigens of M.leprae were predicted using the templates PDB:3UOI(90.51%identity),PDB:3EKL(87.46%identity),PDB:3FAV(40.00%identity),and PDB:1F0N(85.21%identity),respectively.The QMEAN and Z-score values indicated the good quality of the structure models.These data refer to the monomeric units of antigens,since some of these antigens have quaternary structure.The validation of the models was performed with the final three-dimensional structure-monomer(ML0050 and 85B antigens)and quaternary structures(ML2038 and ML0286).The majority of amino acid residues were observed in favorable and allowed regions in the Ramachandran plot,indicating correct positioning of the side chain and absence of steric impediment.The MolProbity score value and Verify 3D results of all models indicated a satisfactory prediction.CONCLUSION The polarized immune response against M.leprae creates a problem in leprosy detection.The selection of immunodominant epitopes is essential for the development of more sensitive serodiagnostic tests,for this it is important to know the three-dimensional structure of the antigens,which can be predicted with bioinformatics tools.
文摘There are many studies on enzymatic pathways of anthocyanin biosynthesis, but little is known about the anthocyanins transport in Oryze sativa. In silico analysis, the OsMRP15 (LOC_Os06g06440), an orthologous gene of mazie anthocyanin transporter ZmMRP3, has been identified in rice. The OsMRP15 contained a 4425bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 1475 amino acid protein, belonging to a MRP subfamily of ABC transporters, and has a high sequence identity, very similar protein structure, and the same arrangement of domains to ZmMRP3, but the genomic structure of OsMRP15 was significant difference with ZmMRP3. The prediction promoter of OsMRP15 has many presumed anthocyanin regulatory sites. The phylogenetic analysis of MRPs in rice, mazie and Arabidopsis showed that OsMRP15 and ZmMRP3 belonged to the same subbranch. The expression pattern indicated that OsMRP15 was co-expression with two anthocyanin transcription factors. These analysis results implied that as an ortholog of ZmMRP3, the function of OsMRP15 was possibly as a membrane-bound transporter required for vacuolar uptake of anthocyanins in rice.
文摘In recent years, Jatropha curcas L. has gained popularity as a potential biodiesel plant. The varying oil content, reported between accessions belonging to different agroclimatic zones, has necessitated the assessment of the existing genetic variability to generate reliable molecular markers for selection of high oil yielding variety. EST derived SSR markers are more useful than genomic markers as they represent the transcriptome, thus, directly linked to functional genes. The present report describes the in silico mining of the microsatellites (SSRs) using J. curcas ESTs from various tissues viz. embryo, root, leaf and seed available in the public domain of NCBI. A total of 13,513 ESTs were downloaded. From these ESTs, 7552 unigenes were obtained and 395 SSRs were generated from 377 SSR-ESTs. These EST-SSRs can be used as potential microsatellite markers for diversity analysis, MAS etc. Since the Jatropha genes carrying SSRs have been identified in this study, thus, EST-SSRs directly linked to genes will be useful for developing trait linked markers.
基金funding from the Helmholtz-Incubator project Uncertainty Quantification。
文摘In silico methods to study biodegradable implants have recently received increasing attention due to their potential in reducing experimental time and cost. An important application case for in silico methods are magnesium(Mg)-based biodegradable implants, as they represent a powerful alternative to traditional materials used for temporary orthopaedic applications. Controlling Mg alloy degradation is critical to designing an implant that supports the bone healing process. To simulate different aspects of this biodegradation process, several mathematical models have been proposed with the ultimate aim of replacing laboratory experiments with computational modeling. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical discussion of the published models and their performance with respect to capturing the complexity of the biodegradation process. This complexity is presented initially. Additionally, the present review discusses the different approaches of optimizing and quantifying the different sources of errors and uncertainties within the proposed models.
基金This work was supported by the National Science Center(Poland)(2012/07/D/NZ7/03395).
文摘5-Dimethylaminopropylamino-8-hydroxytriazoloacridinone(C-1305)is a promising antitumor compound developed in our laboratory.A better understanding of its metabolic transformations is still needed to explain the multidirectional mechanism of pharmacological action of triazoloacridinone derivatives at all.Thus,the aim of the current work was to predict oxidative pathways of C-1305 that would reflect its phase I metabolism.The multi-tool analysis of C-1305 metabolism included electrochemical conversion and in silico sites of metabolism predictions in relation to liver microsomal model.In the framework of the first approach,an electrochemical cell was coupled on-line to an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer.The effluent of the electrochemical cell was also injected onto a liquid chromatography column for the separation of different products formed prior to mass spectrometry analysis.In silico studies were performed using MetaSite software.Standard microsomal incubation was employed as a reference procedure.We found that C-1305 underwent electrochemical oxidation primarily on the dialkylaminoalkylamino moiety.An unknown N-dealkylated and hydroxylated C-1305 products have been identified.The electrochemical system was also able to simulate oxygenation reactions.Similar pattern of C-1305 metabolism has been predicted using in silico approach.Both proposed strategies showed high agreement in relation to the generated metabolic products of C-1305.Thus,we conclude that they can be considered as simple alternatives to enzymatic assays,affording time and cost efficiency.
文摘The formation of calcium phosphate phases is extremely important in a biomedical engineering context. These phosphates are used in many applications, such as grafts, drug-delivery processes and evaluation of the bioactivity of metallic surfaces. Considering this scenario, it is useful to evaluate the thermodynamic conditions for the precipitation of phosphates of biomedical interest, mainly hydroxyapatite. In this work, we investigate the effects of two important factors using a thermodynamic framework: 1) carbon dioxide partial pressure;and 2) buffer type (2-Amino-2-hydroxy- methyl-propane-1,3-diol, known as TRIS and 2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl] ethanesulfonic acid, also called HEPES), on the driving force behind the precipitation of calcium phosphates in simulated body fluids. The in silico results show that the pH value is governed by carbon dioxide content, as expected to occur in vivo. Moreover, the buffers can deplete the free calcium available in solution and, consequently, can cause difficulties in the calcium phosphate precipitation.
基金The project supported by Ministry of Education,Malaysia(Research University Grant Scheme Grant 04-02-12-2017RU)
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the structural requirements for effective binding of andrographolide(AGP)and its derivatives(SRJ09and SRJ23)to mutant K-ras for inhibition of exchange factor binding viain silico docking simulations.METHODS The molecular docking studies were carried out by using SiteMap v3.4andGlide v6.6modules(Schrdinger,Inc.).Surface mapping on the 3-D X-ray crystal structures of three mutant K-ras proteins-K-rasG12V(PDB ID:4EPX),K-rasG12C(PDB ID:4LDJ),and K-rasG12D(PDB ID:4DSU),as well as wild-type K-ras protein(PDB ID:4LPK),was performed to generate possible sites for ligand binding.Thirty conformers were generated for each of the studied compounds,and these conformers were docked into each possible binding site in both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins.The free energy of binding of the compounds with the wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins was performed using prime molecular mechanics with generalized Born and solvent accessibility(MM-GBSA)approach.RESULTS The conformers of AGP,SRJ09 and SRJ23that were found to form the most stable complex inside each possible binding siteas indicated by the highest binding free energy,both in wild-type and mutant proteins,were selected.A common binding site between switchⅠ and Ⅱregions,where a pocket surrounded by amino acid residues Lys5,Leu6,Val7,Ser39,Asp54,Leu56,Tyr71,Thr74,and Gly75,was found in all K-rasG12 mutants.This site corresponds to the hydrophobic binding pockets having aliphatic side-chain portionsas found previously for other Ras binders,which are located betweenα-helix 2 and the core β-sheets(between switchⅠ and Ⅱregions).This common binding pocket was not observed in the wild-type K-ras.A binding pocket adjacent to switchⅡregion(amino acid 60-72),where all ligands bind well,was found instead.All compoundsanchor well inside the common binding pocket in each of the K-fasG12 mutants and these compounds showed the strongest binding interactions to K-fasG12 C.SRJ09 and SRJ23 showed stronger binding interactions to both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins as compared with the parent compound.Overall,the compounds displayed higher binding energies toall three mutant proteins as compared to their wild-type counterpart.CONCLUSION AGP,SRJ09,and SRJ23 are potential K-ras-targeting anti-cancer agents.The compounds target both wild-type and mutant K-ras but they bind to a different binding pocket in the wild-type protein.Both binding pockets found in wild-type and mutant K-ras involve switchⅡ region that binds the guanine nucleotide exchange factor(GEF)such as Son of Sevenless.These suggest a possible inhibition of exchange factor binding to both wild-type and mutant K-ras proteins.Lower binding energies of the compounds to wild-type K-ras protein suggest a transient binding and inhibition.Stronger binding of all compounds to mutant K-ras proteins could lead to more targeted and prolonged inhibition.
文摘Aim Rhodiola rosea L. possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties including lung-protective, and it has been implemented in folk medicine for several 100 years. However, the accurate mechanisms of its lung- protective activity remain unclear. This study aimed at investigating the possible mechanisms of lung-protective activity of Rhodiola rosea L. in pulmonary fibrosis model. Methods Pathological observation, ROS detection and measure- ments of biochemical indexes on rat models proved lung-protective effect of Rhodiola rosea L. Identification of active compounds in Rhodiola rosea L. was executed through several methods including UPLC-TOF-MS. SEA docking, too- lecular modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics （MD） simulation were applied in this study to explore possible mechanisms of the lung-protective potential of Rhodiola rosea L. Furthermore, in vitro cytological examina- tion and Western blot were used for validating the efficacy of the selected compounds. Results Experiments on rat models showed a potent lung-protective effect of Rhodiola rosea L. Then we analyzed the chemical composition of Rhodiola rosea L. and found out their key targets. Moreover, in silico analysis results testified good interaction be- tween selected compound 13 and key targets Akt-1/Caspase-1, and compound 10 also interacts well with Akt-1. Fur- ther Western blot analysis proved changed expression levels of those target proteins, indicating that selected small compounds indeed acted on those targets. Conclusion In silico analysis and experimental validation together demon- strated that selected compound 10 in Rhodiola rosea L. targeted Akt-1 in hepatocytes. Besides, compound 13 targeted both Caspase-1 and Akt-1. These small compounds may ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis by acting on their targets which are related to apoptosis or autophagy. The conclusions above may shed light on the complex molecular mechanisms of Rhodiola rosea L. acting on pneumonocyte and ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis.
