Exosome aggregation mediated stop-flow paper-based portable device for rapid exosome quantification

Exosome quantification is important for estimation of informative messengers (e.g., proteins, lipids, RNA, etc.) involving physiological and pathological effects. This work aimed to develop a simple and rapid distance-based paper portable device using exosome-capture vesicles (polydiacetylene conjugated with antiCD81) for exosome quantification in cell cultures. This novel concept relied on distinct aggregation of exosomes and exosome-capture vesicles leading to different solvent migration. Distances of the migration were used as signal readouts, which could be detected by naked eye. PDA-antiCD81 as exosome-capture vesicles were optimized (e.g., size, reaction ratio, and concentration) and the paper designs were investigated (e.g., diameter of sample reservoir and lamination layer) to enhance the solvent stop-flow effects. Finally, exosome screening on three cell culture samples (COLO1, MDA-MB-231, and HuR-KO1 subclone) was demonstrated. The method could linearly measure exosome concentrations in correlation with solvent migration distances in the range of 10⁶–10¹⁰ particles/mL (R² > 0.98) from the cell culture samples. The exosome concentration measurements by the developed device were independently assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Results demonstrated no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) by t-test. This low-cost and rapid device allows a portable platform for exosome quantification without the requirement of expensive equipment and expertise of operation. The developed device could potentially be useful for quantification of other biomarker-related extracellular vesicles.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and yeast RNA-binding properties of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with a bidentate Schiff base

Abstract  

Trans-CuL₂ and cis-NiL₂ (L = 1-((furan-2-yl)methylene)-4-phenylthiosemicarbazide) were synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Their X-ray crystal structures were determined. The complexes contain the same bidentate Schiff base ligand, but with different cis-NiN₂S₂ and trans-CuN₂S₂ square-planar coordination geometries. Three-dimensional supramolecular networks were formed through “face to face” π–π conjugated systems between phenyl and furan rings. The interactions with yeast RNA (yRNA) were investigated by UV spectra and electrochemical methods, which showed that the complexes intercalated into yRNA. The bonding of trans-CuL₂ to yRNA is the stronger of the two, suggesting that the trans geometry is more favorable for interaction with RNA.     

Low-magnesium, <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-cleavage activity by type III,tertiary stabilized hammerhead ribozymes with stem 1 discontinuities

Background  

Low concentrations of free magnesium in the intracellular environment can present critical limitations for hammerhead ribozymes, especially for those that are designed for intermolecular (trans) cleavage of a host or pathogen RNA. Tertiary stabilizing motifs (TSM's) from natural and artificial ribozymes with a "type I" topology have been exploited to stabilize trans-cleaving hammerheads. Ribozymes with "type II" or "type III" topologies might seem incompatible with conversion to trans-cleavage designs, because opening the loop at the end of stem 1 or stem 2 to accommodate substrate binding is expected to disrupt the TSM and eliminate tertiary stabilization.     

Characterization of rubber particles and rubber chain elongation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taraxacum koksaghyz</Emphasis>

Background  

Natural rubber is a biopolymer with exceptional qualities that cannot be completely replaced using synthetic alternatives. Although several key enzymes in the rubber biosynthetic pathway have been isolated, mainly from plants such as Hevea brasiliensis, Ficus spec. and the desert shrub Parthenium argentatum, there have been no in planta functional studies, e.g. by RNA interference, due to the absence of efficient and reproducible protocols for genetic engineering. In contrast, the Russian dandelion Taraxacum koksaghyz, which has long been considered as a potential alternative source of low-cost natural rubber, has a rapid life cycle and can be genetically transformed using a simple and reliable procedure. However, there is very little molecular data available for either the rubber polymer itself or its biosynthesis in T. koksaghyz.     

Recognition of essential purines by the U1A protein

Background  

The RNA recognition motif (RRM) is one of the largest families of RNA binding domains. The RRM is modulated so that individual proteins containing RRMs can specifically recognize RNA targets with diverse sequences and structures. Understanding the principles governing this specificity will be important for the rational modification and design of RRM-RNA complexes.     

alpha-Sarcin catalytic activity is not required for cytotoxicity

Background  

α-Sarcin is a protein toxin produced by Aspergillus giganteus. It belongs to a family of cytotoxic ribonucleases that inactivate the ribosome and inhibit protein synthesis. α-Sarcin cleaves a single phosphodiester bond within the RNA backbone of the large ribosomal subunit, which makes the ribosome unrecognizable to elongation factors and, in turn, blocks protein synthesis. Although it is widely held that the protein synthesis inhibition caused by the toxin leads to cell death, it has not been directly shown that catalytically inactive mutants of α-sarcin are non-toxic when expressed directly within the cytoplasm of cells. This is important since recent studies have cast doubt on whether protein synthesis inhibition is sufficient to initiate apoptosis.     

Synthesis of arylaminotetrazoles by ZnCl2/AlCl3/silica as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst

Abstract  

Arylaminotetrazoles were efficiently synthesized from secondary arylcyanamides by application of ZnCl₂/AlCl₃/silica as a reusable heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst. 5-Arylamino-1H-tetrazoles can be obtained from arylcyanamides carrying electron-withdrawing substituents on the aryl ring, while with electron-releasing groups 1-aryl-5-amino-1H-tetrazoles will be produced. The former isomer is also produced within longer reaction times (~20 h) even with electron-releasing groups.     

Molecular cloning,gene structure and expression profile of two mouse peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase genes

Background  

In rats, two peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase genes (A and B) have been cloned, whereas only one thiolase gene is found in humans. The aim of this study was thus to clone the different mouse thiolase genes in order to study both their tissue expression and their associated enzymatic activity.     

MyD88-dependent and independent pathways of Toll-Like Receptors are engaged in biological activity of Triptolide in ligand-stimulated macrophages

Background  

Triptolide is a diterpene triepoxide from the Chinese medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., with known anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-cancer properties.     

Stereoselective reaction between alkyl propiolates and phenols in the presence of sodium azide in tert-butyl alcohol

Abstract  

Stereoselective reaction of various substituted phenols with alkyl propiolates in the presence of a catalytic amount of sodium azide in tert-butyl alcohol at reflux temperature leads to alkyl (Z)-3-phenoxy-2-propenoates in good yields.     

The effect of engineered disulfide bonds on the stability of Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase

Background  

Acetylcholinesterase is irreversibly inhibited by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides allowing its use in biosensors for detection of these insecticides. Drosophila acetylcholinesterase is the most sensitive enzyme known and has been improved by in vitro mutagenesis. However, its stability has to be improved for extensive utilization.     

An experimental NMR and computational study of 4-quinolones and related compounds

Abstract  

We report the synthesis and structural study of eight compounds, either quinolin-4(1H)-ones or quinolines. Tautomerism as well as (E) → (Z) and rotational isomerism were studied both experimentally (¹H and ¹³C NMR) and theoretically [B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)].     

Synthesis of potential fungicides based on N-(3-furanyl)pyrrolecarboxamides and N-(3-furanyl)pyrazolecarboxamides

Abstract  

An efficient synthesis of novel N-(3-furanyl)pyrrolecarboxamides and N-(3-furanyl)pyrazolecarboxamides is presented starting from furan-3-carboxylic acid. Two complementary strategies to 2-aryl-3-furanamines with directed ortho lithiation, functionalization of the 2-position, and subsequent cross-coupling reaction as key steps were developed. Acylation of these intermediates with appropriate acid chlorides led finally to the target compounds.     

Binding specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Aa for purified, native Bombyx mori aminopeptidase N and cadherin-like receptors

Background  

To better understand the molecular interactions of Bt toxins with non-target insects, we have examined the real-time binding specificity and affinity of Cry1 toxins to native silkworm (Bombyx mori) midgut receptors. Previous studies on B. mori receptors utilized brush border membrane vesicles or purifed receptors in blot-type assays.     

Synthesis, characterization, and antifungal activity of biaryl-based bis(1,2,3-triazoles) using click chemistry

Abstract  

Click chemistry was used to synthesize a series of biaryl-based bis(1,2,3-triazoles). Their antifungal activity was evaluated against three soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi, viz. Rhizoctonia bataticola, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum, using the food poison technique at concentrations of 62.5–500 μg/cm³.     

2′-O-Lysylaminohexyladenosine modified oligonucleotides

Abstract  

Development of therapeutically active oligonucleotides for sequence-specific gene knockdown relies on chemical modifications that confer high stability and target affinity and ideally enable cellular uptake. 2′-O-Lysylaminohexyluridine-containing antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides have been shown to be well suited for gene knockdown. They are highly resistant to enzymatic degradation while having good affinity for the targeted RNA strand and efficiently down-regulate their target in cell culture tumor models. The 2′-O-lysylaminohexyl modification was expanded to adenosine nucleosides. The corresponding phosphoramidite building block was prepared in a straightforward procedure comprising six steps starting from adenosine. After 2′-O-alkylation with N-(6-bromohexyl)phthalimide and removal of the N-protecting group, the protected lysine was specifically attached to the alkylamino group. Incorporation of 2′-O-lysylaminohexyladenosine nucleotides in a test sequence confirmed that the cationic chains lead only to minor duplex destabilization and do not disturb the duplex structure. Results further emphasize the advantageous properties of 2′-O-lysylaminohexyl modified oligonucleotides for therapeutic applications.     

Studies on the synthesis, characterization, binding with DNA and activities of two cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes of the form: cis-PtL(NH3)Cl2 where L = 3-hydroxypyridine and 2,3-diaminopyridine

Background  

Cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes like their trans isomers are often found to be active against cancer cell lines. The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization and determination of activity of new cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes.     

Efficient synthesis of methyl 4-chloro-6-fluoro-3-formyl-2H-chromene-2-carboxylate and its derivatives

Abstract  

Methyl 4-chloro-6-fluoro-3-formyl-2H-chromene-2-carboxylate was synthesized conveniently using Vilsmeier reagent. A series of new 2H-chromenes was prepared in high yields by introducing a corresponding β-halovinylaldehyde into condensation and cyclization reactions with active methylene compounds.     

Aglycone specificity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thermotoga neapolitana</Emphasis> β-glucosidase 1A modified by mutagenesis,leading to increased catalytic efficiency in quercetin-3-glucoside hydrolysis

Background  

The thermostable β-glucosidase (TnBgl1A) from Thermotoga neapolitana is a promising biocatalyst for hydrolysis of glucosylated flavonoids and can be coupled to extraction methods using pressurized hot water. Hydrolysis has however been shown to be dependent on the position of the glucosylation on the flavonoid, and e.g. quercetin-3-glucoside (Q3) was hydrolysed slowly. A set of mutants of TnBgl1A were thus created to analyse the influence on the kinetic parameters using the model substrate para-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPGlc), and screened for hydrolysis of Q3.