JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
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2023
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IF 4.1
Shuhua Yin,Maoping Duan,Jian Zhang,Tuo Zhang,Guanghua Zhao
BACKGROUND Myofibrillar proteins, the main contributors to the quality of meat products, are the main structural protein component of muscle and have functional properties such as the formation of a 3D protein gel network and water binding. The susceptibility of meat-derived proteins to heat-induced aggregation is the functional constraint that hinders their applications in industry, and so establishing an effective but simple method to improve their thermostability of the proteins is of great importance. RESULTS In the present study, we describe an easy approach to perform high colloidal thermostability of both paramyosin and actin by mixing them at low ionic strength. The improvement in thermal stability was found to be derived from intermolecular interactions between these two different proteins through non-covalent binding with each other. Consequently, such interactions protected each of them from thermal-induced degradation compared to individual components. Notably, this binary native protein mixture rather than single paramyosin or actin component has the ability to form protein hydrogels with a shear-thinning and reversible sol–gel transformation behavior, which is markedly different from most of reported heat-induced, denatured protein hydrogels. CONCLUSION The present study not only presents a facile and effective strategy for improvement of the thermal stability and gel properties of a binary paramyosin and actin mixture, but also enhances our understanding of how mutual interactions of protein components affect their physicochemical and functional properties. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
研究领域:
食品科学
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生物化学
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分子生物学
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高影响因子
Communications Biology
·
2023
·Vol. 6
·期 1
·1-14
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IF 5.9
Zhu Haixia,Wen Zongzhuang,Zhang Aizhen,Liu Dongyue,Wang Hongxiang,Cheng Yin,Yang Xing,Xiao Yu,Li Jianyuan,Sun Daqing,Wu Bin,Gao Jiangang
Spermatogenesis is an extremely complex process, and any obstruction can cause male infertility. RhoGDIα has been identified as a risk of male sterility. In this study, we generate RhoGDIα knockout mice, and find that the males have severely low fertility. The testes from RhoGDIα −/− mice are smaller than that in WT mice. The numbers of spermatogonia and spermatocytes are decreased in RhoGDIα −/− testis. Spermatogenesis is compromised, and spermatocyte meiosis is arrested at zygotene stage in RhoGDIα −/− mice. Acrosome dysplasia is also observed in sperms of the mutant mice. At the molecular level, RhoGDIα deficiency activate the LIMK/cofilin signaling pathway, inhibiting F-actin depolymerization, impairing testis and inducing low fertility in mouse. In addition, the treatment of RhoGDIα −/− mice with Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 alleviate testis injury and improve sperm quality by inhibiting the LIMK/cofilin/F-actin pathway during spermatogenesis. Together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized RhoGDIα/Rac1/F-actin-dependent mechanism involved in spermatogenesis and male fertility.
研究领域:
生殖生物学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF WUHAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY-MATERIALS SCIENCE EDITION
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2023
·Vol. 38
·期 6
·1299-1303
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IF 1.6
Xu Wei,Zhao Chao,Xie Jingjing,Wang Rongjie
Biomineralization is a biological process of synthesizing inorganic minerals within organisms. It has been found that intracellular proteins are involved in the room temperature synthesis process of anatase TiO 2 in living mussels. Here, we used intracellular actin to synthesize hematite by biomineralization. Biomineralized hematite has a nano spindle structure with a particle size of approximately 150 nm. The microstructure indicates that the prepared hematite is a mesocrystals composed of ordered arrangement and assembly of primary nanoparticles. In addition, hematite mesocrystals exhibit good lithium storage performance as electrode materials for lithium batteries. The discharge specific capacity of the battery remained at 560.7 mAh·g −1 after 130 cycles at a current density of 200 mA·g −1 . This work expands the synthesis methods of hematite by biomineralization, and provides a new strategy for preparing inorganic materials by intracellular proteins.
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高影响因子
ACS Nano
·
2025
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IF 16
Xing Fan,Haotian Chen,Yuan Li,Qishuai Feng,Feng Tao,Chang Xu,Xiaolei Chen,Rui Gao,Yingying Wang,Xinyu Guo,Chenkai Sun,Cheng Lv,Yu Cheng
The abnormal mechanical microenvironment is a hallmark feature of solid tumors and plays a key role in immunotherapy resistance. The actin cytoskeleton can be finely tuned to control cell mechanics, which becomes a central target to regulate the tumor mechanical microenvironment (TMME). Here, we propose an actin-binding protein-modified magnetic nanomotor (ABP-MN) coupled with the rotating magnetic field (MF) to dynamically regulate the actin cytoskeleton for remodeling the TMME. ABP-MNs, with an ultrasmall diameter of 23 nm, intracellularly target the actin cytoskeleton and induce depolymerization via magneto-mechanical force under MF. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells, which internalize ∼69.3% of ABP-MNs, are significantly tuned under MF with signs of a 7-fold decrease in tumor matrix stiffness, increased immune cell infiltration, and 95.8% tumor growth inhibition. This strategy unlocks a fresh field to reshape the TMME with the intracellular mechanical approach, thereby providing an effective mechano-based therapy in treating solid tumors.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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癌症研究
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机械生物学
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高影响因子
Journal of the American Chemical Society
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2026
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IF 16.6
Zuoxi Zhang,Kexin Yin,Bowen Li,Huining He,Yang Bai,Bin Zheng
The cytoskeleton, an indispensable component during cell migration and proliferation, relies on the regionalized programming of intracellular proteins─liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) that enables cells to shift between phenotypes to determine their fate of migration and reproduction. However, the precise manipulation of the G/F-actin is extremely challenging, and effective direct regulatory measures are currently lacking to intervene in the physiological and pathological processes of cells. Herein, through LLPS visualization experiments, we reveal a storage and regulatory mechanism of cytoplasmic G-actin in cells via LLPS. Based on the conversion mechanism between stored G-actin and active G-actin within the free actin pool in the cytoplasm, G-actin’s LLPS forms droplets to participate in cellular activities. Furthermore, based on orthogonal disulfide chemistry reactions, we developed a cross-linker capable of altering the formation of actin bioaggregates. By screening targeted modification groups and backbone libraries, we designed the penicillamine-linked 4Arm-PEG (4Arm-Pen) capable of cross-linking with actin. Visualization of LLPS reversal intra- and extracellularly, 4Arm-Pen target proteomics, and mathematical modeling of F-actin polymerization kinetics collectively confirm that 4Arm-Pen not only cross-links G-actin, impeding droplet formation, but also influences the polymerization kinetics of F-actin, causing the cells to lose their invasive capacity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that G-actin depletion induced by cross-linking renders cancer cells immotile and triggers alterations in endogenous cellular mechanical parameters. Collectively, these findings provide deeper insights into the analysis and modulation of G-actin LLPS in cells, paving a path toward promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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高影响因子
ACS Nano
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2020
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IF 14.588
Yiyuan Kang,Jia Liu,Suhan Yin,Yanping Jiang,Xiaoli Feng,Junrong Wu,Yanli Zhang,Aijie Chen,Yaqing Zhang,Longquan Shao
Neurotransmission is the basis of brain functions, and controllable neurotransmission tuning constitutes an attractive approach for interventions in a wide range of neurologic disorders and for synapse-based therapeutic treatments. Graphene-family nanomaterials (GFNs) offer promising advantages for biomedical applications, particularly in neurology. Our study suggests that reduced graphene oxide (rGO) serves as a neurotransmission modulator and reveals that the cellular oxidation of rGO plays a crucial role in this effect. We found that rGO could be oxidized via cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as evidenced by an increased number of oxygen-containing functional groups on the rGO surface. Cellular redox signaling, which involves NADPH oxidases and mitochondria, was initiated and subsequently intensified rGO oxidation. The study further shows that the blockage of synaptic vesicle docking and fusion induced through a disturbance of actin dynamics is the underlying mechanism through which oxidized rGO exerts depressant effects on neurotransmission. Importantly, this depressant effect could be modulated by restricting the cellular ROS levels and stabilizing the actin dynamics. Taken together, our results identify the complicated biological effects of rGO as a controlled neurotransmission modulator and can provide helpful information for the future design of graphene materials for neurobiological applications.
研究领域:
神经科学
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生物医学工程
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材料科学
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高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
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2020
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IF 8.758
Qilin Yu,Bing Zhang,Ying-Ming Zhang,Yao-Hua Liu,Yu Liu
Actin cytoskeleton disruption is a promising and intriguing anticancer strategy, but their efficiency is frequently compromised by severe side effects of the actin cytoskeleton-disrupting agents. In this study, we constructed the biocompatible actin cytoskeleton-targeting multivalent supramolecular assemblies that specifically target and disrupt the tumor actin cytoskeleton for cancer therapy. The assemblies were composed of β-cyclodextrin-grafted hyaluronic acid (HACD) and iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) grafted by an actin-binding peptide (ABP) and adamantane (Ada)-modified polylysine. Owing to the multivalent binding between cyclodextrin and Ada, HACD, and peptide-grafted MNPs (MNP-ABP-Ada) could self-assemble to form MNP-ABP-Ada⊂HACD nanofibers in a geomagnetism-dependent manner. Furthermore, the presence of ABP rendered the assemblies to efficiently target the actin cytoskeleton. Interestingly, with the acid of a low-frequency alternating magnetic field (200 Hz), the actin cytoskeleton-targeting nanofibers could induce severe actin disruption, leading to a remarkable cell cycle arrest and drastic cell death of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo, but showed no obvious toxicity to normal cells. The actin cytoskeleton-targeting/disrupting supramolecular assembly implies an excellent strategy for realizing efficient cancer therapy.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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肿瘤学
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纳米医学
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高影响因子
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
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2026
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IF 10.4
Zhou Xidan,Li Si,Guo Chen,Wu Songfen,Wu Xiaoli,Wu Min,Wu Cuiting,Li Kuan,Cui Yihui,Zhou Tao
Neuroplasticity and synaptic dysfunction are central to the pathophysiology of depression, yet their underlying mechanisms remain not fully understood. Here, we identify the m 6 A reader protein YTHDF1 as a key regulator of depression pathogenesis. Mice with genetic deletion of Ythdf1 exhibited anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) hyperactivity, hyperalgesia, heightened social stress sensitivity, and anxiodepressive-like behaviors following acute social stress. Using multi-omics approaches, we linked these effects to dysregulated actin cytoskeleton dynamics and identified cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) as a downstream effector of YTHDF1. YTHDF1 deficiency reduced CAP1 expression from early postnatal stages, leading to F-actin accumulation, impaired synaptic function, and behavioral deficits. Strikingly, early postnatal re-expression of YTHDF1 in the ACC normalized CAP1 levels, restored synaptic integrity, and reversed depressive-like phenotypes. Similarly, CAP1 re-expression was sufficient to alleviate stress-induced psychomotor retardation and anxiety. Our findings establish the YTHDF1-CAP1 axis as a critical pathway governing synaptic function and depressive behaviors.
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高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
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2025
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IF 8.2
Yuanyuan Yang,Jiapan Hu,Fan Mei,Yangyang Gan,Qiang Ma,Chuanda Zhu,Lidong Gong,Zhiqiang Lin
Neurodevelopment is a highly coordinated process involving cell differentiation, neurite extension, axon guidance, and dendritic formation, forming the structural basis for cognitive function. Metal ions such as silver and zinc play essential roles in neuronal disease; however, their precise function in neurodevelopment remains elusive. Due to the solubility characteristics of metal ions and the presence of ion channels on the cell membrane, studying the effects of metal ions within cells presents certain challenges. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the effective delivery of goods into cells in a receptor-independent manner. In this study, we developed 11 types of metal ion nanodepots, NanoMIs, a novel class of nanoparticle-based metal ion delivery systems capable of effective intracellular metal ion release and lysosomal escape. These NanoMIs were applied to primary neuronal cells to investigate their effects on neuronal morphology. Our results show that NanoMIs primarily enhance axon elongation by modulating the PFN1-actin-cytoskeleton pathway. These findings suggest that NanoMIs offer a promising approach for exploring the role of metal ions in neuronal development and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying metal-ion-mediated effects in neuronal cells.
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高影响因子
ADVANCED MATERIALS
·
2022
·Vol. 34
·期 34
·2204039
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IF 32.086
Chao Li,Xiangxiang Zhang,Boyu Yang,Feng Wei,Yongshuo Ren,Wei Mu,Xiaojun Han
The use of artificial cells to mimic living tissues is beneficial for understanding the mechanism of interaction among cells. Artificial cells hold immense potential in the field of tissue engineering. Self-powered artificial cells capable of reversible deformation are developed by encapsulating living mitochondria, actins, and methylcellulose. Upon addition of pyruvate molecules, the mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which acts as an energy source to trigger actin polymerization. The reversible deformation of artificial cells occurs with a spindle shape resulting from the polymerization of actins to form filaments adjacent to the lipid bilayer that subsequently returns to a spherical shape resulting from the depolymerization of actin filaments upon laser irradiation. The linear colonies composed of these artificial cells exhibit collective contraction and relaxation to mimic muscle tissues. At maximum contraction, the long axis of each giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) is parallel to each other. All the colonies are synchronized in the contraction phase. The deformation of each GUV in the colonies is influenced by its adjacent GUVs. The muscle-like artificial cell colonies described here pave the way to develop sustainably self-powered artificial tissues.
研究领域:
生物物理学
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组织工程
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细胞生物学
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材料科学
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高影响因子
Frontiers in Immunology
·
2022
·
IF 8.786
ZhengQing Yu,LiXin Xu,Ke He,MingMin Lu,RuoFeng Yan,XiaoKai Song,XiangRui Li
The epidemic of avian coccidiosis seriously threatens the animals’ welfare and the economic gains of the poultry industry. Widespread in avian coccidiosis, Eimeria mitis ( E. mitis ) could obviously impair the production performance of the infected chickens. So far, few effective vaccines targeting E. mitis have been reported, and the nanovaccines composed of nanospheres captured our particular attention. At the present study, we construct two kinds of nanospheres carrying the recombinant E. mitis actin depolymerizing factor (rEmADF), then the characterization was then analyzed. After safety evaluation, the protective efficacy of rEmADF along with its nanospheres were investigated in chickens. The promoted secretions of antibodies and cytokines, as well as the enhanced percentages of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were evaluated by the ELISA and flow cytometry assay. In addition, the absolute quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay implied that vaccinations with rEmADF-entrapped nanospheres could significantly reduce the replications of E. mitis in feces. Compared with the rEmADF-loaded chitosan (EmADF-CS) nanospheres, the PLGA nanospheres carrying rEmADF (EmADF-PLGA nanosphers) were more effective in up-regulating weight efficiency of animals and generated equally ability in controlling E. mitis burdens in feces, suggesting the PLGA and CS nanospheres loaded with rEmADF were the satisfactory nanovaccines for E. mitis defense. Collectively, nanomaterials may be an effective antigen delivery system that could help recombinant E. mitis actin depolymerizing factor to enhance immunoprotections in chicken against the infections of E. mitis .
研究领域:
兽医学
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免疫学
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纳米技术
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微生物学
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
·
2020
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IF 7.489
Yuqing Niu,Bokai Zhang,Massimiliano Galluzzi
The specific binding of fluorescent probes or biomolecules to the actin cytoskeleton network is increasingly important for monitoring various complex cellular activities such as cell adhesion, proliferation, locomotion, endocytosis, and cell division. However, improving cell uptake and subcellular resolution is still the main obstacle for successful and wide application of cellular fluorescent probes. Here, we designed and synthesized an amphiphilic block polyurethane with peculiar photophysical properties of aggregation induced emission (AIE), which can be used in living cell imaging to promote selective visualization of cell structures. The AIE effect polyurethane (abbreviated as AIE-PU) was prepared by two-step polymerization of diisocyanate terminated polyethylene glycol and polycaprolactone with hydroxyl terminated AIE dye. A series of characterization techniques proved the successful synthesis of AIE-PU. Due to the amphiphilic chain segment of its linear block molecule, AIE-PU block copolymers can self-assemble into spherical nanoparticles in aqueous solution, showing relatively stable photophysical properties and good water dispersion. Cellular experiments demonstrated that AIE-PUs have low toxicity and high actin network affinity. Moreover, the uptake mechanism was studied by low temperature and metabolic inhibition experiments, showing that AIE-PU nanoparticles could be easily internalized into different living cells through energy-dependent endocytosis, and can be transported from the cellular periphery to the actin network via clathrin- and caveolae-dependent transport pathway. Upon binding with the actin network, the inter-chain AIE mechanism of the probe was significantly enhanced, which is pivotal for the long-term stable fluorescence imaging of actin microfilament network in living cells. Finally, compared with commercial actin dyes, this probe showed higher photostability, even after a longer retention time, without significant fluorescence quenching.
研究领域:
材料科学
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生物医学工程
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细胞生物学
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光学成像
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PubMed
高影响因子
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