Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) autocatalytically releases itself out of the viral polyprotein to form a fully active mature dimer in a manner that is not fully understood. Here, we introduce several tools to help elucidate differences between cis (intramolecular) and trans (intermolecular) proteolytic processing and to evaluate inhibition of precursor Mpro. We found that many mutations at the P1 position of the N-terminal autoprocessing site do not block cis autoprocessing but do inhibit trans processing. Notably, substituting the WT glutamine at the P1 position with isoleucine retains Mpro in an unprocessed precursor form that can be purified and further studied. We also developed a cell-based reporter assay suitable for compound library screening and evaluation in HEK293T cells. This assay can detect both overall Mpro inhibition and the fraction of uncleaved precursor form of Mpro through separable fluorescent signals. We observed that inhibitory compounds preferentially block mature Mpro. Bofutrelvir and a novel compound designed in-house showed the lowest selectivity between precursor and mature Mpro, indicating that inhibition of both forms may be possible. Additionally, we observed positive modulation of precursor activity at low concentrations of inhibitors. Our findings help expand understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 viral life cycle and may facilitate development of strategies to target precursor form of Mpro for inhibition or premature activation of Mpro.

• MeSH
• Antiviral Agents * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• COVID-19 Drug Treatment MeSH
• HEK293 Cells MeSH
• Protease Inhibitors pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Coronavirus 3C Proteases * metabolism   antagonists & inhibitors   chemistry   genetics   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Drug Discovery * methods   MeSH
• Proteolysis MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 * enzymology   drug effects   metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The spread of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in healthcare facilities is a global challenge. Hospital-acquired infections produced by Escherichia coli include gastrointestinal, blood-borne, urinary tract, surgical sites, and neonatal infections. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to deal with this pathogen and its rising resistance. The concept of attenuating virulence factors is an alternative strategy that might lead to low levels of resistance and combat this pathogen. A sub-inhibitory concentration (1⁄4 MIC) of sitagliptin and nitazoxanide was used for phenotypic assessments of Escherichia coli virulence factors such as biofilm production, swimming motility, serum resistance, and protease production. Moreover, qRT-PCR was used to determine the impact of sub-MIC of the tested drugs on the relative expression levels of papC, fimH, fliC, kpsMTII, ompT_m, and stcE genes encoding virulence factors in Escherichia coli. Also, an in vivo model was conducted as a confirmatory test. Phenotypically, our findings demonstrated that the tested strains showed a significant decrease in all the tested virulence factors. Moreover, the genotypic results showed a significant downregulation in the relative expression levels of all the tested genes. Besides, the examined drugs were found to be effective in protecting mice against Escherichia coli pathogenesis. Sitagliptin and nitazoxanide exhibited strong anti-virulence activities against Escherichia coli. In addition, it is recommended that they might function as adjuvant in the management of Escherichia coli infections with either conventional antimicrobial agents or alone as alternative treatment measures.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Biofilms drug effects   MeSH
• Nitro Compounds MeSH
• Escherichia coli * drug effects   pathogenicity   genetics   MeSH
• Virulence Factors genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Escherichia coli Infections * drug therapy   microbiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Escherichia coli Proteins genetics   MeSH
• Sitagliptin Phosphate * pharmacology   MeSH
• Thiazoles * pharmacology   MeSH
• Virulence drug effects   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The present study has undertaken the isolation of marine yeasts from mangrove sediment samples and their ability to produce alkaline protease enzymes. A total of 14 yeast isolates were recovered on yeast-malt agar (YMA) and yeast extract peptone dextrose (YEPD) agar medium. After screening for proteolytic activity on skim milk agar, marine yeast isolate, AKB-1 exhibited a hydrolysis zone of 18 mm. Optimal conditions for the enzyme production from yeast isolate AKB-1 were at 30 °C, pH 8, fructose as carbon source, potassium nitrate as nitrogen source, and 25% saline concentration. Under the optimal conditions, the protease enzyme activity of the isolate AKB-1 was observed to be 978 IU/mL. The structural and functional analysis was carried out through FTIR and HPLC analysis for the extracted protease enzyme. Furthermore, the enzyme produced was partially purified by solvent extraction using ethyl acetate and ammonium sulfate precipitation (3.4-fold) followed by dialysis (56.8-fold). The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was observed to be around 60 kDa using SDS-PAGE. The extracted protein showed good antibacterial activity against six different clinical bacterial pathogens and the highest against Bacillus cereus (16 ± 0.5 mm). The extracted protease enzyme was revealed to remove blood stains from cloth within 20 min of application similar to the commercial detergent. The marine yeast isolate was further identified as Candida orthopsilosis AKB-1 (Accession number KY348766) through 18S rRNA sequencing, and a phylogenetic tree was generated.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology   metabolism   chemistry   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Bacillus cereus drug effects   MeSH
• Bacterial Proteins * chemistry   pharmacology   metabolism   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Candida * enzymology   isolation & purification   genetics   classification   MeSH
• Endopeptidases * chemistry   metabolism   isolation & purification   pharmacology   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Geologic Sediments microbiology   MeSH
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration MeSH
• Culture Media chemistry   MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Molecular Weight MeSH
• Enzyme Stability MeSH
• Temperature MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Yeasts are unicellular fungi that occur in a wide range of ecological niches, where they perform numerous functions. Furthermore, these microorganisms are used in industrial processes, food production, and bioremediation. Understanding the physiological and adaptive characteristics of yeasts is of great importance from ecological, biotechnological, and industrial perspectives. In this context, we evaluated the abilities to assimilate and ferment different carbon sources, to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, and to tolerate salt stress, heavy metal stress, and UV-C radiation of two isolates of Eremothecium coryli, isolated from Momordica indica fruits. The two isolates were molecularly identified based on sequencing of the 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. Our isolates were able to assimilate nine carbon sources (dextrose, galactose, mannose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, melezitose, and pectin) and ferment three (glucose, maltose, and sucrose). The highest values of cellular dry weight were observed in the sugars maltose, sucrose, and melezitose. We observed the presence of hyphae and pseudohyphae in all assimilated carbon sources. The two isolates were also capable of producing amylase, catalase, pectinase, and proteases, with the highest values of enzymatic activity found in amylase. Furthermore, the two isolates were able to grow in media supplemented with copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc and to tolerate saline stress in media supplemented with 5% NaCl. However, we observed a decrease in CFU at higher concentrations of these metals and NaCl. We also observed morphological changes in the presence of metals, which include changes in cell shape and cellular dimorphisms. The isolates were sensitive to UV-C radiation in the shortest exposure time (1 min). Our findings reinforce the importance of endophytic yeasts for biotechnological and industrial applications and also help to understand how these microorganisms respond to environmental variations caused by human activities.

• MeSH
• Endophytes * isolation & purification   genetics   metabolism   physiology   classification   radiation effects   MeSH
• Fermentation MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Stress, Physiological * MeSH
• Carbohydrate Metabolism * MeSH
• Fruit * microbiology   MeSH
• Saccharomycetales * isolation & purification   genetics   physiology   metabolism   radiation effects   classification   MeSH
• Metals, Heavy toxicity   MeSH
• Ultraviolet Rays MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Homozygous Pi∗Z mutation in alpha-1 antitrypsin (Pi∗ZZ genotype) predisposes to pulmonary loss-of-function and hepatic gain-of-function injury. To facilitate selection into clinical trials typically targeting only 1 organ, we systematically evaluated an international, multicenter, longitudinal, Pi∗ZZ cohort to uncover natural disease course and surrogates for future liver- and lung-related endpoints. METHODS: Cohort 1 recruited 737 Pi∗ZZ individuals from 25 different centers without known liver comorbidities who received a baseline clinical and laboratory assessment as well as liver stiffness measurement (LSM). A follow-up interview was performed after at least 6 months. Cohort 2 consisted of 135 Pi∗ZZ subjects without significant liver fibrosis, who received a standardized baseline and follow-up examination at least 2 years later, both including LSM. RESULTS: During 2634 patient-years of follow-up, 39 individuals died, with liver and lung being responsible for 46% and 36% of deaths, respectively. Forty-one Pi∗ZZ subjects who developed a hepatic endpoint presented with significantly higher baseline liver fibrosis surrogates, that is, LSM (24 vs 5 kPa, P < .001) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (1.1 vs 0.3 units, P < .001). Liver-related endpoints within 5 years were most accurately predicted by LSM (area under the curve 0.95) followed by aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (0.92). Baseline lung parameters displayed only a moderate predictive utility for lung-related endpoints within 5 years (forced expiratory volume in the first second area under the curve 0.76). Fibrosis progression in those with no/mild fibrosis at baseline was rare and primarily seen in those with preexisting risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive liver fibrosis surrogates accurately stratify liver-related risks in Pi∗ZZ individuals. Our findings have direct implications for routine care and future clinical trials of Pi∗ZZ patients.

• MeSH
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin * genetics   blood   MeSH
• Biomarkers blood   MeSH
• Time Factors MeSH
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency * genetics   diagnosis   complications   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Elasticity Imaging Techniques MeSH
• Genotype MeSH
• Homozygote MeSH
• Liver Cirrhosis * genetics   diagnosis   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Longitudinal Studies MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Lung physiopathology   pathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Lung Diseases genetics   etiology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Disease Progression * MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Severity of Illness Index MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

BACKGROUND: Despite secondary prevention with aspirin, patients with stable cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain at elevated long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The Cardiovascular Outcomes in People Using Anticoagulant Strategies (COMPASS) double-blind, randomized clinical trial demonstrated that aspirin plus low-dose rivaroxaban (COMPASS regime) significantly decreased the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events by 24% compared with aspirin alone. However, the mechanisms underlying these potential synergistic/nonantithrombotic effects remain elusive. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial messengers regulating a myriad of biological/pathological processes and are highly implicated in CVD. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that circulating EV profiles reflect the cardioprotective properties of the COMPASS regime. METHODS: A cohort of stable CVD patients (N = 40) who participated in the COMPASS trial and were previously randomized to receive aspirin were prospectively recruited and assigned a revised regimen of open-label aspirin plus rivaroxaban. Blood samples were obtained at baseline (aspirin only) and 6-month follow-up. Plasma EV concentration, size, and origin were analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis and flow cytometry. EVs were enriched by ultracentrifugation for proteomic analysis. RESULTS: The COMPASS regime fundamentally altered small (<200 nm) and large (200-1000 nm) EV concentration and size compared with aspirin alone. Crucially, levels of platelet-derived and myeloperoxidase-positive EVs became significantly decreased at follow-up. Comparative proteomic characterization further revealed a significant decrease in highly proinflammatory protein expression at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The observed changes in EV subpopulations, together with the differential protein expression profiles, suggest amelioration of an underlying proinflammatory and prothrombotic state upon dual therapy, which may be of clinical relevance toward understanding the fundamental mechanism underlying the reported superior cardiovascular outcomes associated with this antithrombotic regimen.

• MeSH
• Aspirin * administration & dosage   therapeutic use   adverse effects   MeSH
• Double-Blind Method MeSH
• Extracellular Vesicles * metabolism   drug effects   MeSH
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors * administration & dosage   adverse effects   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Factor Xa Inhibitors * administration & dosage   adverse effects   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Cardiovascular Diseases * blood   prevention & control   drug therapy   MeSH
• Drug Therapy, Combination * MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Inflammation Mediators blood   MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Proteomics methods   MeSH
• Rivaroxaban * administration & dosage   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Thrombosis blood   prevention & control   drug therapy   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Inflammation blood   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Amyloid precursor protein (APP) undergoes striking changes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Considering its role in the control of gene expression, we investigated whether APP regulates transcription and translation following TBI. METHODS: We assessed brain morphology (n = 4-9 mice/group), transcriptome (n = 3 mice/group), proteome (n = 3 mice/group), and behavior (n = 17-27 mice/group) of wild-type (WT) and APP knock-out (KO) mice either untreated or 10-weeks following TBI. RESULTS: After TBI, WT mice displayed transcriptional programs consistent with late stages of brain repair, hub genes were predicted to impact translation and brain proteome showed subtle changes. APP KO mice largely replicated this transcriptional repertoire, but showed no transcriptional nor translational response to TBI. DISCUSSION: The similarities between WT mice following TBI and APP KO mice suggest that developmental APP deficiency induces a condition reminiscent of late stages of brain repair, hampering the control of gene expression in response to injury. HIGHLIGHTS: 10-weeks after TBI, brains exhibit transcriptional profiles consistent with late stage of brain repair. Developmental APP deficiency maintains brains perpetually in an immature state akin to late stages of brain repair. APP responds to TBI by changes in gene expression at a transcriptional and translational level. APP deficiency precludes molecular brain changes in response to TBI.

• MeSH
• Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor * genetics   MeSH
• Disease Models, Animal MeSH
• Brain * metabolism   pathology   MeSH
• Mice, Inbred C57BL MeSH
• Mice, Knockout MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Brain Injuries * metabolism   genetics   pathology   MeSH
• Proteome * metabolism   MeSH
• Proteomics MeSH
• Transcriptome * MeSH
• Brain Injuries, Traumatic * metabolism   genetics   pathology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Cellular processes such as tissue regeneration, inflammation, and migration require the proteolysis of the extracellular matrix and the proteolytic activation of signaling molecules. A widely used and accessible technique for studying these processes is gelatin zymography, particularly for investigating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), though it is not limited to them. This method is favored for its simplicity, low cost, and robustness. Despite certain limitations, it remains a preferred approach for the initial investigation of complex samples.Here, we present a protocol applicable to various sample sources, including proteases from human cell lines and bacteria isolated from chronic wounds. We also explore changes in protease activity within exudates from human chronic wounds, a challenging analysis for more complex techniques. Additionally, we emphasize the potential to extend the basic protocol to study the conditions under which proteases are active.

• MeSH
• Chronic Disease MeSH
• Electrophoresis MeSH
• Enzyme Assays * methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Matrix Metalloproteinases * metabolism   MeSH
• Wounds and Injuries * enzymology   MeSH
• Gelatin * metabolism   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Deficit alfa-1 antitrypsinu (AATD) je jednou z nejčastějších dědičných genetických poruch dospělých na světě postihující kromě funkce plic i jaterní tkáň a zřídka kůži. Stále se jedná o diagnózu, která je výrazně poddiagnostikovaná (1, 2). Poprvé byla popsána před více než 60 lety vědci ve švédské univerzitě Lund a je způsobena poruchou genu pro inhibitory serinových proteáz skupiny A1 (SERPINA1, chromozom 14q32.13, wild type M), který kóduje vznik alfa-1 antitrypsinu (AAT), nejdůležitější antiproteázy v plicích (3). Při AATD dochází k vytváření menšího množství AAT, k vytváření neplnohodnotného AAT nebo k produkci AAT nedochází. Nedostatečná/nesprávná tvorba AAT v játrech vedoucí k nižší sérové hladině, logicky vede ke snížení jeho koncentrace v plicích, což způsobuje časnější vznik panacinárního emfyzému, bronchiektázií (BE) a následně i vznik chronické obstrukční plicní nemoci (CHOPN, COPD). Případné hromadění defektních proteinů v játrech vede v dětství k cholestáze, v pozdějším věku ke zvýšení rizika jaterní cirhózy či dokonce karcinomu (CA) jater. Výše uvedená plicní postižení jsou způsobena převahou proteáz nad účinkem inhibitorů serinových proteáz, jejichž tvorba je u nosičů defektních alel nedostatečná (4–6). Kouření vede k zásadnímu urychlení patologických procesů v plíci, které probíhají také u nekouřící populace s AATD, avšak výrazně pomaleji než u kuřáků. Hlavně u nositelů homozygotní varianty PiZZ a Pi00 (Pi – proteinázový inhibitor) vede kouření poměrně záhy k těžkému snížení hladiny AAT v séru. Cílem současného přístupu k pacientům s AATD je časná diagnostika onemocnění, sledování v čase a správné načasovaní terapie včetně augmentační (4, 7, 8).

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is one of the most common inherited genetic disorders in adults worldwide, affecting not only lung function but also liver tissue and, rarely, the skin. It is still a significantly underdiagnosed diagnosis (1, 2). First described more than 60 years ago by scientists at Lund University in Sweden, it is caused by a defect in the serine protease inhibitor group A1 gene (SERPINA1, chromosome 14q32.13, wild-type M), which codes for the production of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), the major antiprotease in the lungs (3). In AATD, less AAT is produced, insufficient AAT is produced, or no AAT is produced. Inadequate/faulty AAT production in the liver leading to lower serum levels, logically leads to lower AAT concentrations in the lungs, causing earlier onset of panacinar emphysema, bronchiectasis (BE) and subsequently chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The eventual accumulation of defective proteins in the liver leads to cholestasis in childhood and to an increased risk of cirrhosis or even carcinoma (CA) of the liver later in life. The abovementioned lung diseases are caused by the predominance of proteases over the effect of serine protease inhibitors, the production of which is deficient in carriers of defective alleles (4-6). Smoking significantly accelerates the pathological processes in the lungs, which also occur in the non-smoking population with AATD, but at a much slower rate than in smokers. Particularly in carriers of the homozygous PiZZ and Pi00 (Pi - proteinase inhibitor) variants, smoking leads to a relatively early and severe reduction in serum AAT levels. The current approach to patients with AATD is to diagnose the disease at an early stage, monitor the disease over time and determine the correct timing of therapy, including augmentation therapy (4, 7, 8).

• MeSH
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive etiology   genetics   therapy   MeSH
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency * epidemiology   genetics   complications   MeSH
• Smoking adverse effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Review MeSH

CssRS is a two-component system that plays a pivotal role in mediating the secretion stress response in Bacillus subtilis. This system upregulates the synthesis of membrane-bound HtrA family proteases that cope with misfolded proteins that accumulate within the cell envelope as a result of overexpression or heat shock. Recent studies have shown the induction of CssRS-regulated genes in response to cell envelope stress. We investigated the induction of the CssRS-regulated htrA promoter in the presence of different cell wall- and membrane-active substances and observed induction of the CssRS-controlled genes by glycopeptides (vancomycin and teicoplanin), polymyxins B and E, certain β-lactams, and detergents. Teicoplanin was shown to elicit remarkably stronger induction than vancomycin and polymyxin B. Teicoplanin and polymyxin B induced the spxO gene expression in a CssRS-dependent fashion, resulting in increased activity of Spx, a master regulator of disulfide stress in Bacillus subtilis. The CssRS signaling pathway and Spx activity were demonstrated to be involved in Bacillus subtilis resistance to teicoplanin and polymyxin B.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Bacillus subtilis * genetics   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Bacterial Proteins * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Polymyxin B * pharmacology   MeSH
• Promoter Regions, Genetic MeSH
• Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial * drug effects   MeSH
• Signal Transduction MeSH
• Teicoplanin * pharmacology   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH