Phosphorylated protein chip combined with artificial intelligence tools for precise drug screening

We have developed a protein array system,named"Phospho-Totum",which reproduces the phosphorylation state of a sample on the array.The protein array contains 1471 proteins from 273 known signaling pathways.According to the activation degrees of tyrosine kinases in the sample,the corresponding groups of substrate proteins on the array are phosphorylated under the same conditions.In addition to measuring the phosphorylation levels of the 1471 substrates,we have developed and performed the artificial intelligence-assisted tools to further characterize the phosphorylation state and estimate pathway activation,tyrosine kinase activation,and a list of kinase inhibitors that produce phosphorylation states similar to that of the sample.The Phospho-Totum system,which seamlessly links and interrogates the measurements and analyses,has the potential to not only elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms in diseases by reproducing the phosphorylation state of samples,but also be useful for drug discovery,particularly for screening targeted kinases for potential drug kinase inhibitors.

Development of small molecule drugs targeting immune checkpoints

Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are used to relieve and refuel anti-tumor immunity by blocking the interaction,transcription,and translation of co-inhibitory immune checkpoints or degrading co-inhibitory immune checkpoints.Thousands of small molecule drugs or biological materials,especially antibody-based ICIs,are actively being studied and antibodies are currently widely used.Limitations,such as anti-tumor efficacy,poor membrane permeability,and unneglected tolerance issues of antibody-based ICIs,remain evident but are thought to be overcome by small molecule drugs.Recent structural studies have broadened the scope of candidate immune checkpoint molecules,as well as innovative chemical inhibitors.By way of comparison,small molecule drug-based ICIs represent superior oral bioavailability and favorable pharmacokinetic features.Several ongoing clinical trials are exploring the synergetic effect of ICIs and other therapeutic strategies based on multiple ICI functions,including immune regulation,anti-angiogenesis,and cell cycle regulation.In this review we summarized the current progression of small molecule ICIs and the mechanism underlying immune checkpoint proteins,which will lay the foundation for further exploration.

Predicted essential proteins of Plasmodium falciparum for potential drug targets

Objective:To identify novel drug targets for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum.Methods: Local BT.ASTP were used to find the proteins non-homologous to human essential proteins as novel drug targets.Functional domains of novel drug targets were identified by InterPro and Pfam.3D structures of potential drug targets were predicated by the SWISS-MODEL workspace. Ligands and ligand-binding sites of the proteins were searched by Ef-seek.Results:Three essential proteins were identified that might be considered as potential drug targets.AAN37254.1 belonged to 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase,CAD50499.1 belonged to chorismale synthase,CAD51220.1 belonged to FAD binging 3 family,but the function of CAD51220.1 was unknown.The 3D structures,ligands and ligand-binding sites of AAM37254.1 and CAD50499.1 were successfully predicated.Conclusions:Two of these potential drug targets are key enzymes in 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway and shikimate pathway, which are absent in humans,so these two essential proteins are good potential drug targets.The function and 3D structures of CAD50499.1 is still unknown,it still need further study.

Function of apoptosis and expression of the proteins Bcl-2,p53 and C-myc in the development of gastric cancer

INTRODUCTIONIn China ,the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer rank the second among all cancers. Recent development of cancer [1-20].The aim of this study was investigat the insight of apoptosis and bcl-2, p53 and C-myc protein expression in the development of gastric cancer .

Research advances of secretory proteins in malignant tumors

Secretory proteins in tumor tissues are important components of the tumor microenvironment.Secretory proteins act on tumor cells or stromal cells or mediate interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells,thereby affecting tumor progression and clinical treatment efficacy.In this paper,recent research advances in secretory proteins in malignant tumors are reviewed.

Preliminary Investigation on the Effect of <i>Lactobacillus</i>and Epidermal Growth Factor on Tight Junction Proteins in Experimental Clostridium <i>difficile</i>Infection

Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) is the most common hospital acquired infection, due to exposure to various drugs. C. difficile toxins influence barrier function in intestinal epithelium. Biotherapeutic approaches, employing probiotic and epidermal growth factor (EGF) could help in barrier protein protection and aid in CDAD management. A preliminary investigation on the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus and EGF on tight junction proteins in experimentally induced C. difficile infection was done. BALB/mice were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 was comprised of healthy controls, whereas animals in Groups 2 - 5 were sub-divided into 3 subgroups (a, b and c) each. Animals in Groups 2 - 5 received C. difficile inoculum either on day 1 (Group 2) or after pretreatment with ampicillin (Group 3), cyclosporine (Group 4) or lansoprazole (Group 5). Additionally animals in subgroups “b” and “c” also received L. acidophilus and EGF inocula respectively after C. difficile challenge. All animals were investigated for the presence of tight junction proteins (occludin, α-actinin and zonula occludens) in their colonic segments. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 10 software. These three proteins were present in significantly less (P < 0.05) number of animals in the drug receiving animals, whereas they were found in significantly more (P < 0.05) number of animals receiving L. acidophilus and EGF after challenge with ampicillin, cyclosporine and lansoprazole, suggesting their role in protecting intestinal barrier function.

Antibody Therapies Targeting Complex Membrane Proteins

In analyses of protein families that may serve as drug targets,membrane-associated G-protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs)dominate,followed by ion channels,transporters,and—to a lesser extent—membrane-bound enzymes.However,various challenges put such membrane proteins among key groups of underutilized opportunities for the application of therapeutic antibodies.Antibodies hold the promise of exquisite specificity,as they are able to target even specific conformations of a particular membrane protein,as well as adaptability through engineering into various antibody formats.However,the ease of raising and isolating specific,effective antibodies targeting membrane proteins depends on many factors.In particular,the generation of specific antibodies is easier when targeting larger,simpler,extracellular domains with greater uniqueness of amino acid sequence.The rareness of such ideal conditions is illustrated by the limited number of approved biologics for targeting GPCRs and other complex membrane proteins.Challenges in developing antibodies to complex membrane proteins such as GPCRs,ion channels,transporters,and membrane-bound enzymes can be addressed by the design of the antigen,antibody-generation strategies,lead optimization technologies,and antibody modalities.A better understanding of the membrane proteins being targeted would facilitate mechanism-based drug discovery.This review describes the advantages and challenges of targeting complex membrane proteins with antibodies and discusses the preparation of membrane protein antigens and antibody generation,illustrated by select examples of success.

Dynamic changes and surveillance function of prion protein expression in gastric cancer drug resistance

AIM:To explore the dynamic changes of prion protein (PrPc) in the process of gastric cancer drug resistance and the role of PrPc expression in the prognosis of gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.METHODS:A series of gastric cancer cell lines resistant to different concentrations of adriamycin was established,and the expression of PrPc,Bcl-2 and Bax was detected in these cells.Apoptosis was determined using Annexin V staining.Western blotting and immunohisto-chemistry were performed to detect the expression of PrPc in patients receiving chemotherapy and to explore the role of PrPc expression in predicting the chemosensitivity and the outcome of gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.Follow-up was performed for 2 years.RESULTS:PrPc expression was increased with the increase in drug resistance.Bcl-2,together with PrPc,increased the level of anti-apoptosis of cancer cells.Increased PrPc expression predicted the enhanced level of anti-apoptosis and resistance to anticancer drugs.PrPc expression could be used as a marker for predicting the efficacy of chemotherapy and the prognosis of gastric cancer.Increased PrPc expression predicted both poor chemosensitivity and a low 2-year survival rate.Contrarily,low PrPc expression predicted favorable chemosensitivity and a relatively high 2-year survival rate.CONCLUSION:PrPc expression is associated with histological types and differentiation of gastric cancer cells;The PrPc expression level might be a valuable marker in predicting the efficacy of chemotherapy and the prognosis of gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Synthesis and Characterization of Soy Protein Isolate/MMT Nanocomposite Film for the Control Release of the Drug Ofloxacin

Nanocomposites were prepared by blending soy protein isolate with different percentage of MMT by melt extrusion technique. The nanocomposites were characterized by using, XRD, TEM, SEM and TGA methods. The XRD studies indicated the absence of diffraction peaks for the bio-nanocomposites. From the TEM studies it was ascertained that the degree of exfoliation increased with increase in MMT content. The morphology of the nanocomposites was ascertained from the SEM studies. The degradation pattern of the nano-composites was evaluated from the TG analysis. The drug delivery system of the nanocmposites was investigated by blending the nanocomposites with ofloxacin at different pH media. The various kinetic parameters were evaluated and the mechanism of drug delivery has been postulated based on the kinetic data.

Relationship between Methylation Status of Multi-drug Resistance Protein(MRP) and Multi-drug Resistance in Lung Cancer Cell Lines

Objective： To study the relationship between the methylation status of multi-drug resistance protein （MRP） gene and the expression of its mRNA and protein in lung cancer cell lines. Methods： Human embryo lung cell line WI-38, lung adenocarcinoma cell line SPCA-1 and its drug-resistant cells induced by different concentrations of doxorubicin were treated with restriction endonuclease Eco47III. The methylation status of MRP was examined by PCR, and the expressions of its mRNA and protein were evaluated by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Results： MRP gene promoter region of WI-38 cells was in hypermethylation status, but the promoter region of MRP in SPCA-1 cells and their resistant derivatives induced by different concentrations of doxorubicin were in hypomethylation status. There were significant differences in the expression of MRP mRNA among WI-38 cell line, SPCA-1 cells and their drug-resistant derivatives induced by different concentration of doxorubicin. Consistently, MRP immunostaining presented similar significant differences. Conclusion： The promoter region of MRP in SPCA-1 lung adenocarcinoma cells was in hypomethylation status. The hypomethylation status of 5＇ regulatory region of MRP promoter is an important structural basis that can increase the activity of transcription and results in the development of drug resistance in lung cancer.

Protein Drug-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles

Considerable interest and research have focused on the administration of therapeutic proteins. For delivery of therapeutic proteins, bioavailability and stabilization of protein drugs to maintain therapeutically acceptable levels is an important challenge in clinical trials. To overcome these challenges, polymeric nanoparticles have become one of the best methods for protein delivery. In this review, we summarize the current available polymeric nanoparticles designed for protein delivery, current status, and advantages of protein delivery systems.

Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1a Non-Structural Proteins by Small Interference RNA in Human Hepatoma Cell Lines

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and associated liver diseases are still challenging and represent a significant health care burden around the world. Although, the treatment strategies have been improved by the development of novel direct-acting antivirals, but such therapeutic options are still expensive and beyond the financial range of the most infected individuals in developing or even in resource replete countries. It demands an urgent need to search novel and improved alternate treatment strategies to treat the infection. The present study was aimed to develop an in vitro stable cell culture system, persistently expressing HCV genotype 1a non-structural genes and to characterize the inhibitory effects of synthetic siRNAs (short interference RNA) directed against the most conserved regions of nonstructural genes in an in vitro cell culture model. The continuous expression of nonstructural genes for more than 30 days post transfection was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis in stable human hepatoma cell line (Huh-7). The gene expression studies revealed significantly reduced gene expression of HCV nonstructural genes (i.e., NS2, NS4A and NS5A) both at mRNA and protein levels when treated against genome specific synthetic siRNAs in stable cell lines (51%, 47% and 54% respectively, p < 0.05). Similarly, a vivid decrease in HCV viral titer was exhibited by synthetic siRNAs in an in vitro viral replicate cell culture model (58%, 48% and 50%, respectively, p < 0.05) determined by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR). Our data indicate that siRNA mediated gene silencing may be considered a promising alternate treatment strategy against HCV in combination with other effective therapeutic regimens in future.

Computational Investigation of the Interaction of Anti-Influenza Drugs with CoVID-19 Protein

Coronavirus (CoVID-19) is a new outbreak of coronavirus disease which started in the Wuhan, China, the spread of this virus has now reached a global stage, urgent need is therefore needed to find new drug molecules which can either be used as a first aid intervention or slow down the multiplication rate of the virus within the system. In order to address this, this research looked into the existing antiviral drugs and screened them for their inhibitory properties towards the CoVID-19 protein. Recently, the crystal structure of the CoVID-19 (6LU7) protein has been established, this gives us the possible drug target site in CoVID-19. The binding affinity of the six compounds was screened using MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) software, four compounds (Zanamivir, Peramivir, Rimantidine, and Oseltamivir) out these six compounds have been approved by the Food Drug and Administration (FDA). The molecular docking calculation, Higher Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) calculation were used to hypothesise the bioactivity of the FDA approved drug against the CoVID-19 protein. The calculation showed that Pimodivir tops the list of the anti influenza drug which can be used as first aid treatment for patient. Apart from Pimodivir, Laninamivir Octanoate is also a very good drug which might be used to inhibit CoVID-19 protein. It was also discovered that based on binding property of Rimantadine, it might be suitable for Fragment Based Drug Design (FBDD) approach which might lead to the discovery of completely new drug entity. Stability of the new protein structure was studied using GROMACS molecular dynamic simulation software. The results showed that the stability of the protein structure was achieved over a range of time, this confirmed that 6LU7 crystal structure might be a suitable protein crystal structure suitable for the development of new drug towards the treatment of CoVID-19. Finally, based on the molecular docking result, Pimodivir and Laninamivir Octanoate might be useful in the treatment of infected patient.

Simple and Rapid Hollow Fiber Liquid Phase Microextraction Followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Determination of Drug-protein Binding

A method was established using hollow fiber-liquid phase microextraction（HF-LPME） followed by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） to determine the concentration of the free（unbound） drug in the solution of the drug and protein. Measurements of drug-protein binding ratios and free drug concentrations were then analyzed with the Klotz equation to determine the equilibrium binding constant and number of binding sites for drug-protein interaction. The optimized method allows one to perform the efficient extraction and separation of free drug from protein-bound drug, protein, and other interfering substances. This approach was used to characterize the binding of the anticholinergic drugs atropine sulfate and scopolamine hydrobromide to proteins in human plasma and bovine serum albumin（BSA）. The results demonstrate the utility of HF-LPME method for measuring free drug concentrations in protein-drug mixtures and determining the protein binding parameters of a pharmacologically important class of drugs.

Death-associated protein kinase 1 is associated with cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder

We previously showed that death-associated protein kinase 1(DAPK1)expression is increased in hippocampal tissue in a mouse model of major depressive disorde and is related to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.In addition,depression is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease,as well as an early clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease.Meanwhile,cognitive dysfunction is a distinctive feature of major depressive disorder.Therefore,DAPK1 may be related to cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder.In this study,we established a mouse model of major depressive disorder by housing mice individually and exposing them to chronic,mild,unpredictable stressors.We found that DAPK1 and tau protein levels were increased in the hippocampal CA3 area,and tau was hyperphosphorylated at Thr231,Ser262,and Ser396 in these mice.Furthermore,DAPK1 shifted from axonal expression to overexpression on the cell membrane.Exercise and treatment with the antidepressant drug citalopram decreased DAPK1 expression and tau protein phosphorylation in hippocampal tissue and improved both depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.These results indicate that DAPK1 may be a potential reason and therapeutic target of cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder.

Effects of Huang Qi Wu Wu Decoction on Plasma Proteins in 70 Cases of Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease

Simple immune agar diffusion test was used to assay the contents of 12 plasma proteins in 70 cases of chronic pulmonary heart disease treated by Huang Qi Wu Wu Decoction (黄芪五物汤), with the other 70 cases who were not given Huang Qi Wu Wu Decoction as the control group. The total clinical effective rate in the treatment group was 90.0%, while that in the control group was 75.7%, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). In the treatment group, the levels of prealbumin, transferrin and fibronectin elevated obviously after treatment, and the contents of C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, a 1-antitrypsin and a 1-acid glycoprotein decreased markedly (P<0.01). In the control group, only the levels of ceruloplasmin and C-reactive protein decreased significantly (P<0.05). It is shown that Huang Qi Wu Wu Decoction may enhance the therapeutic effects for pulmonary heart disease, regulate the metabolism of plasma proteins, and improve the life quality of the patients.

Insights into the structural biology of G-protein coupled receptors impacts drug design for central nervous system neurodegenerative processes

In the last few years, there have been important new insights into the structural biology of G-protein coupled receptors. It is now known that allosteric binding sites are involved in the affinity and selec- tivity of ligands for G-protein coupled receptors, and that signaling by these receptors involves both G-protein dependent and independent pathways. The present review outlines the physiological and pharmacological implications of this perspective for the design of new drugs to treat disorders of the central nervous system. Specifically, new possibilities are explored in relation to allosteric and or- thosteric binding sites on dopamine receptors for the treatment of Parkinson＇s disease, and on muscarinic receptors for Alzheimer＇s disease. Future research can seek to identify ligands that can bind to more than one site on the same receptor, or simultaneously bind to two receptors and form a dimer. For example, the design of bivalent drugs that can reach homo/hetero-dimers of D2 dopa- mine receptor holds promise as a relevant therapeutic strategy for Parkinson＇s disease. Regarding the treatment of Alzheimer＇s disease, the design of dualsteric ligands for mono-oligomeric mus- carinic receptors could increase therapeutic effectiveness by generating potent compounds that could activate more than one signaling pathway.

多药耐药相关蛋白转运体在药物性肝损伤中的作用研究进展

肝脏是人体新陈代谢最旺盛的器官,也是体内多种药物的解毒器官。当长期或过量使用药物时会增加药物性肝损伤(DILI)的风险。多药耐药相关蛋白(MRPs)是位于细胞膜上的功能蛋白,可转运多种药物,在DILI中发挥重要作用。MRPs功能的抑制、缺失是药物肝毒性产生的重要原因。本文对MRPs的结构、表达部位及功能进行归纳,并对MRPs与DILI的关系及其改善DILI的机制进行总结,期望更好地了解MRPs转运体与DILI的关系,为后续防治DILI提供参考。

主穹窿蛋白基因在高原地区癫痫儿童中的多态性分析

目的:探讨分析主穹窿蛋白(MVP)基因三个SNP位点rs4788187、rs3815824、rs3815823多态性与高原地区儿童癫痫的相关性。方法:选取2017年1月~2020年1月青海大学附属医院收治的80例癫痫患儿为研究对象,根据耐药性不同分为耐药组与非耐药组各40例,利用PCR-RELP方法检测rs4788187、rs3815824、rs3815823三个SNP位点的多态性分布,并进行统计分析。结果:两组年龄、性别、民族以及癫痫发作类型比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。癫痫患儿rs4788187、rs3815824的等位基因C频率明显低于T,而rs3815823的等位基因T频率明显低于C;两组患儿SNP位点rs4788187、rs3815824、rs3815823的基因型频率和等位基因频率比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:MVP基因的SNP位点(rs4788187、rs3815824、rs3815823)与癫痫耐药性不相关。