Search results for "molecular model"
showing 10 items of 274 documents
Induction of 2-hydroxycatecholestrogens O-methylation: A missing puzzle piece in diagnostics and treatment of lung cancer
2022
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, causing nearly one million deaths each year. Herein, we present the effect of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), the endogenous metabolite of 17β-estradiol (E2), on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We observed that 2-ME reduced the viability of lung adenocarcinoma in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) spheroidal A549 cell culture models. Molecular modeling was carried out aiming to visualize amino acid residues within binding pockets of the acyl-protein thioesterases, namely 1 (APT1) and 2 (APT2), and thus to identify which ones were more likely involved in the interaction with 2-ME. Our findings suggest that 2-ME acts a…
Structural characterization of the α-hemolysin monomer fromStaphylococcus aureus
2008
α-Hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus is secreted as a water-soluble monomer and assembles on membranes to oligomerize into a homo-heptameric, water-filled pore. These pores lead to lysis and cell death. Although the structure of the heptameric pore is solved by means of X-ray crystallography, structures of intermediate states—from the soluble monomer to all potential “pre-pore” structures—are yet unknown. Here, we propose a model of the monomeric α-hemolysin in solution based on molecular modeling, verified by small angle X-ray scattering data. This structure reveals details of the monomeric conformation of the α-hemolysin, for example inherent flexibility, along with definite differences…
Molecular Modelling on Leptin and the Ob Receptor as anti-obesity target
2012
Obesity is a chronic pathology with multi-factorial aetiology, characterized by extreme body weight due to storing of fat in the adipose tissue, caused by an increase of caloric income, decrease of energetic intake, or both. The body weight control is a mechanism finely regulated by several hormonal, metabolic, and nervous pathways. Recessive homozygous mutations in the ob/ob and db/db mouse strain cause extreme obesity. The products of the ob and db genes are leptin and its receptor, respectively (1,2). The leptin receptor is critical for energy homeostasis and regulation of food uptake. Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone that is mainly secreted by fat cells into the bloodstream. Under normal circ…
On Complex Formation between 5-Fluorouracil and β-Cyclodextrin in Solution and in the Solid State: IR Markers and Detection of Short-Lived Complexes …
2020
In this work, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and IR spectroscopic markers of the complexation between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and &beta
Fluorovinylsulfones and -Sulfonates as Potent Covalent Reversible Inhibitors of the Trypanosomal Cysteine Protease Rhodesain: Structure–Activity Rela…
2021
Rhodesain is a major cysteine protease of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, a pathogen causing Human African Trypanosomiasis, and a validated drug target. Recently, we reported the development of α-halovinylsulfones as a new class of covalent reversible cysteine protease inhibitors. Here, α-fluorovinylsulfones/-sulfonates were optimized for rhodesain based on molecular modeling approaches. 2d, the most potent and selective inhibitor in the series, shows a single-digit nanomolar affinity and high selectivity toward mammalian cathepsins B and L. Enzymatic dilution assays and MS experiments indicate that 2d is a slow-tight binder (Ki = 3 nM). Furthermore, the nonfluorinated 2d-(H) shows favorabl…
Synthesis, resolution, stereochemistry, and molecular modeling of (R)- and (S)-2-acetyl-1-(4’-chlorophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol…
2007
Abstract Recently we identified ( R , S )-2-acetyl-1-(4′-chlorophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline ( 6 ) as a potent non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist able to prevent epileptic seizures. We report here the optimized synthesis of compound 6 , its resolution by chiral preparative HPLC, and the absolute configuration of ( R )-enantiomer established by X-ray diffractometry. The biological tests of the single enantiomers revealed that higher anticonvulsant and antagonistic effects reside in ( R )-enantiomer as also suggested by molecular modeling studies.
Indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica Crosses the Blood–Brain Barrier and Modulates Neuronal Bioelectric Activity in Rat Hippocampus at Dietary-Con…
2015
Indicaxanthin is a bioactive and bioavailable betalain pigment from the Opuntia ficus-indica fruits. In this in vivo study, kinetic measurements showed that indicaxanthin is revealed in the rat brain within 1 h from oral administration of 2 μmol/ kg, an amount compatible with a dietary consumption of cactus pear fruits in humans. A peak (20 ± 2.4 ng of indicaxanthin per whole brain) was measured after 2.5 h; thereafter the molecule disappeared with first order kinetics within 4 h. The potential of indicaxanthin to affect neural activities was in vivo investigated by a microiontophoretic approach. Indicaxanthin, administered in a range between 0.085 ng and 0.34 ng per neuron, dose-dependentl…
Non-reversible Monte Carlo simulations of spin models
2011
Abstract Monte Carlo simulations are used to study simple systems where the underlying Markov chain satisfies the necessary condition of global balance but does not obey the more restrictive condition of detailed balance. Here, we show that non-reversible Markov chains can be set up that generate correct stationary distributions, but reduce or eliminate the diffusive motion in phase space typical of the usual Monte Carlo dynamics. Our approach is based on splitting the dynamics into a set of replicas with each replica representing a biased movement in reaction-coordinate space. This introduction of an additional bias in a given replica is compensated for by choosing an appropriate dynamics …
On the adoption of the Monte Carlo method to solve one-dimensional steady state thermal diffusion problems for non-uniform solids
2013
Abstract The present paper is focussed on the investigation of the potential adoption of the Monte Carlo method to solve one-dimensional, steady state, thermal diffusion problems for continuous solids characterised by an isotropic, space-dependent conductivity tensor and subjected to non-uniform heat power deposition. To this purpose the steady state form of Fourier’s heat diffusion equation relevant to a continuous, heterogeneous and isotropic solid, undergoing a space-dependent heat power density has been solved in a closed analytical form for the general case of Cauchy’s boundary conditions. The thermal field obtained has been, then, put in a peculiar functional form, indicating that it …
Building large molecular models with plastic screw-on bottle caps and sturdy connectors
2016
An improved method of connecting atoms formed with screw-on bottle caps is described. Fishing line (artificial polymer), steel wire, and countersunk bolts with nyloc nuts are proposed as sturdy connectors. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are described. The molecular models are stable while handling, can be built in a relatively short time at low cost, and can be useful at every level of education. The method is an alternative to professional model kits, in particular in construction of large models for long-term usage.