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Search results for: amino acids
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Retro analog concept: comparative study on physico-chemical and biological properties of selected antimicrobial peptides
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Amino Acid and Peptide‐Based Antiviral Agents
PublicationA significant number of antiviral agents used in clinical practice are amino acids, short peptides, or peptidomimetics. Among them, several HIV protease inhibitors (e. g. lopinavir, atazanavir), HCV protease inhibitors (e. g. grazoprevir, glecaprevir), and HCV NS5A protein inhibitors have contributed to a significant decrease in mortality from AIDS and hepatitis. However, there is an ongoing need for the discovery of new antiviral...
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Amino Acid Based Antimicrobial Agents – Synthesis and Properties
PublicationStructures of several dozen of known antibacterial, antifungal or antiprotozoal agents are based on the amino acid scaffold. In most of them, the amino acid skeleton is of a crucial importance for their antimicrobial activity, since very often they are structural analogs of amino acid intermediates of different microbial biosynthetic pathways. Particularly, some aminophosphonate or aminoboronate analogs of protein amino acids are...
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Biosynthetic and synthetic access to amino sugars.
PublicationAmino sugars are important constituents of a number of biomacromolecules and products of mi crobial secondary metabolism, including antibiotics. For most of them, the amino group is located at the positions C1, C2 or C3 of the hexose or pentose ring. In biological systems, amino sugars are formed due to the catalytic activity of specific aminotransferases or amidotransferases by introducing an amino functionality derived from L-glutamate...
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Immunosuppressive properties of amino acid and peptide derivatives of mycophenolic acid
PublicationMycophenolic acid (MPA) was coupled with amino acids and biologically active peptides including derivatives of tuftsin to modify its immunosuppressive properties. Both amino acid unit in the case of simple MPA amides and modifications within peptide moiety of MPA - tuftsin conjugates influenced the observed activity. Antiproliferative potential of the obtained conjugates was investigated in vitro and MPA amides with threonine methyl...
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Improvement of derivatized amino acid detection sensitivity in micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography by means of acid-induced pH-mediated stacking technique
PublicationDerivatization is a frequently used sample prepara-tion procedure applicable to the enhancement of analyte de-tection sensitivity. Amino acids mostly require derivatization prior to electrophoretic or chromatographic analysis, especial-ly if spectrophotometric detection is used. This study presents an on-line preconcentration technique for derivatized amino acids. The sensitivity of the method was improved by the utilization of...
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Versatility of putative aromatic aminotransferases from Candida albicans.
PublicationAmino acids constitute the key sources of nitrogen for growth of Candida albicans. In order to survive inside the host in different and rapidly changing environments, this fungus must be able to adapt via its expression of genes for amino acid metabolism. We analysed the ARO8, ARO9, YER152C, and BNA3 genes with regards to their role in the nutritional flexibility of C. albicans. CaAro8p is undoubtedly the most versatile enzyme...
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Capillary Electrophoresis in Determination of Low Molecular Mass Organic Acids
PublicationThis paper presents overviews the capabilities of capillary electrophoretic techniques to determine low molecular mass organic acids in a variety of aqueous, gas and solid samples. It mainly focuses on short - chain carboxylic acids containing one or more carboxylic groups and possibly some other functional groups (hydroxyl, keto-, amino- etc.). Finally the procedures applied to the determine the acids in different matrices are...
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Impact of the Alkyl Side Chains of Cations and Anions on the Activity and Renaturation of Lysozyme: A Systematic Study Performed Using Six Amino‐Acid‐Based Ionic Liquids
PublicationThe impact of the structure of ionic liquid on the activity and renaturation of lysozyme from the hen egg white (HEWL) was investigated. A set of six ionic liquids based on morpholinium cation and N-acylated amino acids as anions were exploited. The matrix used was based on two homologous series: one with N-acetyl-L-valinate [Val] as a common anion and morpholinium cation with a different number of carbon atoms in the n-alkyl chain...
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Preparation of Pseudopeptides Building Blocks with Retro-Thioamide Bond Mediated via Thiocarbamoyl Meldrum's Acid
PublicationAn easy and efficient synthesis of pseudo tripeptide containing a thiomalonamide moiety was developed. Isothiocyanate derivatives of amino acids react smoothly with 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione yielding new thiocarbamoyl Meldrum's acids. Thermal decomposition of this new Meldrum's acid derivatives generate thiocarbamoyl ketenes, which acylate amino acid esters to give pseudo tripeptides.
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Novel DNA-binding protein from Nanoarchaeum equitans Kin4-M binds all kinds of nucleic acids
PublicationNanoarchaeum equitans is the only known representative of Archaea phylum Nanoarchaeota and stands out as one of the tiniest known living organism. What is more it has smallest genome, which is only 490.885 base pairs long. It is also one of the most compact genomes. According to predictions about 95% of the DNA encodes proteins or stable RNA. Nanoarchaeum equitans lacks genes for most vital metabolic pathways including lipid, cofactor,...
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Anticancer Properties of Amino Acid and Peptide Derivatives of Mycophenolic Acid
PublicationBackground: Although Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) is applied as prodrugs in clinic as an immunosuppressant, it also possesses anticancer activity. MPA acts as Inosine-5’-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor, where the carboxylic group at the end of the side chain interacts with Ser 276 of the enzyme via hydrogen bonds. Therefore, MPA derivatives with other polar groups indicated high inhibition too. On the other hand, potent...
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Impact of the Alkyl Side Chains of Cations and Anions on the Activity and Renaturation of Lysozyme: A Systematic Study Performed Using Six Amino‐Acid‐Based Ionic Liquids
PublicationThe impact of the structure of ionic liquid on the activity and renaturation of lysozyme from the hen egg white (HEWL) was investigated. A set of six ionic liquids based on morpholinium cation and N-acylated amino acids as anions were exploited. The matrix used was based on two homologous series: one with N-acetyl-L-valinate [Val] as a common anion and morpholinium cation with a different number of...
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Nonprotein nitrogenous compounds
PublicationThe non-protein nitrogen (NPN) fraction is an important group of food components for both technological and nutritional reasons. Free amino acids (FAAs), oligopeptides, amines, nucleic acids, and nucleotides, as well as other low-molecular nitrogen-containing components (cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids, thiazoles, oxazoles, pyrroles, and pyrazines), are found in most foods. Their content depends on many factors, starting from...
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In vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates as potential and promising candidates for therapeutics in skin and tissue infections
PublicationWe presented in vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates that are important point in preliminary biological evaluation of their potential application in skin and tissue therapy. The novel compounds include the conjugation of fatty acids with a modification of the amino acid sequence in the primary structure of Gly-His-Lys.
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Characterization of two aminotransferases from Candida albicans
PublicationAminoadipate aminotransferase (AmAA) is an enzyme of α-aminoadipate pathway (AAP) for l-lysine biosynthesis. AmAA may also participated in biosynthesis or degradation of aromatic amino acids and in d-tryptophan based pigment production. The AAP is unique for fungal microorganisms. Enzymes involved in this pathway have specific structures and properties. These features can be used as potential molecular markers. Enzymes catalyzing...
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One-Step Synthesis of b-Lactams with Retro-Amide Side Chain
PublicationAbstract: A one pot synthesis for preparation of 1,4-disubstituted-2-oxo-azetidine-3-carboxylic acid amides was developed. 5-(α-N-substituted-amino-α'-hydroxy)methylene Meldrum's acids act as a source of ketenes that react with aldimines in boiling toluene to give b-lactams with retro-amid side chain.
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Carboxylic acids as efficient corrosion inhibitors of aluminium alloys in alkaline media
PublicationThe efficiency of AA5754 aluminium alloy corrosion inhibition achieved with maleic, malic, succinic, tartaric, citric, tricarballylic acids and serine in alkaline environment (pH 11) was examined. Selected corrosion inhibitors are characterized by different numbers and distribution of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups within their molecules. We have proposed and verified a novel approach for determining the adsorption isotherms based...
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Green products from herbal medicine wastes by subcritical water treatment
PublicationHerbal medicine wastes (HMWs) are byproducts of medicine factories, which are mainly landfilled for their environmental problems. Only bearing in mind the contamination and concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental emissions, the worth of herbal medicine wastes management and conversion to green products can be understood. In this work, subcritical water treatment was carried out batch-wise in a stainless tube...
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Fungal L-Methionine Biosynthesis Pathway Enzymes and Their Applications in Various Scientific and Commercial Fields
PublicationL-methionine (L-Met) is one of the nine proteinogenic amino acids essential for humans since, in human cells, there are no complete pathways for its biosynthesis from simple precursors. L-Met plays a crucial role in cellular function as it is required for proper protein synthesis, acting as an initiator. Additionally, this amino acid participates in various metabolic processes and serves as a precursor for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine...
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Non-volatile molecular composition and discrimination of single grape white of chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc and silvaner using untargeted GC–MS analysis
PublicationThis study developed and applied a GC–MS method aiming at molecular fingerprinting of 120 commercial single grape white wines (Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Silvaner) for possible authentication according to grape variety. The method allowed detection of 372 peaks and tentative identification of 146 metabolites including alcohols, organic acids, esters, amino acids and sugars. The grape variety effect explained 8.3%...
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Evaluation of Linkers’ Influence on Peptide-Based Piezoelectric Biosensors’ Sensitivity to Aldehydes in the Gas Phase
PublicationRecent findings qualified aldehydes as potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis. One of the possibilities is to use electrochemical biosensors in point-of-care (PoC), but these need further development to overcome some limitations. Currently, the primary goal is to enhance their metrological parameters in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. Previous findings indicate that peptide OBPP4 (KLLFDSLTDLKKKMSEC-NH2) is a promising...
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Phospholipids as potential prevention factor in carcinogenesis
PublicationPhospholipids are a group of complex lipids, which can be used in cancer chemoprevention. Glicerophospholipids are composed of fatty acids esterified to a glycerol backbone, a phosphate group and a hydrophilic residue such as: cho- line, ethanoloamine, serine or inositol. In the sn-2 position of glicerophospholipid usually there are unsaturated fatty acids, i.e. linolenic acid, while in the sn-1 position more typi- cal are saturated...
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A highly thermostable, homodimeric single-stranded DNA-binding protein from Deinococcus radiopugnans
PublicationWe report the identification and characterization of the single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) from the mesophile and highly radiation-resistant Deinococcus radiopugnans (DrpSSB). PCR-derived DNA fragment containing the complete structural gene for DrpSSB protein was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The gene consisting of an open reading frame of 900 nucleotides encodes a protein of 300 amino acids with a calculated...
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Nutritional Characterization of Whole Mangosteen Pulp with Seeds and Its Application as an Alternate Functional Ingredient in Crackers
PublicationMangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) fruits are high in nutrients and phytochemical compounds. The use of fresh whole mangosteen fruit pulp, including the seeds (MFS), instead of flour and sugar in crackers not only enhances the functional nutritional and medicinal benefits for consumers but also adds value to the products. The study investigated the nutritional value of MFS and then employed MFS to formulate MFS-based crackers...
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Selected organophosphorus compounds with biological activity. Applications in medicine
PublicationThe purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the latest applications of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) that exhibit biological activity. A large family of OPs have become popular in recent years. The practical application of OPs in modern medicine has been attributed to their unique properties. In this article, the methods used to select these compounds will be emphasized. This paper will first outline the findings...
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Butyrylcholinesterase signal sequence self-aggregates and enhances amyloid fibril formation in vitro
PublicationAlzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis has been attributed to extracellular aggregates of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the human brain. It has been reported that butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) also accumulates in the brain Aβ plaques in AD. We have previously found that the BChE substitution in 5′UTR caused an in-frame N-terminal extension of 41 amino acids of the BChE signal peptide. The resultant variant...
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Molecular Umbrellas Modulate the Selective Toxicity of Polyene Macrolide Antifungals
PublicationAntifungal polyene macrolide antibiotics Amphotericin B (AmB) and Nystatin (NYS) were conjugated through the ω-amino acid linkers with diwalled “molecular umbrellas” composed of spermidine-linked deoxycholic or cholic acids. The presence of “umbrella” substituents modulated biological properties of the antibiotics, especially their selective toxicity. Some of the AmB-umbrella conjugates demonstrated antifungal in vitro activity...
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Mangiferin Affects Melanin Synthesis by an Influence on Tyrosinase: Inhibition, Mechanism of Action and Molecular Docking Studies
PublicationMangiferin is a strong antioxidant that presents a wide range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the influence of mangiferin on tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis and the unwanted browning process of food. The research included both the kinetics and molecular interactions between tyrosinase and mangiferin. The research proved that mangiferin inhibits tyrosinase...
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The role of microbial coagulants on the physicochemical, proteolysis, microstructure and sensory properties of low-fat Edam cheese manufactured from ultrafiltered buffalo milk
PublicationThis work investigates the influence of using microbial coagulants, including Rhizomucor miehei (MCR) protease and Cryphonectria parasitica (MCC) protease, on the quality characteristics of low-fat Edam cheese made from ultrafiltered buffalo milk (LFUE). Concurrently, a benchmark with calf rennet (CR) has been also performed. Throughout a 90-day ripening period, the cheeses were assessed for their physicochemical features, proteolysis,...
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Identification and molecular modeling of a novel lipase from an Antarctic soil metagenomic library.
PublicationIn this work, we present the construction of a metagenomic library in Escherichia coli using pUC19 vector and environmental DNA directly isolated from Antarctic topsoil and screened for lipolytic enzymes. The screening on agar supplemented with olive oil and rhodamine B revealed one clone with lipolytic activity (Lip1) out of 11,000 E. coli clones. This clone harbored a plasmid, pLip1, which has an insert of 4722 bp that has been...
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Searching for the primary metabolic alterations of polycystic ovary syndrome by application of the untargeted metabolomics approach
PublicationDespite a large number of studies, the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) still remains unexplained. In light of ambiguous observations reported in metabolomics, there is a need to carry out studies focusing on confirming the discriminating power of the proposed metabolomics biomarkers. Our research aimed to perform a validation study of metabolites detected in our previous study from serum samples, on the new set...
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Aminy w środowisku - niebezpieczeństwo czy jego naturalny element?
PublicationA lot of amines and their compounds are used in the industry. First of all they are used for the preparation of medicines, plant protection agents, fertilizers and plastics. Amines are also released into the environment as a result of natural biological processes such as the release of certain species of flowers to lure insects, and also biochemical breakdown of amino acids in the protein during decomposition of organic matter. Unfortunately,...
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Literature update of analytical methods for biogenic amines determination in food and beverages
PublicationBiogenic amines (BAs) have been reported in a variety of foods, such as fish, meat, cheese, and wines. The formation of BAs in food by the microbial decarboxylation of amino acids can result in human allergic reactions, characterized by difficulty in breathing, rash, vomiting, and hypertension. Control measures to prevent biogenic amine formation in foods and/or reduce their levels should be considered. Therefore, monitoring of...
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Two highly thermostable paralogous single-stranded DNA-binding proteins from Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis
PublicationThe thermophilic bacterium Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis has two single-stranded DNA-binding (SSB) proteins, designated TteSSB2 and TteSSB3. In a SSB complementation assay in Escherichia coli, only TteSSB3 took over the in vivo function of EcoSSB. We have cloned the ssb genes obtained by PCR and have developed E. coli overexpression systems. The TteSSB2 and TteSSB3 consist of 153 and 150 amino acids with a calculated molecular...
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Identification and properties of the psychrophilic bacterium Desulfolatea psychrophila single-stranded DNA binding proteins
PublicationTo study the biochemical properties of SSB from Desulfolatea psychrophila (DpsSSB), we have cloned the ssb genes obtained by PCR and have developed Escherichia coli overexpression systems. The gene consists of an open reading frame of 426 nucleotides encoding SSB protein of 142 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 15.6 kDa and it is the smallest known bacterial SSB protein indentified to date. The amino-acid sequence...
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Ligand-Modified Boron-Doped Diamond Surface: DFT Insights into the Electronic Properties of Biofunctionalization
PublicationWith the increasing power of computation systems, theoretical calculations provide a means for quick determination of material properties, laying out a research plan, and lowering material development costs. One of the most common is Density Functional Theory (DFT), which allows us to simulate the structure of chemical molecules or crystals and their interaction. In developing a new generation of biosensors, understanding the nature...
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The biological role of prolyl oligopeptidase and the procognitive potential of its peptidic inhibitors from food proteins
PublicationProlyl oligopeptidase (POP) is a conserved serine protease belonging to proline-specific peptidases. It has both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity and is involved in numerous biological processes in the human body, playing a role in e.g., cellular growth and differentiation, inflammation, as well as the development of some neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. This article describes the physiological and pathological...
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Properties of recombinant trehalose synthase from Deinococcus radiodurans expressed in Escherichia coli
PublicationA trehalose synthase gene from Deinococcus radiodurans(DSMZ 20539)containing 1659 bp reading frame encoding 552 amino acids was amplified using PCR. The gene was finally ligated into pET30Ek/LIC vector and expressed after isopropyl β-d-thiogalactopyranoside induction in Escherichia coli (DE3) Rosetta pLysS. The recombinanttrehalose synthase (DraTreS) containing a His6-tag at the C-terminus was purified by metal affinity chromatography...
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Isolation of the GFA1 gene encoding glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase of Sporothrix schenckii and its expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
PublicationGlucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (GlcN-6-P synthase) is an essential enzyme involved in cell wall biogenesis that has been proposed as a strategic target for antifungal chemotherapy. Here we describe the cloning and functional characterization of Sporothrix schenckii GFA1 gene which was isolated from a genomic library of the fungus. The gene encodes a predicted protein of 708 amino acids that is homologous to GlcN-6-P synthases...
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A new B-D-galactosidase with a low temperature optimum isolated from the Antarctic Arthrobacter sp. 20B: gene cloning, purification and characterization.
PublicationA psychrotrophic bacterium producing a coldadaptedB-galactosidase upon growth at low temperatureswas classiWed as Arthrobacter sp. 20B. A genomic DNAlibrary of strain 20B introduced into Escherichia coliTOP10F' and screening on X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-B-D-galactopyranoside)-containing agar plates ledto the isolation of B-galactosidase gene. The B-galactosidasegene (bgaS) encoding a protein of 1,053 amino acids,with a...
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Novel single-stranded DNA-binding protein from psyvhrophilic bacterium Psychrobacter arcticus
PublicationTo study the biochemical properties of SSB from Psychrobacter arcticus (ParSSB), we have cloned the ssb genes obtained by PCR and have developed Escherichia coli overexpression systems. The gene consists of an open reading frame of 642 nucleotides encoding SSB protein of 213 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 22.8 kDa. The amino-acid sequence of ParSSB exhibits 49% identity and 57% similarity to Escherichia coli SSB....
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INFOGEST static in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal food digestion
PublicationDeveloping a mechanistic understanding of the impact of food structure and composition on human health has increasingly involved simulating digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. These simulations have used a wide range of different conditions that often have very little physiological relevance, and this impedes the meaningful comparison of results. The standardized protocol presented here is based on an international consensus...
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Development and validation of an LC–MS/MS method for the determination of biogenic amines in wines and beers
PublicationBiogenic amines are group of organic, basic, nitrogenous compounds that naturally occur in plant, microorganism, and animal organisms. Biogenic amines are mainly produced through decarboxylation of amino acids. They are formed during manufacturing of some kind of food and beverages such as cheese, wine, or beer. Histamine, cadaverine, agmatine, tyramine, putrescine, and b-phenylethylamine are the most common biogenic amines found...
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Enzymes of the L-methionine biosynthesis pathway in Candida albicans as potential novel targets for antifungal chemotherapy
PublicationFungal pathways of essential amino acids biosynthesis provide an abundant source of molecular targets for new antifungal compounds, among which the L-methionine biosynthesis pathway (MBP) may be promising. In this dissertation I characterized three C. albicans enzymes involved in MBP: homoserine O-acetyltransferase (CaMet2p), O-acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylase (CaMet15p), and cystathionine-γ-synthase (CaStr2p). I performed crystallization...
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Engineering Candida albicans glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase for efficient enzyme purification
PublicationRationally designed muteins of Candida albicans glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase, an enzyme known as a promising target for antifungal chemotherapy, were constructed, overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to near homogeneity. To facilitate and to optimize the purification of the enzyme, three recombinant versionscontaining internal oligoHis fragments were constructed: (i) by substituting residues 343 - 348...
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Chemistry of human breast milk – a comprehensive review of the composition and role of milk metabolites in child development
PublicationEarly nutrition has an enormous influence on a child's physiological function, immune system maturation and cognitive development. Human breast milk (HBM) is recognized as the gold standard for human infant nutrition. Accordingly to WHO report breastfeeding is consider as an unequalled way of providing ideal food to the infant, which is required for his healthy growth and development. HBM contains various macronutrients (carbohydrates,...
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Expression of Deinococcus geothermalis Trehalose Synthase Gene in Escherichia coli and Its Enzymatic Properties
PublicationA novel trehalose synthase gene from Deinococcus geothermalis (DSMZ 11300) containing 1,692 bp reading-frame encoding 564 amino acids was amplified using PCR. The gene was ligated into pET30Ek/LIC vector and expressed after isopropyl alfa-D-thiogalactopyranoside induction in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLysS. The recombinant trehalose synthase (DgeoTreS) containing a His6 tag at the C-terminus was purified by metal affinity chromatography...
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Understanding the interactions between protein stabilizers and the peptide bond through the analysis of the volumetric and compressibility properties for the model systems
PublicationThis work confirms our earlier supposition, that volumetric and acoustic parameters for simple model proposed by us are directly related to stabilizing/destabilizing effect of osmolytes on proteins structure. The apparent molar volumes, V and the apparent molar isentropic compressions, KS,, of glycine and N,N,N –trimethylglycine (betaine) were determined from densities and speed of sound measurements in aqueous solution of N-methylacetamide...
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Suppressors of lapC mutation identify new regulators of LpxC, which mediates the first committed step in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis
PublicationGram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, are characterized by an asymmetric outer membrane (OM) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) located in the outer leaflet and phospholipids facing the inner leaflet. E. coli recruits LPS assembly proteins LapB, LapC and LapD in concert with FtsH protease to ensure a balanced biosynthesis of LPS and phospholipids. We recently reported that bacteria either lacking the periplasmic domain of...