Protein and Peptide Letters - Volume 28, Issue 11, 2021

7α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are key enzymes involved in bile acid metabolism. They catalyze the epimerization of a hydroxyl group through 7-keto bile acid intermediates. Basic research of the two enzymes has focused on exploring new enzymes and the structure-function relationship. The application research focused on the in vitro biosynthesis of bile acid drugs and the Read More

In recent years, bioactive peptide drugs have attracted growing attention due to the increasing difficulty in developing new drugs with novel chemical structures. In addition, many diseases are linked to excessive oxidation in the human body. Therefore, the role of peptides with antioxidant activity in counteracting diseases related to oxidative stress is worth exploring. Amphibians are a major repository for bioacti Read More

There are many proteins and enzymes in the human body, and their dysfunction can lead to the emergence of a disease. The use of proteins as a drug is common in various diseases such as diabetes. Proteins are hydrophilic molecules whose spatial structure is critical to their correct function. There are different ways for the administration of proteins. Protein structures are degraded by gastric acid and enzymes in the gastroint Read More

Background: Oratosquilla woodmasoni is one of the marine squilla species, which is found in the entire Asia-Pacific region. This current study assesses the species as the main basis of both ACEi and antioxidant peptide. Objective: To isolate the ACEi peptide derived from O. woodmasoni and examine its ACE inhibition along with antioxidant potential. Materials and Methods: The squilla muscle protein was hydrolysed using alcal Read More

Background: Metabolic and clinical disorders forming the complex of interrelated abnormalities is known as metabolic syndrome (METs). Objective: Our goal was to assess the dependence of serum arylsulfatase (AS) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities on anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with METs. Methods: In 142 patients with METs (IDF criteria), consisting of different components in different seque Read More

Background: While several biologics have been reported from different parts of Clitoria ternatea, a herbaceous climber of the family Fabaceae, specific production of cationic peptides other than cyclotides (<3.7 kDa) has barely been investigated, or their bioactive potential been looked into. Objective: The study aims to uncover potential bioactivities and characteristics of novel cationic peptides from C. ternatea seeds. Metho Read More

Background: Anti-TNF-α scFv is gaining acceptance as an effective drug for various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease that involve elevated levels of TNF-α. The single-chain variable fragment (scFv) consists of variable regions of heavy and light chains of monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Due to its smaller size, it curbs the mAb’s auto-antibody effects and their limitation of penetration into the tissues duri Read More

Background: Human serum albumin (HSA) is one of the most abundant proteins in the blood plasma, urine as well as in the organic matrix of renal calculi. Macromolecules present in the urine modulate kidney stone formation either by stimulating or inhibiting the crystallization process. Objective: In the present study, the effect of HSA protein on the growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal (COM) was investigated. Read More

Background: Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is a recurrent phenomenon during clinical therapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studies have shown that HER2 is a key factor contributing to drug resistance in a variety of cancers. Furthermore, we have observed that HER2 is overexpressed in PC-9 NSCLC cells with acquired gefitinib-resistance (PC-9/GR) as Read More

Background: Current treatments of osteoarthritis are unsatisfied, a new approach towards the treatment of osteoarthritis is urged considering the state at present. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of fraxin on knee OA in a rat model and probe into the possible molecular mechanism. Methods: Primary Murine Chondrocytes were isolated and cell apoptosis analyses were performed. Rat OA mode Read More

Background: Sarcosine, also known as N-methyl glycine, is a natural amino acid that is an intermediate and by product in glycine synthesis and degradation. Recently found in many peptides, sarcosine has been researched as a newly accepted prostate cancer marker. The increased concentration of sarcosine in blood serum and the urine showed that malignancy of measured prostate cancer cells is active. Objective: Read More

Aim: This study was designed to screen and identify an antimicrobial peptide from rhizosphere soil. The study was further focused towards overexpression, purification and characterization of this antimicrobial peptide, and to functionally validate its efficiency and efficacy as an antimicrobial agent. Yet, the study was further aimed at corroborating structural and functional studies using biophysical tools. Backgrou Read More