Estudios computacionales de interacciones carbohidrato-proteína

Tesis inédita de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, leída el 16/06/2017Molecular modelling techniques have been extensively applied to the elucidation of glycan-protein interactions at the atomic level of several systems with biological and therapeutic interests, and have provided new insights for the understanding of the molecular recognition events underlying the biological functions of these systems. In this Thesis, the general objective is to elucidate the carbohydrate-protein interactions at the atomic level through computational techniques. In particular, the following systems have been studied: human galectins -1, -3, and -7, Pisum sativum lectin, Maackia amurensis seed lectin, and glycosyltransferase GalNAc-T2. The final aim is to provide new insights for the understanding of the molecular recognition events underlying the biological functions of these proteins...En esta Tesis Doctoral, se han empleado técnicas de modelado molecular para la elucidación a nivel atómico de las interacciones carbohidrato-proteína de varios sistemas con interés biológico y terapéutico. Estos estudios han permitido aportar nuevas perspectivas para la comprensión de los procesos de reconocimiento molecular implicados en las funciones biológicas de estos sistemas. En particular, se han estudiado los siguientes sistemas: galectinas humanas -1, -3 y -7, lectina de Pisum sativum, lectina de semillas de Maackia amurensis, y la glicosiltransferasa GalNAc-T2. El objetivo final es proporcionar nuevas perspectivas para la comprensión de los eventos de reconocimiento molecular que subyacen en las funciones biológicas de estas proteínas...Depto. de Química en Ciencias FarmacéuticasFac. de FarmaciaTRUEunpu

Sewage sludge heavy metal analysis and agricultural prospects for Fiji

Insoluble residues produced in Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) as by products are known as sewage sludge (SS). Land application of SS, particularly in agricultural lands, is becoming an alternative disposal method in Fiji. However, currently there is no legislative framework governing its use. SS together with its high nutrient and organic matter contents, constitutes some undesired pollutants such as heavy metals, which may limit its extensive use. The focus of this study therefore was to determine the total concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni and Mn in the SS produced at the Kinoya WWTP (Fiji) and in the non-fertile soil amended with the SS at 20, 40, 60, 80% application rates and in the control (100% Soil). The bioavailable heavy metals were also determined as it depicts the true extent of metal contamination. The treatment mixtures were then used to cultivate cabbage plants in which the total heavy metal uptake was investigated. Total Zn (695.6 mg/kg) was present in the highest amounts in the 100% SS (control), followed by Pb (370.9 mg/kg), Mn (35.0 mg/kg), Cu (65.5 mg/kg), Cr (20.5 mg/kg) and finally Cd (13.5 mg/kg) and hence a similar trend was seen in all treatment mixtures. The potential mobility of sludgeborne heavy metals can be classified as Ni > Cu > Cd > Zn > Mn > Cr > Pb. Total metal uptake in plant leaves and stems showed only the bioavailable metals Cu, Cd, Zn and Mn, with maximum uptake occurring in the leaves. Ni, despite being highly mobile was not detected, due to minute concentrations in the SS treatments. Optimum growth occurred in the 20 and 40% SS treatments. However maximum Cu and Mn uptake occurred in the 40% SS treatment thereby making the 20% treatment the most feasible. Furthermore the total and bioavailable metal concentrations observed were within the safe and permitted limits of the EEC and USEPA legislations