48 research outputs found
Synthetic carbohydrate-binding agents neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting binding of the spike protein to ACE2
Phosphate binding by a novel Zn(II) complex featuring a trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand. Effective anion recognition in water
Excellent affinities and selectivities toward triphosphates are achieved through an adaptive ditopic receptor featuring a metal ion and a macrocyclic polyammonium cation binding sites, concertedly bridging phosphate anions
Biomimetic Tweezers for N-Glycans: Selective Recognition of the Core GlcNAc(2) Disaccharide of the Sialylglycopeptide SGP
In recent years, glycomics have shown how pervasive the role of carbohydrates in biological systems is and how chemical tools are essential to investigate glycan function and modulate carbohydrate-mediated processes. Biomimetic receptors for carbohydrates can carry out this task but, although significant affinities and selectivities toward simple saccharides have been achieved, targeting complex glycoconjugates remains a goal yet unattained. In this work we report the unprecedented recognition of a complex biantennary sialylglycopeptide (SGP) by a tweezers-shaped biomimetic receptor, which selectively binds to the core GlcNAc2 disaccharide of the N-glycan with an affinity of 170â
ÎŒM. Because of the simple structure and the remarkable binding ability, this biomimetic receptor can represent a versatile tool for glycoscience, opening the way to useful applications.We thank MIUR-Italy âProgetto Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018â2022â allocated to Department of Chemistry Ugo Schiff, COST Action (CA18132), MIUR-Italy PRIN2017 (2017XZ2ZBK) for granting a fellowship to F.M. and Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze (Italy) is acknowledged for granting an ITC nanocalorimeter and a high-field NMR spectrometer. Open Access funding provided by UniversitĂ degli Studi di Firenze within the CRUI-CARE Agreement
Antiviral activity of synthetic aminopyrrolic carbohydrate binding agents: targeting the glycans of viral gp120 to inhibit HIV entry
Feeding strategies to design the fatty acid profile of sheep milk and cheese
The majority of sheep milk produced in the world is transformed into cheese. Feeding is a major factor affecting the quality of sheep milk and, therefore, of sheep cheese. Because fat is the main compound of cheese, this review gives an update on the effects of feeding and nutrition on milk fat content and deeply discusses feeding strategies aimed at increasing the levels of healthy fatty acids (FA), such as conjugated linoleic acid and omega-3 FA, in milk and cheese in the human diet. In addition, the use of alternative feed resources such as by-products, aromatic plants, and phenolic compounds in the sheep diet and their effects on milk and cheese FA composition are also discussed. Among feeding strategies, grazing and the use of supplements rich in oils seem to be the best and the cheapest strategies to improve the nutritional value of the fatty acid profile in sheep cheese
Functionalized Hyaluronic Acid for âIn Situâ Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition: A Bioactive Material to Treat the Dry Eye Sydrome
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with many molecular functions, including maintaining the structure and physiology of the tissues, tissue remodeling, and inflammation. HA is found naturally in physiological tear fluid, possesses excellent mucus-layer-adhesive properties, and is successfully employed in the treatment of dry eye syndrome (DES). However, HA has as major drawback: its rapid in vivo degradation by hyaluronidase. We report on a unique material, namely, HA-3, obtained by the functionalization of HA with the metalloproteinase inhibitor 3 (MMPI). This material is characterized by an increased resistance to hyaluronidase degradation, associated with MMP inhibition properties. The ability of HA-3 to prevent dehydration of human corneal epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo may accelerate the development of more efficient DES treatment and broaden the application of HA in human diseases
Chloride anion transporters inhibit growth of methicillin-resistant: Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro
A series of aminopyrrolic receptors were tested as anion transporters using POPC liposome model membranes. Many were found to be effective Cl(â) transporters and to inhibit clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus growth in vitro. The best transporters proved effective against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, Mu50 and HP1173. Tris-thiourea tren-based chloride transporters were also shown to inhibit the growth of S. aureus. in vitro