Abstract Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an integral surface protein mediating cellular response to a number of growth factors. Its overexpression and increased activation due to mutations is one of the most common traits of many types of cancer. Development and clinical use of the agents, which block EGFR activation, became a prime example of the personalized targeted medicine. However

Abstract Tn antigen is a tumor-associated antigen that appears on cancer cells as a result of aberrant O-glycosylation. The most studied form of Tn antigen is found in mucins, in particular, in mucin 1 (MUC1). Antibodies against this form of Tn antigen are used to diagnose tumors, as well as to generate T-killers with a chimeric receptor. Some carcinomas do not carry MUC1 and antibodies of a different

Abstract Adaptive long-term changes in the functioning of nervous system (plasticity, memory) are not written in the genome, but are directly associated with the changes in expression of many genes comprising epigenetic regulation. Summarizing the known data regarding the role of epigenetics in regulation of plasticity and memory, we would like to highlight several key aspects. (i) Different chromatin

Abstract In this study, we purified and characterized flaxseed cysteine protease (FSCP) with strong anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and clot-dissolving properties. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by a combination of gel permeation and ion-exchange column chromatography techniques. The purity of the enzyme was evaluated by SDS-PAGE, RP-HPLC, and MALDI-TOF. FSCP was observed as a single band of approximately

Abstract We investigated distribution and functions of beta- and gamma-cytoplasmic actins (CYAs) at different stages of non-neoplastic epithelial cell division using laser scanning microscopy (LSM). Here, we demonstrated that beta- and gamma-CYAs are spatially segregated in the early prophase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments revealed that in both beta-CYA-

Abstract Active accumulation of the data on new amyloids continuing nowadays dissolves boundaries of the term “amyloid”. Currently, it is most often used to designate aggregates with cross-β structure. At the same time, amyloids also exhibit a number of other unusual properties, such as: detergent and protease resistance, interaction with specific dyes, and ability to induce transition of some proteins

Abstract The significant destructive changes in ultrastructure of hepatocytes from laboratory mice kept in different vivariums in Moscow and fed with dry laboratory animal diets acquired from different domestic manufacturers that were not standardized for initial products were demonstrated using electron microscopy. Furthermore, disruption in the ultrastructure of liver parenchymal cells occurred regardless

Abstract Our understanding of cell aging advanced significantly since the discovery of this phenomenon by Hayflick and Moorhead in 1961. In addition to the well-known shortening of telomeric regions of chromosomes, cell aging is closely associated with changes of the DNA methylation profile. Establishing, maintaining, or reversing epigenetic age of a cell is central to the technology of cell reprogramming

Abstract The viruses of bacteria – bacteriophages – were discovered 20 years after the discovery of viruses. However, this was mainly the bacteriophage research that, after the first 40 years, yielded the modern concept of the virus and to large extent formed the grounds of the emerging molecular genetics and molecular biology. Many specific aspects of the bacteriophage research history have been addressed

Abstract Lipoxygenases are found in animals, plants, and fungi, where they are involved in a wide range of cell-to-cell signaling processes. The presence of lipoxygenases in a number of bacteria and protozoa has been also established, but their biological significance remains poorly understood. Several hypothetical functions of lipoxygenases in bacteria and protozoa have been suggested without experimental

On p. 679 in the list of authors and affiliations instead of: 1 Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 127726 Moscow, Russia 2 Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia 3 Institute of Fundamental Problems of Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia 4

Abstract Tripeptide GSH is associated not only with the control and maintenance of redox cell homeostasis, but also with the processes of detoxification, proliferation, cell differentiation, and regulation of cell death. Disruptions in GSH synthesis and changes in the GSH/GSSG ratio are common for many pathological conditions, including malignant neoplasms. Numerous data indicate the importance of

Abstract The work is focused on physiological role of the hormone kisspeptin produced by neurons of the hypothalamus anterior zone, which is a key regulator of reproduction processes. Role of the hormone in transmission of information on metabolic activity and induction of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus that determines gestation processes involving fertilization

Abstract Elevation of intracellular Zn2+ following ischemia contributes to cell death by affecting mitochondrial function. Zn2+ is a differential regulator of the mitochondrial enzyme lipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH) at physiological concentrations (Ka = 0.1 µM free zinc), inhibiting lipoamide and accelerating NADH dehydrogenase activities. These differential effects have been attributed to coordination

Abstract For a long time asthma was commonly considered as a homogeneous disease. However, recent studies provide increasing evidence of its heterogeneity and existence of different phenotypes of the disease. Currently, classification of asthma into several phenotypes is based on clinical and physiological features, anamnesis, and response to therapy. This review describes five most frequently identified

Abstract End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a condition accompanied by increased inflammation, oxidative stress, risk of cardiovascular complications, and coagulopathies. The structure of fibrinogen and characteristics of fibrin from plasma samples of ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) was investigated. Fibrinogen from ESRD patients had a higher degree of carbonylation than fibrinogen from healthy

Abstract Unlike the OGDH-encoded 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), which is an essential enzyme present in all animal tissues, expression of the DHTKD1-encoded isoenzyme, 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase (OADH), depends on a number of factors, and mutant DHTKD1 phenotypes are rarely manifested. Physiological significance of OADH is also obscured by the fact that both isoenzymes transform 2-oxoglutarate

Abstract Many chemotherapy drugs block tumor cell division by damaging DNA. DNA polymerases eta (Pol η), iota (Pol ι), kappa (Pol κ), REV1 of the Y-family and zeta (Pol ζ) of the B-family efficiently incorporate nucleotides opposite a number of DNA lesions during translesion DNA synthesis. Primase-polymerase PrimPol and the Pol α-primase complex reinitiate DNA synthesis downstream of the damaged sites

Abstract Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and β-Klotho (KLB) play an important role in preventing and treating overweight and obesity. However, it is unclear what conditions promote FGF21 and KLB expression in different tissues. Therefore, we studied expression of FGF21 and KLB with respect to two exercise regimes: moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training

Abstract The concept of “electric cables” involved in bioenergetic processes of a living cell was proposed half a century ago [Skulachev, V. P. (1971) Curr. Top. Bioenerg., Elsevier, pp. 127-190]. For many decades, only cell membrane structures have been considered as probable pathways for the electric current, namely, for the transfer of transmembrane electrochemical potential. However, the last ten

Abstract The effects of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), non-specific inhibitor of various transport systems functioning in biological membranes, on Na+-transporting P-type ATPase of the green halotolerant microalga Dunaliella maritima were studied in the experiments with vesicular plasma membranes isolated from the alga cells. The effects of DCCD on electrogenic/ion transport function of the

Abstract Proteins of the NUDIX hydrolase (NUDT) superfamily that cleave organic pyrophosphates are found in all classes of organisms, from archaea and bacteria to higher eukaryotes. In mammals, NUDTs exhibit a wide range of functions and are characterized by different substrate specificity and intracellular localization. They control the concentration of various metabolites in the cell, including key

Abstract Nrf2 is a key transcription factor responsible for antioxidant defense in many tissues and cells, including alveolar epithelium, endothelium, and macrophages. Furthermore, Nrf2 functions as a transcriptional repressor that inhibits expression of the inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 infection often present signs of high oxidative stress and systemic

Abstract Transcriptional factor p53 is a master regulator of energy metabolism. Energy metabolism strongly depends on thiamine (vitamin B1) and/or its natural derivatives. Thiamine diphosphate (ThDP), which is a major thiamine derivative, affects p53 binding to DNA. In order to elucidate the mechanism of regulation of thiamine-dependent metabolism by p53, we assessed putative p53-binding sites near

Abstract Increased expression or amplification of HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase gene ERBB2 is well-known and widely used as a prognostic biomarker of breast cancer (BC) response to the targeted treatment with trastuzumab and its analogs. Considering that part of the BC patients overexpressing HER2 does not respond to trastuzumab, clinical trial NCT03521245 was initiated to identify additional gene

Abstract The concept of “electric cables” involved in bioenergetic processes in a living cell was proposed half a century ago [Skulachev, V. P. (1971) Curr. Top. Bioenerg., Elsevier, pp. 127-190]. Membrane structures of a cell were considered as probable pathways for transferring transmembrane electrochemical potential. Further studies have shown that coupling membranes (inner mitochondrial membrane

Abstract The effect of bioresorbable materials on aging in cultured mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts treated with elevated glucose concentration was investigated. The cells were grown on films produced from the silkworm fibroin and rS1/9, a recombinant analog of Nephila clavipes spidroin 1. Exposure to 50 mM glucose of the cells grown on uncoated glass support resulted in the cell growth retardation. The

Abstract Phytoene and phytofluene – uncolored C40 carotenoids with short chain of conjugated double bonds (3 and 5, respectively) – are known to be universal precursors in biosynthesis of colored carotenoids in photosynthesizing organisms. It is commonly recognized that C40 carotenoids are photoprotectors of cells and tissues. We have shown that phytofluene is an exception to this rule. By measuring

Abstract Spliceosomal introns, which have been found in most eukaryotic genes, are non-coding sequences excised from pre-mRNAs by a special complex called spliceosome during mRNA splicing. Introns occur in both protein- and RNA-coding genes and can be found in coding and untranslated gene regions. Because intron sequences vary greatly due to a high rate of polymorphism, the functions of intron had

Abstract RNA polymerase (RNAP) recognizes promoter DNA through many interactions that determine specificity of transcription initiation. In addition to the dedicated transcription initiation σ factor in bacteria, the core enzyme of RNAP can also participate in promoter recognition. In particular, guanine residue at the +2 position (+2G) of the nontemplate DNA strand is bound in the CRE pocket formed

Abstract For the first time, the chymosin gene (CYM) of a maral was characterized. Its exon/intron organization was established using comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequence. The CYM mRNA sequence encoding a maral preprochymosin was reconstructed. Nucleotide sequence of the CYM maral mRNA allowed developing an expression vector to ensure production of a recombinant enzyme. Recombinant maral

Abstract Main factors involved in carcinogenesis are associated with somatic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes representing changes in the DNA nucleotide sequence. Epigenetic changes, such as aberrant DNA methylation, modifications of histone proteins, and chromatin remodeling, are equally important in the development of human neoplasms. From this perspective, mutations in the genes

Abstract Yanbian yellow cattle are one of the top five largest breeds of cattle in China. We had previously found that bta-miR-1271 is differentially expressed in the longissimus dorsi muscles of Yanbian yellow bulls and steers. However, whether bta-miR-1271 affects bovine fat formation is unclear. In this study, we used target gene prediction, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and transfection-mediated

Abstract The structure and functional organization of the photosystem I (PSI) reaction center (RC) donor side has a significant similarity to the reaction centers of purple bacteria (bRCs), despite the fact that they belong to different types of RCs. Moreover, the redox potential values of their primary electron donors are identical (~0.5 V). In our earlier reports [Khorobrykh et al. (2008) Phylos

Abstract The gene coding for PMGL2 esterase, which belongs to the family of mammalian hormone-sensitive lipases (HSLs), was discovered by screening a metagenomic DNA library from a permafrost soil. The active site of PMGL2 contains conserved GXSXG motif which includes Cys173 residue next to the catalytic Ser174. In order to clarify the functional role of the cysteine residue in the GCSAG motif, we

Abstract A recombinant strain producing a complex of extracellular enzymes including chitinase from Myceliophtora thermophila was created based on the fungus Penicillium verruculosum. The activity of the enzyme preparations obtained from the cultural fluid of the producer strain was 0.55, 0.53, and 0.66 U/mg protein with chitin and chitosans with the molecular weight of 200 and 1000 kDa, respectively

Abstract Functional compartmentalization of the cell nucleus plays an important role in the regulation of genome activity by providing accumulation of enzymes and auxiliary factors in the reaction centers, such as transcription factories, Cajal bodies, speckles, etc. The mechanisms behind the nucleus functional compartmentalization are still poorly understood. There are reasons to believe that the

Abstract SASH1 is an adapter and signaling protein that contains SH3 and SAM domains responsible for protein–protein interactions. SASH1 downregulation has been observed in many tumors. We examined localization of SASH1 in cultures of normal IAR-20 epithelial cells and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells using immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. IAR-20 normal epithelial cells and HT-29 cells

Abstract Cryptophyte algae belong to a special group of oxygenic photosynthetic organisms containing pigment combination unique for plastids – phycobiliproteins and chlorophyll a/c-containing antenna. Despite the progress in investigation of morphological and ecological features, as well as genome-based systematics of cryptophytes, their photosynthetic apparatus remains poorly understood. The ratio

Abstract The objective of this study was screening of ommochromes from the compound eyes of insects and comparison of their antioxidant properties. Ommochromes were isolated in preparative quantities from insects of five different families: Stratiomyidae, Sphingidae, Blaberidae, Acrididae, and Tenebrionidae. The yield of ommochromes (dry pigment weight) was 0.9-5.4% of tissue wet weight depending on

Abstract NAD+-dependent formate dehydrogenase from Staphylococcus aureus (SauFDH) is one of the key enzymes responsible for the survival of this pathogen in the form of biofilms. 3D structure of the enzyme might be helpful in the search for highly specific SauFDH inhibitors that can be used as antibacterial agents exactly against S. aureus biofilms. Here, we prepared a recombinant SauFDH in Escherichia

Abstract Up to now numerous studies in the field of gerontology have been published. Nevertheless, a well-known food restriction remains the most reliable and efficient way of lifespan extension. Physical activity is also a well-documented anti-aging intervention being especially efficient in slowing down the age-associated decline of skeletal muscle mass. In this review we focus on the molecular mechanisms

Abstract Plasmodesmata (PD) are intercellular channels in plant tissues providing continuity of the cytoplasm, the plasma membrane (PM) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of neighboring cells. These channels allow the active transport of macromolecules such as proteins or RNAs. Thus, PD are believed to play a critical role in the functional unity of plant tissues and the transport of signals required

Abstract Determination of biological sex to human remains is a fundamental requirement in anthropological, archeological, and forensic anthropological studies. Sex determination based on morphological criteria is significantly limited in the cases of juvenile remains and adult skeletons in a poor state of preservation. Regular attempts have been made to use alternative techniques to resolve this issue

Abstract Association between lymphocyte activation and formation of immune tolerance, as well as pregnancy outcome, in the case of immunocytotherapy (ICT) was studied in women with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (IRPL). The content and phenotypic characteristics of activated T lymphocytes and NK cells were investigated in the peripheral blood of IRPL patients with different pregnancy outcomes

Abstract Lichens are symbiotic photosynthesizing organisms with thalli formed by fungi and algae/cyanobacteria that possess high stress tolerance. One of the factors that contributes to the ability of a lichen to tolerate harsh environmental conditions is the presence of unique metabolites, including high-molecular-weight dark pigments termed melanins. The chemical composition and structure of lichen

Abstract Human uracil-DNA glycosylase SMUG1 removes uracil residues and some other noncanonical or damaged bases from DNA. Despite the functional importance of this enzyme, its X-ray structure is still unavailable. Previously, we performed homology modeling of human SMUG1 structure and suggested the roles of some amino acid residues in the recognition of damaged nucleotides and their removal from DNA

Abstract Two glycosyl 1-phosphate polymers containing monoglycosyl 1-phosphate, -6)-α-D-Glcp-(1-P., and diglycosyl 1-phosphate, -6)-α-D-GalpNAc-(1→6)-α-D-GlcpNAc-(1-P., in the repeating unit were identified in the cell wall of Glutamicibacter protophormiae VKM Ac-2104T (formerly, Arthrobacter protophormiae). The structures of these polymers were described for the first time in prokaryotes. Teichulosonic

Abstract Deterioration of energy metabolism in affected cells is an important feature of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease. Here, we studied the association between α-synuclein accumulation and glycolysis using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines stably expressing wild-type α-synuclein or its A53T mutant linked to the autosomal dominant form of the disease. Overexpression of both proteins

Abstract Aerobic gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii has recently become one of the most relevant pathogens associated with hospital-acquired infections worldwide. A. baumannii produces a capsule around the cell, which represents a thick viscous layer of structurally variable capsular polysaccharide (CPS). The capsule protects the bacteria against unfavorable environmental factors and biological

Abstract In the pathogenesis of the infectious process in the respiratory tract by SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 coronaviruses, two stages can be distinguished: early (etiotropic) and late (pathogenetic) ones. In the first stage, when the virus multiplication and accumulation are prevalent under insufficient host immune response, the use of chemotherapeutic agents blocking the reproduction of the virus

Abstract “Mitochondrial transplantation” refers to a procedure for introducing isolated mitochondria into a damaged area of a heart or other organ. A considerable amount of data has been accumulated on the therapeutic effects of “mitochondrial transplantation” in animals with ischemic heart damage. In 2017, the first attempts were made to apply this procedure in a clinic. The authors of the method

Abstract Phenylacetone monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.92, PAMO) catalyzes oxidation of ketones with molecular oxygen and NADPH with the formation of esters. PAMO is a promising enzyme for biotechnological processes. In this work, we generated genetic constructs coding for PAMO from Thermobifida fusca, containing N- or C-terminal His6-tags (PAMO N and PAMO C, respectively), as well as PAMO L with the His6-tag

Abstract Inactivated (whole-virion, split, subunit, and adjuvanted) vaccines and live attenuated vaccine were tested in parallel to compare their immunogenicity and protective efficacy. Homologous and heterosubtypic protection against the challenge with influenza H5N1 and H1N1 viruses in a mouse model were studied. Single immunization with live or inactivated whole-virion H5N1 vaccine elicited a high

Abstract Ribosome-binding factor A (RbfA) from Staphylococcus aureus is a cold adaptation protein that is required for the growth of pathogenic cells at low temperatures (10-15°C). RbfA is involved in the processing of 16S rRNA, as well as in the assembly and stabilization of the small 30S ribosomal subunit. Structural studies of the 30S–RbfA complex will help to better understand their interaction

Abstract Despite physiological importance of aldonic sugar acids for living organisms, little is known about metabolic pathways of these compounds. Here, we investigated the functional diversity of homologs of L-threonic acid dehydrogenase (ThrDH; UniProt ID: Q0KBC7), an enzyme composed of two NAD-binding domains (PF14833 and PF03446). Ten ThrDH homologs with different genomic context were studied;

Abstract The catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKAc) is conserved in all eukaryotic protein kinases. PKAc consists of two lobes that form the catalytic cleft containing the ATP-binding, peptide-binding site, and catalytic sites. During folding, PKAc secondary structures organize so that the non-polar regions form a globular core, while mobile loops and tails are exposed and can act as regulatory

Abstract Computer models of hemagglutinins from the H3N2 and H7N9 influenza viruses were developed to study structural organization and dynamic characteristics of the binding site for the conformational rearrangement inhibitors. The metadynamics was used to map the binding site free energy and to define the volume of its most energetically favorable states. It was demonstrated by simulation of the

Abstract In some cases, gene transfer from euchromatin to constitutive heterochromatin as a result of chromosomal rearrangement is accompanied by epigenetic inactivation of this gene (cis-inactivation). In the case of trans-inactivation, transgenes in the normal chromosome are repressed by the cis-inactivation-causing rearranged homologous chromosome. Trans-inactivation is a result of the somatic pairing

Abstract Tens of thousands of DNA lesions are formed in mammalian cells each day. DNA translesion synthesis is the main mechanism of cell defense against unrepaired DNA lesions. DNA polymerases iota (Pol ι), eta (Pol η), kappa (Pol κ), and zeta (Pol ζ) have active sites that are less stringent toward the DNA template structure and efficiently incorporate nucleotides opposite DNA lesions. However, these