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Human Reproduction Update Jan 2024The establishment of maternal-fetal crosstalk is vital to a successful pregnancy. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification in which glycans (monosaccharide... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The establishment of maternal-fetal crosstalk is vital to a successful pregnancy. Glycosylation is a post-translational modification in which glycans (monosaccharide chains) are attached to an organic molecule. Glycans are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Human endometrial epithelium, endometrial gland secretions, decidual immune cells, and trophoblasts are highly enriched with glycoconjugates and glycan-binding molecules important for a healthy pregnancy. Aberrant glycosylation in the placenta and uterus has been linked to repeated implantation failure and various pregnancy complications, but there is no recent review summarizing the functional roles of glycosylation at the maternal-fetal interface and their associations with pathological processes.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
This review aims to summarize recent findings on glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, and glycan-binding receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in regulating the biology and pathological conditions associated with endometrial receptivity, placentation and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Current knowledge limitations and future insights into the study of glycobiology in reproduction are discussed.
SEARCH METHODS
A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: glycosylation, glycosyltransferases, glycan-binding proteins, endometrium, trophoblasts, maternal-fetal immunotolerance, siglec, selectin, galectin, repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Relevant reports published between 1980 and 2023 and studies related to these reports were retrieved and reviewed. Only publications written in English were included.
OUTCOMES
The application of ultrasensitive mass spectrometry tools and lectin-based glycan profiling has enabled characterization of glycans present at the maternal-fetal interface and in maternal serum. The endometrial luminal epithelium is covered with highly glycosylated mucin that regulates blastocyst adhesion during implantation. In the placenta, fucose and sialic acid residues are abundantly presented on the villous membrane and are essential for proper placentation and establishment of maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Glycan-binding receptors, including selectins, sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (siglecs) and galectins, also modulate implantation, trophoblast functions and maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Aberrant glycosylation is associated with repeated implantation failure, early pregnancy loss and various pregnancy complications. The current limitation in the field is that most glycobiological research relies on association studies, with few studies revealing the specific functions of glycans. Technological advancements in analytic, synthetic and functional glycobiology have laid the groundwork for further exploration of glycans in reproductive biology under both physiological and pathological conditions.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
A deep understanding of the functions of glycan structures would provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in the physiological and pathological regulation of early pregnancy. Glycans may also potentially serve as novel early predictive markers and therapeutic targets for repeated implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy complications.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Glycosylation; Abortion, Spontaneous; Placenta; Trophoblasts; Glycosyltransferases; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 37699855
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad024 -
Advances and prospects of analytic methods for bacterial transglycosylation and inhibitor discovery.The Analyst Apr 2024The cell wall is essential for bacteria to maintain structural rigidity and withstand external osmotic pressure. In bacteria, the cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan.... (Review)
Review
The cell wall is essential for bacteria to maintain structural rigidity and withstand external osmotic pressure. In bacteria, the cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan. Lipid II is the basic unit for constructing highly cross-linked peptidoglycan scaffolds. Transglycosylase (TGase) is the initiating enzyme in peptidoglycan synthesis that catalyzes the ligation of lipid II moieties into repeating GlcNAc-MurNAc polysaccharides, followed by transpeptidation to generate cross-linked structures. In addition to the transglycosylases in the class-A penicillin-binding proteins (aPBPs), SEDS (shape, elongation, division and sporulation) proteins are also present in most bacteria and play vital roles in cell wall renewal, elongation, and division. In this review, we focus on the latest analytical methods including the use of radioactive labeling, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, fluorescence labeling, probing undecaprenyl pyrophosphate, fluorescence anisotropy, ligand-binding-induced tryptophan fluorescence quenching, and surface plasmon resonance to evaluate TGase activity in cell wall formation. This review also covers the discovery of TGase inhibitors as potential antibacterial agents. We hope that this review will give readers a better understanding of the chemistry and basic research for the development of novel antibiotics.
Topics: Peptidoglycan; Bacteria; Penicillin-Binding Proteins; Cell Wall; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 38517346
DOI: 10.1039/d3an01968c -
Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory... Jan 2024Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a group of inflammatory conditions that can associate with the presence of antibodies directed to neuronal intracellular, or cell surface... (Review)
Review
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a group of inflammatory conditions that can associate with the presence of antibodies directed to neuronal intracellular, or cell surface antigens. These disorders are increasingly recognized as an important differential diagnosis of infectious encephalitis and of other common neuropsychiatric conditions. Autoantibody diagnostics plays a pivotal role for accurate diagnosis of AE, which is of utmost importance for the prompt recognition and early treatment. Several AE subgroups can be identified, either according to the prominent clinical phenotype, presence of a concomitant tumor, or type of neuronal autoantibody, and recent diagnostic criteria have provided important insights into AE classification. Antibodies to neuronal intracellular antigens typically associate with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and poor prognosis, whereas antibodies to synaptic/neuronal cell surface antigens characterize many AE subtypes that associate with tumors less frequently, and that are often immunotherapy-responsive. In addition to the general features of AE, we review current knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these disorders, focusing mainly on the potential role of neuronal antibodies in the most frequent conditions, and highlight current theories and controversies. Then, we dissect the crucial aspects of the laboratory diagnostics of neuronal antibodies, which represents an actual challenge for both pathologists and neurologists. Indeed, this diagnostics entails technical difficulties, along with particularly interesting novel features and pitfalls. The novelties especially apply to the wide range of assays used, including specific tissue-based and cell-based assays. These assays can be developed in-house, usually in specialized laboratories, or are commercially available. They are widely used in clinical immunology and in clinical chemistry laboratories, with relevant differences in analytic performance. Indeed, several data indicate that in-house assays could perform better than commercial kits, notwithstanding that the former are based on non-standardized protocols. Moreover, they need expertise and laboratory facilities usually unavailable in clinical chemistry laboratories. Together with the data of the literature, we critically evaluate the analytical performance of the in-house vs commercial kit-based approach. Finally, we propose an algorithm aimed at integrating the present strategies of the laboratory diagnostics in AE for the best clinical management of patients with these disorders.
Topics: Humans; Encephalitis; Autoantibodies; Neoplasms; Antigens, Surface; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
PubMed: 37777038
DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2247482 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023This review discusses the significance of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) as a promising green extraction technology. It employs the consolidated meta-analytic... (Review)
Review
This review discusses the significance of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) as a promising green extraction technology. It employs the consolidated meta-analytic approach theory methodology, using the Web of Science and Scopus databases to analyze 2091 articles as the basis of the review. This review explores NaDESs by examining their properties, challenges, and limitations. It underscores the broad applications of NaDESs, some of which remain unexplored, with a focus on their roles as solvents and preservatives. NaDESs' connections with nanocarriers and their use in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors are highlighted. This article suggests that biomimicry could inspire researchers to develop technologies that are less harmful to the human body by emulating natural processes. This approach challenges the notion that green science is inferior. This review presents numerous successful studies and applications of NaDESs, concluding that they represent a viable and promising avenue for research in the field of green chemistry.
PubMed: 38005377
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227653 -
Bioanalysis Aug 2023Microextraction techniques have attracted the attention of many researchers working in the field of bioanalysis due to their unique advantages, mainly in downsizing the... (Review)
Review
Microextraction techniques have attracted the attention of many researchers working in the field of bioanalysis due to their unique advantages, mainly in downsizing the scale of sample preparation steps. In parallel, analytical derivatization offers a powerful combination in terms of additional sensitivity, selectivity and compatibility with modern separation techniques. The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent advances in bioanalytical sample preparation based on the combination of microextraction and analytical derivatization. Both innovative fundamental reports and analyte-targeted applications are included and discussed. Dispersive liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase microextraction are the most common techniques that typically combined with derivatization, while the development of novel and greener protocols is receiving substantial consideration in the field of analytical chemistry.
Topics: Humans; Chemistry, Analytic; Liquid-Liquid Extraction; Research Personnel; Solid Phase Microextraction; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 37638635
DOI: 10.4155/bio-2023-0121 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Green Chemistry is a vital and crucial instrument in achieving pollution control, and it plays an important role in helping society reach the Sustainable Development...
Green Chemistry is a vital and crucial instrument in achieving pollution control, and it plays an important role in helping society reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NIR (near-infrared spectroscopy) has been utilized as an alternate technique for molecular identification, making the process faster and less expensive. Near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms were utilized in this study to construct identification and classification models of bacteria such as , , and . Furthermore, divide these bacteria into Gram-negative and Gram-positive groups. The green and quick approach was created by combining NIR spectroscopy with a diffuse reflectance accessory. Using infrared spectral data and ML techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), It was feasible to accomplish the identification and classification of four bacteria and classify these bacteria into two groups: Gram-positive and Gram-negative, with 100% accuracy. We may conclude that our study has a high potential for bacterial identification and classification, as well as being consistent with global policies of sustainable development and green analytical chemistry.
Topics: Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Algorithms; Bacteria; Chemistry, Analytic; Escherichia coli; Machine Learning
PubMed: 37687792
DOI: 10.3390/s23177336 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2023Nanomaterials feature exceptional, one-of-a-kind qualities that might be used in electronics, medicine, and other industries. Two-dimensional nanomaterials called...
Nanomaterials feature exceptional, one-of-a-kind qualities that might be used in electronics, medicine, and other industries. Two-dimensional nanomaterials called borophene have a variety of intriguing characteristics, which helped them to leave an indelible impression in the fields of chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, and condensed matter physics. The concept of modelling the structure of a molecule or chemical network to a chemical graph and then quantitatively analysing them with the aid of topological descriptors was a major advance in the fields of mathematics and chemistry, with a wide range of applications. M-polynomial approach is a very versatile and quick method for computing the degree-based descriptors of chemical graphs or networks. The degree-based descriptors of the [Formula: see text]-Borophene nanosheet are established in this study utilising the M-polynomial technique. A program code that enables to generate the M-polynomial of any chemical structure was developed in Java platform and the same is displayed. At the conclusion, the numerical and graphical comparison based on the identified analytic expressions is also provided. Additionally, the QSPR analysis was also carried out and the outcoms are presented therein.
PubMed: 37491369
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37637-5 -
Water Environment Research : a Research... Apr 2024Wastewater management decision-making is complicated because of: (1) a complex regulatory structure, (2) the wide variety of conflicting expectations by stakeholders... (Review)
Review
Wastewater management decision-making is complicated because of: (1) a complex regulatory structure, (2) the wide variety of conflicting expectations by stakeholders external and internal to the responsible utility, and (2) constrains including regulatory requirements, available technologies and practices, and customer willingness to pay. This review synthesizes the results from over 200 papers published since 2000 and presents a decision-making structure and process which is (1) science and fact-based, (2) reflects sustainability, (3) clear and transparent, (4) inclusive, (5) produces an objective-oriented decision, (6) scalable, (7) repeatable, and (8) efficient. Tools supporting the decision-making process are reviewed, including Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), process modeling, economic assessments, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA). Ultimately it was determined that engagement of decision-makers and relevant stakeholders to assess their values and preferences, coupled with supporting data and analyses, is necessary to reach a decision that, critically, has the support needed for it to be implemented. The results demonstrate that an understanding of the components of the decision process, coupled with an orderly process, enables good wastewater management decision-making. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A decision-making structure and process leading to the selection of implementable solutions is presented. The process possesses the following attributes: (1) science and fact-based, (2) reflect sustainability, (3) clear and transparent, (4) inclusive, (5) produce an objective-oriented decision, (6) scalable, (7) repeatable, and (8) efficient An extensive summary and analysis of tools supporting the decision process are provided, including Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), process modeling, economic assessments, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA). The critical role of internal and external stakeholders and differentiating their involvement relative to decision-makers is emphasized.
Topics: Decision Making; Wastewater; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Decision Support Techniques
PubMed: 38666418
DOI: 10.1002/wer.11024 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Oct 2023With advanced maternal age, abnormalities during oocyte meiosis increase significantly. Aneuploidy is an important reason for the reduction in the quality of aged...
BACKGROUND
With advanced maternal age, abnormalities during oocyte meiosis increase significantly. Aneuploidy is an important reason for the reduction in the quality of aged oocytes. However, the molecular mechanism of aneuploidy in aged oocytes is far from understood. Histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) has been reported to be essential for mammalian development and genome stability, and involved in multiple organ aging. Whether HAT1 is involved in ovarian aging and the detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
METHODS
The level of HAT1 in aged mice ovaries was detected by immunohistochemical and immunoblotting. To explore the function of HAT1 in the process of mouse oocyte maturation, we used Anacardic Acid (AA) and small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to culture cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from ICR female mice in vitro and gathered statistics of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), the first polar body extrusion (PBE), meiotic defects, aneuploidy, 2-cell embryos formation, and blastocyst formation rate. Moreover, the human granulosa cell (GC)-like line KGN cells were used to investigate the mechanisms of HAT1 in this progress.
RESULTS
HAT1 was highly expressed in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) from young mice and the expression of HAT1 was significantly decreased in aged GCs. AA and siRNAs mediated inhibition of HAT1 in GCs decreased the PBE rate, and increased meiotic defects and aneuploidy in oocytes. Further studies showed that HAT1 could acetylate Forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1), leading to the translocation of FoxO1 into the nucleus. Resultantly, the translocation of acetylated FoxO1 increased the expression of amphiregulin (AREG) in GCs, which plays a significant role in oocyte meiosis.
CONCLUSION
The present study suggests that decreased expression of HAT1 in GCs is a potential reason corresponding to oocyte age-related meiotic defects and provides a potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention to reduce aneuploid oocytes.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Mice; Aneuploidy; Granulosa Cells; Histone Acetyltransferases; Mammals; Meiosis; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oocytes
PubMed: 37907924
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01147-w -
Physical Review. E Dec 2023Single-molecule stretching experiments are widely utilized within the fields of physics and chemistry to characterize the mechanics of individual bonds or molecules, as...
Single-molecule stretching experiments are widely utilized within the fields of physics and chemistry to characterize the mechanics of individual bonds or molecules, as well as chemical reactions. Analytic relations describing these experiments are valuable, and these relations can be obtained through the statistical thermodynamics of idealized model systems representing the experiments. Since the specific thermodynamic ensembles manifested by the experiments affect the outcome, primarily for small molecules, the stretching device must be included in the idealized model system. Though the model for the stretched molecule might be exactly solvable, including the device in the model often prevents analytic solutions. In the limit of large or small device stiffness, the isometric or isotensional ensembles can provide effective approximations, but the device effects are missing. Here a dual set of asymptotically correct statistical thermodynamic theories are applied to develop accurate approximations for the full model system that includes both the molecule and the device. The asymptotic theories are first demonstrated to be accurate using the freely jointed chain model and then using molecular dynamics calculations of a single polyethylene chain.
PubMed: 38243517
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.108.064503