Energy Transfer Studies Research Articles

Dynamic analysis of GH receptor conformational changes by split luciferase complementation.

The transmembrane GH receptor (GHR) exists at least in part as a preformed homodimer on the cell surface. Structural and biochemical studies suggest that GH binds GHR in a 1:2 stoichiometry to effect acute GHR conformational changes that trigger the activation of the receptor-associated tyrosine kinase, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and downstream signaling. Despite information about GHR-GHR association derived from elegant fluorescence resonance energy transfer/bioluminescence resonance energy transfer studies, an assessment of the dynamics of GH-induced GHR conformational changes has been lacking. To this end, we used a split luciferase complementation assay that allowed detection in living cells of specific ligand-independent GHR-GHR interaction. Furthermore, GH treatment acutely augmented complementation of enzyme activity between GHRs fused, respectively, to N- and C-terminal fragments of firefly luciferase. Analysis of the temporal pattern of GH-induced complementation changes, pharmacological manipulation, genetic alteration of JAK2 levels, and truncation of the GHR intracellular domain (ICD) tail suggested that GH acutely enhances proximity of the GHR homodimer partners independent of the presence of JAK2, phosphorylation of GHR-luciferase chimeras, or an intact ICD. However, subsequent reduction of complementation requires JAK2 kinase activity and the ICD tail. This conclusion is in contrast to existing models of the GHR activation process.

Study of energy transfer in silicon-based micro-ring resonators

Physical model, time-domain model, transmission spectra and energy transfer diagram of silicon-based micro-ring resonators based on the parallel waveguide structure are analyzed in this paper, in which transmission spectrum is obtained by Matlab, and the energy transfer process is analyzed by Rsoft. According to the analyses of the models and results, the energy transfer process in this type of resonator is clear to a great extent. The experimental results show that when the input signal is stable, the energy of the micro-ring resonator and the drop port tends to be steady after the input optical signal is coupled in the coupling region, which proves that the silicon-based micro-ring resonators can select specific optical signal if the input optical signal satisfies the resonance condition. However, if the resonance condition is not met, filtering function, optical switch function and signal selection function can be realized. Therefore, the analysis and simulation of energy transfer in silicon-based micro-ring resonators can not only enrich the silicon micro-ring resonator theory, but also provide new theoretical basis and method for the design and optimization of existing optoelectronic devices.

Trajectory study of energy transfer and unimolecular dissociation of highly excited allyl with argon.

The influence of rotational excitation on energy transfer in single collisions of allyl with argon and on allyl dissociation is investigated. About 90,000 classical scattering simulations are performed in order to determine collision-induced changes in internal energy and in allyl rotational angular momentum. Dissociation is studied by means of about 50,000 additional trajectories evolved for the isolated allyl under three different conditions: allyl with no angular momentum (J = 0); allyl with the same microcanonically sampled initial conditions used for the collisions (J*); allyl evolving from the corresponding exit conditions after the collision. The potential energy surface is the sum of an intramolecular potential and an interaction one, and it has already been used in a previous work on allyl-argon scattering (Conte, R.; Houston, P. L.; Bowman, J. M. J. Phys. Chem. A 2013, 117, 14028-14041). Energy transfer data show that increased initial rotation favors, on average, increased relaxation of the excited molecule. The availability of a high-level intramolecular potential energy surface permits us to study the dependence of energy transfer on the type of starting allyl isomer. A turning point analysis is presented, and highly efficient collisions are detected. Collision-induced variations in the allyl rotational angular momentum may be quite large and are found to be distributed according to three regimes. The roles of rotational angular momentum, collision, and type of isomer on allyl unimolecular dissociation are considered by looking at dissociations times, kinetic energies of the fragments, and branching ratios. Generally, rotational angular momentum has a strong influence on the dissociation dynamics, while the single collision and the type of starting isomer are less influential.

Energy transfer studies in binary laser dye mixtures in organically modified silicates

Energy transfer of binary dye mixture (Rhodamine110, as donor, and Oxizine1and/or Nile blue as acceptors) doped in organically modified silicates (ORMOSILs) matrix has been studied. The energy transfer process from donor molecules to acceptor molecules in the final bulk samples has been observed spectrally. Some of energy transfer parameters have been determined as a function of acceptor concentration. Stern-Volmer relation of energy transfer has been proved and the dominant mechanism of the energy transfer of dye mixture doped in such matrices has been determined. The results show that the emission properties of acceptor molecules (Ox1 and Nb) can be enhanced using the dye mixing recipe in sol-gel matrices.

Color-tunable emission and energy transfer studies in GdOBr:Ce3+ Dy3+ phosphor

Color-tunable blue to bluish white-emitting Ce3+/Dy3+ co-doped GdOBr phosphors have been synthesized by the conventional solid-state method. The phase structures, luminescent properties and energy transfer process were discussed in detail. Broad-band absorption originating from the f-d transition of Ce3+ can be found for the as-prepared GdOBr:Ce3+,Dy3+ phosphor, and color-tunable blue to bluish white emission can be realized owing to the energy transfer between Ce3+ and Dy3+. The energy transfer mechanism is demonstrated to be the dipole–dipole process. The energy transfer efficiency increases with increasing Dy3+ concentrations. The results indicate that Ce3+/Dy3+-activated GdOBr phosphors may be potential for phosphor-converted white-light UV-LEDs.

An Interactive Network of Elastase, Secretases, and PAR-2 Protein Regulates CXCR1 Receptor Surface Expression on Neutrophils

CXCL8 (IL-8) recruits and activates neutrophils through the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR1. We showed previously that elastase cleaves CXCR1 and thereby impairs antibacterial host defense. However, the molecular intracellular machinery involved in this process remained undefined. Here we demonstrate by using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, subcellular fractionation, co-immunoprecipitation, and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer that combined α- and γ-secretase activities are functionally involved in elastase-mediated regulation of CXCR1 surface expression on human neutrophils, whereas matrix metalloproteases are dispensable. We further demonstrate that PAR-2 is stored in mobilizable compartments in neutrophils. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and co-immunoprecipitation studies showed that secretases, PAR-2, and CXCR1 colocalize and physically interact in a novel protease/secretase-chemokine receptor network. PAR-2 blocking experiments provided evidence that elastase increased intracellular presenilin-1 expression through PAR-2 signaling. When viewed in combination, these studies establish a novel functional network of elastase, secretases, and PAR-2 that regulate CXCR1 expression on neutrophils. Interfering with this network could lead to novel therapeutic approaches in neutrophilic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Binding of amifostine to human serum albumin: a biophysical study.

The aim of this present work is to investigate the interaction between amifostine and human serum albumin (HSA) in simulated physiological conditions by spectroscopic methods to reveal potential toxic effects of the drug. The results reflected that amifostine caused fluorescence quenching of HSA through a static quenching process, which was further confirmed by the electrochemical experiments. The binding constants at 290, 297 and 304 K were obtained as 2.53 × 10(5) /M, 8.13 × 10(4) /M and 3.59 × 10(4) /M, respectively. There may be one binding site of amifostine on HSA. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the interaction between amifostine and HSA was driven mainly by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces. Synchronous fluorescence spectra, circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed amifostine binding slightly changed the conformation of HSA with secondary structural content changes. Förster resonance energy transfer study revealed high possibility of energy transfer with amifostine-Trp-214 distance of 3.48 nm. The results of the present study may provide valuable information for studying the distribution, toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms of amifostine in vivo.

Study of resonance energy transfer between MEH-PPV and CuFeS2 nanoparticle and their application in energy harvesting device

In this work wide band gap semiconducting chalcopyrite CuFeS2 has been synthesized by hydrothermal technique. The optical and electro-chemical studies approved the semiconductor nature of the synthesized material with direct band gap 4.04eV and room temperature electrical conductivity (σ)=4.7×10−8Scm−1. We have explored the possible applicability of this material in conjunction with polymer MEH-PPV to harvest green energy. The steady-state and time dependent luminescence analysis of MEH-PPV:CuFeS2 composite demonstrates the possibility of successful charge transportation. The type of energy quenching has been investigated by Stern–Volmer analysis. Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) calculation confirms the static resonance energy transfer between donor (MEH-PPV) and acceptor (CuFeS2) nanoparticles. Finally the energy harvesting device with configuration ITO/MEH-PPV:CuFeS2/Al has been successfully fabricated and characterized.

HIV-1 DIS stem loop forms an obligatory bent kissing intermediate in the dimerization pathway.

The HIV-1 dimerization initiation sequence (DIS) is a conserved palindrome in the apical loop of a conserved hairpin motif in the 5′-untranslated region of its RNA genome. DIS hairpin plays an important role in genome dimerization by forming a ‘kissing complex’ between two complementary hairpins. Understanding the kinetics of this interaction is key to exploiting DIS as a possible human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug target. Here, we present a single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) study of the dimerization reaction kinetics. Our data show the real-time formation and dissociation dynamics of individual kissing complexes, as well as the formation of the mature extended duplex complex that is ultimately required for virion packaging. Interestingly, the single-molecule trajectories reveal the presence of a previously unobserved bent intermediate required for extended duplex formation. The universally conserved A272 is essential for the formation of this intermediate, which is stabilized by Mg2+, but not by K+ cations. We propose a 3D model of a possible bent intermediate and a minimal dimerization pathway consisting of three steps with two obligatory intermediates (kissing complex and bent intermediate) and driven by Mg2+ ions.

NFI transcription factors interact with FOXA1 to regulate prostate-specific gene expression.

Androgen receptor (AR) action throughout prostate development and in maintenance of the prostatic epithelium is partly controlled by interactions between AR and forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors, particularly FOXA1. We sought to identity additional FOXA1 binding partners that may mediate prostate-specific gene expression. Here we identify the nuclear factor I (NFI) family of transcription factors as novel FOXA1 binding proteins. All four family members (NFIA, NFIB, NFIC, and NFIX) can interact with FOXA1, and knockdown studies in androgen-dependent LNCaP cells determined that modulating expression of NFI family members results in changes in AR target gene expression. This effect is probably mediated by binding of NFI family members to AR target gene promoters, because chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies found that NFIB bound to the prostate-specific antigen enhancer. Förster resonance energy transfer studies revealed that FOXA1 is capable of bringing AR and NFIX into proximity, indicating that FOXA1 facilitates the AR and NFI interaction by bridging the complex. To determine the extent to which NFI family members regulate AR/FOXA1 target genes, motif analysis of publicly available data for ChIP followed by sequencing was undertaken. This analysis revealed that 34.4% of peaks bound by AR and FOXA1 contain NFI binding sites. Validation of 8 of these peaks by ChIP revealed that NFI family members can bind 6 of these predicted genomic elements, and 4 of the 8 associated genes undergo gene expression changes as a result of individual NFI knockdown. These observations suggest that NFI regulation of FOXA1/AR action is a frequent event, with individual family members playing distinct roles in AR target gene expression.

Förster resonance energy transfer studies of luminescent gold nanoparticles functionalized with ruthenium(II) and rhenium(I) complexes: modulation via esterase hydrolysis.

A number of ruthenium(II) and rhenium(I) bipyridine complexes functionalized with lipoic acid moieties have been synthesized and characterized. Functionalization of gold nanoparticles with these chromophoric ruthenium(II) and rhenium(I) complexes has resulted in interesting supramolecular assemblies with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) properties that could be modulated via esterase hydrolysis. The luminescence of the metal complex chromophores was turned on upon cleavage of the ester bond linkage by esterase to reduce the efficiency of FRET quenching. The prepared nanoassembly conjugates have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible spectroscopy, and emission spectroscopy. The quenching mechanism has also been studied by transient absorption and time-resolved emission decay measurements. The FRET efficiencies were found to vary with the nature of the chromophores and the length of the spacer between the donor (transition metal complexes) and the acceptor (gold nanoparticles).

Resonance energy transfer study of laser dyes LD 489 and LD 473 with rhodamine 6G

The energy transfer using two laser dyes 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6,8,9-trimethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-pyrano[2,3-b][1,8]naphthyridin-2-one (LD-489) and 1,2,3,8-tetrahydro-1,2,3,3,8-pentamethyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-7H-pyrrolo[3,2-g]quinolin-7-one (LD-473) as donors and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) as acceptor was investigated in methanol using steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The bimolecular quenching rate parameter, kq, and the translation diffusion rate parameter, kd, were calculated and these values indicated that the diffusion process alone does not operate in energy transfer process. The mean diffusion length, d1, is found to be less than the Förster distance, R0, supporting the dominance of long-range interaction. The critical transfer distances determined from both the Förster equation and the half quenching concentration are close to one another, revealing that the Förster mechanism plays an important role in overall energy transfer of the donors.

Formation of a Ligand-Assisted Complex of Two RNA Hairpin Loops

The hairpin structure is one of the most common secondary structures in RNA and holds a central position in the stream of RNA folding from a non-structured RNA to structurally complex and functional ribonucleoproteins. Since the RNA secondary structure is strongly correlated to the function and can be modulated by the binding of small molecules, we have investigated the modulation of RNA folding by a ligand-assisted formation of loop-loop complexes of two RNA hairpin loops. With a ligand (NCT6), designed based on the ligand binding to the G-G mismatches in double-stranded DNA, we successfully demonstrated the formation of both inter- and intra-molecular NCT6-assisted complex of two RNA hairpin loops. NCT6 selectively bound to the two hairpin loops containing (CGG)3 in the loop region. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of two doubly-labeled RNA hairpin loops clearly showed the formation of intermolecular NCT6-assisted loop-loop complex. Förster resonance energy-transfer studies of RNA constructs containing two hairpin loops, in which each hairpin was labeled with Alexa488 and Cy3 fluorophores, showed the conformational change of the RNA constructs upon binding of NCT6. These experimental data showed that NCT6 simultaneously bound to two hairpin RNAs at the loop region, and can induce the conformational change of the RNA molecule. These data strongly support that NCT6 functions as molecular glue for two hairpin RNAs.

Study of energy transfer in single and multi-emissive layer using Gaussian peak fitting

White organic light-emitting diodes(WOLEDs) were fabricated with the device structure of ITO(1800Å)/NPB(700Å)/emissive layer(300Å)/Bphen(300Å)/Liq(20Å)/Al(1200Å) using the two complementary colors method. Then, we investigated their electrical and optical characteristics to determine luminous efficiency, luminance and color coordinates of single, double, triple and quadruple emissive layered-WOLED. Thickness of emissive layer was fixed at 30Å, and DPASN and BAlq were used for blue emissive host material and DCJTB was added as red dopant in the emissive layer. Then, we investigated the performance of OLEDs via its charge blocking structure and its different emissive region with emissive layers. Luminous efficiency of 5.30cd/A at 50mA/cm2 of current density is obtained in WOLED device with double emissive layer of DPASN:DCJTB-0.1% (150Å)/BAlq:DCJTB-0.1% (150Å) and these are 80% higher than WOLED device with single emissive layer of DPASN:DCJTB-0.1% (300Å).

Coupled Dynamics in Soil: Experimental and Numerical Studies of Energy, Momentum and Mass Transfer ‐ edited by Zeng, Y

European Journal of Soil ScienceVolume 65, Issue 3 p. 396-397 Book review Coupled Dynamics in Soil: Experimental and Numerical Studies of Energy, Momentum and Mass Transfer - edited by Zeng, Y G. P. Matthews, G. P. MatthewsSearch for more papers by this author G. P. Matthews, G. P. MatthewsSearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 March 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12131Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume65, Issue3May 2014Pages 396-397 RelatedInformation

Triazole‐Tailored Guanosine Dinucleosides as Biomimetic Ion Channels to Modulate Transmembrane Potential

A “click” ion channel platform has been established by employing a clickable guanosine azide or alkyne with covalent spacers. The resulting guanosine derivatives modulated the traffic of ions across the phospholipid bilayer, exhibiting a variation in conductance spanning three orders of magnitude (pS to nS). Förster resonance energy transfer studies of the dansyl fluorophore with the membrane binding fluorophore Nile red revealed that the dansyl fluorophore is deeply embedded in the phospholipid bilayer. Complementary cytosine can inhibit the conductance of the supramolecular guanosine channels in the phospholipid bilayers.

Luminescence, energy transfer and color perception studies of Na3Gd(PO4)2:Dy3+:Tm3+ phosphors

The white-light-emitting Na3Gd(PO4)2:Dy3+:Tm3+ phosphors were prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction, luminescence excitation, emission, and decay measurements were performed. Upon Gd3+8S7/2→6IJ (275nm) excitation, the phosphors emit intense blue and yellow luminescence originating from the Dy3+4F9/2→6H15/2 and Dy3+4F9/2→6H13/2 transitions together with the Gd3+6P7/2→8S7/2 transition at 313nm. The excitation of Tm3+ ions by 352nm radiation results also in efficient yellow and blue luminescence. The luminescence enhancement of Dy3+ in the presence of Tm3+ is discussed. The energy transfer process of the Tm3+–Dy3+ system is also explored. This study includes the color perception analysis of synthesized phosphors. The pure white-light is observed with Na3Gd(PO4)2:1%Dy3+:1%Tm3+ and is a promising material for white-lighting applications.

Study of energy transfer between riboflavin (vitamin B2) and AgNPs

Here, we report the studies on the interaction and formation of nanobiocomplex between silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) and vitamin B2, i.e., riboflavin (RF). The binding study of AgNP to RF was studied by fluorescence, UV–Vis, and TEM techniques. AgNPs were prepared by reducing AgNO3 with trisodium citrate. Prepared nanoparticles size obtained at 20 nm having surface Plasmon resonance band at 426 nm. The absorbance band of RF at 264, 374, and 444 nm changes significantly in the presence of AgNPs suggests that there is change in the chemical environment surrounding AgNPs. A fluorescence spectral change for a solution of RF upon the addition of AgNPs and rapid quenching is suggestive of a rapid adsorption of RF on AgNPs.

Energy transfer studies of dye chromophores in modified zirconium phosphate framework

In this paper, a layered inorganic compound—modified zirconium phosphate was used as a framework to assemble fluorescein and rhodamine B dye chromophores. After the dye chromophores were bound to the layered framework, the evident energy transfer process from fluorescein (donor) to rhodamine B (acceptor) was observed, resulting in the dramatic luminescence enhancement for rhodamine B. Without the framework, such energy transfer was absent in aqueous solutions. The results manifest that the lamellar inorganic framework can provide suitable microenvironment to organize the dye chromophores in elaborate arrangements, and promote the intermolecular energy transfer. In addition, the fluorescent lifetime of the donor in different surroundings was analyzed, which further confirmed the energy transfer via a nonradiative process.

Thermoregulated Formation and Disintegration of Cationic Block Copolymer Vesicles: Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Study

Formation and disintegration of self-assembled nanostructures in response to external stimuli are important phenomena that have been widely explored for a variety of biomedical applications. In this contribution, we report the thermally triggered assembly of block copolymer molecules in aqueous solution to form vesicles (polymersomes) and their disassembly on reduction of temperature. A new thermoresponsive diblock copolymer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) poly((3-methacrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride) (PNIPA-b-PMAPTAC) was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer technique. The solution properties and self-assembling behavior of the block copolymer molecules were studied by turbidimetry, temperature-dependent proton nuclear magnetic resonance, fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies between coumarin-153 (C-153, donor) and rhodamine 6G (R6G, acceptor) have been performed by steady-state and picosecond-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to probe the structural and dynamic heterogeneity of the vesicles. The occurrence of efficient energy transfer was evident from the shortening of donor lifetime in the presence of the acceptor. The capability of the vesicles to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules and release them in response to decrease in temperature makes them potentially useful as drug delivery vehicles.