Heterobifunctional Cross-linker Research Articles

Ortho-Methoxyphenols as Convenient Oxidative Bioconjugation Reagents with Application to Site-Selective Heterobifunctional Cross-Linkers.

The synthesis of complex protein-based bioconjugates has been facilitated greatly by recent developments in chemoselective methods for biomolecular modification. The oxidative coupling of o-aminophenols or catechols with aniline functional groups is chemoselective, mild, and rapid; however, the oxidatively sensitive nature of the electron-rich aromatics and the paucity of commercial sources pose some obstacles to the general use of these reactive strategies. Herein, we identify o-methoxyphenols as air-stable, commercially available derivatives that undergo efficient oxidative couplings with anilines in the presence of periodate as oxidant. Mechanistic considerations informed the development of a preoxidation protocol that can greatly reduce the amount of periodate necessary for effective coupling. The stability and versatility of these reagents was demonstrated through the synthesis of complex protein-protein bioconjugates using a site-selective heterobifunctional cross-linker comprising both o-methoxyphenol and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde moieties. This compound was used to link epidermal growth factor to genome-free MS2 viral capsids, affording nanoscale delivery vectors that can target a variety of cancer cell types.

Influence of mixed organosilane coatings with variable RGD surface densities on the adhesion and proliferation of human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells to magnesium alloy AZ31

In the last decade, the use of magnesium and its alloys as biodegradable implant materials has become increasingly accepted. However, surface modification of these materials to control the degradation rate in the early stages of healing and improve their biocompatibility is crucial to the successful implementation of magnesium alloy implants in medicine. Cell adhesion and proliferation at the implant surface is a vital factor for successful integration of a biomaterial within the body. Cells accomplish this task by binding to ligands such as the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide sequence (RGD) commonly found on adhesive proteins present in the extracellular matrix. In this paper, we report a biomimetic surface modification strategy involving deposition of a mixed organosilane layer on Mg AZ31 followed by covalent immobilization of RGD peptides through a heterobifunctional cross-linker molecule. Our results indicate that with optimized deposition conditions uniform organosilane coatings were successfully deposited on the Mg AZ31 substrate. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the surface density of immobilized RGD can be varied by depositing organosilane layers from solutions containing two different organosilanes in specified ratios. Increases in cell adhesion and cell proliferation were observed on the surface modified substrates.

Feasibility Study Exploring the Potential of Novel Battacin Lipopeptides as Antimicrobial Coatings.

Colonization of medical implant surfaces by pathogenic microorganisms causes implant failure and undermines their clinical applicability. Alarming increase in multidrug-resistant bacteria poses serious concerns with the use of medical implants. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that form part of the innate immune system in all forms of life are attractive alternatives to conventional antibiotics to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial biofilms. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro antibacterial potency of our recently discovered lipopeptides from the battacin family upon immobilization to various surfaces. To achieve this, glass, silicon, and titanium surfaces were functionalized through silanization followed by addition of the heterobifunctional cross-linker, succinimidyl-[N-maleimidopropionamido]-poly(ethylene glycol) ester to generate maleimide-functionalized surfaces. The lipopeptide, GZ3.27, with an added N-terminal cysteine was covalently coupled to the surfaces via a thioether bond through a Michael-type addition between the cysteine sulfhydryl group and the maleimide moiety. Success of surface immobilization and antimicrobial activity of the coated surfaces was assessed using water contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, scanning electron microscopy, colony forming unit assays and biofilm analysis. The lipopeptide-coated surfaces caused significant damage to the cellular envelop of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) upon contact and prevented surface colonization by P. aeruginosa and E. coli biofilms. The lipopeptides investigated in this study were not hemolytic to mouse blood cells in solution. Findings from this study indicate that these lipopeptides have the potential to be developed as promising antimicrobial coatings on medical implants.

A New Heterobifunctional Cross-linker Based on an “Introverted” Acid: Mass Spectrometric and Bioinformatics Studies, Analysis of Intermolecular Crosslinking of Proteins

A new NHS-aryl azido heterobifunctional cross-linker based on an “introverted” carboxylic acid has been used to bring about successful intermolecular cross-linking. As a ‘proof-of-concept’ Lysozyme was incubated with the crosslinker, then photolysed (366 nm, 6 W UV lamp), subjected to SDS-PAGE, excision of the ‘dimer’, trypsin digested and analyzed by ESI-MS and StavroX 3.6.0.1. Previous studies on crosslinking of Lysozyme (SI-I and SIII) using homobifunctional cross-linkers, either no cross-linking was observed or only two crosslinks were detected in the case of BS3, a smaller cross-linker. The heterobifunctional cross-linker described here leads to many more crosslinks, which have been identified by using mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and StavroX 3.6.0.1, a bioinformatics software, especially suited for identifying intermolecular crosslinking.

Structural investigation of cyclo-dioxo maleimide cross-linkers for acid and serum stability.

The biochemical characteristics of hetero-bifunctional cross-linkers used in bioconjugates are of essential importance to the desired features of the final adduct (i.e. antibody-drug conjugates). These include stability in biological media, chemical and biological reactivities, cleavability under defined conditions, and solubility. In our previous work, we introduced a new amino-to-thiol linker, maleimidomethyl dioxane (MD), as an alternative to classical maleimide conjugation, with increased hydrophilicity and serum stability due to succinimidyl ring-opening. In this work, we investigate the generality of linkers containing a dioxo-ring with regard to their ability to self-hydrolyze and their surprising stability at a low pH. We synthesized four FRET probes which allowed us to address the stability of the dioxo-ring and to study the maleimide ring-opening and the thiol-exchange processes by means of detecting and measuring the generation of fluorescence. It was found that the ring expansion (from a 5- to a 6-membered ring) improved the stability of the probes in aqueous media, and the increase of the chain length between the dioxo-ring and the succinimide ring (from methylene to ethylene) decreased the rate of succinimidyl ring-opening.

Light-Activated Triazabutadienes for the Modification of a Viral Surface.

Chemical crosslinking is a versatile tool for the examination of biochemical interactions, in particular host-pathogen interactions. We report the critical first step toward the goal of probing these interactions by the synthesis and use of a new heterobifunctional crosslinker containing a triazabutadiene scaffold. The triazabutadiene is stable to protein conjugation and liberates a reactive aryl diazonium species upon irradiation with 350 nm light. We highlight the use of this technology by modifying the surface of several proteins, including the dengue virus envelope protein.

Phenylboronic acid-functionalized polyamidoamine-mediated Bcl-2 siRNA delivery for inhibiting the cell proliferation

In this study, the conjugation of phenylboronic acid (PBA) to amine-terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) was successfully conducted to prepare a tumor-targeted gene carrier PBA-functionalized PAMAM (PPP) for Bcl-2 siRNA delivery, using a heterobifunctional crosslinker NHS-PEG5k-Mal. The carrier possessed favorable capacity for siRNA condensation and could protect siRNA from the degradation against RNase and serum. The introduction of PBA could facilitate the cellular uptake and further transfection of Bcl-2 siRNA demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, PPP-mediated transfection of Bcl-2 siRNA could significantly inhibit the expression of Bcl-2 gene at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, owing to the knock-down of Bcl-2, PPP/siRNA could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation by inducing the cell apoptosis, and also enhance the antitumor efficiency of doxorubicin by suppressing the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics. In conclusion, the PPP-mediated Bcl-2 siRNA delivery could potentially be an effective platform for solving the drug resistance and further achieving the combined chemotherapy and gene therapy in tumor treatment.

A Nanoparticle Platform To Evaluate Bioconjugation and Receptor-Mediated Cell Uptake Using Cross-Linked Polyion Complex Micelles Bearing Antibody Fragments.

Targeted nanomedicines are a promising technology for treatment of disease; however, preparation and characterization of well-defined protein-nanoparticle systems remain challenging. Here, we describe a platform technology to prepare antibody binding fragment (Fab)-bearing nanoparticles and an accompanying real-time cell-based assay to determine their cellular uptake compared to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and Fabs. The nanoparticle platform was composed of core-cross-linked polyion complex (PIC) micelles prepared from azide-functionalized PEG-b-poly(amino acids), that is, azido-PEG-b-poly(l-lysine) [N3-PEG-b-PLL] and azido-PEG-b-poly(aspartic acid) [N3-PEG-b-PAsp]. These PIC micelles were 30 nm in size and contained approximately 10 polymers per construct. Fabs were derived from an antibody binding the EphA2 receptor expressed on cancer cells and further engineered to contain a reactive cysteine for site-specific attachment and a cleavable His tag for purification from cell culture expression systems. Azide-functionalized micelles and thiol-containing Fab were linked using a heterobifunctional cross-linker (FPM-PEG4-DBCO) that contained a fluorophenyl-maleimide for stable conjugation to Fabs thiols and a strained alkyne (DBCO) group for coupling to micelle azide groups. Analysis of Fab-PIC micelle conjugates by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and UV-vis absorbance determined that each nanoparticle contained 2-3 Fabs. Evaluation of cellular uptake in receptor positive cancer cells by real-time fluorescence microscopy revealed that targeted Fab-PIC micelles achieved higher cell uptake than mAbs and Fabs, demonstrating the utility of this approach to identify targeted nanoparticle constructs with unique cellular internalization properties.

Serum Albumin Domain Structures in Human Blood Serum by Mass Spectrometry and Computational Biology

Chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry has proven useful for studying protein-protein interactions and protein structure, however the low density of cross-link data has so far precluded its use in determining structures de novo. Cross-linking density has been typically limited by the chemical selectivity of the standard cross-linking reagents that are commonly used for protein cross-linking. We have implemented the use of a heterobifunctional cross-linking reagent, sulfosuccinimidyl 4,4′-azipentanoate (sulfo-SDA), combining a traditional sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide (sulfo-NHS) ester and a UV photoactivatable diazirine group. This diazirine yields a highly reactive and promiscuous carbene species, the net result being a greatly increased number of cross-links compared with homobifunctional, NHS-based cross-linkers. We present a novel methodology that combines the use of this high density photo-cross-linking data with conformational space search to investigate the structure of human serum albumin domains, from purified samples, and in its native environment, human blood serum. Our approach is able to determine human serum albumin domain structures with good accuracy: root-mean-square deviation to crystal structure are 2.8/5.6/2.9 Å (purified samples) and 4.5/5.9/4.8Å (serum samples) for domains A/B/C for the first selected structure; 2.5/4.9/2.9 Å (purified samples) and 3.5/5.2/3.8 Å (serum samples) for the best out of top five selected structures. Our proof-of-concept study on human serum albumin demonstrates initial potential of our approach for determining the structures of more proteins in the complex biological contexts in which they function and which they may require for correct folding. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001692.

Compact quantum dot–antibody conjugates for FRET immunoassays with subnanomolar detection limits

A novel two-step approach for quantum dot (QD) functionalization and bioconjugation is presented, which yields ultra-compact, stable, and highly luminescent antibody-QD conjugates suitable for use in FRET immunoassays. Hydrophobic InPZnS/ZnSe/ZnS (emission wavelength: 530 nm), CdSe/ZnS (605 nm), and CdSeTe/ZnS (705 nm) QDs were surface functionalized with zwitterionic penicillamine, enabling aqueous phase transfer under conservation of the photoluminescence properties. Post-functionalization with a heterobifunctional crosslinker, containing a lipoic acid group and a maleimide function, enabled the subsequent coupling to sulfhydryl groups of proteins. This was demonstrated by QD conjugation with fragmented antibodies (F(ab)). The obtained F(ab)-QD conjugates range among the smallest antibody-functionalized nanoprobes ever reported, with a hydrodynamic diameter <13 nm, PL quantum yield up to 66% at 705 nm, and colloidal stability of several months in various buffers. They were applied as FRET acceptors in homogeneous, time-gated immunoassays using Tb-antibodies as FRET donors, both coupled by an immunological sandwich complex between the two antibodies and a PSA (prostate specific antigen) biomarker. The advantages of the compact surface coating for FRET could be demonstrated by an 6.2 and 2.5 fold improvement of the limit of detection (LOD) for PSA compared to commercially available hydrophilic QDs emitting at 605 and 705 nm, respectively. While the commercial QDs contain identical inorganic cores responsible for their fluorescence, they are coated with a comparably thick amphiphilic polymer layer leading to much larger hydrodynamic diameters (>26 nm without biomolecules). The LODs of 0.8 and 3.7 ng mL(-1) obtained in 50 μL serum samples are below the clinical cut-off level of PSA (4 ng mL(-1)) and demonstrate their direct applicability in clinical diagnostics.

Effects of modified PEG scaffold-immobilized vascular endothelial growth factor C and chondromodulin-1 on endothelial cells

Event Abstract Back to Event Effects of modified PEG scaffold-immobilized vascular endothelial growth factor C and chondromodulin-1 on endothelial cells Daniel Foyt1 and Roche Deguzman1 1 Hofstra University, Bioengineering Program, School of Engineering, United States Introduction: Poor vascular integration is one of the limiting factors in the development and functionalization of tissue-engineered products. In pursuit of a solution to this, we investigated different methods to potentially sustain and induce blood vessel and capillary growth into polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based gels and scaffolds. By incorporating cell-binding peptides, growth factors, and physical network features, PEG can become a bioactive platform facilitating cell adhesion, infiltration, and colonization. Materials and Methods: PEG-based gels were polymerized via reaction of PEG diacrylate (PEGDA), ammonium persulfate, and TEMED. Scaffolds were made by freezing of gels followed by lyophilization. Plasticizers were also incorporated with the PEG network to improve handling, gel mechanical properties, and protein absorption capacity. Growth factors: vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and chondromodulin-1 (Chm-1) were separately attached and thiolated using sulfosuccinimidyl 6-[3´(2-pyridyldithio)-propionamido] hexanoate (Sulfo-LC-SPDP) heterobifunctional crosslinker. These growth factors and adhesion peptides containing cysteine residues: RGD-C and REDV-C were covalently-linked to PEG through the thiol-ene reaction. PEG constructs were thoroughly rinsed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), then equilibrated with the culture medium. Human primary endothelial cells (hECs) were seeded onto gels and scaffolds and cultured at 37°C. Cells were viewed and counted daily under an inverted microscope. Live/Dead assay was performed after 1 week of culture and hECs tested for maintenance of endothelial cell markers. Results and Discussion: VEGF-C (Fig. 1) and Chm-1 were immobilized into the PEG network which provided minimal PBS medium release over time. PEG samples with VEGF-C, an inducer of lymphangiogenesis, promoted more hECs attachment and viability compared to those without the growth factor. There were more surviving cells on the scaffold structures than on gels, possibly due to increased porosity and culture medium protein adsorption leading indirect cell attachment. The presence of Chm-1, conversely, inhibited hECs cultured onto the PEG substrates. This suppression effect may be a key step in the Chm-1 bioactivity of inducing chondrocyte differentiation. Conclusion: Physical and biochemical alterations of PEG enabled endothelial cell attachment which was further enhanced by VEGF-C but downregulated by Chm-1. Subcutaneous implantation experiments are underway and may provide relevant data on angiogenesis and host-tissue integration for the development of vascular and avascular bioengineered scaffolds. Keywords: Tissue Engineering, biomaterial, growth factor, 3D scaffold Conference: 10th World Biomaterials Congress, Montréal, Canada, 17 May - 22 May, 2016. Presentation Type: Poster Topic: Biomaterials in vascularization Citation: Foyt D and Deguzman R (2016). Effects of modified PEG scaffold-immobilized vascular endothelial growth factor C and chondromodulin-1 on endothelial cells. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. Conference Abstract: 10th World Biomaterials Congress. doi: 10.3389/conf.FBIOE.2016.01.00993 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 27 Mar 2016; Published Online: 30 Mar 2016. Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Daniel Foyt Roche Deguzman Google Daniel Foyt Roche Deguzman Google Scholar Daniel Foyt Roche Deguzman PubMed Daniel Foyt Roche Deguzman Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Chemical Cross-Linking Stabilizes Native-Like HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Trimer Antigens.

ABSTRACTMajor neutralizing antibody immune evasion strategies of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer include conformational and structural instability. Stabilized soluble trimers such as BG505 SOSIP.664 mimic the structure of virion-associated Env but nevertheless sample different conformational states. Here we demonstrate that treating BG505 SOSIP.664 trimers with glutaraldehyde or a heterobifunctional cross-linker introduces additional stability with relatively modest effects on antigenicity. Thus, most broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) epitopes were preserved after cross-linking, whereas the binding of most weakly or nonneutralizing antibodies (non-NAb) was reduced. Cross-linking stabilized all Env conformers present within a mixed population, and individual conformers could be isolated by bNAb affinity chromatography. Both positive selection of cross-linked conformers using the quaternary epitope-specific bNAbs PGT145, PGT151, and 3BC315 and negative selection with non-NAbs against the V3 region enriched for trimer populations with improved antigenicity for bNAbs. Similar results were obtained using the clade B B41 SOSIP.664 trimer. The cross-linking method may, therefore, be useful for countering the natural conformational heterogeneity of some HIV-1 Env proteins and, by extrapolation, also vaccine immunogens from other pathogens.IMPORTANCE The development of a vaccine to induce protective antibodies against HIV-1 is of primary public health importance. Recent advances in immunogen design have provided soluble recombinant envelope glycoprotein trimers with near-native morphology and antigenicity. However, these trimers are conformationally flexible, potentially reducing B-cell recognition of neutralizing antibody epitopes. Here we show that chemical cross-linking increases trimer stability, reducing binding of nonneutralizing antibodies while largely maintaining neutralizing antibody binding. Cross-linking followed by positive or negative antibody affinity selection of individual stable conformational variants further improved the antigenic and morphological characteristics of the trimers. This approach may be generally applicable to HIV-1 Env and also to other conformationally flexible pathogen antigens.

Potent antigen-specific immune response induced by infusion of spleen cells coupled with succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl cyclohexane)-1-carboxylate (SMCC) conjugated antigens

In the present study, we report our recently developed new approach to inducing antigen-specific immune response. We use two nucleophilic substitution “click” chemistry processes to successfully couple protein antigens or peptides to mouse spleen cells or T cells by a heterobifunctional crosslinker, succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl cyclohexane)-1-carboxylate (SMCC) or sulfo-SMCC. SMCC and its water-soluble analog sulfo-SMCC contain N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester and maleimide groups, which allow stable covalent conjugation of amine- and sulfhydryl-containing molecules in trans. Protein coupling to cells relies on the free sulfhydryls (thiols) on cell surfaces and the free amines on protein antigens. Although the amount of protein coupled to cells is limited due to the limited number of cell surface thiols, the injection of spleen cells coupled with antigenic proteins, such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or ovalbumin (OVA), induces a potent antigen-specific immune response in vivo, which is even stronger than that induced by the injection of a large dose of protein plus adjuvants. In addition, short peptides coupled to purified splenic T cells also potently elicit peptide-specific T cell proliferation in vivo after injection. Further studies show that antigen-coupled spleen cell treatment leads to augmented IFN-γ-producing T cells. Our study provides a unique antigen delivery method that efficiently distributes antigen to the entire immune system, subsequently eliciting a potent antigen-specific immune response with enhanced IFN-γ production. The findings in the present study suggest that this antigen-cell coupling strategy could be employed in immunotherapy for cancers, infectious diseases as well as immune-mediated disorders.

Modification of poly(l-lactic acid) electrospun fibers and films with poly(propylene imine) dendrimer

Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) electrospun fibers and films were modified with the second generation of poly(propylene imine) dendrimer (PPI-G2) by three different approaches, namely, sodium hydroxide hydrolysis, plasma treatment and direct application of PPI-G2. For the first and the second approaches, PLLA was modified by sodium hydroxide hydrolysis or plasma treatment to produce carboxylic acid groups. Then, the carboxylic acid groups were activated by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDAC) and N,N′-dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) as a hetero bi-functional cross-linker. The cross-linkers promoted the grafting of carboxylic acid groups on the modified PLLA with NH2 groups of PPI-G2. In the third approach, the PPI-G2 dendrimer was directly used as an aminolysis agent for the functionalization of PLLA in a one step process. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of NH2 groups of PPI-G2 on the modified PLLA samples, resulting from each one of the three modification methods. Studies by SEM shows bead free electrospun fibers. Also, FE-SEM shows nano-cracks on the surface of films after modification. Contact angle, drug release tests, antibacterial effects and the dying results confirmed that these functionalization methods increased hydrophilicity and reactive side-chains of PLLA in the wet chemical process resulted in providing host–guest properties on the PLLA surface for adsorbing various kinds of guest molecules.

Targeted cross-linking-mass spectrometry determines vicinal interactomes within heterogeneous RNP complexes

Proteomic and RNomic approaches have identified many components of different ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs), yet still little is known about the organization and protein proximities within these heterogeneous and highly dynamic complexes. Here we describe a targeted cross-linking approach, which combines cross-linking from a known anchor site with affinity purification and mass spectrometry (MS) to identify the changing vicinity interactomes along RNP maturation pathways. Our method confines the reaction radius of a heterobifunctional cross-linker to a specific interaction surface, increasing the probability to capture low abundance conformations and transient vicinal interactors too infrequent for identification by traditional cross-linking-MS approaches, and determine protein proximities within RNPs. Applying the method to two conserved RNA-associated complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisae, the mRNA export receptor Mex67:Mtr2 and the pre-ribosomal Nop7 subcomplex, we identified dynamic vicinal interactomes within those complexes and along their changing pathway milieu. Our results therefore show that this method provides a new tool to study the changing spatial organization of heterogeneous dynamic RNP complexes.

T–T mismatch-driven biosensor using triple functional DNA-protein conjugates for facile detection of Hg2+

We report herein a T–T mismatch-driven biosensor using triple functional DNA-protein conjugates for facile detection of mercury ions (Hg2+) based on evanescent wave fluorescence excitation. Fluorescein-labeled DNA strands and streptavidin molecules were conjugated using heterobifunctional crosslinkers, and the obtained conjugates were named as “Hg2+ dependent conjugates, HDCs”. Initially hybridized with quencher-labeled DNA (Q-DNA) strands, HDCs showed low evanescent wave-induced fluorescence emission signals; however, in the presence of Hg2+, the DNA moieties of HDCs tended to form hairpin structures stabilized by T–T mismatches, releasing Q-DNA strands, which was accompanied by increases in the fluorescent signals. The novel detection strategy enables the fluorescent detection of mercury ions with high specificity and a low detection limit of 1.06nM in a facile way.

Comprehensive Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry Reveals Parallel Orientation and Flexible Conformations of Plant HOP2-MND1.

The HOP2-MND1 heterodimer is essential for meiotic homologous recombination in plants and other eukaryotes and promotes the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. We investigated the conformational flexibility of HOP2-MND1, important for understanding the mechanistic details of the heterodimer, with chemical cross-linking in combination with mass spectrometry (XL-MS). The final XL-MS workflow encompassed the use of complementary cross-linkers, quenching, digestion, size exclusion enrichment, and HCD-based LC-MS/MS detection prior to data evaluation. We applied two different homobifunctional amine-reactive cross-linkers (DSS and BS(2)G) and one zero-length heterobifunctional cross-linker (EDC). Cross-linked peptides of four biological replicates were analyzed prior to 3D structure prediction by protein threading and protein-protein docking for cross-link-guided molecular modeling. Miniaturization of the size-exclusion enrichment step reduced the required starting material, led to a high amount of cross-linked peptides, and allowed the analysis of replicates. The major interaction site of HOP2-MND1 was identified in the central coiled-coil domains, and an open colinear parallel arrangement of HOP2 and MND1 within the complex was predicted. Moreover, flexibility of the C-terminal capping helices of both complex partners was observed, suggesting the coexistence of a closed complex conformation in solution.

Gradient Porous Elastic Hydrogels with Shape‐Memory Property and Anisotropic Responses for Programmable Locomotion

Programmable locomotion of responsive hydrogels has gained increasing attention for potential applications in soft robotics, microfluidic components, actuators, and artificial muscle. Modulation of hydrogel pore structures is essential for tailoring their mechanical strength, response speeds, and motion behaviors. Conventional methods forming hydrogels with homogeneous or stepwise‐distributed pore structures are limited by the required compromise to simultaneously optimize these aspects. Here, a heterobifunctional crosslinker enabled hydrothermal process is introduced to synthesize responsive hydrogels with well‐defined gradient pore construction. According to gradient porosity controls, the hydrogels simultaneously exhibit rapid responses to external stimuli, high elasticity/compressibility, and programmable locomotion capability. By incorporating polypyrrole nanoparticles as photothermal transducers, photo/thermal responsive composite hydrogels are formed to enable programmable control of locomotion such as bending, curving, twisting, and octopus‐like swimming under near‐infrared laser stimulation. The tunable pore structures, mechanical properties, and locomotion of this new class of materials make these gradient porous hydrogels potentially suitable for a variety of applications.

Surface functionalization allowing repetitive use of optical sensors for real-time detection of antibody-bacteria interaction.

In this study, sensor surface functionalization allowing the repetitive use of a sensing device was evaluated for antibody-based detection of living bacteria using an optical planar Bragg grating sensor. To achieve regenerable immobilization of bacteria specific antibodies, the heterobifunctional cross-linker N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) was linked to an aminosilanized sensor surface and subsequently reduced to expose sulfhydryl groups enabling the covalent conjugation of SPDP-activated antibodies via disulfide bonds. The immobilization of a capture antibody specific for Staphylococcus aureus on the sensor surface as well as specific binding of S.aureus could be monitored, highlighting the applicability of optical sensors for the specific detection of large biological structures. Reusability of bacteria saturated sensors was successfully demonstrated by cleaving the antibody along with bound bacteria through reduction of disulfide bonds and subsequent re-functionalization with activated antibody, resulting in comparable sensitivity towards S.aureus.

Delivery of PUMA Apoptosis Gene Using Polyethyleneimine-SMCC-TAT/DNA Nanoparticles: Biophysical Characterization and In Vitro Transfection Into Malignant Melanoma Cells.

A synthesized PEI-based gene delivery system, wherein PEI was crosslinked with sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC) conjugating trans-activating transcriptional activator (TAT), yielding PEI-SMCC-TAT (PST), a novel non-viral vector for apoptosis-related gene PUMA (p53 up regulated modulator of apoptosis), was designed and evaluated. Sulfo-SMCC is a commonly used heterobifunctional crosslinker and is soluble in water, making the crosslinking easier without organic reagent like DMSO or chloroform. The PST/pDNA nanoparticles were 171.9 nm at the optimal N/P ratio (50:1). DNA complexes of all the PST conjugation had much lower toxicity and exhibited enhancement in transfection efficiency in comparison with single PEI vector. The results also showed that the transfection efficiency of PST/pEGFP nanoparticles into malignant melanoma A375 cell increased, and PST carrying PUMA gene induced the apoptosis of A375 cells. It was suggested that PST could be a promising melanoma tumor-targeting nanovector, and have a good potential in clinical application.