Large Molecular Weight Research Articles

Synchronously strengthening and plasticizing of unsaturated polyester resin based on styrene-maleic anhydride oligomer

To synchronously strength and plasticize unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), maleic anhydride were directly added in the unsaturated polyester resin solution and form the styrene-maleic anhydride oligomer (SMAO) without initiation. The creating SMAO cross link with UPR by curing reaction, and the prepared UPR resin exhibit higher tensile, elongation, bending strength and higher impact strength simultaneously, 0.45, 0.36, 0.76 and 0.12 times than UPR matrix, SMAO-UPR exhibits obvious plastic fracture characteristics; The DSC result indicates that the curing degree of SMAO-UPR is 96.55% which is 1.45% lower than that of UPR; The TG result indicates that MA and St mainly form an alternating copolymer below 90°C. The SEM and DMA result indicates that SMAO improves the morphology and structure which shows plastic deformation of UPR, and there is a certain interface effect between SMAO and UPR. Compared with the traditional method of large molecular weight SMA modified UPR, this method of reinforcing UPR is better for mechanical property, easy to operate, inexpensive, and highly applicable in industrial production.

Identification of potential antigenic proteins and epitopes for the development of a monkeypox virus vaccine: an in silico approach.

Virus assembly, budding, or surface proteins play important roles such as viral attachment to cells, fusion, and entry into cells. The present study aimed to identify potential antigenic proteins and epitopes that could be used to develop a vaccine or diagnostic assay against the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) which may cause a potential epidemic. To do this, 39 MPXV proteins (including assembly, budding, and surface proteins) were analyzed using an in silico approach. Of these 39 proteins, the F5L virus protein was found to be the best vaccine candidate due to its signal peptide properties, negative GRAVY value, low transmembrane helix content, moderate aliphatic index, large molecular weight, long-estimated half-life, beta wrap motifs, and being stable, soluble, and containing non-allergic features. Moreover, the F5L protein exhibited alpha-helical secondary structures, making it a potential "structural antigen" recognized by antibodies. The other viral protein candidates were A9 and A43, but A9 lacked beta wrap motifs, while A43 had a positive GRAVY value and was insoluble. These two proteins were not as suitable candidates as the F5L protein. The KRVNISLTCL epitope from the F5L protein demonstrated the highest antigen score (2.4684) for MHC-I, while the GRFGYVPYVGYKCI epitope from the A9 protein exhibited the highest antigenicity (1.754) for MHC-II. Both epitopes met the criteria for high antigenicity, non-toxicity, solubility, non-allergenicity, and the presence of cleavage sites. Molecular docking and dynamics (MD) simulations further validated their potential, revealing stable and energetically favorable interactions with MHC molecules. The immunogenicity assessment showed that GRFGYVPYVGYKCI could strongly induce immune responses through both IFN-γ and IL-4 pathways, suggesting its capacity to provoke a balanced Th1 and Th2 response. In contrast, KRVNISLTCL exhibited limited immunostimulatory potential. Overall, these findings lay the groundwork for future vaccine development, indicating that F5L, particularly the GRFGYVPYVGYKCI epitope, may serve as an effective candidate for peptide-based vaccine design against MPXV.

Polysaccharides from Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (DBZP) alleviates rheumatoid arthritis through ameliorating gut microbiota

Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (Dianbaizhu) is a traditional Chinese herb for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its macromolecular components have always been overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and effect on improving RA of polysaccharides from Dianbaizhu (DBZP). The results showed the yield of DBZP was 4.07 % ± 0.03 %, and it was composed of Mannose (6.63 %), ribose (1.33 %), rhamnose (4.53 %), glucuronic acid (2.95 %), galacturonic acid (32.29 %), glucose (13.78 %), galactose (22.97 %), xylose (3.94 %) and arabinose (11.59 %), with a large molecular weight distribution range. DBZP treatment could reduce the paws thickness and arthritis scores of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, and improve inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, bone erosion, and deterioration. The abundance of several specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Mucispirillum, and Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and some metabolites in feces or urine, such as 11beta-hydroxytestosterone, pregnanediol 3-O-glucuronide, p-cresol sulfate and several amino acids and peptides, was also altered. The process of DBZP alleviating RA through gut microbiota involves affecting the digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and protein, altering sex hormones levels, and regulating intestinal immune function, such as the differentiation and signaling of Th17 cells. These findings suggest that DBZP possesses a protective effect on CIA in mice via modulating gut microbiota.

The effects of different extraction methods on the structure and antioxidant properties of Bletilla striata polysaccharide

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) is one of the main active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Bletilla striata (Thunb) Richb.f and the extraction method of BSP has a significant impact on its properties. This study investigated the effects of four extraction methods, namely hot water extraction, ultrasonic extraction, enzyme extraction, and microwave extraction, on the structure and antioxidant properties of BSP. Characterization results from FTIR and NMR showed that all four BSP consisted mainly of glucose and mannose, forming α-glycosidic and β-glycosidic linkages to form glucomannan. Hot water extraction had the lowest extraction rate of BSP at 21.78% ± 0.73%. The polysaccharide BSP-H obtained from hot water extraction had the smallest absolute Zeta potential and Grain size, but the largest molecular weight at 204 kDa. It exhibited the best thermal stability and superior antioxidant activity compared to polysaccharides extracted using the other three methods, as evaluated by three different antioxidant assays. Although the antioxidant activity of BSP-V was slightly weaker, it showed a significant improvement compared to the remaining two polysaccharides. These results suggest that hot water extraction is the most suitable method for large-scale application of BSP, preserving its activity effectively, thus facilitating practical production and product development.

Interactions between dissolved organic matter with different molecular weights and nonylphenol in surface water bodies

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) has a complex composition, which can interact with various pollutants and affect the removal of pollutants. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the interaction between the encccvironmental hormone nonylphenol (NP) and DOM is crucial for environmental impact and development. In this study, the interaction was investigated by means of excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and complex model analysis. The interaction between different MW DOM and NP was verified by the spectral characterization data. According to the characterization analysis, the main components of DOM in water samples were proteinoid (C1, C2, C4) with MW < 1 k Da, and their binding capacity (log Ka value) and binding site number (n) showed the maximum values (3.37, 3.24, 3.26; 0.81, 1.22, 0.52). For the humus like substance (C3) with larger molecular weight, the log Ka value and the number of binding points n increased with increasing molecular weight, and the maximum values were 3.13 and 0.31, respectively. It can be seen that low molecular weight proteins have strong binding ability and binding sites with NP, and high molecular weight humus also have strong binding ability. Overall, the interaction between DOM and NP has molecular weight dependence and heterogeneity. The purpose of this study is to deeply understand the interaction characteristics of different MW DOM with NP, and to provide theoretical support and reference for the study of the removal effects of NP pollutants.

Along the gut-bone marrow signaling pathway: use of longan polysaccharides to regenerate blood cells after chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression.

Although it has been established that polysaccharides have an effect on bone marrow haematopoiesis, it remains unclear how polysaccharides regulate bone marrow haematopoiesis during absorption and metabolism in vivo. In this study, the effect of a longan polysaccharide of large molecular weight (TLPL) on the gut microbiota of mice and its implications for the haematopoietic process in bone marrow was discussed. Here, the results show that after 21 days of TLPL consumption, the respective quantities of white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and bone marrow nucleated cells were determined to be 3.18 ± 1.71 (109 L-1), 1238.10 ± 164.41 (109 L-1), 135.10 ± 4.95 (g L-1), and 1.70 × 107, which reached 56.98%, 117.28%, and 47.74%, respectively, of the results for NC. TLPL both increased the thymus and spleen indexes by up to 2.08 ± 0.64 (mg g-1) and 6.49 ± 2.45 (mg g-1), respectively. Additionally, TLPL remodeled the gut microbiota with a significant increase in Lactobacillus in particular, and a significant increase in the level of the potential intestinal metabolite lactate was detected in the serum. Most importantly, a similarly significant up-regulation of the gene expression of the lactate receptor, Gpr81, in the myeloid cells was observed. These changes contributed to the activation of the secretion of various cytokines associated with haematopoiesis, with the levels of G-CSF, EPO, SCF and PF4 increased by 2.44 times, 1.14 times, 1.56 times and 1.13 times, respectively, compared to the MC group, which subsequently accelerated production of bone marrow cells and blood cells. The findings of this study reveal the unique mechanism of dried longan polysaccharides in ameliorating myelosuppression and provide a feasible strategy for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression with bioactive polysaccharides.

Structure‐Based Design of Bicyclic Helical Peptides That Target the Oncogene β‐Catenin

AbstractThe inhibition of intracellular protein‐protein interactions is challenging, in particular, when involved interfaces lack pronounced cavities. The transcriptional co‐activator protein and oncogene β‐catenin is a prime example of such a challenging target. Despite extensive targeting efforts, available high‐affinity binders comprise only large molecular weight inhibitors. This hampers the further development of therapeutically useful compounds. Herein, we report the design of a considerably smaller peptidomimetic scaffold derived from the α‐helical β‐catenin‐binding motif of Axin. Sequence maturation and bicyclization provided a stitched peptide with an unprecedented crosslink architecture. The binding mode and site were confirmed by a crystal structure. Further derivatization yielded a β‐catenin inhibitor with single‐digit micromolar activity in a cell‐based assay. This study sheds light on how to design helix mimetics with reduced molecular weight thereby improving their biological activity.

Evaluation of patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange in the pediatric intensive care unit and determining the factors affecting prognosis.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), an extracorporeal method targeting the removal of large molecular weight pathogens, is explored in this study for indications, complications, prognosis, safety, and effectiveness. The patients' data were collected retrospectively. Overall, 334 sessions of TPE were applied to 57 patients. Per the American Society for Apheresis classification, 24.6% of indications fell under Category I, 14% Category II, and 50.9% Category III. Sepsis-induced multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) emerged as the leading indication, correlating with elevated needs for mechanical ventilation (MV), increased failed organs, and heightened mortality. Patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy faced a 16.06 times higher mortality risk. Non-survivors exhibited higher comorbidity, prolonged MV, increased inotropic drug requirement, more failed organs, and a higher PRISM score. 33.2% of complications occurred, primarily catheter-related. Sepsis-induced MODS and extracorporeal modalities are associated with increased mortality in TPE patients, with comorbidities, ventilation, and PRISM scores potentially influencing outcomes.

Innovations in Nanoemulsion Technology: Enhancing Drug Delivery for Oral, Parenteral, and Ophthalmic Applications.

Nanoemulsions (NEs) are submicron-sized heterogeneous biphasic liquid systems stabilized by surfactants. They are physically transparent or translucent, optically isotropic, and kinetically stable, with droplet sizes ranging from 20 to 500 nm. Their unique properties, such as high surface area, small droplet size, enhanced bioavailability, excellent physical stability, and rapid digestibility, make them ideal for encapsulating various active substances. This review focuses on recent advancements, future prospects, and challenges in the field of NEs, particularly in oral, parenteral, and ophthalmic delivery. It also discusses recent clinical trials and patents. Different types of in vitro and in vivo NE characterization techniques are summarized. High-energy and low-energy preparation methods are briefly described with diagrams. Formulation considerations and commonly used excipients for oral, ocular, and ophthalmic drug delivery are presented. The review emphasizes the need for new functional excipients to improve the permeation of large molecular weight unstable proteins, oligonucleotides, and hydrophilic drugs to advance drug delivery rapidly.

Research on the types and toxicity of VOCs released from solvent-based inks in high temperature environment

ABSTRACT During the utilization, blending, transportation, and storage, a significant amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from inks, posing risks to both human health and the ecological environment. This study sought to identify the types and structures of VOCs released from four types of solvent-based inks (referred to as CAB, PVB, AKR, and Rs inks) in high-temperature settings and to assess the bioaccumulation factors, developmental toxicity, and acute toxicity of these released VOCs. The findings revealed that all tested inks released substantial amounts of VOCs in high-temperature environments. CAB and PVB inks released fewer types of VOCs with relatively smaller molecular weights, primarily with carboxylic acid groups and hydroxyl groups, while AKR and Rs inks released more types of VOCs with larger molecular weights, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Toxicity analysis indicated that although the primary VOCs released from CAB and PVB ink displayed some developmental toxicity, their bioaccumulation factors were below 100. The principal VOCs from AKR ink did not exhibit developmental toxicity. Conversely, the predominant VOCs from Rs ink not only demonstrated developmental toxicity but also had bioaccumulation factors exceeding 100. Additionally, the VOCs released from CAB, PVB, and AKR inks exhibited stronger acute toxicity to luminescent bacteria, while those from Rs ink showed greater acute toxicity to fish. These results offer a scientific foundation for the safe usage of inks and environmental conservation.

Effects of oxytocin receptor agonists on hair growth promotion

Oxytocin has various effects ranging from promoting labor in pregnant women to alleviating stress. Recently, we reported the hair growth-promoting effects of oxytocin in hair follicle organoids. However, its clinical application faces challenges such as rapid degradation in vivo and poor permeability due to its large molecular weight. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonists WAY267464 and LIT001 as alternatives to oxytocin on hair growth. Human dermal papilla (DP) cells were cultured in WAY267464 or LIT001-supplemented medium. The addition of WAY267464 and LIT001 increased the expression of hair growth-related genes in DP cells. We tested the hair growth-promoting effects of WAY267464 and LIT001 using hair follicle organoids in vitro and found that they significantly promoted hair follicle sprouting. Thus, our findings indicate that WAY267464 and LIT001 are potential hair growth agents and may encourage further research on the development of novel hair growth agents targeting OXTR in patients with alopecia.

Metabolomic analysis reveals the potential of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from sea cucumber in modulating metabolic homeostasis

In this study, we prepared four derivatives of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS): full-length FCS (flFCS) from Holothuria leucospilota, low molecular weight FCS (lmFCS) derived from flFCS, and their de-branched counterparts, de-branched flFCS (d-flFCS) and de-branched lmFCS (d-lmFCS) via controlled acid treatment. Following structural verification using various analytical techniques, we applied targeted metabolomics to examine the impact of FCS on nutritional efficacy and its structure-activity relationship. Analysis of 225 plasma and feces samples from 75 mice revealed a positive correlation between metabolomic shifts and increased weight gain, underscoring FCS’s potential to enhance nutrient absorption and promote growth. The observed linear relationship between the levels of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and feces suggests that FCS may facilitate catabolic activities in the gastrointestinal tract. The comparative study of different FCS derivatives on mouse growth and metabolic homeostasis regulation led to the conclusion that FCS exhibits greater biological activity with a higher degree of branching and larger molecular weight.

Interactions between nanobiochar and arsenic: Effects of biochar aging methods on arsenic binding capacity and mechanisms

Nano-biochar (nanoBC), produced from biochar aging, exhibits significant molecular heterogeneity that may affect the fate and toxicity of co-occurring pollutants. However, the interaction between nanoBC and arsenic (As) remains unclear. Herein, we simulated biochar aging through water erosion, photoaging, and thermal chemical decomposition to generate three types of nanoBC (nUBC, nPBC, and nHBC). We then investigated their distinct binding affinities and interaction mechanisms with arsenite (AsIII) and arsenate (AsV). Complementary analysis using optical spectrophotometer and high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed significant differences in properties and chemical compositions among the three nanoBCs at a size of 100 nm. Specifically, nHBC had higher yield, nPBC had higher aromaticity, and nUBC had more intricate molecular compositions and larger molecular weights. Binding experiments showed that nHBC and nUBC exhibited the highest conditional distribution coefficient (KD) for AsIII and AsV, respectively. In nHBC, a higher proportion of humic-like fluorescent component C3 enhanced its affinity for AsIII, attributed to lignin-like molecules with CHONS formulas where thiol acted as active binding sites. In contrast, the robust AsV binding capacity of nUBC stemmed from its richness in humic-like fluorescent component C1 and tryptophan-like fluorescent component C2. This is facilitated by lipid-like molecules and CHO formulas in C1 and aliphatic/peptide-like molecules and CHON formulas in C2, which provided oxygenic and nitrogen-containing groups for binding. All nanoBC had a significantly higher binding affinity for As than bulk BC. These findings provide a deeper understanding of As-nanoBC binding mechanisms at the molecular level, facilitating more accurate prediction of As fate in biochar-amended soil and associated ecosystem risks.

Enhanced high-temperature energy storage performances in polymer dielectrics by synergistically optimizing band-gap and polarization of dipolar glass

Polymer dielectrics play an irreplaceable role in electrostatic capacitors in modern electrical systems, and have been intensively studied with their polarization and breakdown strength (Eb) optimized for high discharged energy density (Ud) at elevated temperatures. Small molecules have been explored as fillers, yet they deteriorate thermal stability of matrix which limits their optimal loading to ~1 wt%. Herein, we develop a polymer blend dielectric consisting of common polyimide and a bifunctional dipolar glass polymer which are synthesized from two small molecule components with wide band-gap and large dipole moment. The bifunctional dipolar glass with large molecular weight not only maintains thermal stability of polymer blends even at a high loading of 10 wt%, but also induces substantial enhancement in polarization and Eb than any of individual components does, achieving an ultrahigh Ud of 8.34 J cm−3 (150 °C) and 6.21 J cm−3 (200 °C) with a charge-discharge efficiency of 90%.

7337 High Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Due To Immunoassay Interference

Abstract Disclosure: V.A. Mendpara: None. A.J. McShane: None. L.Z. Khan: None. Background: PTH levels are not always accurate. This case illustrates immunoassay interference in a female with markedly abnormal PTH values. Understanding immunoassay interference in diverse hormonal assessments can prevent diagnostic inaccuracies. Clinical Case: A 63-year-old female with osteopenia underwent serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing as part of a thorough bone evaluation. The initial PTH level revealed an abnormal level of 4008 pg/mL (normal range: 15 to 65 pg/mL). The follow-up PTH level with the same assay continued to result in elevated values of &amp;gt;5000 pg/mL. The medication list was negative for biotin use, which is a well-known interfering substance in the PTH assay. Clinical evaluation was negative for hyperparathyroidism symptoms, and thyroid/parathyroid ultrasound was normal, as were serum levels of phosphate, vitamin D, and calcium. No PTH values had been checked for patients in the past after an extensive review of prior records. The initial PTH testing used the Roche Elecsys PTH STAT assay. To investigate a potential immunoassay interference, the following studies were performed: First, the sample was diluted with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to precipitate large molecular weight proteins; second, the sample was treated with a commercial heterophilic blocking reagent (Scantibodies Laboratory); and lastly, the sample was assayed utilizing a different PTH vendor (Siemens Atellica, chemiluminescent immunoassay). The PEG and heterophilic blocking treatments resulted in significantly lower PTH concentrations of 895.6 and 40.7 pg/mL, respectively. We do not anticipate a change in PTH levels in samples supplemented with blocking reagents or PEG without interference. The result from Siemens’ assay was markedly lower at 43.4 pg/mL. Both the Siemens and Roche assays employ mouse antibodies; however, the antibodies are proprietary between the vendors. This results in potentially different anti-mouse antibody epitope targets. Due to a history of advanced ovarian cancer, the patient was taking Oregovomab, a murine monoclonal antibody, as therapy for her advanced disease. It is unclear if this medication resulted in assay interference, but it is possible. Discussion: In summary, the discrepancy in PTH assay results highlights the need to consider immunoassay interference, particularly in patients with a history of cancer on immunotherapy agents. Our case highlights the importance of the clinician’s review of medications when assessing patients. While prior PTH assays were not conducted before the patient started Oregovomab, the potential development of interfering antibodies warrants consideration. Clinicians should be vigilant for atypical results and collaborate closely with laboratory professionals, as detecting interfering substances can result in misdiagnosis. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Effect of chitosan oligosaccharides with different molecular weight in alleviating textural deterioration of chicken myofibrillar protein gel with high-temperature treatment

The molecular weight (MW) of oligosaccharides on gel properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) at high temperature remains unclear. In this study, it was found that chitosan oligosaccharides (CO) with different MW all significantly alleviated the textural deterioration of MP gel with high-temperature treatment. Moreover, MP-CO gel with the largest MW had the highest breaking force and the lowest cooking loss. Low-field NMR results further indicated that MP-CO gel with larger MW of CO had gradually increased relaxation rate, thus binding water more tightly. Rheological and microrheological tests suggested the addition of CO with larger MW resulted in much tighter gel network. These results indicated that CO with larger MW improved the quality of MP gel more effectively, which was because CO with larger MW inhibited aggregation of MP to a larger extent, resulting in smaller MP aggregates. Then MP-CO gel with much denser and more homogeneous structure was formed. Besides, MP-CO gel with larger MW of CO had higher content of β-sheet, resulting in MP gel with more ordered structure and better gel quality. Therefore, this study provided theoretical guidance for choosing the appropriate CO in improving texture of high temperature meat products.

Therapeutic Apheresis in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients.

Clear guidelines for therapeutic apheresis in children after renal transplant do not exist. This article reviews the current experiences with therapeutic apheresis in pediatric transplant recipients. The ideal characteristics of removable substances should have all of the following criteria for an effective therapeutic apheresis: large molecular weight (>15 kDa), prolonged half-life, rapid elimination from the plasma, high intravascular distribution, and low turnover rate. Among these molecules, immunoglobulin M is ~75% intravascular; thus, only 1 or 2 therapeutic apheresis procedures are needed to reduce immunoglobulin M levels efficiently. In contrast, immunoglobulin G is distributed 45% intravascularly and returns to ~60% of preapheresis level within 48 hours; thus, the regimen involves 5 procedures and immunosuppressive therapy is crucial to reduce immunoglobulin G levels. Therapeutic apheresis can also remove cytokines. Immunomodulatory effects of therapeutic apheresis do not only remove unwanted substances but involve other important mechanisms, including increased T-regulatory cells compared with T-effector cells. Many modalities of therapeutic apheresis are used for pediatric transplant recipients, including plasmapheresis, double filtration plasmapheresis, photopheresis, lipopheresis, and immunoadsorption, which is the most effective but has a high cost. Therapeutic apheresis in pediatric transplant recipients is effective for posttransplant nephrotic syndrome (mainly focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). Therapeutic apheresis has also resulted in partial or complete remission for 66% of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and 75% response rate for chronic antibody-mediated rejection. However, therapeutic apheresis should be accompanied by other immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rebound phenomena. Potential complications of therapeutic apheresis in pediatric transplant recipients include fluid and electrolyte imbalances, infection, bleeding, and reactions to replacement fluids during therapeutic apheresis. However, therapeutic apheresis (combined with immunosuppression) is an effective tool in most pediatric renal transplant recipients for management of antibody-mediated rejection, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Evolutionary origins and innovations sculpting the mammalian PRPS enzyme complex.

The phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (PRPS) enzyme conducts a chokepoint reaction connecting central carbon metabolism and nucleotide production pathways, making it essential for life 1,2 . Here, we show that the presence of multiple PRPS-encoding genes is a hallmark trait of eukaryotes, and we trace the evolutionary origins and define the individual functions of each of the five mammalian PRPS homologs - three isozymes (one testis-restricted) 3,4 and two non-enzymatic associated proteins (APs) 5,6 - which we demonstrate operate together as a large molecular weight complex capable of attaining a heterogeneous array of functional multimeric configurations. Employing a repertoire of isogenic fibroblast clones in all viable individual or combinatorial assembly states, we define preferential interactions between subunits, and we show that cells lacking PRPS2, PRPSAP1, and PRPSAP2 render PRPS1 into aberrant homo-oligomeric assemblies with diminished metabolic flux and impaired proliferative capacity. We demonstrate how numerous evolutionary innovations in the duplicated genes have created specialized roles for individual complex members and identify translational control mechanisms that enable fine-tuned regulation of PRPS assembly and activity, which provide clues into the positive and negative selective pressures that facilitate metabolic flexibility and tissue specialization in advanced lifeforms. Collectively, our study demonstrates how evolution has transformed a single PRPS gene into a multimeric complex endowed with functional and regulatory features that govern cellular biochemistry.

Comparison of Protein-Bound and Large Molecular-Weight Uremic Toxin Removals with Novel Super High-Flux Dialyzer between Hemodialysis (HD) and High-Volume Online Hemodiafiltration Modalities: A Cross-Over Randomized Controlled Study

Comparison of Protein-Bound and Large Molecular-Weight Uremic Toxin Removals with Novel Super High-Flux Dialyzer between Hemodialysis (HD) and High-Volume Online Hemodiafiltration Modalities: A Cross-Over Randomized Controlled Study

The auronidin flavonoid pigments of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha form polymers that modify cell wall properties.

Plant adaptation from aquatic to terrestrial environments required modifications to cell wall structure and function to provide tolerance to new abiotic and biotic stressors. Here, we investigate the nature and function of red auronidin pigment accumulation in the cell wall of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Transgenic plants with auronidin production either constitutive or absent were analysed for their cell wall properties, including fractionation of polysaccharide and phenolic components. While small amounts of auronidin and other flavonoids were loosely associated with the cell wall, the majority of the pigments were tightly associated, similar to what is observed in angiosperms for polyphenolics such as lignin. No evidence of covalent binding to a polysaccharide component was found: we propose auronidin is present in the wall as a physically entrapped large molecular weight polymer. The results suggested auronidin is a dual function molecule that can both screen excess light and increase wall strength, hydrophobicity and resistance to enzymatic degradation by pathogens. Thus, liverworts have expanded the core phenylpropanoid toolkit that was present in the ancestor of all land plants, to deliver a lineage-specific solution to some of the environmental stresses faced from a terrestrial lifestyle.