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Open Access
Cloning of a chitinase gene into Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai for enhanced insecticidal activity
(1997-12) Tantimavanich S; Pantuwatana S; Bhumiratana A; Panbangred W; Faculty of Science. Department of Biotechnology
Chitinase from a high producing strain (TP-1) of Bacillus licheniformis was used with B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai (B.t.a.) in a combined larvicidal assay against the pest, Spodoptera exigua. With 10 mU of this chitinase, the LD(50) of B.t.a. was reduced by 7.6, 13.8 and 15 times on days 3, 5 and 7, respectively when compared to use of B.t.a. alone. In addition, a combination of chitinase (10 mU) and B.t.a. at a sub-lethal dose retarded growth and development of S. exigua. In preparation for transformation of B.t.a., the TP-1 chitinase gene was cloned in E. coli DH5alpha and sequenced to reveal a single open reading frame of 1,815 bp. This open reading frame encoded for a protein of 604 amino acids and a characteristic signal peptide sequence of 35 amino acids. The gene was subsequently introduced into B.t.a. where it was expressed constitutively. The transformed strain showed slightly improved activity against S. exigua when compared to the non-transformed strain. This was probably due to the low chitinase activity (15 mU/ml) of the transformant, which might be improved by further gene manipulation to overexpress enzyme production.
Open Access
Transcriptional regulation of the human manganese superoxide dismutase gene: the role of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and activating protein-2 (AP-2)
(2002) Yong XU; Sureerut Porntadavity; Daret K St Clair
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) plays an important role in regulating cellular redox conditions. Expression of MnSOD has been shown to protect against damage by oxidative stress and to suppress the malignant phenotype of human cancer cells. We have previously cloned the human MnSOD (SOD2) gene and analysed its 5' proximal promoter, which has been characterized by a lack of a TATA or CAAT box and the presence of multiple GC boxes. To define further the molecular mechanisms for the regulation of MnSOD expression, multiple transcription factor-binding motifs containing overlapping specificity protein 1 (Sp1)- and activator protein (AP)-2-binding sites were identified by DNase I footprinting analysis. Functional studies in three cell lines with different levels of Sp1 and AP-2 proteins suggested that the cellular levels of these proteins may differentially regulate transcription via GC-binding motifs in the human SOD2 promoter. Co-transfection of an Sp1 expression vector resulted in an increase in the transcription of the promoter-driven reporter gene. In contrast, co-transfection of the AP-2 expression vector caused a decrease in transcription. Direct mutagenesis analysis of Sp1- and AP-2-binding sites showed that Sp1 is essential for transcription of the human SOD2 gene, whereas AP-2 plays a negative role in the transcription. Immunoprecipitation of Sp1 and AP-2 proteins demonstrated that Sp1 interacts with AP-2 in vivo. Two-hybrid analysis revealed that interaction between Sp1 and AP-2 plays both a positive and negative role in the transcription of the reporter gene in vivo. Taken together, our data indicate that AP-2 down-regulates transcription of the human SOD2 gene via its interaction with Sp1 within the promoter region. These findings, coupled with our previous observation that several cancer cell lines have mutations in the promoter region of the human MnSOD gene, which lead to an increase in an AP-2-binding site and a decrease in the promoter activity, signal the importance of understanding the promoter structure and the regulation of the human SOD2 gene by Sp1 and AP-2.
Open Access
Copper Complexes of Nicotinic-Aromatic Carboxylic Acids as Superoxide Dismutase Mimetics
(Mahidol University, 2008) Thummaruk Suksrichavalit; Supaluk Prachayasittikul; Theeraphon Piacham; Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Chanin Nantasenamat; Virapong Prachayasittikul
Nicotinic acid (also known as vitamin B3) is a dietary element essential for physiological and antihyperlipidemic functions. This study reports the synthesis of novel mixed ligand complexes of copper with nicotinic and other select carboxylic acids (phthalic, salicylic and anthranilic acids). The tested copper complexes exhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activity and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, with a minimum inhibition concentration of 256 μg/mL. Copper complex of nicotinic-phthalic acids (CuNA/Ph) was the most potent with a SOD mimetic activity of IC50 34.42 μM. The SOD activities were observed to correlate well with the theoretical parameters as calculated using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. Interestingly, the SOD activity of the copper complex CuNA/Ph was positively correlated with the electron affinity (EA) value. The two quantum chemical parameters, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), were shown to be appropriate for understanding the mechanism of the metal complexes as their calculated energies show good correlation with the SOD activity. Moreover, copper complex with the highest SOD activity were shown to possess the lowest HOMO energy. These findings demonstrate a great potential for the development of value-added metallovitamin-based therapeutics.
Open Access
Vasorelaxant and Antioxidant Activities of Spilanthes acmella Murr
(Mahidol University, 2008) Orapin Wongsawatkul; Supaluk Prachayasittikul; Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Jutamaad Satayavivad; Somsak Ruchirawat; Virapong Prachayasittikul
This study reports the effect of Spilanthes acmella Murr. extracts on phenylephrine-induced contraction of rat thoracic aorta as well as their antioxidant activity. Results show that the extracts exert maximal vasorelaxations in a dose-dependent manner, but their effects are less than acetylcholine-induced nitric oxide (NO) vasorelaxation. Significant reduction of vasorelaxations is observed in both NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and indomethacin (INDO). In the presence of L-NAME plus INDO, synergistic effects are observed, leading to loss of vasorelaxation of both acetylcholine and the extracts. Similarly, the vasorelaxations of the extracts are completely abolished upon the removal of endothelial cells. This demonstrates that the extracts exhibit vasorelaxation via partially endothelium-induced NO and prostacyclin in a dose-dependent manner. Significantly, the ethyl acetate extract exerts immediate vasorelaxation (ED50 76.1 ng/mL) and is the most potent antioxidant (DPPH assay). The chloroform extract shows the highest vasorelaxation and antioxidation (SOD assay). These reveal a potential source of vasodilators and antioxidants.
Open Access
Modeling the LPS neutralization activity of anti-endotoxins
(2009) Chadinee Thippakorn; Thummaruk Suksrichavalit; Chanin Nantasenamat; Tanawut Tantimongcolwat; Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Thanakorn Naenna; Virapong Prachayasittikul
Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also known as endotoxins, are major structural components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that serve as a barrier and protective shield between them and their surrounding environment. LPS is considered to be a major virulence factor as it strongly stimulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines which mediate the host immune response and culminating in septic shock. Quantitative structure-activity relationship studies of the LPS neutralization activities of anti-endotoxins were performed using charge and quantum chemical descriptors. Artificial neural network implementing the back-propagation algorithm was selected for the multivariate analysis. The predicted activities from leave-one-out crossvalidation were well correlated with the experimental values as observed from the correlation coefficient and root mean square error of 0.930 and 0.162, respectively. Similarly, the external testing set also yielded good predictivity with correlation coefficient and root mean square error of 0.983 and 0.130. The model holds great potential for the rational design of novel and robust compounds with enhanced neutralization activity.
Open Access
Functional Analysis of Familial Asp67Glu and Thr1051Ser BRCA1 Mutations in Breast/Ovarian Carcinogenesis
(2009) Malinee Pongsavee; Pimpicha Patmasiriwat; Grady F. Saunders
Estrogen is believed to be pre-initiator in the risk of breast cancer. The BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor gene associated with breast and ovarian cancer risk. This report describes functional analysis of two BRCA1 missense mutations (Asp67Glu and Thr1051Ser) observed in the familial breast/ovarian cancer patients in Thailand. Levels of luciferase activity of the two mutations were relatively lower than in the wild-type BRCA1. It is indicated that mutants may fail to promote the estrogen receptor dependent functions. It is presumed that estrogen and insulin/IGF-1 regulate c-Myc and cyclin D1 during breast cancer cell proliferation. It is also likely to affect ubiquitination mechanism. Since three affected cancer families carry the Asp67Glu mutation, it is believed that this type of mutation could have some effect on breast/ovarian cancer progression.
Open Access
Synthesis and theoretical study of molecularly imprinted nanospheres for recognition of tocopherols
(2009) Theeraphon Piacham; Chanin Nantasenamat; Thummaruk Suksrichavalit; Charoenchai Puttipanyalears; Tippawan Pissawong; Supanee Maneewas; Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Virapong Prachayasittikul
Molecular imprinting is a technology that facilitates the production of artificial receptors toward compounds of interest. The molecularly imprinted polymers act as artificial antibodies, artificial receptors, or artificial enzymes with the added benefit over their biological counterparts of being highly durable. In this study, we prepared molecularly imprinted polymers for the purpose of binding specifically to tocopherol (vitamin E) and its derivative, tocopherol acetate. Binding of the imprinted polymers to the template was found to be two times greater than that of the control, non-imprinted polymers, when using only 10 mg of polymers. Optimization of the rebinding solvent indicated that ethanol-water at a molar ratio of 6:4 (v/v) was the best solvent system as it enhanced the rebinding performance of the imprinted polymers toward both tocopherol and tocopherol acetate with a binding capacity of approximately 2 mg/g of polymer. Furthermore, imprinted nanospheres against tocopherol was successfully prepared by precipitation polymerization with ethanol-water at a molar ratio of 8:2 (v/v) as the optimal rebinding solvent. Computer simulation was also performed to provide mechanistic insights on the binding mode of template-monomer complexes. Such polymers show high potential for industrial and medical applications, particularly for selective separation of tocopherol and derivatives.
Open Access
Bioactive azafluorenone alkaloids from polyalthia debilis (Pierre) finet and gagnep
(2009) Supaluk Prachayasittikul; Patumporn Manam; Maneekarn Chinworrungsee; Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Somsak Ruchirawat; Virapong Prachayasittikul
This study investigated bioactive extracts of Polyalthia debilis (Annonaceae) with antimicrobial, antimalarial and cytotoxic activities. Extensive chromatographic isolations provided azafluorenone alkaloids; onychine (1) and 7-methoxyonychine (2) together with a mixture of β–sitosterol and stigmasterol. The two alkaloids were isolated from the P. debilis for the first time. Isolated fractions containing a mixture of triterpenoids (C7, C8 and C9) exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity against many bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration of 64 μg/mL. Fractions with antimalarial and cytotoxic activities were also observed. The findings suggest the potential use of P. debilis in medicinal applications.
Open Access
Bioactive metabolites from spilanthes acmella murr
(2009) Supaluk Prachayasittikul; Saowapa Suphapong; Apilak Worachartcheewan; Ratana Lawung; Somsak Ruchirawat; Virapong Prachayasittikul
Spilanthes acmella Murr. (Compositae) has been used as a traditional medicine for toothache, rheumatism and fever. Its extracts had been shown to exhibit vasorelaxant and antioxidant activities. Herein, its antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. Agar dilution method assays against 27 strains of microorganisms were performed. Results showed that fractions from the chloroform and methanol extracts inhibited the growth of many tested organisms, e.g. Corynebacterium diphtheriae NCTC 10356 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 64-256 μg/mL and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 with MIC of 128-256 μg/mL. The tested fractions all exhibited antioxidant properties in both DPPH and SOD assays. Potent radical scavenging activity was observed in the DPPH assay. No cytotoxic effects of the extracts against KB and HuCCA-1 cell lines were evident. Bioassay-guided isolation resulted in a diverse group of bioactive compounds such as phenolics [vanillic acid (2), trans-ferulic acid (5) and transisoferulic acid (6)], coumarin (scopoletin, 4) and triterpenoids like 3-acetylaleuritolic acid (1), β-sitostenone (3), stigmasterol and stigmasteryl-3-O- β-D-glucopyranosides, in addition to a mixture of stigmasteryl-and β-sitosteryl-3-O- β-D-glucopyranosides. The compounds 1–6 represent bioactive metabolites of S. acmella Murr. that were never previously reported. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the potential benefits of this medicinal plant as a rich source of high therapeutic value compounds for medicines, cosmetics, supplements and as a health food.
Open Access
Identification of a haplotype block in the 5q31 cytokine gene cluster associated with the susceptibility to severe malaria
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2009) Izumi Naka; Nao Nishida; Jintana Patarapotikul; Pornlada Nuchnoi; Katsushi Tokunaga; Hathairad Hananantachai; Naoyuki Tsuchiya; Jun Ohashi
Background: It has been previously demonstrated that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IL13 promoter region, IL13 -1055T>C (rs1800925), was associated with susceptibility to severe malaria in Thais. In the present study, fine association mapping for a cytokine gene cluster including IL4, IL5, and IL13 on chromosome 5q31 was conducted using the same malaria subjects to refine the region containing a primary variant or a haplotype susceptible to severe malaria. Methods: A total of 82 SNPs spanning 522 kb of the 5q31 region were analysed in 368 patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria (203 mild malaria and 165 severe malaria patients). Results: Only rs1881457 located in the promoter region of IL13, which is in linkage disequilibrium with rs1800925 (r2 = 0.73), showed a significant association with severe malaria after adjusting for multiple testing (P = 0.046 by permutation test). This SNP was in a haplotype block spanning 97 kb (from rs2069812 to rs2240032). The detected haplotype block contained the RAD50 gene and the promoter of IL13, but not the other genes. Conclusion: A haplotype block in which a primary polymorphism associated with severe malaria is likely to be encoded was identified in Thai malaria patients
Open Access
p53 is an important factor for the radiosensitization effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose
(2009) Chompunoot Sinthepibulyakit; Grimes, Kritopher R.; Domann, Frederick E.; Fang Fang, Yong Xu; Wanida Ittarat; Daret K. St. Clair; Clair, William St.
Metabolic change in cancer cells by preferential production of energy through glycolysis is a well-documented characteristic of cancer. However, whether inhibition of glycolysis will enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy is a matter of debate. In this study which uses lung cancer as the model, we demonstrate that the improvement of radiotherapy by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is p53-dependent. Based on clonogenic survival data, we show that p53-deficient lung cancer cells (H358) are more sensitive to 2DG treatment when compared to p53 wild-type lung cancer cells (A549). The effective doses of 2DG at 0.5-surviving fraction of A549 and H358 are 17.25 and 4.61 mM, respectively. Importantly, 2DG exhibits a significant radiosensitization effect in A549 cells but not in H358 cells. Treatment with 2DG increases radiation-induced p53 protein levels in A549 cells. siRNA inhibition of p53 in A549 cells reduces the radiosensitization effect of 2DG. Furthermore, ectopic expression of wild-type p53 in H358 cells significantly enhances the radiosensitization effect of 2DG as determined by colony formation assay. In nude mice injected with A549 cells, treatment of 2DG enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy. Together, these results suggest that inhibition of glycolysis may only be beneficial for radiation therapy of cancer expressing wildtype p53.
Open Access
HIV-1 neutralization by monoclonal antibody against conserved region 2 and patterns of epitope exposure on the surface of native viruses
(BioMed Central, 2009) Apichai Sreepian; Jongruk Permmongkol; Wannee Kantakamalakul; Sontana Siritantikorn; Nattaya Tanlieng; Ruengpung Sutthent
Background: Conserved neutralizing epitopes are considered to be a key role for eliciting broadly neutralizing antibody (NAb). Previously, two conserved neutralizing epitopes of HIV-1 CRF01_AE envelope were identified at amino acid 93-112 of the C1 (C1E) and at 218-239 of the C2 (C2E) regions. To access the potency of antibody directed against conserved epitopes, a monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific to the C2E region was developed and characterized. Methods: The immunogenicity of two epitopes was examined by immunizing BALB/c mice with the matching synthetic peptides. One MAb, C2EB5, directed against peptide C2E, was generated by conventional methods, while C1E1 and C1E2 peptides induced slight antibody response in mice. The neutralizing activity of MAb C2EB5 was examined using a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) based method and various HIV-1 subtypes including A, B, C, D, and CRF01_AE; C2EB5 was compared with other known neutralizing MAbs (4E10, 447-52D) and with sCD4. The exposure of the C2 epitope on native virus was investigated using virus capture by these MAbs. Results: The MAb C2EB5 demonstrated cross-neutralization against various HIV-1 subtypes. The overall potency of MAb C2EB5 against 5 subtypes was ranked in the following order: subtype C> CRF01_AE> subtype D> subtype A> subtype B. The epitope exposure for MAb C2EB5 was also correlated with the neutralization properties of each subtype. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the cross-clade neutralizing activity of a MAb directed against an epitope located in the C2 region of the HIV-1 env and highlights differences in the exposure of antigenic epitopes on the surface of various HIV-1 subtypes. The epitope for this newly identified neutralizing MAb made against a subtype CRF01_AE peptide is particularly exposed in subtype C viral isolates. Published: 12 October 2009 Journal of Immune Based Therapies and Vaccines 2009, 7:5 doi:10.1186/1476-8518-7-5 Received: 25 September 2008 Accepted: 12 October 2009 This article is available from: http://www.jibtherapies.com/content/7/1/5 © 2009 Sreepian et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Open Access
Synthesis of N-Substituted 5-Iodouracils as antimicrobial and anticancer agents
(2009) Supaluk Prachayasittikul; Nirun Sornsongkhram; Ratchanok Pingaew; Apilak Worachartcheewan; Somsak Ruchirawat; Virapong Prachayasittikul
This study reports the synthesis of some substituted 5-iodouracils and their bioactivities. Alkylation of 5-iodouracils gave predominately N1-substituted-(R)-5- iodouracil compounds 7a-d (R = n-C4H9, s-C4H9, CH2C6H11, CH2C6H5) together with N1,N3-disubstituted (R) analogs 8a-b (R = n-C4H9, CH2C6H11). Their antimicrobial activity was tested against 27 strains of microorganisms using the agar dilution method. The analogs 7a, 7c and 7d displayed 25-50% inhibition against Branhamella catarrhalis, Neisseria mucosa and Streptococcus pyogenes at 0.128 mg/mL. No antimalarial activity was detected for any of the analogs when tested against Plasmodium falciparum (T9.94). Their anticancer activity was also examined. Cyclohexylmethyl analogs 7c and 8b inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells. Significantly, N1,N3-dicyclohexylmethyl analog 8b displayed the most potent anticancer activity, with an IC50 of 16.5 g/mL. These 5- iodouracil analogs represent a new group of anticancer and antibacterial agents with potential for development for medicinal applications.
Open Access
Detection of non-amplified mycobacterium tuberculosis genomic DNA using piezoelectric DNA-based biosensors
(2010) Thongchai Kaewphinit; Somchai Santiwatanakul; Chamras Promptmas; Kosum Chansiri
Piezoelectric DNA-based biosensor technology was developed as a new method for detection of M. tuberculosis. This method consists of immobilizing a thiol-modified oligonucleotide probe on the gold electrode surface of a quartz crystal, using a selfassembled monolayer method. The advantage of this study is that a non-amplified genomic bacterial DNA target was used. Instead, the genomic DNA was digested by restriction enzyme to obtain DNA fragments containing the target sequence. The fabricated biosensor was evaluated through an examination of 200 samples. No cross hybridization were observed against M. avium complex and other microorganisms. This target DNA preparation, without PCR amplification, will reduce time, costs, and the tedious step of amplification.
Open Access
Elucidating the structure-activity relationships of the vasorelaxation and antioxidation properties of thionicotinic acid derivatives
(2010) Supaluk Prachayasittikul; Orapin Wongsawatkul; Apilak Worachartcheewan; Chanin Nantasenamat; Somsak Ruchirawat; Virapong Prachayasittikul
Nicotinic acid, known as vitamin B3, is an effective lipid lowering drug and intense cutaneous vasodilator. This study reports the effect of 2-(1-adamantylthio)nicotinic acid (6) and its amide 7 and nitrile analog 8 on phenylephrine-induced contraction of rat thoracic aorta as well as antioxidative activity. It was found that the tested thionicotinic acid analogs 6-8 exerted maximal vasorelaxation in a dose-dependent manner, but their effects were less than acetylcholine (ACh)-induced nitric oxide (NO) vasorelaxation. The vasorelaxations were reduced, apparently, in both NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and indomethacin (INDO). Synergistic effects were observed in the presence of L-NAME plus INDO, leading to loss of vasorelaxation of both the ACh and the tested nicotinic acids. Complete loss of the vasorelaxation was noted under removal of endothelial cells. This infers that the vasorelaxations are mediated partially by endothelium-induced NO and prostacyclin. The thionicotinic acid analogs all exhibited antioxidant properties in both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays. Significantly, the thionicotinic acid 6 is the most potent vasorelaxant with ED50 of 21.3 nM and is the most potent antioxidant (as discerned from DPPH assay). Molecular modeling was also used to provide mechanistic insights into the vasorelaxant and antioxidative activities. The findings reveal that the thionicotinic acid analogs are a novel class of vasorelaxant and antioxidant compounds which have potential to be further developed as promising therapeutics.
Open Access
Effects of thymidine phosphorylase on tumor aggressiveness and 5-fluorouracil sensitivity in cholangiocarcinoma
(2010) Jongkonnee Thanasai; Temduang Limpaiboon; Patcharee Jearanaikoon; Banchob Sripa; Chawalit Pairojkul; Srisurang Tantimavanich,; Masanao Miwa
AIM: To evaluate the role of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in cholangiocarcinoma using small interfering RNA (siRNA). METHODS: A human cholangiocarcinoma-derived cell line KKU-M139, which has a naturally high level of endogenous TP, had TP expression transiently knocked down using siRNA. Cell growth, migration, in vitro angiogenesis, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity were assayed in TP knockdown and wild-type cell lines. RESULTS: TP mRNA and protein expression were decreased by 87.1% ± 0.49% and 72.5% ± 3.2%, respectively, compared with control cells. Inhibition of TP significantly decreased migration of KKU-M139, and suppressed migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. siRNA also reduced the ability of TP to resist hypoxia-induced apoptosis, while suppression of TP reduced the sensitivity of KKU-M139 to 5-fluorouracil. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of TP may be beneficial in decreasing angiogenesis-dependent growth and migration of cholangiocarcinoma but may diminish the response to 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy.
Open Access
P53 protects lung cancer cells against metabolic stress
(2010) Chompunoot Sinthupibulyait; Wanida Ittarat; Clair, William H. St.; Clair, Daret K. St.
Abstract. The preferential use of aerobic glycolysis for energy production by cancer cells, a phenomenon known as the ‘Warburg effect’, is well recognized and is being considered for therapeutic applications. However, whether inhibition of glycolysis will be effective in all types of cancer is unclear. The current study shows that a glycolytic inhibitor, 2-deoxy- D-glucose (2DG), exhibits the cytotoxic effect on non-small cell lung cancer in a p53-dependent manner. 2DG significantly inhibits ATP production in p53-deficient lung cancer cells (H358) but not in p53-wt cells (A549). In contrast to p53-wt cells, p53-defective cells are unable to compensate for their need of energy via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) when glycolysis is inhibited. In the presence of p53, increased ROS from OXPHOS increases the expression of p53 target genes known to modulate metabolism, including synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO2) and TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR). Importantly, 2DG selectively induces the expression of the antioxidant enzymes manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) in a p53-dependent manner. The results demonstrate that the killing of cancer cells by the inhibitor of glycolysis is more efficient in cancer cells without functional p53 and that p53 protects against metabolic stress by up-regulation of oxidative phosphorylation and modulation of antioxidants.
Open Access
Development of piezoelectric DNA-based biosensor for direct detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical specimens
(2010) Thongchai Kaewphinit; Somchai Santiwatanakul; Chamras Promptmas; Kosum Chansiri
This study was focused on establishment of piezoelectric biosensor for direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in clinical specimens. The quartz crystal immobilized via 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)/avidin/DNA biotinylated probe on gold surface and hybridization of the DNA target to DNA biotinylated probe. The optimal concentration of MPA, avidin and 5’-biotinylated DNA probe for immobilization of specific DNA probe on gold surface were 15 mM, 0.1 mg/ml and 1.5 μM, respectively. The detection of genomic DNA digestion in the range from 0.5 to 30 μg/ml. The fabricated biosensor was evaluated through an examination of 200 samples. No cross hybridization were observed against M. avium complex (MAC) and other microorganism. This target DNA preparation without amplification will reduce time consuming, costs, and the tedious step of amplification. This study can be extended to develop the new method which is high sensitivity, specificity, cheap, easy to use, and rapid for detection of MTB in many fields.
Open Access
The Identification of Functional Non-Synonymous SNP in Human ATP Binding Cassette (ABC), Subfamily Member 7 Gene: Application of Bioinformatics Tools in Biomedicine.
(Mahidol University, 2011) Pornlada Nuchnoi; Duangdao Nantakomol; Vasunun Chumchua; Chotiros Plabplueng; Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Virapong Prachayasittikul
The prediction of functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is promising in modern genetics analysis. Computational biology technology has facilitated an increase in the successful rate of genetic association study and reduced the cost of genotyping. In the present study, we applied various bioinformatics tools for the selection of high potentially functional nsSNP and determined the linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure of ATP-binding cassette transporter member 7 (ABCA7) genes in HapMap populations. Two functional polymorphisms (rs3752233 and rs3752246) were identified on the basis of less protein stability, a low likelihood of mutability, a changing of protein structure and function. Interestingly, a completed LD between rs3752233 (R463H) and rs4147918 (Q1686R) was detected in Utah residents with ancestry from northern and western Europe (CEU) populations. In addition, the difference of the LD pattern between the populations observed highlighted the essential role of the construction of an LD map for designing and interpreting genetic association study. Studies herein convey the empirical guidelines for conduction of ABCA7 genetic association study via bioinformatics and computational application.
Open Access
Proteome analyses of cellular proteins in methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus treated with rhodomyrtone, a novel antibiotic Candidate
(2011) Wipawadee Sianglum; Potjanee Srimanote; Wijit Wonglumsom; Kanokwan Kittiniyom; Supayang P.Voravuthikunchai
The ethanolic extract from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf exhibited good antibacterial activities against both methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. aureus ATCC 29213. Its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 31.25–62.5 mg/ml, and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 250 mg/ml. Rhodomyrtone, an acylphloroglucinol derivative, was 62.5–125 times more potent at inhibiting the bacteria than the ethanolic extract, the MIC and MBC values were 0.5 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml, respectively. To provide insights into antibacterial mechanisms involved, the effects of rhodomyrtone on cellular protein expression of MRSA have been investigated using proteomic approaches. Proteome analyses revealed that rhodomyrtone at subinhibitory concentration (0.174 mg/ml) affected the expression of several major functional classes of whole cell proteins in MRSA. The identified proteins involve in cell wall biosynthesis and cell division, protein degradation, stress response and oxidative stress, cell surface antigen and virulence factor, and various metabolic pathways such as amino acid, carbohydrate, energy, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism. Transmission electron micrographs confirmed the effects of rhodomyrtone on morphological and ultrastructural alterations in the treated bacterial cells. Biological processes in cell wall biosynthesis and cell division were interrupted. Prominent changes including alterations in cell wall, abnormal septum formation, cellular disintegration, and cell lysis were observed. Unusual size and shape of staphylococcal cells were obviously noted in the treated MRSA. These pioneer findings on proteomic profiling and phenotypic features of rhodomyrtone-treated MRSA may resolve its antimicrobial mechanisms which could lead to the development of a new effective regimen for the treatment of MRSA infections.