Publications by authors named "Camilo Febres-Molina"

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound known for its health benefits but limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability, represents a valuable substrate for glucosylation by carbohydrate-active enzymes such as glucosyltransferase-SI (GTF-SI). Using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, this study reveals the atomic scale dynamics of resveratrol glucosylation by wild-type GTF-SI. This enzyme exhibited an energy barrier of 8.

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The increasing emergence of (Mtb) strains resistant to traditional anti-tuberculosis drugs has alarmed health services worldwide. The search for new therapeutic targets and effective drugs that counteract the virulence and multiplication of Mtb represents a challenge for the scientific community. Several studies have considered the gene a possible therapeutic target in the last two decades, since its disruption negatively impacts Mtb multiplication.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Vildagliptin (VIL) is an antidiabetic drug that works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP4, and this study investigates the molecular mechanisms of its action, particularly the role of certain amino acids and water molecules near the enzyme’s active site.
  • - By using molecular dynamics simulations, researchers explored various models of VIL-DPP4 complexes and found that a specific configuration of amino acids, including His126 in its ε-form, is crucial for effective binding and catalytic activity.
  • - The study proposes a new water-mediated mechanism for how VIL activates DPP4, detailing the roles of water molecules and hydrogen bonding in the catalytic cycle, which may aid in designing improved drug derivatives in the future.
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The l-asparaginase (l-ASNase) enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the non-essential amino acid l-asparagine into l-aspartic acid and ammonia. Importantly, the l-ASNases are used as a key part of the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, despite their benefits, they trigger severe side effects because they have their origin in bacterial species ( and ). Therefore, one way to solve these side effects is the use of l-ASNases with characteristics similar to those of bacterial types, but from different sources.

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Nowadays, tuberculosis is the second leading cause of death from a monopathogenic transmitted disease, only ahead of COVID-19. The role of exported repetitive protein (Erp) in the virulence of has been extensively demonstrated. In vitro and in vivo assays have identified that Erp interacts with Rv1417 and Rv2617c proteins, forming putative transient molecular complexes prior to localization to the cell envelope.

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Mainly due to their great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer capacities, natural polyphenolic compounds have many properties with important applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Unfortunately, these molecules have very low water solubility and bioavailability. Glucosylation of polyphenols is an excellent alternative to overcome these drawbacks.

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Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is thought to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Several studies have shown that ApoE4-Amyloid β (Aβ) interactions can increment amyloid depositions in the brain and that this can be augmented at low pH values. On the other hand, experimental studies in transgenic mouse models have shown that treatment with enoxaparin significantly reduces cortical Aβ levels, as well as decreases the number of activated astrocytes around Aβ plaques.

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ND1 subunit possesses the majority of the inhibitor binding domain of the human mitochondrial respiratory complex I. This is an attractive target for the search for new inhibitors that seek mitochondrial dysfunction. It is known, from in vitro experiments, that some metabolites from called acetogenins have important biological activities, such as anticancer, antiparasitic, and insecticide.

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Vismodegib (Erivedge®, Genentech) is a first-in-class inhibitor of the hedgehog signaling pathway for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The treatment currently consists of the oral administration of Erivedge® capsules. Although it has shown therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials, there are many side effects related to its systemic distribution.

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