Publications by authors named "Juliana Debrito Carten"
Article Synopsis
- The SARS-CoV-1 spike glycoprotein's fusion peptide (FP) interacts with calcium ions to enhance its ability to fuse viral and host cell membranes, with specific negatively charged residues playing key roles.
- Mutations in these residues demonstrated that certain combinations, particularly D802 and D830, are crucial for effective cell entry and syncytia formation, while odd mutations can either hinder or slightly improve these processes.
- Molecular dynamics simulations helped identify preferred calcium binding pairs that facilitate or inhibit membrane insertion, revealing that calcium binding can help the FP adopt shapes that minimize repulsion from host cell membranes.
Cyclodextrin molecules are increasingly being used in biological research and as therapeutic agents to alter membrane cholesterol content, yet there is much to learn about their interactions with cell membranes. We present a biomembrane-based organic electronic platform capable of detecting interactions of cell membrane constituents with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD). This approach enables label-free sensing and quantification of changes in membrane integrity resulting from such interactions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Most patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have dangerously high levels of LDL cholesterol, which increases their risk for serious heart issues.
- Current treatments for patients with the homozygous LDLR gene mutations (hoFH), like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, are often ineffective and can cause harmful side effects, such as liver problems.
- Researchers screened 10,000 small molecules using an advanced liver cell model and discovered new compounds that effectively reduce ApoB secretion without causing lipid buildup, showing promise as safer alternatives to existing cholesterol-lowering drugs.
An enduring mystery in poxvirology is the mechanism by which virion morphogenesis is accomplished. A30.5 and L2 are two small regulatory proteins that are essential for this process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe pancreaticobiliary ductal system connects the liver and pancreas to the intestine. It is composed of the hepatopancreatic ductal (HPD) system as well as the intrahepatic biliary ducts and the intrapancreatic ducts. Despite its physiological importance, the development of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system remains poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLipids are essential for cellular function as sources of fuel, critical signaling molecules and membrane components. Deficiencies in lipid processing and transport underlie many metabolic diseases. To better understand metabolic function as it relates to disease etiology, a whole animal approach is advantageous, one in which multiple organs and cell types can be assessed simultaneously in vivo.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF