The effects of vanadate on human erythrocyte membrane have been investigated with stopped-flow and equilibrium fluorescence quenching techniques. The equilibrium study showed a half-quenching concentration(K 1/2 ) of ...The effects of vanadate on human erythrocyte membrane have been investigated with stopped-flow and equilibrium fluorescence quenching techniques. The equilibrium study showed a half-quenching concentration(K 1/2 ) of 0.27 mmol.L-1. The stopped-flow experiment exhibited a fast rise (tsk1/f1 S) and a slow drop (tin 1~2 min) in fluorescence. Based on the results and that from the across membrane transport of vanadate, a kinetic model is proposed which suggests that the membrane proteins experience a series of conformational changes before and during the quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence. These changes are induced mainly by three kinds of interactions: (i) the long-distance, non-specific interaction between the vanadate and the erythrocyte membrane surface, (ii) the charge interaction between the vanadate and parts of the membrane proteins, and(iii) the binding of the vanadate to some membrane proteins.展开更多
In this work, the previously developed coarse-grained （CG） particle models for biomembranes and red blood cells （RBCs） are reviewed, and the advantages of the CG particle methods over the continuum and atomistic s...In this work, the previously developed coarse-grained （CG） particle models for biomembranes and red blood cells （RBCs） are reviewed, and the advantages of the CG particle methods over the continuum and atomistic simulations for modeling biological phenomena are discussed. CG particle models can largely increase the length scale and time scale of atomistic simulations by eliminating the fast degrees of freedom while preserving the mesoscopic structures and properties of the simulated system. Moreover, CG particle models can be used to capture the microstructural alternations in diseased RBCs and simulate the topological changes of biomembranes and RBCs, which are the major challenges to the typical continuum representations of membranes and RBCs. The power and versatility of CG particle methods are demonstrated：through simulating the dynamical processes mvolving significant topological .changes e.g. lipid self-assembly vesicle fusion and membrane budding.展开更多
A nanopore on an impermeable membrane,which separates two chambers containing electrolytic solution,can be used as a nanometre-sized Coulter counter for single-molecule biological sensing.With an applied potential,cha...A nanopore on an impermeable membrane,which separates two chambers containing electrolytic solution,can be used as a nanometre-sized Coulter counter for single-molecule biological sensing.With an applied potential,charged molecules are electrically dragged through the pore,and the analytical information is sequentially read out from the current blockades.Nucleic acid,which is an electrically charged polymer,is an ideal analyte for nanopore analysis and nanopore sequencing.With the advantages of high-speed,label-free and single-molecule resolution,a nanopore sequencer is considered to be the most promising candidate for the third-generation DNA sequencing.In this review,a brief history of nanopore sequencing to date is summarized and discussed along with future prospects.Although successfully demonstrated for known viral genome sequences,the nanopore sequencing technique still requires missing pieces like improved accuracy,automation and throughput for clinical diagnosis-level applications.展开更多
NMDA receptor channels play a significant role in learning and memory and their dysfunction can cause neuronal cell death leading to dementia. Research had shown that lipids change the risk for dementia, especially so...NMDA receptor channels play a significant role in learning and memory and their dysfunction can cause neuronal cell death leading to dementia. Research had shown that lipids change the risk for dementia, especially some omega-3 lipids appear to lower Alz-heimer’s risk, yet only limited research exists on the modulation of NMDA receptor channels by lipids. Here we review recent literature concerning molecular determinants that influence the NMDA receptor channel gating via membrane lipids and fatty acids with profound significance for understanding how altered NMDA signalling leads to neuronal cell death linked to age-related dementia’s. Future discovery of lipid-like modulators of NMDA receptor function offer the potential for the development of new bioceu-ticals and affordable nutritional supplements to combat neuronal degeneration as well as to promote well being and healthy aging.展开更多
Bio-nano interfaces between biological materials and functional nanodevices are of vital importance in relevant energy and information exchange processes, which thus demand an in-depth understanding. One of the critic...Bio-nano interfaces between biological materials and functional nanodevices are of vital importance in relevant energy and information exchange processes, which thus demand an in-depth understanding. One of the critical issues from the application viewpoint is the stability of the bio-nano hybrid under mechanical perturbations. In this work we explore mechanical responses of the interface between lipid bilayer and graphene under hydrostatic coating provides remarkable resistance to the pressure or indentation loads, We find that graphene loads, and the intercalated water layer offers additional protection. These findings are discussed based on molecular dynamics simulation results that elucidate the molecular level mechanisms, which provide a basis for the rational design of bionanotechnology- enabled aoolications such as biomedical devices and nanotheraoeutics.展开更多
Although some fusogenic proteins have been established to tether two opposite outer or inner mitochondrial membranes into contact, a prerequisite for whole mitochondrial fusion events,
One of the detrimental effects of high salmity on plant cells is considered to be the result of an ion imbalance, particularly a high ratio of Na^+ to K^+ ions, in the cytoplasm. Such an imbalance is probably due to a...One of the detrimental effects of high salmity on plant cells is considered to be the result of an ion imbalance, particularly a high ratio of Na^+ to K^+ ions, in the cytoplasm. Such an imbalance is probably due to a great increase of entry of Na^+ ions into cells and a decline in absorption of K^+ ions under high-salinity conditions. Thus, plant cells展开更多
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 29471007).
文摘The effects of vanadate on human erythrocyte membrane have been investigated with stopped-flow and equilibrium fluorescence quenching techniques. The equilibrium study showed a half-quenching concentration(K 1/2 ) of 0.27 mmol.L-1. The stopped-flow experiment exhibited a fast rise (tsk1/f1 S) and a slow drop (tin 1~2 min) in fluorescence. Based on the results and that from the across membrane transport of vanadate, a kinetic model is proposed which suggests that the membrane proteins experience a series of conformational changes before and during the quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence. These changes are induced mainly by three kinds of interactions: (i) the long-distance, non-specific interaction between the vanadate and the erythrocyte membrane surface, (ii) the charge interaction between the vanadate and parts of the membrane proteins, and(iii) the binding of the vanadate to some membrane proteins.
基金Project supported by the National Institutes of Health of U.S.A.(No.U01HL114476)the National Science Foundation of U.S.A.(Nos.CMMI-1235025 and PHY-1205910)
文摘In this work, the previously developed coarse-grained （CG） particle models for biomembranes and red blood cells （RBCs） are reviewed, and the advantages of the CG particle methods over the continuum and atomistic simulations for modeling biological phenomena are discussed. CG particle models can largely increase the length scale and time scale of atomistic simulations by eliminating the fast degrees of freedom while preserving the mesoscopic structures and properties of the simulated system. Moreover, CG particle models can be used to capture the microstructural alternations in diseased RBCs and simulate the topological changes of biomembranes and RBCs, which are the major challenges to the typical continuum representations of membranes and RBCs. The power and versatility of CG particle methods are demonstrated：through simulating the dynamical processes mvolving significant topological .changes e.g. lipid self-assembly vesicle fusion and membrane budding.
基金funding support from National Institute of Health(NIH),National Human Genome Research Institute(NHGRI)‘‘1,000 Genome’’researchgrant‘‘R01 HG003709’’
文摘A nanopore on an impermeable membrane,which separates two chambers containing electrolytic solution,can be used as a nanometre-sized Coulter counter for single-molecule biological sensing.With an applied potential,charged molecules are electrically dragged through the pore,and the analytical information is sequentially read out from the current blockades.Nucleic acid,which is an electrically charged polymer,is an ideal analyte for nanopore analysis and nanopore sequencing.With the advantages of high-speed,label-free and single-molecule resolution,a nanopore sequencer is considered to be the most promising candidate for the third-generation DNA sequencing.In this review,a brief history of nanopore sequencing to date is summarized and discussed along with future prospects.Although successfully demonstrated for known viral genome sequences,the nanopore sequencing technique still requires missing pieces like improved accuracy,automation and throughput for clinical diagnosis-level applications.
文摘NMDA receptor channels play a significant role in learning and memory and their dysfunction can cause neuronal cell death leading to dementia. Research had shown that lipids change the risk for dementia, especially some omega-3 lipids appear to lower Alz-heimer’s risk, yet only limited research exists on the modulation of NMDA receptor channels by lipids. Here we review recent literature concerning molecular determinants that influence the NMDA receptor channel gating via membrane lipids and fatty acids with profound significance for understanding how altered NMDA signalling leads to neuronal cell death linked to age-related dementia’s. Future discovery of lipid-like modulators of NMDA receptor function offer the potential for the development of new bioceu-ticals and affordable nutritional supplements to combat neuronal degeneration as well as to promote well being and healthy aging.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11222217 and 11472150)
文摘Bio-nano interfaces between biological materials and functional nanodevices are of vital importance in relevant energy and information exchange processes, which thus demand an in-depth understanding. One of the critical issues from the application viewpoint is the stability of the bio-nano hybrid under mechanical perturbations. In this work we explore mechanical responses of the interface between lipid bilayer and graphene under hydrostatic coating provides remarkable resistance to the pressure or indentation loads, We find that graphene loads, and the intercalated water layer offers additional protection. These findings are discussed based on molecular dynamics simulation results that elucidate the molecular level mechanisms, which provide a basis for the rational design of bionanotechnology- enabled aoolications such as biomedical devices and nanotheraoeutics.
文摘Although some fusogenic proteins have been established to tether two opposite outer or inner mitochondrial membranes into contact, a prerequisite for whole mitochondrial fusion events,
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘One of the detrimental effects of high salmity on plant cells is considered to be the result of an ion imbalance, particularly a high ratio of Na^+ to K^+ ions, in the cytoplasm. Such an imbalance is probably due to a great increase of entry of Na^+ ions into cells and a decline in absorption of K^+ ions under high-salinity conditions. Thus, plant cells
