The α-Helical Cap Domain of a Novel Esterase from Gut Alistipes shahii Shaping the Substrate-Binding Pocket.

The human gut microbiota regulates nutritional metabolism, especially by encoding specific ferulic acid esterases (FAEs) to release functional ferulic acid (FA) from dietary fiber. In our previous study, we observed seven upregulated FAE genes during in vitro fecal slurry fermentation using wheat bran. Here, a 29 kDa FAE (AsFAE) from Alistipes shahii of Bacteroides was characterized and identified as the type-A FAE. The X-ray structure of AsFAE has been determined, revealing a unique α-helical domain comprising five α-helices, which was first characterized in FAEs from the gut microbiota. Further molecular docking analysis and biochemical studies revealed that Tyr100, Thr122, Tyr219, and Ile220 are essential for substrate binding and catalytic efficiency. Additionally, Glu129 and Lys130 in the cap domain shaped the substrate-binding pocket and affected the substrate preference. This is the first report on A. shahii FAE, providing a theoretical basis for the dietary metabolism in the human gut.

Luminescent Zn(II) Coordination Polymers for Highly Selective Sensing of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in Water.

Three photoluminescent zinc coordination polymers (CPs), {[Zn2(tpeb)2(2,5-tdc)(2,5-Htdc)2]·2H2O}n (1), {[Zn2(tpeb)2(1,4-ndc)(1,4-Hndc)2]·2.6H2O}n (2), and {[Zn2(tpeb)2(2,3-ndc)2]·H2O}n (3) (tpeb = 1,3,5-tri-4-pyridyl-1,2-ethenylbenzene, 2,5-tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and 2,3-ndc = 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) were prepared from reactions of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with tpeb and 2,5-H2tdc, 1,4-H2ndc, or 2,3-H2ndc under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 has a two-dimensional (2D) grid-like network formed from bridging 1D [Zn(tpeb)]n chains via 2,5-tdc dianions. 2 and 3 possess similar one-dimensional (1D) double-chain structures derived from bridging the [Zn(tpeb)]n chains via pairs of 1,4-ndc or 2,3-ndc ligands. The solid-state, visible emission by 1-3 was quenched by Cr3+, CrO42-, and Cr2O72- ions in water with detection limits by the most responsive complex 3 of 0.88 ppb for Cr3+ and 2.623 ppb for Cr2O72- (pH = 3) or 1.734 ppb for CrO42- (pH = 12). These values are well below the permissible limits set by the USEPA and European Union and the lowest so far reported for any bi/trifunctional CPs sensors. The mechanism of Cr3+ luminescence quenching involves irreversible coordination to free pyridyl sites in the CP framework, while the Cr6+ quenching involves reversible overlap of the absorption bands of the analytes with those of the excitation and/or emission bands for 3.

Mechanism and treatment of sulfur mustard-induced cutaneous injury.

Skin is the first organ exposed to sulfur mustard (SM). The mechanism of SM-induced cutaneous injury has not been fully clarified so far, which is a major obstacle to the development of effective treatments for SM-induced injury. So far, there is no satisfactory therapy for acute symptoms and long-term complications. This review summarized recent researches on the mechanisms of SM-induced cutaneous injuries and the therapies for acute symptoms and long-term complications.