@article{WilhelmsBroscheitShityakov2023, author = {Wilhelms, Benedikt and Broscheit, Jens and Shityakov, Sergey}, title = {Chemical analysis and molecular modelling of cyclodextrin-formulated propofol and its sodium salt to improve drug solubility, stability and pharmacokinetics (cytogenotoxicity)}, series = {Pharmaceuticals}, volume = {16}, journal = {Pharmaceuticals}, number = {5}, issn = {1424-8247}, doi = {10.3390/ph16050667}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-313705}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Propofol is a widely used general anesthetic in clinical practice, but its use is limited by its water-insoluble nature and associated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic limitations. Therefore, researchers have been searching for alternative formulations to lipid emulsion to address the remaining side effects. In this study, novel formulations for propofol and its sodium salt Na-propofolat were designed and tested using the amphiphilic cyclodextrin (CD) derivative hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). The study found that spectroscopic and calorimetric measurements suggested complex formation between propofol/Na-propofolate and HPβCD, which was confirmed by the absence of an evaporation peak and different glass transition temperatures. Moreover, the formulated compounds showed no cytotoxicity and genotoxicity compared to the reference. The molecular modeling simulations based on molecular docking predicted a higher affinity for propofol/HPβCD than for Na-propofolate/HPβCD, as the former complex was more stable. This finding was further confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. In conclusion, the CD-based formulations of propofol and its sodium salt may be a promising option and a plausible alternative to conventional lipid emulsions.}, language = {en} } @article{FoersterShityakovScheperetal.2022, author = {F{\"o}rster, Carola Y. and Shityakov, Sergey and Scheper, Verena and Lenarz, Thomas}, title = {Linking cerebrovascular dysfunction to age-related hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease — are systemic approaches for diagnosis and therapy required?}, series = {Biomolecules}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biomolecules}, number = {11}, issn = {2218-273X}, doi = {10.3390/biom12111717}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-297552}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with neurovascular dysfunction, cognitive decline, and the accumulation of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in the brain and tau-related lesions in neurons termed neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Aβ deposits and NFT formation are the central pathological hallmarks in AD brains, and the majority of AD cases have been shown to exhibit a complex combination of systemic comorbidities. While AD is the foremost common cause of dementia in the elderly, age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most predominant sensory deficit in the elderly. During aging, chronic inflammation and resulting endothelial dysfunction have been described and might be key contributors to AD; we discuss an intriguing possible link between inner ear strial microvascular pathology and blood-brain barrier pathology and present ARHL as a potentially modifiable and treatable risk factor for AD development. We present compelling evidence that ARHL might well be seen as an important risk factor in AD development: progressive hearing impairment, leading to social isolation, and its comorbidities, such as frailty, falls, and late-onset depression, link ARHL with cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia, rendering it tempting to speculate that ARHL might be a potential common molecular and pathological trigger for AD. Additionally, one could speculate that amyloid-beta might damage the blood-labyrinth barrier as it does to the blood-brain barrier, leading to ARHL pathology. Finally, there are options for the treatment of ARHL by targeted neurotrophic factor supplementation to the cochlea to improve cognitive outcomes; they can also prevent AD development and AD-related comorbidity in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{FareedQasmiAzizetal.2022, author = {Fareed, Muhammad Mazhar and Qasmi, Maryam and Aziz, Shaan and V{\"o}lker, Elisabeth and F{\"o}rster, Carola Yvette and Shityakov, Sergey}, title = {The role of clusterin transporter in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease at the blood-brain barrier interface: a systematic review}, series = {Biomolecules}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biomolecules}, number = {10}, issn = {2218-273X}, doi = {10.3390/biom12101452}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-290279}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered a chronic and debilitating neurological illness that is increasingly impacting older-age populations. Some proteins, including clusterin (CLU or apolipoprotein J) transporter, can be linked to AD, causing oxidative stress. Therefore, its activity can affect various functions involving complement system inactivation, lipid transport, chaperone activity, neuronal transmission, and cellular survival pathways. This transporter is known to bind to the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, which is the major pathogenic factor of AD. On the other hand, this transporter is also active at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering and exiting the brain. Therefore, in this review, we discuss and emphasize the role of the CLU transporter and CLU-linked molecular mechanisms at the BBB interface in the pathogenesis of AD.}, language = {en} } @article{EsmaeilpourBroscheitShityakov2022, author = {Esmaeilpour, Donya and Broscheit, Jens Albert and Shityakov, Sergey}, title = {Cyclodextrin-based polymeric materials bound to corona protein for theranostic applications}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {21}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms232113505}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-297399}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharide structures that could be used for theranostic applications in personalized medicine. These compounds have been widely utilized not only for enhancing drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability but also for controlled and targeted delivery of small molecules. These compounds can be complexed with various biomolecules, such as peptides or proteins, via host-guest interactions. CDs are amphiphilic compounds with water-hating holes and water-absorbing surfaces. Architectures of CDs allow the drawing and preparation of CD-based polymers (CDbPs) with optimal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. These polymers can be cloaked with protein corona consisting of adsorbed plasma or extracellular proteins to improve nanoparticle biodistribution and half-life. Besides, CDs have become famous in applications ranging from biomedicine to environmental sciences. In this review, we emphasize ongoing research in biomedical fields using CD-based centered, pendant, and terminated polymers and their interactions with protein corona for theranostic applications. Overall, a perusal of information concerning this novel approach in biomedicine will help to implement this methodology based on host-guest interaction to improve therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.}, language = {en} } @article{ShityakovNagaiErguenetal.2022, author = {Shityakov, Sergey and Nagai, Michiaki and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Braunger, Barbara M. and F{\"o}rster, Carola Y.}, title = {The protective effects of neurotrophins and microRNA in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and heart failure via regulating endothelial function}, series = {Biomolecules}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biomolecules}, number = {8}, issn = {2218-273X}, doi = {10.3390/biom12081113}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-285966}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Diabetes mellitus is a common disease affecting more than 537 million adults worldwide. The microvascular complications that occur during the course of the disease are widespread and affect a variety of organ systems in the body. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common long-term complications, which include, amongst others, endothelial dysfunction, and thus, alterations in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). This particularly restrictive physiological barrier is important for maintaining the neuroretina as a privileged site in the body by controlling the inflow and outflow of fluid, nutrients, metabolic end products, ions, and proteins. In addition, people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) have been shown to be at increased risk for systemic vascular complications, including subclinical and clinical stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and nephropathy. DR is, therefore, considered an independent predictor of heart failure. In the present review, the effects of diabetes on the retina, heart, and kidneys are described. In addition, a putative common microRNA signature in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and heart failure is discussed, which may be used in the future as a biomarker to better monitor disease progression. Finally, the use of miRNA, targeted neurotrophin delivery, and nanoparticles as novel therapeutic strategies is highlighted.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaacsMikasiObasaetal.2020, author = {Isaacs, Darren and Mikasi, Sello Given and Obasa, Adetayo Emmanuel and Ikomey, George Mondinde and Shityakov, Sergey and Cloete, Ruben and Jacobs, Graeme Brendon}, title = {Structural comparison of diverse HIV-1 subtypes using molecular modelling and docking analyses of integrase inhibitors}, series = {Viruses}, volume = {12}, journal = {Viruses}, number = {9}, issn = {1999-4915}, doi = {10.3390/v12090936}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-211170}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The process of viral integration into the host genome is an essential step of the HIV-1 life cycle. The viral integrase (IN) enzyme catalyzes integration. IN is an ideal therapeutic enzyme targeted by several drugs; raltegravir (RAL), elvitegravir (EVG), dolutegravir (DTG), and bictegravir (BIC) having been approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Due to high HIV-1 diversity, it is not well understood how specific naturally occurring polymorphisms (NOPs) in IN may affect the structure/function and binding affinity of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). We applied computational methods of molecular modelling and docking to analyze the effect of NOPs on the full-length IN structure and INSTI binding. We identified 13 NOPs within the Cameroonian-derived CRF02_AG IN sequences and further identified 17 NOPs within HIV-1C South African sequences. The NOPs in the IN structures did not show any differences in INSTI binding affinity. However, linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between the Ki and EC50 values for DTG and BIC as strong inhibitors of HIV-1 IN subtypes. All INSTIs are clinically effective against diverse HIV-1 strains from INSTI treatment-na{\"i}ve populations. This study supports the use of second-generation INSTIs such as DTG and BIC as part of first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimens, due to a stronger genetic barrier to the emergence of drug resistance.}, language = {en} } @article{BencurovaShityakovSchaacketal.2022, author = {Bencurova, Elena and Shityakov, Sergey and Schaack, Dominik and Kaltdorf, Martin and Sarukhanyan, Edita and Hilgarth, Alexander and Rath, Christin and Montenegro, Sergio and Roth, G{\"u}nter and Lopez, Daniel and Dandekar, Thomas}, title = {Nanocellulose composites as smart devices with chassis, light-directed DNA Storage, engineered electronic properties, and chip integration}, series = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, issn = {2296-4185}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2022.869111}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-283033}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The rapid development of green and sustainable materials opens up new possibilities in the field of applied research. Such materials include nanocellulose composites that can integrate many components into composites and provide a good chassis for smart devices. In our study, we evaluate four approaches for turning a nanocellulose composite into an information storage or processing device: 1) nanocellulose can be a suitable carrier material and protect information stored in DNA. 2) Nucleotide-processing enzymes (polymerase and exonuclease) can be controlled by light after fusing them with light-gating domains; nucleotide substrate specificity can be changed by mutation or pH change (read-in and read-out of the information). 3) Semiconductors and electronic capabilities can be achieved: we show that nanocellulose is rendered electronic by iodine treatment replacing silicon including microstructures. Nanocellulose semiconductor properties are measured, and the resulting potential including single-electron transistors (SET) and their properties are modeled. Electric current can also be transported by DNA through G-quadruplex DNA molecules; these as well as classical silicon semiconductors can easily be integrated into the nanocellulose composite. 4) To elaborate upon miniaturization and integration for a smart nanocellulose chip device, we demonstrate pH-sensitive dyes in nanocellulose, nanopore creation, and kinase micropatterning on bacterial membranes as well as digital PCR micro-wells. Future application potential includes nano-3D printing and fast molecular processors (e.g., SETs) integrated with DNA storage and conventional electronics. This would also lead to environment-friendly nanocellulose chips for information processing as well as smart nanocellulose composites for biomedical applications and nano-factories.}, language = {en} } @article{KarnatiGuntasRajendranetal.2022, author = {Karnati, Srikanth and Guntas, Gulcan and Rajendran, Ranjithkumar and Shityakov, Sergey and H{\"o}ring, Marcus and Liebisch, Gerhard and Kosanovic, Djuro and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Nagai, Michiaki and F{\"o}rster, Carola Y.}, title = {Quantitative lipidomic analysis of Takotsubo syndrome patients' serum}, series = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, number = {797154}, issn = {2297-055X}, doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2022.797154}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-270832}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as the transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is in contemporary times known as novel acute cardiac syndrome. It is characterized by transient left ventricular apical akinesis and hyperkinesis of the basal left ventricular portions. Although the precise etiology of TTS is unknown, events like the sudden release of stress hormones, such as the catecholamines and the increased inflammatory status might be plausible causes leading to the cardiovascular pathologies. Recent studies have highlighted that an imbalance in lipid accumulation might promote a deviant immune response as observed in TTS. However, there is no information on comprehensive profiling of serum lipids of TTS patients. Therefore, we investigated a detailed quantitative lipid analysis of TTS patients using ES-MSI. Our results showed significant differences in the majority of lipid species composition in the TTS patients compared to the control group. Furthermore, the computational analyses presented was able to link the altered lipids to the pro-inflammatory cytokines and disseminate possible mechanistic pathways involving TNFα and IL-6. Taken together, our study provides an extensive quantitative lipidome of TTS patients, which may provide a valuable Pre-diagnostic tool. This would facilitate the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of the disease and to prevent the development of TTS in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{ShityakovHayashiStoerketal.2021, author = {Shityakov, Sergey and Hayashi, Kentaro and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Scheper, Verena and Lenarz, Thomas and F{\"o}rster, Carola Y.}, title = {The conspicuous link between ear, brain and heart - Could neurotrophin-treatment of age-related hearing loss help prevent Alzheimer's disease and associated amyloid cardiomyopathy?}, series = {Biomolecules}, volume = {11}, journal = {Biomolecules}, number = {6}, issn = {2218-273X}, doi = {10.3390/biom11060900}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241084}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with neurovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline. While the deposition of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the pathological hallmarks of AD-affected brains, the majority of cases exhibits a combination of comorbidities that ultimately lead to multi-organ failure. Of particular interest, it can be demonstrated that Aβ pathology is present in the hearts of patients with AD, while the formation of NFT in the auditory system can be detected much earlier than the onset of symptoms. Progressive hearing impairment may beget social isolation and accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia. The current review discusses the concept of a brain-ear-heart axis by which Aβ and NFT inhibition could be achieved through targeted supplementation of neurotrophic factors to the cochlea and the brain. Such amyloid inhibition might also indirectly affect amyloid accumulation in the heart, thus reducing the risk of developing AD-associated amyloid cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular disease.}, language = {en} } @article{ShityakovSkorbFoersteretal.2021, author = {Shityakov, Sergey and Skorb, Ekaterina V. and F{\"o}rster, Carola Y. and Dandekar, Thomas}, title = {Scaffold Searching of FDA and EMA-Approved Drugs Identifies Lead Candidates for Drug Repurposing in Alzheimer's Disease}, series = {Frontiers in Chemistry}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Chemistry}, issn = {2296-2646}, doi = {10.3389/fchem.2021.736509}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-248703}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Clinical trials of novel therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have consumed a significant amount of time and resources with largely negative results. Repurposing drugs already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), or Worldwide for another indication is a more rapid and less expensive option. Therefore, we apply the scaffold searching approach based on known amyloid-beta (Aβ) inhibitor tramiprosate to screen the DrugCentral database (n = 4,642) of clinically tested drugs. As a result, menadione bisulfite and camphotamide substances with protrombogenic and neurostimulation/cardioprotection effects were identified as promising Aβ inhibitors with an improved binding affinity (ΔGbind) and blood-brain barrier permeation (logBB). Finally, the data was also confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations using implicit solvation, in particular as Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) model. Overall, the proposed in silico pipeline can be implemented through the early stage rational drug design to nominate some lead candidates for AD, which will be further validated in vitro and in vivo, and, finally, in a clinical trial.}, language = {en} }