Biophysical reviews最新文献

{"title":"New therapeutic strategies for malaria.","authors":"Alessandro Sá Pinheiro, Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco, Celso Caruso-Neves, Ana Acacia Sá Pinheiro","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01296-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01296-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease and remains a significant global health problem, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Malaria cases are widely spread, but the highest incidence occurs in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in developing countries. Despite all efforts to control the disease, the number of cases increased by 5 million from 2021 to 2022. The mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis are still not fully understood. This, combined with the parasite's recurrent ability to develop resistance to standard treatments, hinders effective disease management and control. Therefore, a deep understanding of parasite biology, along with the various aspects of host-parasite interactions, is essential for malaria elimination. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed vesicles which are secreted by a variety of cells. These tiny structures have emerged as a key component in the mechanisms of pathogenesis of different parasitic diseases, promoting cell-to-cell communication, even in distance. In this review, we explore the latest advancements in EV research in the malaria field, focusing on their role in pathophysiology, as well as their potential as diagnostic tools, alternative therapeutic strategies, and vaccine development. We conclude by highlighting key elements in EV research that could provide insights into the translational application of EVs.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"701-707"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075036/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fluorescence phasor analysis: basic principles and biophysical applications.","authors":"Alvaro A Recoulat Angelini, Leonel Malacrida, F Luis González Flecha","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01293-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01293-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fluorescence is one of the most widely used techniques in biological sciences. Its exceptional sensitivity and versatility make it a tool of first choice for quantitative studies in biophysics. The concept of phasors, originally introduced by Charles Steinmetz in the late nineteenth century for analyzing alternating current circuits, has since found applications across diverse disciplines, including fluorescence spectroscopy. The main idea behind fluorescence phasors was posited by Gregorio Weber in 1981. By analyzing the complementary nature of pulse and phase fluorometry data, he shows that two magnitudes-denoted as G and S-derived from the frequency-domain fluorescence measurements correspond to the real and imaginary parts of the Fourier transform of the fluorescence intensity in the time domain. This review provides a historical perspective on how the concept of phasors originates and how it integrates into fluorescence spectroscopy. We discuss their fundamental algebraic properties, which enable intuitive model-free analysis of fluorescence data despite the complexity of the underlying phenomena. Some applications in molecular biophysics illustrate the power of this approach in studying diverse phenomena, including protein folding, protein interactions, phase transitions in lipid mixtures, and formation of high-order structures in nucleic acids.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"395-408"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075720/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RND/HAE-1 members in the Pseudomonadota phylum: exploring multidrug resistance.","authors":"Vinnícius Machado Schelk Gomes, Ana Carolina Silva Bulla, Pedro Henrique Monteiro Torres, Manuela Leal da Silva","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01297-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01297-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The hydrophobe/amphiphile efflux-1 (HAE-1) family, part of the Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) superfamily, plays a critical role in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria. Known for its broad substrate transport capacity, this family of efflux pumps can actively expel a wide range of molecules, including antibiotics, salts, and dyes, thereby reducing the intracellular concentration of toxic substances. These transporters, which form efflux systems, are primarily found in bacteria within the phylum Pseudomonadota (Proteobacteria), where they are strongly associated with increased resistance and enhanced virulence, thus contributing to bacterial survival in hostile environments. In addition, efflux systems are composed of two other protein components: Membrane Fusion Proteins (MFPs) and Outer Membrane Factors (OMFs). Notably, several bacterial species identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as urgent priorities for new antibiotic development, such as <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, have well-studied HAE-1 efflux systems, such as AcrAB-TolC and MexAB-OprM. These systems efficiently transport molecules from the periplasm to the extracellular space, facilitating bacterial persistence. In this review, we examined the current knowledge of HAE-1 efflux transporters and their roles in the physiology and survival of bacteria in the Pseudomonadota phylum.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"687-699"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075780/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chirality transfer to nanocrystals by peptide templates and circularly polarized light.","authors":"Marcelo Yudi Icimoto, Vitor Oliveira, Iseli Lourenço Nantes","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01278-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01278-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since the early advent of nanotechnology, proteins, peptides, and amino acids have frequently been used to synthesize and stabilize metallic and ceramic nanoparticles. Also, several signaling peptides and enzymes have the activity modulated by the association with nanostructured particles and films. Lately, with the discovery of giant magnetoresistance and chiral-induced spin selectivity, an innovative nanotechnological use of amino acids and proteins emerged. Enantiomeric pairs of amino acids, peptides, and other biomolecules have been used as templates for growing chiral distorted nanocrystals and for chiral functionalization of achiral nanoparticles. More recently, circularly polarized light has been raised as an alternative for synthesizing enantiomeric pairs of plasmonic nanocrystals on anisotropic seeds. These chiral nanostructured materials exhibit unique properties with applications in biological and technological fields harnessed in various applications, including biosensing, asymmetric catalysis, and optical devices. This review presents the experimental strategies and mechanisms of chirality transfer to plasmonic and ceramic nanoparticles using peptide templates and circularly polarized light.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"409-417"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075722/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical communication pathways in bacteria: an extra layer to quorum sensing.","authors":"Virgilio de la Viuda, Javier Buceta, Iago Grobas","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01290-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12551-025-01290-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bacterial communication is essential for survival, adaptation, and collective behavior. While chemical signaling, such as quorum sensing, has been extensively studied, physical cues play a significant role in bacterial interactions. This review explores the diverse range of physical stimuli, including mechanical forces, electromagnetic fields, temperature, acoustic vibrations, and light that bacteria may experience with their environment and within a community. By integrating these diverse communication pathways, bacteria can coordinate their activities and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, we discuss how these physical stimuli modulate bacterial growth, lifestyle, motility, and biofilm formation. By understanding the underlying mechanisms, we can develop innovative strategies to combat bacterial infections and optimize industrial processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"667-685"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075086/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural determinants of soft memory in recurrent biological networks.","authors":"Maria Sol Vidal-Saez, Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01295-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12551-025-01295-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recurrent neural networks are frequently studied in terms of their information-processing capabilities. The structural properties of these networks are seldom considered, beyond those emerging from the connectivity tuning necessary for network training. However, real biological networks have non-contingent architectures that have been shaped by evolution over eons, constrained partly by information-processing criteria, but more generally by fitness maximization requirements. Here, we examine the topological properties of existing biological networks, focusing in particular on gene regulatory networks in bacteria. We identify structural features, both local and global, that dictate the ability of recurrent networks to store information on the fly and process complex time-dependent inputs.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"259-269"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075040/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnesium sulfate in oxidative stress-associated pathologies: clinical, cellular, and molecular perspectives.","authors":"Reinaldo Marín, Cilia Abad, Deliana Rojas, Miguel Fernández, Fernando Ruette","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01292-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01292-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) is a therapeutically versatile agent used across various medical conditions. This review integrates experimental and computational findings to elucidate the clinical, cellular, molecular, and electronic mechanisms underlying MgSO₄'s therapeutic effects, focusing on its antioxidant properties. MgSO₄ remains the gold standard treatment for preeclampsia and eclampsia, preventing seizures and mitigating oxidative damage. In preterm birth, it offers fetal neuroprotection, although its efficacy as a tocolytic agent is limited. MgSO₄ also shows promise in treating respiratory conditions, notably severe asthma, where it acts as a bronchodilator. Its applications extend to anesthesia, pain management, and cardiac arrhythmias, reflecting its diverse pharmacological actions. Advanced computational methods, including molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry calculations, have revealed how MgSO₄ interacts with cell membranes and neutralizes hydroxyl radicals. These studies suggest that MgSO₄'s antioxidant effects stem from its ability to stabilize membrane structures and modulate electron transfer processes. The therapeutic effects are mediated through multiple pathways, including calcium channel modulation, NMDA receptor antagonism, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Although generally safe, MgSO₄ requires careful monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic window. Future research should focus on precision dosing strategies, innovative delivery systems, and expanded therapeutic applications. A comprehensive understanding of MgSO₄'s molecular mechanisms and clinical applications will further optimize its therapeutic use.</p><p><strong>Graphical abstract: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"511-535"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075762/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Various challenges in understanding the thick filaments, within and outside skeletal and cardiac muscles.","authors":"Jean Emile Morel","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01289-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01289-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thick filaments isolated from various sources, most frequently skeletal and cardiac muscles, have been studied, but several aspects of their behavior remain to be clarified. Myosin II is the principal component of these filaments. A \"traditional\" interacting-heads motif (IHM) has been observed in isolated thick filaments. In this motif, the two heads of the myosin II molecule interact and are stuck to the backbone of the filaments. Another aspect, the super-relaxed state (SRX state), has been described in situ, in relaxed demembranated muscle fibers and myofibrils. It has frequently been claimed that the IHM and the SRX state are closely related. Some authors still consider this relationship valid, but this view is now broadly called into question. These two phenomena occur in very different conditions, making it difficult to determine if and how they are related. For example, macromolecular crowding is a characteristic feature in situ (regardless of interfilament spacing), but not in the conditions in which the \"traditional\" IHM has been observed. Recent studies in situ have attempted to resolve this problem, but some of the reported findings conflict. Moreover, the association of other proteins with the myosin filaments in situ increases thick filament complexity. Experimental conditions may affect the results obtained but the consideration of long-overlooked data would help to prevent erroneous interpretations. For instance, neither the absence (EM studies) or presence (in situ studies) of cell-associated water nor electrical charges are taken into account in any of the published studies in this domain and the omission of these two parameters could lead to contradictory conclusions. My principal objective here is to provide a brief overview (with a limited number of illustrative references) of the increasing complexity of our understanding of thick filaments over the years, particularly as concerns the weak coupling or absence of coupling between the IHM and the SRX state (recent findings that may be difficult to interpret).</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 3","pages":"829-834"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12290140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144727852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Biophysical Reviews</i>: welcoming a new year in biophysics.","authors":"Wilma K Olson","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01291-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01291-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This Editorial introduces the contents of Volume 17, Issue 1 of <i>Biophysical Reviews</i>, the official journal of the International Union for Pure and Applied Biophysics (IUPAB). A major highlight of the Issue is the announcement of the winner of the 2025 Michéle Auger Award for Young Scientists' Independent Research. The broad scope of the articles in the Issue and the geographically widespread locations of the contributing authors of the reviews in the Issue mirror the goals of IUPAB, namely to organize worldwide advancements, co-operation, communication, and education in biophysics.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11885771/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143584637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrogen peroxide transport by aquaporins: insights from molecular modeling and simulations.","authors":"Jonathan Chevriau, Gerardo Zerbetto De Palma, Karina Alleva, Ari Zeida","doi":"10.1007/s12551-025-01288-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12551-025-01288-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a key reactive oxygen species involved in cellular redox signaling and oxidative stress. Due to its polar nature, its transport across membranes is regulated by aquaporins (AQPs), membrane channels traditionally known for H₂O transport. Certain AQPs, known as peroxiporins, facilitate selective H₂O₂ permeation, playing critical roles in mantaining redox homeostasis. This review summarizes insights from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations into the mechanisms of H₂O₂ transport through AQPs. Key structural regions, such as the selectivity filter (SF) and NPA motif, influence H₂O₂ permeation, with energy profiles revealing differences from H₂O transport. While molecular mimicry suggests similarities in the movement of H₂O and H₂O₂, specific interactions and energetic barriers highlight the complexity of the process. We highlight the need for integrating computational and experimental findings for further studies to unify mechanistic understanding and develop applications in redox biology.</p>","PeriodicalId":9094,"journal":{"name":"Biophysical reviews","volume":"17 2","pages":"301-308"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075058/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}