Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas

Obtención de hidrolizados de proteínas de clara de huevo con actividad antioxidante

2026-09-08T20:25:26Z

Objeto de conferencia XIX Congreso Argentino de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (Buenos Aires, 12 al 14 de noviembre de 2025); Libro de Resúmenes del Congreso XIX CYTAL 2025 Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Schneid (Moraceae) es una especie cultivada en Argentina que posee frutos cuyo látex contiene peptidasas serínicas. Las proteínas de la clara de huevo son valoradas en la industria alimenticia por su calidad nutricional, sus propiedades tecnofuncionales y por contener péptidos bioactivos encriptados en sus secuencias. Estos biopéptidos pueden liberarse por hidrólisis enzimática durante el procesamiento y/o almacenamiento del alimento o bien por el agregado intencional de proteasas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue preparar hidrolizados de clara de huevo de gallina empleando proteasas de Maclura pomifera, optimizar las condiciones de hidrólisis y determinar la presencia de péptidos antioxidantes.

Preparación y caracterización de un extracto proteolítico de Bromelia serra Griseb. (Bromeliaceae) y su empleo como coagulante de la leche

2026-09-08T20:21:48Z

Objeto de conferencia XIX Congreso Argentino de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (Buenos Aires, 12 al 14 de noviembre de 2025); Libro de Resúmenes del Congreso XIX CYTAL 2025 Las enzimas proteolíticas tienen un amplio uso en biotecnología alimentaria en procesos como tiernización de carnes, obtención de hidrolizados proteicos y manufactura de quesos. Para la coagulación de la leche se suele emplear quimosina recombinante comercial, aunque ciertos sectores de la sociedad están interesados en emplear coagulantes naturales. En este sentido, existen una gran variedad de quesos tradicionales producidos por la acción de fitopeptidasas, comercializados por ejemplo en la península Ibérica. Bromelia serra es una especie nativa del norte argentino cuyos frutos contienen proteasas cisteínicas de actividad moderada que aún no han sido utilizadas en la industria. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue obtener y caracterizar extractos de frutos maduros de B. serra y utilizarlos como coagulantes de leche bovina.

Digestión gastrointestinal simulada en quesos elaborados con proteasas de flores de alcaucil (Cynara scolymus L.) como sustituto del cuajo: efectos en la biodisponibilidad de péptidos con actividad antioxidante

2026-09-08T20:25:26Z

Objeto de conferencia XIX Congreso Argentino de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (Buenos Aires, 12 al 14 de noviembre de 2025); Libro de Resúmenes del Congreso XIX CYTAL 2025 Quesos elaborados con extracto de flores de alcaucil como cuajo, presentan actividad antioxidante, que puede cambiar durante la digestión gastrointestinal, al modificarse la biodisponibilidad de los péptidos responsables. Esta variación puede evaluarse por digestión gastrointestinal simulada (DGS). Este trabajo tiene como objetivos elaborar miniquesos con extracto enzimático de flores de alcaucil, determinar parámetros fisicoquímicos y estudiar la actividad antioxidante durante la maduración y en DGS. Se obtuvo un extracto enzimático de flores de alcaucil en buffer (EECs).

Genómica aplicada al estudio de las poblaciones de llamas argentinas: implicancias para la conservación y producción sustentable

2026-09-07T20:27:05Z

Objeto de conferencia XXXVI Jornadas Argentinas de Mastozoología (JAM) (El Calafate, Santa Cruz, 23 al 26 de septiembre de 2025); 36° Jornadas Argentinas de Mastozoología La llama, Lama glama, es una especie autóctona de importancia económica y sociocultural para las poblaciones puneñas del noroeste argentino. Mantener su diversidad genética y fenotípica es fundamental, no sólo para conservar la especie sino también para promover una producción sustentable. La información disponible sobre la diversidad genética de las poblaciones de llamas en Argentina es limitada. En este estudio, utilizamos genotipado por secuenciación (GBS), un enfoque genómico, para estimar la diversidad genética, evaluar su estado de conservación y niveles de endogamia. Para ello se genotiparon 155 muestras de ADN de 8 sitios de Jujuy y 4 de Catamarca. Las secuencias se analizaron siguiendo el flujo de trabajo TASSEL5.0v2 y usando el genoma de Camelus ferus (BCGSAC_Cfer_1.0) como referencia. Para estudiar la diversidad y la estructura genética se empleó R y los softwares PLINK y ADMIXTURE. Luego de los filtrados de calidad, se obtuvieron 11.153 SNPs en 138 muestras, con un promedio de 301 marcadores por cromosoma. Las poblaciones de ambas provincias se diferencian genéticamente entre sí. No hay diferenciación dentro Catamarca pero sí en Jujuy, donde se distinguen al menos 4 grupos. Predominaron segmentos de homocigosis (ROH) cortos, indicando consanguinidad antigua. Sin embargo, en Pozuelos, Jujuy, se evidenciaron eventos recientes de homocigosidad en llamas con defectos congénitos. Investigamos la región cromosómica en busca de posibles genes candidatos asociados a estos rasgos y proponemos los genes MYO15A y USH1G como candidatos vinculados a la sordera asociada a la pigmentación, aunque se requieren estudios adicionales para confirmar esta relación. Este estudio constituye un primer paso para comprender la diversidad genética de las llamas argentinas, y subraya la necesidad de reducir los niveles actuales de endogamia e implementar un monitoreo continuo que permita mejorar las decisiones de manejo y respaldar un sistema de producción sostenible para la especie.

Evaluación de la suplementación temprana con Kluyveromyces marxianus CIDCA 9121 en la producción de pollos parrilleros

2026-09-04T20:24:20Z

Objeto de conferencia XIX Congreso Argentino de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (Buenos Aires, 12 al 14 de noviembre de 2025); Libro de trabajos completos XIX CYTAL 2025 Las crecientes restricciones en el uso de antimicrobianos en producción animal han estimulado la búsqueda de aditivos alimentarios que permitan mejorar los resultados productivos sin seleccionar microorganismos resistentes. Este estudio plantea evaluar el efecto de la suplementación temprana con la levadura probiótica Kluyveromyces marxianus CIDCA 9121 sobre el rendimiento productivo y la salud intestinal de pollos parrilleros buscando minimizar el uso de antibióticos como promotores de crecimiento. El ensayo se realizó en los boxes de bioseguridad del CICVyA – INTA (Hurlingham, Buenos Aires). 180 pollitos Cobb 500 de 1 día de vida se distribuyeron al azar en 9 corrales, los cuales fueron asignados a 3 tratamientos (n=60): Control, Bacitracina (50g/Tn de alimento) y Km 9121. Todos los grupos recibieron alimento y agua ad libitum. El grupo Km 9121 fue suplementado con 109 UFC/día/pollo empleando levadura fresca por instilación en buche desde el día 1 al 7 de vida de los animales. Durante todo el ensayo se monitoreo el estado de los animales y se registró el peso vivo y consumo de alimento desde el nacimiento hasta el día 42 de vida. A los 21 y 35 días, se sacrificaron 5 aves por grupo y se cuantificaron ácidos grasos de cadena corta (AGCC) por HPLC en contenido intestinal de íleon y ciego. Se evaluó la presencia de alteraciones histopatológicas en hígado e intestino mediante observación al microscopio óptico con tinción hematoxilina y eosina. Además, se determinó actividad transaminasa glutámico-oxalacética sérica, niveles de triglicéridos y colesteloremia en un autoanalizador Abbot Laboratories Aeroset. La suplementación dietaria temprana con K. marxianus CIDCA 9121 en pollos de engorde demostró ser inocua, sin causar efectos negativos en el desarrollo de los animales. Aunque no se observaron diferencias en el peso final entre los grupos, la conversión alimenticia fue menor en el grupo levadura en comparación con el grupo control y el grupo bacitracina con valores de 1,87; 1,97 y 2,16 a los 42 días, respectivamente. La concentración total de AGCC en el contenido intestinal de ciego fue mayor que en íleon para todos los animales. Para todos los grupos, a los 21 y 35 días de vida se detectaron en ciego ácido acético y fórmico, mientras que acido isovalérico solo en los pollos del grupo control y bacitracina. Los análisis histopatológicos al día 35 revelaron aumento significativo en la longitud de las vellosidades y profundidad de criptas para pollos que recibieron levadura (p<0.05). Por otro lado, se detectaron vacuolizaciones o aumento de gotas lipídicas en hepatocitos del grupo control, alteraciones que no estuvieron presentes en hígados del grupo levadura. Además, a los 21 días de vida disminuyeron los niveles de transaminasas, triglicéridos y colesterol plasmáticos para el grupo levadura, diferencia que se atenuó a los 35 días. En conjunto, estos resultados sugieren que K. marxianus CIDCA 9121 podría utilizarse como aditivo alimentario en pollos parrilleros con el fin de mejorar los parámetros productivos y la salud de los animales.

Lipasa B de Candida antarctica inmovilizada sobre SiO₂ nanoestructurado aplicada en la esterificación enantioselectiva de ibuprofeno

2026-08-04T20:23:18Z

Articulo Anales de la Asociación Química Argentina; vol. 106, no. 1 En el presente trabajo se prepararon biocatalizadores por adsorción simple de la lipasa B de Candida antarctica (CALB) sobre dióxido de silicio nanoestructurado que se aplicaron en la resolución cinética enzimática de ibuprofeno racémico. Se estudió la cinética de inmovilización y la isoterma de adsorción de la lipasa a partir de distintas soluciones de un extracto crudo. El límite máximo de dispersión de la proteína sobre el óxido es de 0,025µmoles/m² (25mg cada 100mg de soporte) y se obtuvo en menos de 30 minutos de inmovilización. Mediante electroforesis desnaturalizante, se determinó que existió una adsorción selectiva de la CALB con respecto a otras proteínas del extracto enzimático. Los biocatalizadores se utilizaron para esterificar ibuprofeno con etanol en isooctano como cosolvente. Se alcanzó un 70% de conversión a las 24 hs. con 58% de exceso enantiomérico hacia el Sibuprofeno. Los ensayos de estabilidad mostraron que los biocatalizadores sólo perdieron entre 7 y 25% de su actividad después de más de siete meses de almacenamiento a 4 °C. Los biocatalizadores con mayor carga enzimática resultaron ser los más estables.; This investigation presents the synthesis of biocatalysts based on the lipase B of Candida antarctica CALB adsorbed on nanostructured silica oxide and their application of the kinetic resolution of racemic ibuprofen. The kinetic of the immobilization and the isotherm of adsorption were studied. The maximum dispersion limit of the protein onto the oxide support was 0,025µmoles/m² (25mg per 100mg of support) and was achieved in 30min of immobilization. The studies by SDS-PAGE indicated that CALB was selectively adsorbed onto the SiO₂ support. The biocatalysts were used in the esterification of ibuprofen with ethanol with isooctane as cosolvent. The conversion of ibuprofen reached up to 70% at 24 hours of reaction with 58% of enantiomeric excess towards de S-ibuprofen. The stability assays showed that the biocatalysts only lost between 7 and 25% of their activity after more than seven months of storage at 4ºC. Those biocatalysts with a protein loading higher than 21 mg onto 100mg of support were the most stable ones.

Cocoon Syndrome as a Cause of Intestinal Failure and Indication for Combined Liver–Intestine–Kidney Transplantation

2026-07-16T20:24:51Z

Articulo Intestinal Failure; vol. 6 Background: Cocoon Syndrome, or sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is a rare but severe complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis. It can lead to progressive fibrotic encapsulation of the intestines, causing intestinal obstruction due to a fibrous membrane encasing the abdominal organs. Case report: We present a complex case of a 29-year-old male with history of nephronophthisis and four years on peritoneal dialysis who developed Cocoon Syndrome, leading to intestinal perforation and total enterectomy, resulting in irreversible intestinal failure. After prolonged dependence on parenteral nutrition, he developed intestinal failure-associated liver disease, ultimately becoming a candidate for combined liver–intestine and kidney transplantation. Conclusion: This case illustrates how advanced Cocoon Syndrome can lead to severe and progressive complications that may ultimately require combined liver–intestine and kidney transplantation. It underscores the importance of early recognition and appropriate multidisciplinary management to improve patient outcomes.

Corrosión localizada del acero inoxidable austenítico en medio de cultivo celular y evaluación de la citotoxicidad de los iones liberados

2026-07-08T20:25:17Z

Articulo Localized corrosion of austenitic stainless steel in cell culture medium and evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the released ions Ciencia y Tecnología de los Materiales; no. 11 El acero inoxidable austenítico ASTM F745 ha sido sometido a corrosión localizada en medio de cultivo celular y solución acuosa de NaCl, cuyas concentraciones de cloruro fueron 4413,2 mg L⁻¹ y 5423,1 mg L⁻¹, respectivamente. Se ha observado que la susceptibilidad a la corrosión localizada fue menor en el medio de cultivo debido a su menor contenido de cloruros. El Fe fue el metal más liberado en ambos medios durante el proceso de corrosión. Las concentraciones fueron 0,570 mg L⁻¹ en la solución acuosa de NaCl y 0,480 mg L⁻¹ en el medio de cultivo. Las concentraciones de Cr y Mo fueron similares en ambos medios, habiendo sido 0,040 mg L⁻¹ y 0,010 mg L⁻¹, respectivamente, mientras que Ni solo se detectó en la solución acuosa de NaCl, 0,100 mg L⁻¹. Estas concentraciones de iones liberados no provocaron efectos citotóxicos en células similares a osteoblastos.; Austenitic stainless steel ASTM F745 has been submitted to localized corrosion in cell culture medium and NaCl aqueous solution, whose chloride concentrations were 4413,2 mg L⁻¹ and 5423,1 mg L⁻¹, respectively. It has been observed that the susceptibility to localized corrosion was lower in the culture medium due to its lower chloride content. Fe was the most released metal in both media during the corrosion process. The concentrations were 0,570 mg L-1 in the NaCl aqueous solution and 0,480 mg L⁻¹ in the culture medium. The concentrations of Cr and Mo released were similar in both media, having been 0,040 mg L⁻¹ and 0,010 mg L⁻¹, respectively, while Ni was only detected in the NaCl aqueous solution, 0,100 mg L⁻¹. These concentrations of ions released did not cause cytotoxic effects in osteoblast-like cells.

Montelukast activates β4-containing BK channels and emerges as a pharmacological tool to reduce hippocampal excitability

2026-06-29T20:24:24Z

Articulo Pharmacological Research; vol. 229 Large-conductance Ca²⁺- and voltage-activated K⁺ (BK) channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and have been implicated in multiple epileptic syndromes. Their functional diversity arises from the co-assembly of pore-forming α-subunits with auxiliary β subunits, among which β4 is highly expressed in distinct regions of the central nervous system, including hippocampal Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells (DGGCs). Here, we identify montelukast (MTK), a clinically approved cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist, as a direct activator of BK channels, with markedly enhanced efficacy in the presence of the β1 and β4 subunits. MTK acts at submicromolar concentrations and facilitates channel opening by altering the energetics of the pore domain, independent of voltage-sensor activation or Ca²⁺ binding to the cytosolic gating ring. In mouse hippocampal slices, MTK reduces intrinsic excitability of DGGCs by decreasing input resistance and enhancing the afterhyperpolarization, effects fully reversed by the BK channel blocker paxilline. Experiments using physiological DGGCs action potential voltage waveforms confirm that MTK enhances subthreshold and evoked BK currents in α/β4 channels as selective targets. Altogether, our findings suggest that MTK, beyond its known anti-inflammatory properties, may modulate neural excitability through direct BK channel activation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for seizure suppression.

LEAP2 modulates β-adrenergic triggered cardiac responses and provokes antihypertensive effects

2026-06-29T20:24:25Z

Articulo Life Sciences; vol. 390 Receptors for orexigenic hormones are broadly expressed in different tissues. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is the receptor for the gastric peptide hormone ghrelin, although it further displays an intrinsic ligand-independent activity. The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) has been recently identified as GHSR endogenous antagonist and inverse agonist. To understand LEAP2 effects on cardiac performance, we assessed (in-vivo) Wistar (WT) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), isolated hearts (ex-vivo) and car diomyocytes (in-vitro). Intravenous LEAP2 injection reduced arterial pressure, with a greater effect in SHR. LEAP2 also reduced cardiac inotropism in both WT and SHR, whereas a negative chronotropy was observed only in SHR. LEAP2 perfusion reduced intraventricular pressure in isolated SHR hearts and attenuated the responses to isoproterenol on coronary flow, whereas responses to acetylcholine were almost unaffected by LEAP2. Fluorescent LEAP2 or ghrelin labeled cardiomyocytes. LEAP2 or the synthetic inverse agonist PF04628935 produced an equipotent reduction in maximum contraction speed, reduced cardiomyocyte shortening area, and attenuated the responses to isoproterenol, but not to acetylcholine. Plasma levels of ghrelin and LEAP2 were not different between strains, but higher GHSR levels were found in SHR hearts. In conclusion, LEAP2 exerted marked cardiovascular effects, reducing arterial pressure and left ventricular systolic performance in both WT and SHR, with a greater impact in hypertensive animals. However, GHSR involvement in SHR cardiac abnor malities is unrelated to the circulating levels of its endogenous ligands and instead seems to depend on altered cardiac GHSR expression and function. The cardiac LEAP2 interaction with β-adrenergic receptors reveals an important cardioprotective potential. La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.

Blue spherical gold nanoparticles for lateral flow analysis

2026-06-24T20:27:39Z

Comunicacion Next Bioengineering; vol. 2 Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have evolved significantly, expanding well beyond clinical diagnostics into a versatile, rapid, and cost-effective platform for point-of-care applications. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are the most used nanomaterial for the preparation of labels in LFA devices. However, their monochromaticity limits the advantage of human eyes in detecting many colors simultaneously and, therefore, the potentiality of LFA. To address this limitation, this work reports a facile and robust synthesis of blue dielectric-coated gold core-shell nanospheres engineered for LFA applications. This innovative nanostructure modulates the localized surface plasmon reso nance to achieve a distinct color contrast, opening new avenues for the simultaneous co-detection of multiple antigens on a single test strip without compromising the simplicity of visual inspection.

Lipid Nanoparticles with Stiripentol and Cannabidiol Oil: From Rational Optimization to Preclinical Characterization

2026-06-19T20:28:26Z

Articulo Pharmaceutics; vol. 18, no. 4 Background/Objectives: Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a severe form of epilepsy that typically manifests in the first year of life and often requires polytherapy with two or more anti- seizure medications (ASMs) to achieve adequate seizure control. Whereas the combination of stiripentol (STP) and cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated clinical efficacy, it presents significant formulation challenges due to the low aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavail- ability of both compounds. Furthermore, the high daily dosages of STP (approximately 50 mg/kg/day or higher) and the oily nature of conventional CBD formulations often hinder patient compliance, as pediatric patients frequently reject these treatments due to unfavorable organoleptic properties. Methods: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) con- taining STP and CBD suspended in an aqueous medium were developed. The formulation was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and subjected to comprehen- sive in vitro and in vivo characterization. Results: The optimized formulation exhibited a mean particle size of 175.3 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.232, a zeta potential of −8.35 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency greater than 99% for both drugs. Physico- chemical characterization via atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed spherical nanoparticles without aggregation, with the drugs molecularly dis- persed within the lipid matrix. Both STP and CBD showed sustained release profiles and demonstrated oral pharmacokinetic profiles that were comparable or superior to current commercial products. Conclusions: This novel formulation represents a promising thera- peutic alternative for DS, enabling the co-administration of STP and CBD while potentially enhancing CBD bioavailability and treatment adherence in pediatric populations.

Exploring the Cultivable Fraction of the Bacterial Microbiome from Tomato Plants for Growth-Promoting and Biocontrol Traits Toward Bioinput Development

2026-06-12T20:31:13Z

Articulo Agriculture; vol. 16, no. 5 Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic inputs in horticultural systems; however, their bioprospecting is hindered by the absence of integrative, performance-oriented selection strategies. In this study, a comprehensive collection of 259 bacterial isolates associated with tomato plants was systematically screened to identify strains with biocontrol and plant growth-promoting potential. Isolates were characterized in vitro for potential plant colonization ability, antifungal activity, and multiple plant growth-promoting mechanisms. These traits were integrated into composite indices and analyzed using multivariate approaches to guide the selection of promising isolates. Selected candidates were subsequently evaluated in vivo for biocontrol and plant growth at both seedling and productive stages, and most isolates exhibited consistent effects. Isolates from the genera Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus reduced fungal disease incidence to 2–9% (control disease: 80%). A Bacillus isolate increased seedling biomass by 54% in lettuce and 38% in tomato. Under productive conditions, lettuce marketable weight increased by 21–37%, whereas tomato yield showed positive but non-significant increases (~21–25%) after inoculation with Pseudomonas or Bacillus isolates. Overall, this work provides a structured framework for PGPB bioprospecting and validation, combining laboratory screening, composite indices, multivariate analyses, and multi-stage in vivo assays under realistic horticultural conditions.

Microhabitat Primarily Structures Bacterial Communities, While Management History Shapes Functional Potential in Tomato-Associated Soils

2026-06-09T20:28:20Z

Articulo Diversity; vol. 18, no. 5 Intensive horticultural management modifies soil physicochemical conditions, yet its effects on microbial community assembly and functional organization remain poorly resolved. This study examined bulk soil (BS) and rhizosphere soil (Rh) bacterial communities associated with tomato plants grown in two contrasting commercial horticultural establishments: a long-term intensive monoculture (>10 years; MC) and a recently established system (FC). Total bacterial abundance and community structure were characterized using qPCR and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, respectively; the abundance and diversity of functional plant-growth-promoting (PGP) genes—nif H, phoD, and acdS—were assessed by qPCR and DGGE profiling. The MC system, associated with increased salinity, nutrient accumulation, and organic matter content, supported higher bacterial abundance, whereas the FC system showed a higher relative abundance of PGP genes. Amplicon sequencing revealed significant differentiation between BS and Rh, identifying microhabitat in tomato- associated soil as the primary driver of taxonomic structure, while site effects were weaker. In contrast, DGGE profiling supported differences in functional gene composition between management systems, whereas predicted pathway profiles inferred from 16S data were comparatively similar across samples. Overall, these results indicate that horticultural intensification is associated with shifts in predicted functional potential that are not paralleled by major changes in taxonomic structure.

Advancing Trypanosoma cruzi N-myristoyltransferase as a drug target for Chagas disease through in silico discovery and biochemical evaluation

2026-06-04T20:42:59Z

Articulo Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences; vol. 12 Introduction: N-myristoylation is a crucial lipid modification that governs protein localization, intracellular trafficking, and function in eukaryotic cells. The enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), which catalyzes this modification, has emerged as an attractive drug target for parasitic diseases. In this study, we performed a comprehensive biochemical and antiparasitic evaluation of Trypanosoma cruzi NMT (TcNMT), utilizing novel "in silico–identified inhibitors” to assess its potential as a therapeutic agent for Chagas disease.Methods: Recombinant TcNMT was cloned, expressed, and purified for enzymatic characterization. Catalytic activity and substrate affinity were evaluated using a fluorescence-based assay. Four in-silico-selected NMT inhibitors were screened for (i) enzyme inhibition, (ii) cytotoxicity in human cardiomyocytes, and (iii) antiparasitic activity in T. cruzi–infected cardiomyocytes. QUINE and the reference inhibitor DDD85646 were further characterized by calculating selectivity indices. Proteomic profiling of myristoylated proteins was conducted in amastigotes and trypomastigotes following treatment with DDD85646 to identify pathway-level effects.Results: All recombinant TcNMT preparations were catalytically active and displayed high affinity for peptide substrates. Among the screened compounds, QUINE showed moderate antiparasitic efficacy but very low cytotoxicity, yielding a high selectivity index (SI = 28.11). In contrast, DDD85646 exhibited greater antiparasitic potency but substantially higher host-cell toxicity (SI = 4.67). Proteomic analysis of DDD85646-treated parasites revealed downregulation of myristoylated proteins in both life stages, including ARF GTPases and enzymes associated with vesicular trafficking and lipid metabolism. Host cell proteomes remained largely unchanged.Discussion: Biochemical characterization and phenotypic testing support TcNMT as a viable therapeutic target for Chagas disease. QUINE demonstrates the most favorable pharmacological profile, combining antiparasitic activity with excellent selectivity and low host toxicity, making it a strong lead candidate for future drug optimization. Proteomics data indicate that NMT inhibition disrupts critical pathways required for parasite viability yet spares host cellular machinery, reinforcing the mechanistic selectivity of TcNMT targeting. Further studies are warranted to improve potency and evaluate in vivo efficacy.

Editorial: Biophysical reviews (ISSUE 2 2025): LAFeBS, alive, kicking, and growing: the story continues...

2026-04-30T20:23:44Z

Articulo Biophysical Reviews; vol. 17, no. 2 This Editorial for Volume 17 Issue 2 of Biophysical Reviews introduces the contents of the second Special Issue on the Latin American Federation of Biophysical Societies (LAFeBS). Biophysical Reviews is the official journal of the International Union for Pure and Applied Biophysics (IUPAB). The multidisciplinary scope of the articles in this issue reflects LAFeBS’s commitment to highlighting regional contributions to the advancement of biophysics across all its branches.

Comparative genomics and biocontrol potential of five Bacillus strains isolated from grapevine rhizosphere

2026-04-27T20:23:10Z

Articulo Scientific Reports; vol. 16 no. 1 Fungal diseases such as Botrytis cinerea threaten grapevine production, causing substantial yield losses and quality deterioration. To manage these pathogens, viticulture relies heavily on chemical fungicides, which may negatively affect the environment, human health, and wine quality. The growing demand for environmentally safe and residue-free alternatives has therefore stimulated interest in Bacillus spp. as biological control agents. In this study, five Bacillus strains previously isolated from the rhizosphere of Argentine vineyards and known to exhibit biocontrol activity against B. cinerea were investigated to determine their taxonomic identity and biocontrol potential. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses revealed two clearly defined species groups: Bacillus cereus sensu stricto (FAU20, AMCV8, and TCT6) and Bacillus subtilis sensu stricto (AMCV2 and FAU18). The classification of B. cereus group strains remained challenging due to high genomic similarity and inconsistencies among current taxonomic frameworks. Genome mining identified multiple biosynthetic gene clusters associated with secondary metabolite production, including cyclic lipopeptides. Bioassays confirmed that AMCV2 and FAU18 produced cyclic lipopeptides capable of inhibiting B. cinerea, whereas the B. cereus group strains produced only siderophores. Overall, these findings support AMCV2 and FAU18 as promising candidates for sustainable Bacillus-based biofungicides.

AgRP neuron activity enhances reward-related consummatory behaviors during energy deficit in mice

2026-04-27T20:23:12Z

Articulo Communications Biology; vol. 8 no. 1 Hunger enhances the consumption of rewarding foods, but the neurobiological basis of this adaptation remains unclear. We hypothesize that agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) promote the consumption of rewarding stimuli under calorie restriction, independent of caloric content. To test this, we study mice fed 40% of their average daily intake and exposed daily to the non-caloric sweetener saccharin before feeding. We show that calorie-restricted (CR) mice increase saccharin intake before each restricted feeding event and that this response requires ARH integrity. CR mice exhibit activation of AgRP neurons and their brain targets without significant changes in AgRP fiber density. Furthermore, satiated mice increase saccharin intake following chemogenetic activation of AgRP neurons, whereas CR mice with selective chemogenetic inhibition of AgRP neurons show reduced saccharin intake. Thus, we conclude that AgRP neuron activation enhances the consumption of a purely rewarding stimulus in CR mice. These findings contribute to our understanding of how the brain shapes food choices under conditions of energy deficit and could be important for managing food consumption during dieting or in eating disorders.

Harnessing outer membrane vesicles derived from Bordetella pertussis to overcome key limitations of acellular pertussis vaccines

2026-06-01T14:05:28Z

Articulo Frontiers in Immunology; vol. 16 Acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines have markedly reduced the global burden of severe pertussis. However, their limited ability to elicit mucosal and durable immunity has been linked to waning protection and sustained Bordetella pertussis circulation. Selective pressure exerted by widespread aP vaccination has contributed to the emergence and regional dissemination of pertactin-deficient (PRN^-) strains, raising additional concerns regarding vaccine effectiveness. In this context, we investigated whether incorporating outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from B. pertussis into the aP vaccine could enhance its immunological profile, specifically by promoting Th1/Th17 polarization, inducing tissue-resident memory (TRM) T cells, and broadening protective coverage to include PRN^- isolates, while maintaining aP-induced immunity against lower respiratory tract colonization. Using a murine intranasal challenge model with a two-dose vaccination schedule, we assessed the safety, immunogenicity, and protective capacity of the OMV+aP vaccine prototype (combined) versus aP vaccine. The combined formulation was well tolerated and induced robust systemic and mucosal responses, characterized by higher IgG2a/IgG1 ratios, increased Th1/Th17 cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL - 17, and IL - 22), and elevated anti-B. pertussis IgA titers. Flow cytometric analyses revealed lung- and nasal-resident CD4⁺ TRM cells in the combined immunized mice, which were absent in those receiving aP alone. Functionally, OMV+aP formulation conferred superior protection in pulmonary and nasal compartments, significantly reducing lung bacterial loads (including against PRN^- strains) and uniquely diminishing nasal colonization even under high-dose challenge conditions. Passive transfer experiments confirmed the role of cellular and humoral immunity in bacterial clearance. These results demonstrate that OMVs synergize with aP to enhance immune response magnitude and quality, addressing key gaps in current aP vaccines and offering a next-generation strategy to prevent both disease and transmission.

Cannabidiol combined with GABAergic drugs but not with sodium channel blockers prevents the development of drug-resistance seizures in a preclinical model

2026-04-23T20:24:00Z

Articulo Frontiers in Pharmacology; vol. 16 Drug resistance affects 30% of patients with epilepsy. Cannabidiol (CBD) decreases the expression of drug-resistant seizures in specific syndromes. However, it is unknown if CBD prevents the development of drug-resistant condition in epilepsy. This research was conducted to investigate if subchronic administration of CBD with sodium channel blockers modifies the mortality associated with clonic-tonic seizures and the development of the drug-resistant phenotype induced by subchronic administration of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MP) in rats. These effects were compared with those elicited by antiseizure medications acting on the GABA_A receptors. Male Wistar rats were used to evaluate CBD combined with different antiseizure medications (phenobarbital, diazepam, valproic acid, lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine) during the repetitive administration of 3-MP. The mortality rate and development of drug-resistant seizures were estimated. Computational experiments explored interactions between CBD and sodium channel blockers in the NaV1.7 receptor. Subchronic administration of CBD alone did not modify neither the mortality rate nor the development of drug-resistant seizures. CBD combined with phenobarbital or diazepam reduced the mortality rate and prevalence of drug-resistant seizures. In contrast, coadministration of CBD with valproic acid or lamotrigine did not modify neither the mortality rate nor the expression of drug-resistant seizures. Contrariwise, combining CBD with oxcarbazepine at ED₅₀ increases the incidence of drug-resistant seizures. Computational experiments suggested that CBD acting on NaV1.7 interferes with the action of sodium channel blockers and precludes their inhibitory effects. Our results indicate that repeated administration of CBD with GABAergic antiseizure medications, but not sodium channel blockers, decreases the mortality and prevents the development of the drug-resistant phenotype induced by repeatedly provoked severe seizures.