Crystal structure of an ACh-binding protein reveals the ligand-binding domain of nicotinic receptors

Pentameric ligand gated ion-channels, or Cys-loop receptors, mediate rapid chemical transmission of signals. This superfamily of allosteric transmembrane proteins includes the nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR), serotonin 5-HT3, gamma-aminobutyric-acid (GABAA and GABAC) and glycine receptors. Biochemical and electrophysiological information on the prototypic nAChRs is abundant but structural data at atomic resolution have been missing. Here we present the crystal structure of molluscan acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP), a structural and functional homologue of the amino-terminal ligand-binding domain of an nAChR alpha-subunit. In the AChBP homopentamer, the protomers have an immunoglobulin-like topology. Ligand-binding sites are located at each of five subunit interfaces and contain residues contributed by biochemically determined 'loops' A to F. The subunit interfaces are highly variable within the ion-channel family, whereas the conserved residues stabilize the protomer fold. This AChBP structure is relevant for the development of drugs against, for example, Alzheimer's disease and nicotine addiction.     

Thy-1-mediated T-cell activation requires co-expression of CD3/Ti complex

In addition to monoclonal antibodies against the CD3 (T3)-T-cell antigen receptor (CD3/Ti) complex, several other monoclonals directed towards distinct cell surface structures on human (CD2 (T11) and Tp44) and murine (Thy-1, TAP, and Ly-6) T lymphocytes are capable of activating T cells. It has been proposed that such structures may function as alternative pathways of stimulation. To examine directly whether any relationship exists between Thy-1-dependent activation phenomena and T-cell activation mediated through the CD3/Ti complex, we have transfected several CD3/Ti- variants of the human T-cell line Jurkat with the murine Thy-1.2 gene. Our data indicate that in CD3/Ti-, Thy-1.2+ transfectants, monoclonal antibodies against Thy-1.2 can induce a rise in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i), but fail to stimulate interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. The only defect in these variant cell lines responsible for the inability to produce IL-2 in response to Thy-1 stimulation was in the expression of the CD3/Ti complex, because replacement of defective Ti alpha- or beta-chain genes reconstributed both surface expression of CD3/Ti and responsiveness to Thy-1 in the IL-2 production assay.     

Ti3C2电极材料的密度泛函理论计算

研究H—,—O—,F—三种基团在Ti3C2表面的吸附, 通过密度泛函理论模拟计算吸附后结构的电子性质和量子电容. 结果表明： 3个相邻C原子中心处的正上方是最佳吸附位; 基团吸附可调制Ti₃C₂的电子结构; Ti₃C₂表面吸附H—基团的量子电容提升效果最好, 且在负偏压下具有较高的电荷积累能力.     

高纯Ti3SiC2块体的热压原位合成及性能研究

以Ti、Si和石墨粉为原料,以少量的Al为反应助剂,用反应热压(HP)工艺在1 450 ℃和25MPa下2 h制得纯度为97%、相对密度为98.45%、粒度为5～10 μm的Ti3SiC2多晶块体.其弯曲强度为407 MPa、室温电阻率为0.22×10-6 Ω·m、维氏硬度为3.97 GPa.与Barsoum和Ei-Raghy在1 600 ℃和40 MPa下烧结4 h获得的样品相比,本样品显示了较低的弯曲强度,基本相同的纯度、电阻率和硬度.     

Structure of C3b reveals conformational changes that underlie complement activity

Resistance to infection and clearance of cell debris in mammals depend on the activation of the complement system, which is an important component of innate and adaptive immunity. Central to the complement system is the activated form of C3, called C3b, which attaches covalently to target surfaces to amplify complement response, label cells for phagocytosis and stimulate the adaptive immune response. C3b consists of 1,560 amino-acid residues and has 12 domains. It binds various proteins and receptors to effect its functions. However, it is not known how C3 changes its conformation into C3b and thereby exposes its many binding sites. Here we present the crystal structure at 4-A resolution of the activated complement protein C3b and describe the conformational rearrangements of the 12 domains that take place upon proteolytic activation. In the activated form the thioester is fully exposed for covalent attachment to target surfaces and is more than 85 A away from the buried site in native C3 (ref. 5). Marked domain rearrangements in the alpha-chain present an altered molecular surface, exposing hidden and cryptic sites that are consistent with known putative binding sites of factor B and several complement regulators. The structural data indicate that the large conformational changes in the proteolytic activation and regulation of C3 take place mainly in the first conversion step, from C3 to C3b. These insights are important for the development of strategies to treat immune disorders that involve complement-mediated inflammation.     

Ti3C2Tx薄膜制备与电磁屏蔽性能研究

为了减少电磁屏蔽对设备的影响,采用真空抽滤方法制备了一种超薄Ti3C2Tx薄膜,在2～18 GHz研究了其电磁屏蔽性能.用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)表征了Ti3 C2 Tx薄膜断面的微观形貌,X射线衍射仪(XRD)测试了Ti3 C2 Tx薄膜成分.结果表明:制备的Ti3 C2 Tx薄膜,具有超薄性、高导电性和高电磁屏蔽性...     

Characterization of Bi2/3Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics synthesized by semi-wet route

Bi_(2/3)Cu_3Ti_4O_(12)(BCTO) ceramic was synthesized by the semi-wet route using metal nitrate solutions and solid TiO_2 powder in a stoichiometric ratio. Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) study of BCTO precursor powder and calcined ceramic showed the presence of alcoholic functional groups and the stretching band of Ti-O and Cu-O respectively. X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy(EDX) were employed to characterize the structure, surface morphology and purity of the sintered BCTO ceramic respectively. X-ray diffraction study confirmed the single phase formation of BCTO ceramic at1073 K. The average dimension of grains calculated by SEM and AFM was found to be in the range of 0.73 ±0.2 μm with clear grain boundaries. Magnetic property was investigated over a wide temperature range 2–300 K at a magnetic field of 7 tesla. The Curie temperature was calculated by zero field cooled(M~(ZFC)) and field cooled(M~(FC)) magnetization at 100 Oe applied field which was found to be 125 K. The sintered BCTO ceramic shows high dielectric constant(ε'=2.9×10~4) at 323 K and 100 Hz.     

Polymorphism in the alpha 3 domain of HLA-A molecules affects binding to CD8

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) expressing the CD8 glycoprotein recognize peptide antigens presented by class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This correlation and the absence of CD8 polymorphism led to the hypothesis that CD8 binds to a conserved site of class I MHC molecules. Using a cell-cell binding assay we previously demonstrated specific interaction between human class I MHC (HLA-A,B,C) molecules and CD8. Subsequent analysis of the products of 17 HLA-A,B alleles revealed a natural polymorphism for CD8 binding in the human population. Two molecules, HLA-Aw68.1 and HLA-Aw68.2, which do not bind CD8, have a valine residue at position 245 whereas all other HLA-A,B,C molecules have alanine. Site-directed mutagenesis shows that this single substitution in the alpha 3 domain is responsible for the CD8 binding phenotype and also affects recognition by alloreactive and influenza-specific CTL. Our results indicate that CD8 binds to the alpha 3 domain of class I MHC molecules.     

Ti∶LiNbO_3声光TE－TM模式转换器的制作

报道了可用于声光可调窄带滤光器的Ｔｉ∶ＬｉＮｂＯ３单模条形波导结构的声光可调ＴＥ－ＴＭ模式转换器研制的初步结果，此模式转换器在１．５μｍ波段的带宽约６ｎｍ，在１．５５μｍ得到７０％的转换率，观察到了中心波长随驱动ＲＦ源频率变化的相应变化     

Structure of the zinc-binding domain of an essential component of the hepatitis C virus replicase

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a human pathogen affecting nearly 3% of the world's population. Chronic infections can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The RNA replication machine of HCV is a multi-subunit membrane-associated complex. The non-structural protein NS5A is an active component of HCV replicase, as well as a pivotal regulator of replication and a modulator of cellular processes ranging from innate immunity to dysregulated cell growth. NS5A is a large phosphoprotein (56-58 kDa) with an amphipathic alpha-helix at its amino terminus that promotes membrane association. After this helix region, NS5A is organized into three domains. The N-terminal domain (domain I) coordinates a single zinc atom per protein molecule. Mutations disrupting either the membrane anchor or zinc binding of NS5A are lethal for RNA replication. However, probing the role of NS5A in replication has been hampered by a lack of structural information about this multifunctional protein. Here we report the structure of NS5A domain I at 2.5-A resolution, which contains a novel fold, a new zinc-coordination motif and a disulphide bond. We use molecular surface analysis to suggest the location of protein-, RNA- and membrane-interaction sites.     

A binding site for the T-cell co-receptor CD8 on the alpha 3 domain of HLA-A2

Adhesion measurements between CD8 and 48 point mutants of HLA-A2.1 show that the CD8 alpha-chain binds to the alpha 3 domain of HLA-A2.1. Three clusters of alpha 3 residues contribute to the binding, with an exposed, negatively charged loop (residues 223-229) playing a dominant role. CD8 binding correlates with cytotoxic T-cell recognition and sensitivity to inhibition by anti-CD8 antibodies. Impaired alloreactive T-cell recognition of an HLA-A2.1 mutant with reduced affinity for CD8 is not restored by functional CD8 binding sites on an antigenically irrelevant class I molecule. Therefore, complexes of CD8 and the T-cell receptor bound to the same class I major histocompatibility complex molecule seem to be necessary for T-cell activation.     

Structure of the catalytic domain of the hepatitis C virus NS2-3 protease

Hepatitis C virus is a major global health problem affecting an estimated 170 million people worldwide. Chronic infection is common and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no vaccine available and current therapies have met with limited success. The viral RNA genome encodes a polyprotein that includes two proteases essential for virus replication. The NS2-3 protease mediates a single cleavage at the NS2/NS3 junction, whereas the NS3-4A protease cleaves at four downstream sites in the polyprotein. NS3-4A is characterized as a serine protease with a chymotrypsin-like fold, but the enzymatic mechanism of the NS2-3 protease remains unresolved. Here we report the crystal structure of the catalytic domain of the NS2-3 protease at 2.3 A resolution. The structure reveals a dimeric cysteine protease with two composite active sites. For each active site, the catalytic histidine and glutamate residues are contributed by one monomer, and the nucleophilic cysteine by the other. The carboxy-terminal residues remain coordinated in the two active sites, predicting an inactive post-cleavage form. Proteolysis through formation of a composite active site occurs in the context of the viral polyprotein expressed in mammalian cells. These features offer unexpected insights into polyprotein processing by hepatitis C virus and new opportunities for antiviral drug design.     

C60在MoO3/Al2O3催化剂上的担载及表征

用甲苯溶解试验,通过C60在MoO3／Al2O3催化剂上不同担载方式,研究了用N2、He及Air焙烧作用．结果表明：用N2焙烧时,先担载C60,后担载MoO3于Al2O3载体的样品中,MoO3、C60以及Al2O3之间相互作用最强,并生成了一种Mo-C60-O-Al新型复合物。     

C60Ni(PPh3)2配合物的合成和性质研究

采用配体取代法合成出C60Ni(PPh3)2，利用元素分析、红外光谱、光电子能谱对产物进行表征，研究了产物的热稳定性和氯化还原性能。     

Phospholipase Cgamma1 controls surface expression of TRPC3 through an intermolecular PH domain

Many ion channels are regulated by lipids, but prominent motifs for lipid binding have not been identified in most ion channels. Recently, we reported that phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLC-gamma1) binds to and regulates TRPC3 channels, components of agonist-induced Ca2+ entry into cells. This interaction requires a domain in PLC-gamma1 that includes a partial pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-a consensus lipid-binding and protein-binding sequence. We have developed a gestalt algorithm to detect hitherto 'invisible' PH and PH-like domains, and now report that the partial PH domain of PLC-gamma1 interacts with a complementary partial PH-like domain in TRPC3 to elicit lipid binding and cell-surface expression of TRPC3. Our findings imply a far greater abundance of PH domains than previously appreciated, and suggest that intermolecular PH-like domains represent a widespread signalling mode.     

Unusual intron in the immunoglobulin domain of the newly isolated murine CD4 (L3T4) gene

The T-cell surface glycoprotein, CD4, is expressed predominantly on helper T cells and is thought to play a major role in cell-cell interactions. Monoclonal antibodies against CD4 have been shown to block numerous T-cell functions; moreover, recent results suggest that the CD4 molecule may be involved in transmembrane signal transduction. The human CD4 glycoprotein has also been shown to form at least part of the receptor for the AIDS virus, HIV-1. Elucidation of the functions of CD4 will be facilitated by the ability to manipulate the protein by genetic means. Because the mouse system is well suited for a variety of functional studies, we have isolated, sequenced and expressed cDNA clones encoding the murine CD4 (L3T4) glycoprotein. Comparison of the mouse and human CD4 sequences reveals striking evolutionary conservation of the cytoplasmic domain, suggesting that this region is essential for CD4 function. In addition, both the human and mouse CD4 gene contain a large intron in the coding region of the V-like domain. As no other members of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily have been shown to contain similarly placed introns, this finding may have important implications regarding the evolution of this gene family in particular and of introns in general.     

Improvement in hydrogen storage performance of Mg by mechanical grinding with molten salt etching Ti3C2Clx

Mg-based materials are currently a hot research topic as hydrogen storage materials due to their considerable theoretical hydrogen storage capacity. However, the kinetic performance of hydrogen absorption and desorption of Mg is too slow and requires high temperature, which seriously hinders the application of this material. MXene is a new type of two-dimensional material with significant role in improving thermodynamics and kinetics. In this experiment, a two-dimensional layered MXene containing Cl functional group was prepared by molten salt etching using the Ti-containing MAX phase as the raw material. Then different ratios of Ti₃C₂Cl_x were uniformly dispersed onto the surface of Mg by high energy ball milling. The samples were characterized by hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics, SEM, XRD, XPS, and DSC to investigate the effect of Ti₃C₂Cl_x on the hydrogen absorption and desorption performance of Mg. The onset hydrogen absorption temperature can be reduced to room temperature and the hydrogen release temperature is reduced by 200 ​°C by doping Ti₃C₂Cl_x. And there is also 5.4 ​wt% hydrogen storage in the isothermal hydrogen absorption test at 400 ​°C. The results of DSC demonstrate that the E_a of Mg+15 ​wt% Ti₃C₂Cl_x was reduced by 12.6% compared to pristine Mg. The ΔH is almost invariable. The results of XPS show that the presence of multivalent Ti promotes electron transfer and thus improves the conversion between Mg²⁺/Mg and H⁻/H. This study provides a guideline for further improving the hydrogen absorption and desorption performance of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials.     

CeO2/Ti3C2/CdS Z型异质结复合物的制备及其光催化降解甲基橙

采用水热法制备了CeO₂/Ti₃C₂/CdS Z型异质结复合物,并对其进行了光催化降解甲基橙的研究.结果表明：制备所得CeO₂/Ti₃C₂/CdS复合物具有较大的比表面积,表现出较高的可见光催化降解活性.以Ti₃C₂为传输介质,CeO₂/Ti₃C₂/CdS Z型异质结复合物的形成促进了电荷的转移,有效抑制光生载流子的复合,增强了体系的氧化还原降解能力,加速了活性物种的产生,提高了体系对甲基橙的可见光催化降解性能.其中,CeO₂/Ti₃C₂/CdS-1∶3具有高的光催化活性.     

Structure of an SH2 domain of the p85 alpha subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase.

Receptor protein-tyrosine kinases, through phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues, generate high-affinity binding sites which direct assembly of multienzyme signalling complexes. Many of these signalling proteins, including phospholipase C gamma, GTPase-activating protein and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase, contain src-homology 2 (SH2) domains, which bind with high affinity and specificity to tyrosine-phosphorylated sequences. The critical role played by SH2 domains in signalling has been highlighted by recent studies showing that mutation of specific phosphorylation sites on the platelet-derived growth factor receptor impair its association with phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase, preventing growth factor-induced mitogenesis. Here we report the solution structure of an isolated SH2 domain from the 85K regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase, determined using multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The structure is characterized by a central region of beta-sheet flanked by two alpha-helices, with a highly flexible loop close to functionally important residues previously identified by site-directed mutagenesis.     

富勒烯多金属配合物C60[CoCl(PPh3)]n的合成与表征

合成了富勒烯多金属配合物C60[CoCl(PPh)3)]n（n＝2，4，6，8），采用元素分析、IR、XPS进行表征，该系列配合物为首次被合成。