Browse Articles

Leveraging RNA-seq deconvolution to improve complex in vitro model characterization

Frontispiece: Chiral Self‐Sorting of Flexible Covalent Organic Pillars for Adaptive Molecular Recognition

Simplified model of the effective thermal conductivity of a bundle of round steel bars

Proximity-dependent proteomics and network analysis of adenylyl cyclase isoforms 5, 6, and 9 in cardiomyocytes

Dual‐Function Tetrabenzylphosphonium Groups as Mitochondria‐Targeting Artificial Anion Channels

Abstract Artificial ion channels with specific organelle‐targeting capabilities have been scarcely investigated. Here, we report the first‐in‐class mitochondria‐targeting anion channels derived from a structurally simple tetrabenzylphosphonium framework, in stark contrast to its phenyl‐based counterpart, which lacks anion transport activity. Structural and computational analyses underscore the critical role of the methylene (CH 2 ) linkers in the benzyl groups. These CH 2 units reduce positive charge delocalization to enhance σ‐hole–anion interactions, while also enabling H‐atoms from both the CH 2 linkers and aromatic rings to cooperatively form multiple C─H⋯anion H─bonds. In further conjunction with the rigid benzene rings, they help create sufficient spatial voids to accommodate anion translocation, collectively facilitating and energizing the anion transport process. Among the series studied, those bearing methyl and tert ‐butyl substituents exhibit the highest transport activity via a channel mechanism, with a conductance value as high as 26.5 ± 0.8 pS. Furthermore, leveraging the cationic nature of the quaternary phosphonium center, this family of anion channels readily achieves targeted mitochondrial localization, demonstrating potent anticancer activity, with IC 50 values ranging from 1.42 to 3.04 µM across three cancer cell lines.

Machine learning based approach for surface roughness prediction in precision dental prototyping

Integrating deep learning for post-translational modifications crosstalk on Hsp90 and drug binding

Characterization and source apportionment of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils in the complex genesis region of western Yunnan

Abstract The genesis of heavy metal contamination in arable soils is complex, and scientifically identifying risks and precisely analyzing contamination sources are essential for safely using contaminated arable land. In this study, we systematically evaluated the pollution characteristics of Cu, Zn, As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr in soil, and then applied the APCS-MLR and PMF models to jointly analyze pollution sources and their contributions. The results showed that the concentrations of the eight heavy metals were significantly higher than the background values for soils in Yunnan Province, exhibiting clear spatial heterogeneity. The overall pollution level ranged from mild to severe, with Cd and Pb being the most critical contaminants. Four major pollution sources (industrial transportation, parent material, agriculture, and mining) were identified through the dual modeling approach. The results of both models corroborated each other, and the accuracy of the analysis was significantly improved compared to using a single method. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the safe utilization of contaminated arable land in western Yunnan, an area with a complex genesis of soil contamination, but also offers a generalized framework for source analysis in areas affected by geological-anthropogenic composite pollution.

Manganese-dependent iron-superoxide dismutase drives Acinetobacter baumannii fitness during oxidative stress

Sub‐Ångstrom Pore Engineering in Carbon Molecular Sieves Realizes Diffusion‐Gated Kinetic Sieving of Alkenes from Alkanes

Abstract Sub‐Ångstrom pore engineering offers a new paradigm for molecular separations. Here, we report sucrose‐derived carbon molecular sieves (CMSs) with precisely tailored sub‐Ångstrom slit pores that enable diffusion‐gated kinetic sieving for the challenging separation of alkenes from alkanes. The optimized materials, C‐Suc‐650 and C‐Suc‐750, set new industry‐leading standards for the kinetic separation of C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 and C 2 H 4 /C 2 H 6 , respectively. Through a combination of breakthrough experiments, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) simulations, and molecular dynamics (MD) modeling, we demonstrate that these sieves consistently achieve >99.9% alkene purity, with outstanding selectivity, rapid uptake kinetics, and remarkably low energy consumption. Mechanistic studies reveal that slit pore architecture uniquely enhances alkene diffusion while hindering alkane movement, establishing a clear design principle for next‐generation, energy‐efficient gas separations. These results provide a blueprint for exploiting diffusion‐gated kinetic sieving at the sub‐Ångstrom scale to address longstanding challenges in industrial gas purification.

Synthesis of a metal-organic framework with red mud for organic pollutant adsorption using response surface methodology for sustainable chemistry

Variants of the Ebola virus matrix protein VP40 have differential effects on oligomerization and plasma membrane interactions

Multifunctional materials with potential antiviral applications in face masks, face shields, and hydrogels against mpox virus

Abstract The recent emergence and global spread of the mpox virus (MPXV), formerly known as the monkeypox virus, underscores the urgent need for effective antiviral materials to combat this emerging zoonotic pathogen. This study evaluates the antiviral activity of five functional material films against vaccinia virus, a representative model of MPXV, by the TCID50 assay. The tested materials include two electrospun polyester fabrics functionalised with benzalkonium chloride (BAK) or soap, specifically designed for antiviral face masks. Three other material films were also tested: two biocompatible hydrogels composed of alginate crosslinked with Ca2+ and Zn2+ or acetic acid-loaded chitosan, and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film coated with BAK, developed for used in face shields. All materials showed significant antiviral activity (≥ 87.85% viral inactivation): the polyester-BAK and polyester-soap films achieved 90.00% and 87.85%, respectively; the alginate-based and chitosan-based films reached 92.49% and 89.20%, respectively; and the PET-BAK film showed the highest efficacy (94.45%). These findings report on the potential antiviral activity of these materials against MPXV and highlight their applications in protective equipment and hydrogel-based medical treatments to combat this pathogen and other emerging microbial threats, including those related to bioterrorism or microbial warfare.

Disulfide bond-mediated stabilization of the oligomers of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7

Nitrogen Adsorption Sites with Low Polarizability for Benchmark N ₂ /CH ₄ Separation

Abstract Selective adsorption of N 2 from CH 4 is an industrially promising but challenging process given their similar sizes and physicochemical properties. Herein, we report a robust metal‐organic framework (Cu‐MFU‐4l) featuring open Cu(I) sites of low polarizability for benchmark N 2 /CH 4 separation. The presence of open Cu(I) sites in the framework was confirmed by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ CO‐adsorbed infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Gas sorption isotherms revealed that Cu‐MFU‐4l exhibited a significant difference between N 2 and CH 4 uptakes, resulting in a high N 2 /CH 4 uptake ratio (1.94) and kinetic selectivity (2.20), of which the N 2 /CH 4 uptake ratio was the highest among all MOFs reported to date. Breakthrough experiments confirmed Cu‐MFU‐4l as the best porous adsorbent hitherto reported for binary N 2 /CH 4 separation, based on the record‐high breakthrough selectivity (2.43) and CH 4 productivity (0.47 mmol g −1 ). High‐purity CH 4 (99.99%) could also be obtained from ternary and even six‐component CH 4 mixtures by a one‐step separation process. In situ infrared spectroscopy and computational modeling studies revealed that the open Cu(I) sites could better distinguish N 2 and CH 4 .

Chiral Self‐Sorting of Flexible Covalent Organic Pillars for Adaptive Molecular Recognition

Abstract Flexible covalent organic pillars ( flex ‐COP‐ n ) are introduced as a family of dual‐open‐ended nanotubular hosts constructed via dynamic imine condensation between pillararene‐derived macrocyclic building blocks and conformationally mobile ─(CH 2 ) n ─ aliphatic linkers. These discrete molecular containers feature well‐defined tubular channels capable of adaptive host–guest interactions. The self‐assembly process exhibits a pronounced odd–even effect, yielding either enantiomeric or meso duplexes through distinct chiral self‐sorting pathways. Host–guest interactions between flex ‐COP‐4 and a series of α,ω‐dibromoalkanes were systematically investigated using NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The resulting inclusion complexes span a continuum of binding modes—from relaxed encapsulation to strained, overpacked assemblies—governed by geometric complementarity and mutual host–guest deformation. These findings highlight the role of conformational flexibility in modulating molecular recognition under nanoscale confinement and establish flex ‐COP‐ n as a dynamic platform for mimicking adaptive features of biological receptors.

Long-lasting effects of pregnancy and childbirth on physical activity in early school-age children

In-depth analysis of the tear fluid glycoproteome reveals diverse lacritin glycosylation and spliceoforms

Structural Basis for a Scaffolding Role of the COM Domain in Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases

Abstract Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are multi‐domain enzymes that catalyze the biosynthesis of therapeutically relevant natural products. Efficient peptide synthesis relies on intricate domain interactions, whose underlying principles remain poorly understood. The communication‐mediating (COM) domains facilitate interactions between separate NRPS subunits. For unknown reasons, COM domains co‐occur with epimerization (E) domains, are partially embedded within the adjacent condensation (C) domains and can also be found as internal cis ‐COM domains. These features set COM domains apart from other docking domains. We present the first crystal structure of a cis ‐COM domain within an E‐COM‐C domain arrangement from modules 4 and 5 of bacitracin synthetase 3 (BacC). The structure reveals a compactly folded COM domain sandwiched between E and C domains, suggesting a role of the COM domain in orienting these domains for efficient peptidyl carrier protein (PCP) shuttling. Through mutational analyses, dipeptide formation assays, and proximity‐dependent photo‐crosslinking experiments, we investigated both cis ‐ and trans ‐COM domains and provide evidence supporting a principal role of COM domains as scaffolds of NRPS architecture. Their function as docking domains may be a secondary consequence of their division into separate donor and acceptor parts.

Uncovering novel functions of NUF2 in glioblastoma and MRI-based expression prediction