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The Role of Enzymes in Metabolic Processes

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 December 2024 | Viewed by 974

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Minami Kogushi 1-1-1, Ube Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
2. Department of Environmental Oncology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
Interests: adenylate kinase; liver fibrosis; energy metabolism; regenerative medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cellular metabolism is an important function that regulates nutrient storage and energy production. Enzymes, in particular, play an important role in regulating metabolic processes, including glycolysis and the TCA cycle. Furthermore, metabolic processes are closely related to cell proliferation, cell death, and carcinogenesis, and the importance of analyzing their functions continues to grow. This Special Issue solicits papers on enzymes involved in metabolic processes.

Dr. Koichi Fujisawa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • enzyme
  • metabolism
  • glycolysis
  • mitochondria
  • kinase
  • cell growth
  • carcinogenesis

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 4261 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Efficacy of Main Components of Scutellaria baicalensis on the Interaction between Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II
by Cheng-Han Lin, Ho-Ju Chang, Meng-Wei Lin, Xin-Rui Yang, Che-Hsiung Lee and Chih-Sheng Lin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052935 - 02 Mar 2024
Viewed by 743
Abstract
Blocking the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2) protein serves as a therapeutic strategy for treating COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments containing bioactive products could alleviate the symptoms of severe COVID-19. However, the emergence of [...] Read more.
Blocking the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2) protein serves as a therapeutic strategy for treating COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments containing bioactive products could alleviate the symptoms of severe COVID-19. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has complicated the process of developing broad-spectrum drugs. As such, the aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of TCM treatments against SARS-CoV-2 variants through targeting the interaction of the viral spike protein with the hACE2 receptor. Antiviral activity was systematically evaluated using a pseudovirus system. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) was found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as it mediated the interaction between the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein. Moreover, the active molecules of S. baicalensis were identified and analyzed. Baicalein and baicalin, a flavone and a flavone glycoside found in S. baicalensis, respectively, exhibited strong inhibitory activities targeting the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein, respectively. Under optimized conditions, virus infection was inhibited by 98% via baicalein-treated pseudovirus and baicalin-treated hACE2. In summary, we identified the potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors from S. baicalensis that mediate the interaction between the Omicron spike protein and the hACE2 receptor. Future studies on the therapeutic application of baicalein and baicalin against SARS-CoV-2 variants are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Enzymes in Metabolic Processes)
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