D. Fernig

A phospholipase assay screen identifies synergistic inhibitors of the P. aeruginosa toxin ExoU

This study identifies synergistic inhibitors of P. aeruginosa ExoU through a phospholipase assay screen, showing reduced cytotoxicity in vitro and in corneal assays.

Impact of fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides on P. aeruginosa virulence factor production and cytotoxicity

This study evaluates the effects of fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides on P. aeruginosa T3SS expression and cytotoxicity in corneal epithelial cell models, finding tobramycin inhibits T3SS and cytotoxicity while fluoroquinolones upregulate T3SS and enhance cytotoxicity.

Evaluation of ExoU inhibitors in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa scratch infection assay

This study evaluates ExoU inhibitors in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa scratch infection model, showing their effectiveness in reducing cytotoxicity when combined with antimicrobials.

Glycosaminoglycans induce conformational change in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 Receptor Binding Domain.

This study shows that various glycosaminoglycans, beyond heparin, can induce conformational changes in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 receptor binding domain.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 Receptor Binding Domain undergoes Conformational Change upon Interaction with Low Molecular Weight Heparins.

This study shows low molecular weight heparins induce conformational changes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD, suggesting potential for repurposing as antiviral agents.

Heparin inhibits cellular invasion by SARS-CoV-2: structural dependence of the interaction of the surface protein (spike) S1 receptor binding domain with heparin.

This study shows heparin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 invasion by binding to the Spike protein's RBD and inducing conformational changes, with structural features of heparin playing a key role.

Selective labelling of arginine residues engaged in binding sulfatedglycosaminoglycans

This paper introduces a method to identify arginine residues in proteins that bind sulfated glycosaminoglycans by selectively labeling them using chemical reagents and mass spectrometry analysis.

Enhanced cell-cell contact stability upon Fibroblast Growth factor Receptor/N-cadherin cross-talk

This study shows FGFR1 stabilizes N-cadherin at cell-cell contacts, enhancing adhesion and reducing cell migration through Src and p120 pathways.

A glycosaminoglycan extract from Portunus pelagicus inhibits BACE1, the β secretase implicated in Alzheimer’s disease

This study identifies a marine-derived glycosaminoglycan extract from Portunus pelagicus that inhibits BACE1 with reduced anticoagulant activity compared to mammalian heparin.

New tools for carbohydrate sulphation analysis: Heparan Sulphate 2-O-sulphotranserase (HS2ST) is a target for small molecule protein kinase inhibitors

This paper introduces a new non-radioactive assay for HS2ST activity using a synthetic fluorescent substrate and identifies protein kinase inhibitors that inhibit HS2ST-catalyzed sulphation.

New tools for evaluating protein tyrosine sulphation: Tyrosyl Protein Sulphotransferases (TPSTs) are novel targets for RAF protein kinase inhibitors

The paper develops a non-radioactive assay to quantify tyrosine sulphation by TPST1 and TPST2 and identifies RAF kinase inhibitors as potential TPST inhibitors.