2024
A fluorescence-based assay for measuring polyamine biosynthesis aminopropyl transferase–mediated catalysis
Singh P, Choi J, Wang W, T Lam T, Lechner P, Vanderwal C, Pou S, Nilsen A, Ben Mamoun C. A fluorescence-based assay for measuring polyamine biosynthesis aminopropyl transferase–mediated catalysis. Journal Of Biological Chemistry 2024, 300: 107832. PMID: 39342998, DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107832.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAminopropyl transferaseFluorescence-based assayLack of high-throughput assaysHigh-throughput screeningCarbon chain lengthChemical librariesMass spectrometryChain lengthHigh-throughput assayDrug discoveryMass spectrometry analysisSaccharomyces cerevisiaeThin-layer chromatographyFluorescence intensityCellular functionsSpectrometry analysisPolycationic moleculesFluorescent conjugatesIsoindoleAPT activityCatalysisAssayBenzeneAdductsEnzyme
2022
High-resolution crystal structure and chemical screening reveal pantothenate kinase as a new target for antifungal development
Gihaz S, Gareiss P, Choi JY, Renard I, Pal AC, Surovsteva Y, Chiu JE, Thekkiniath J, Plummer M, Hungerford W, Montgomery ML, Hosford A, Adams EM, Lightfoot JD, Fox D, Ojo KK, Staker BL, Fuller K, Ben Mamoun C. High-resolution crystal structure and chemical screening reveal pantothenate kinase as a new target for antifungal development. Structure 2022, 30: 1494-1507.e6. PMID: 36167065, PMCID: PMC10042587, DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.09.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCrystal structureHigh-throughput chemical screenHigh-resolution crystal structuresAntifungal drug developmentHigh-affinity inhibitorsEukaryotic pathogensChemical screenNew compoundsSingle chemotypeFunctional analysisLigand bindingAntifungal developmentPantothenate phosphorylationFungal isolatesPantothenate kinaseNew targetsFungiPanKPromising targetEnzymeDrug developmentNew mechanismCatalysisBiosynthesisKinaseRedesigning therapies for pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration
Munshi MI, Yao SJ, Mamoun C. Redesigning therapies for pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration. Journal Of Biological Chemistry 2022, 298: 101577. PMID: 35041826, PMCID: PMC8861153, DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101577.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPantothenate kinase-associated neurodegenerationCellular metabolic processesMore common diseasesMetabolic processesPhysiological importancePANK2 genePantothenate kinaseCoenzyme ACoenzyme A.Rare genetic disorderCommon neurodegenerative diseaseNeurodegenerative diseasesGenetic disordersNeurodegenerationNew avenuesBiosynthesisKinaseGenesNew lightFuture investigationsCofactorMutationsCommon diseaseEnzymeAlzheimer's disease
2015
Characterization of Plasmodium phosphatidylserine decarboxylase expressed in yeast and application for inhibitor screening
Choi JY, Kumar V, Pachikara N, Garg A, Lawres L, Toh J, Voelker DR, Ben Mamoun C. Characterization of Plasmodium phosphatidylserine decarboxylase expressed in yeast and application for inhibitor screening. Molecular Microbiology 2015, 99: 999-1014. PMID: 26585333, PMCID: PMC4898484, DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13280.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsClass of enzymesDevelopment of antimicrobialsYeast genesMembrane biogenesisEukaryotic pathogensProenzyme processingMammalian cellsPhosphatidylserine decarboxylasePSD activityPhospholipid biosynthesisParasite enzymeEssential functionsGenetic studiesMetabolic analysisAmino acidsDecarboxylase enzymePhosphatidylethanolamine synthesisPosition 40Inhibitor screeningEssential roleYeastEnzymePlasmodium falciparumSuitable targetNovel class
2011
Phosphoethanolamine methyltransferases in phosphocholine biosynthesis: functions and potential for antiparasite therapy
Bobenchik AM, Augagneur Y, Hao B, Hoch JC, Mamoun C. Phosphoethanolamine methyltransferases in phosphocholine biosynthesis: functions and potential for antiparasite therapy. FEMS Microbiology Reviews 2011, 35: 609-619. PMID: 21303393, PMCID: PMC4107886, DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00267.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsStress-resistant plantsImportant biochemical stepHuman malaria parasiteMethyl donor SAMPhosphocholine biosynthesisN-methyltransferasesFlorida lanceletDependent methyltransferasesNuclear divisionBiochemical stepsDependent methylationBiological functionsGene expressionGenetic characterizationDevelopment of therapiesMalaria parasitesMajor phospholipidsDiverse groupEnzymeSmall moleculesPlantsAntiparasite therapyEukaryotesPhosphoethanolamineMethyltransferases