Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Giulio Casi.
The intra-molecular addition of peptide cysteine thiyl radicals to phenylalanine yields alkylthio-substituted cyclohexadienyl radicals for the peptides Phe-Cys and Phe-Gly-Cys-Gly, i.e. even when Phe and Cys are separated by a Gly residue, and presents a possible free radical pathway to thioether-containing peptide and protein cross-links.
There is compelling evidence that Bax channel activity stimulates cytochrome c release leading ultimately to cell death, which is a key event in ischemic injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Here 3,6-dibromocarbazole piperazine derivatives of 2-propanol are described as the first small and potent modulators of the cytochrome c release triggered by Bid-induced Bax activation in a mitochondrial assay. Furthermore, a mechanism of action is proposed, and fluorescent derivatives allowing the localization of such inhibitors are reported.
Methods for the chemical synthesis of proteins have advanced considerably over the past decade. In many instances, laboratory synthesis can now be considered a viable alternative to ribosomal biosynthesis, especially when custom modifications of a protein are desired; chemical approaches guarantee virtually unlimited and tunable variation of the covalent structure of a polypeptide.