Background: Aquaporins are membrane channels responsible for the bidirectional transfer of water ... more Background: Aquaporins are membrane channels responsible for the bidirectional transfer of water and small non-charged solutes across cell membranes. AQP3 and AQP5 are overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, playing key roles in cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. Here, we evaluated AQP3 and AQP5 involvement in cell biomechanical properties, cell–cell adhesion, and cell migration, following a loss-of-function strategy on BxPC-3 cells. Results: Silencing of AQP3 and AQP5 was functionally validated by reduced membrane permeability and had implications on cell migration, slowing wound recovery. Moreover, silenced AQP5 and AQP3/5 cells showed higher membrane fluidity. Biomechanical and morphological changes were assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing AQP5 and AQP3/5 silenced cells with a lower stiffness than their control. Through cell–cell adhesion measurements, the work (energy) necessary to detach two cells was found to be lower for AQP-silenced cell...
Nipah virus (NiV) is a recently emerging zoonotic virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae famil... more Nipah virus (NiV) is a recently emerging zoonotic virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and the Henipavirus genus. It causes a range of conditions, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The high mortality rate of 40 to 90% ranks these viruses among the deadliest viruses known to infect humans. Currently, there is no antiviral drug available for Nipah virus disease and treatment is only supportive. Thus, there is an urgent demand for efficient antiviral therapies. NiV F protein, which catalyzes fusion between the viral and host membranes, is a potential target for antiviral drugs, as it is a key protein in the initial stages of infection. Fusion inhibitor peptides derived from the HRC-domain of the F protein are known to bind to their complementary domain in the protein’s transient intermediate state, preventing the formation of a six-helix bundle (6HB) thought to be responsible for driving the fusion of the viral and cell membran...
Background: Aquaporins are membrane channels responsible for the bidirectional transfer of water ... more Background: Aquaporins are membrane channels responsible for the bidirectional transfer of water and small non-charged solutes across cell membranes. AQP3 and AQP5 are overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, playing key roles in cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. Here, we evaluated AQP3 and AQP5 involvement in cell biomechanical properties, cell–cell adhesion, and cell migration, following a loss-of-function strategy on BxPC-3 cells. Results: Silencing of AQP3 and AQP5 was functionally validated by reduced membrane permeability and had implications on cell migration, slowing wound recovery. Moreover, silenced AQP5 and AQP3/5 cells showed higher membrane fluidity. Biomechanical and morphological changes were assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing AQP5 and AQP3/5 silenced cells with a lower stiffness than their control. Through cell–cell adhesion measurements, the work (energy) necessary to detach two cells was found to be lower for AQP-silenced cell...
Nipah virus (NiV) is a recently emerging zoonotic virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae famil... more Nipah virus (NiV) is a recently emerging zoonotic virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and the Henipavirus genus. It causes a range of conditions, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The high mortality rate of 40 to 90% ranks these viruses among the deadliest viruses known to infect humans. Currently, there is no antiviral drug available for Nipah virus disease and treatment is only supportive. Thus, there is an urgent demand for efficient antiviral therapies. NiV F protein, which catalyzes fusion between the viral and host membranes, is a potential target for antiviral drugs, as it is a key protein in the initial stages of infection. Fusion inhibitor peptides derived from the HRC-domain of the F protein are known to bind to their complementary domain in the protein’s transient intermediate state, preventing the formation of a six-helix bundle (6HB) thought to be responsible for driving the fusion of the viral and cell membran...
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Papers by Patrícia Silva