The Beclin 1 gene is a haplo-insufficient tumor suppressor and plays an
essential role in autophagy. However, the molecular mechanism by which Beclin 1
functions remains largely unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of the
evolutionarily conserved domain (ECD) of Beclin 1 at 1.6 Å
resolution. Beclin 1 ECD exhibits a previously unreported fold, with three
structural repeats arranged symmetrically around a central axis. Beclin 1 ECD
defines a novel class of membrane-binding domain, with a strong preference for
lipid membrane enriched with cardiolipin. The tip of a surface loop in Beclin 1
ECD, comprising three aromatic amino acids, acts as a hydrophobic finger to
associate with lipid membrane, consequently resulting in the deformation of
membrane and liposomes. Mutation of these aromatic residues rendered Beclin 1
unable to stably associate with lipid membrane in vitro and unable to
fully rescue autophagy in Beclin 1-knockdown cells in vivo. These
observations form an important framework for deciphering the biological
functions of Beclin 1.
Bivalve molluscs are descendants of an early-Cambrian lineage superbly adapted to benthic filter feeding. Adaptations in form and behavior are well recognized, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigate the genome, various transcriptomes, and proteomes of the scallop Chlamys farreri, a semi-sessile bivalve with well-developed adductor muscle, sophisticated eyes, and remarkable neurotoxin resistance. The scallop’s large striated muscle is energy-dynamic but not fully differentiated from smooth muscle. Its eyes are supported by highly diverse, intronless opsins expanded by retroposition for broadened spectral sensitivity. Rapid byssal secretion is enabled by a specialized foot and multiple proteins including expanded tyrosinases. The scallop uses hepatopancreas to accumulate neurotoxins and kidney to transform to high-toxicity forms through expanded sulfotransferases, probably as deterrence against predation, while it achieves neurotoxin resistance through point mutations in sodium channels. These findings suggest that expansion and mutation of those genes may have profound effects on scallop’s phenotype and adaptation.
Solar‐driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction is regarded as a promising way to simultaneously mitigate the energy crisis and CO2 pollution. However, achieving high efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction, especially without the assistance of sacrifice reagents or extra alkaline additives, remains a critical issue. Herein, a photocatalyst of 3D ordered macroporous N‐doped carbon (NC) supported CdS quantum dots (3DOM CdSQD/NC) is successfully fabricated toward photocatalytic CO2 reduction via an in situ transformation strategy. Additionally, an amines oxidation reaction is introduced to replace the H2O oxidation process to further boost the photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency. Impressively, 3DOM CdSQD/NC exhibits superior activity and selectivity in photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with amines oxidation, affording a CO production rate as high as 5210 µmol g−1 h−1 in the absence of any sacrificial agents and alkaline additives. Moreover, 3DOM CdSQD/NC achieves an apparent quantum efficiency of 2.9% at 450 nm. Mechanism studies indicate that the 3D ordered macropores in the NC matrix are beneficial to the transfer of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the highly dispersed CdS QDs on the NC skeleton are able to significantly promote the adsorption of both CO2 and amine molecules and depress the CO2 activation energy barriers by stabilizing the *COOH intermediate, directly contributing to the high activity.
Rationally tailoring the coordination
environments of metal single
atoms (SAs) is an effective approach to promote their catalytic performances,
which, however, remains as a challenge to date. Here, we report a
novel misplaced deposition strategy for the fabrication of differently
coordinated dual-metal hetero-SAs. Systematic characterization results
imply that the as-synthesized dual-metal hetero-SAs (exemplified by
Cu and Co) are affixed to a hierarchical carbon support via Cu–C4 and Co–N4 coordination bonds. Density functional
theory studies reveal that the strong synergistic interactions between
the asymmetrically deployed CuC4 and CoN4 sites
lead to remarkably polarized charge distributions, i.e., electron
accumulation and deficiency around CuC4 and CoN4 sites, respectively. The obtained CuC4/CoN4@HC catalyst exhibits significantly enhanced capability in substrate
adsorption and O2 activation, achieving superior catalytic
performances in the oxidative esterification of aromatic aldehydes
in comparison with the Cu- and Co-based SA counterparts.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.