Dr. Tagaev studies a specific type of substance called peptides that can help combat fungal infections. These infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat because many fungi have developed resistance to traditional medications. By modifying a particular peptide known as hevein, Dr. Tagaev has discovered a new version called mAc-AMP2, which shows great promise. This new peptide can effectively fight various strains of fungi even at very low concentrations, and it has the added benefit of not harming human cells, making it a potential new therapy for those suffering from these infections.
Key findings
mAc-AMP2 was effective against all tested strains of fungi at very low concentrations, demonstrating efficacy in treating fungal infections.
The modified peptide prevents fungi from forming biofilms, which are clusters of fungi that make infections harder to treat.
Importantly, mAc-AMP2 does not harm human cells, indicating its safety for use in potential treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Tagaev study fungal infections?
Yes, Dr. Tagaev specifically studies fungal infections and how to effectively treat them.
What treatments has Dr. Tagaev researched?
Dr. Tagaev has researched a modified peptide called mAc-AMP2 as a potential new treatment for fungal infections.
Is Dr. Tagaev's work relevant to patients suffering from resistant fungal infections?
Yes, Dr. Tagaev's research addresses the urgent need for new treatments for patients who experience infections caused by resistant fungi.
Publications in plain English
Modified Hevein-like Peptide fromas a Promising Agent Against PathogenicSpecies.
2025
Pharmaceutics
Finkina EI, Gerasimova AA, Shevchenko OV, Bogdanov IV, Tagaev AA +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied a modified version of a peptide called hevein-like peptide, known as mAc-AMP2, to see if it could effectively fight off fungal infections, which are becoming harder to treat because fungi are developing resistance to existing treatments. They found that mAc-AMP2 was effective against all tested strains of fungi at very low concentrations and could prevent fungi from forming troublesome biofilms. Importantly, it did not harm human cells, making it a promising candidate for new antifungal therapies.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from fungal infections and healthcare providers seeking effective treatments.
Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis.
2024
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
Finkina EI, Shevchenko OV, Fateeva SI, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV
Plain English This paper looks at using natural substances from plants, called defensins, to fight fungal infections like candidiasis, which can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems. The findings show that plant defensins can effectively work against different strains of Candida, stopping them from growing and forming harmful clusters, while also boosting the immune response. This is important because many conventional antifungal treatments are becoming less effective due to drug resistance.
Who this helps: This helps patients with weakened immune systems who are vulnerable to fungal infections.
Specific Binding of the α-Component of the Lantibiotic Lichenicidin to the Peptidoglycan Precursor Lipid II Predetermines Its Antimicrobial Activity.
2023
International journal of molecular sciences
Panina IS, Balandin SV, Tsarev AV, Chugunov AO, Tagaev AA +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific part of a naturally occurring antibiotic called lichenicidin interacts with a key component in bacteria that helps them build their cell walls. The researchers found that a part of lichenicidin can specifically bind to this component, known as lipid II, which is crucial for the antibiotic's effectiveness. Understanding this interaction is important because it could lead to the development of new or improved antibiotics to combat bacterial infections.
Who this helps: This helps patients by potentially leading to more effective treatments for bacterial infections.
Features and Possible Applications of Plant Lipid-Binding and Transfer Proteins.
2022
Membranes
Melnikova DN, Finkina EI, Bogdanov IV, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV
Plain English This study looked at special proteins in plants that help move fats and oils within and between cells. Researchers found several types of these proteins, with lipid transfer proteins being the most common. Understanding how these proteins work can lead to ways to improve plant health and crop yields, which is important for agriculture.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers and agricultural scientists.
Effect of Point Mutations on Structural and Allergenic Properties of the Lentil Allergen Len c 3.
2021
Membranes
Melnikova DN, Finkina EI, Bogdanov IV, Ignatova AA, Matveevskaya NS +2 more
Plain English This study focused on how specific changes in the structure of a lentil allergen, Len c 3, affect its ability to bind to certain fats and its potential to trigger allergic reactions. Researchers found that altering three key amino acids in the allergen changed both its shape and how well it could bind to fats, which in turn impacted its ability to cause allergies. This matters because understanding these changes can help in developing better treatments or tests for lentil allergies.
Who this helps: This helps patients with lentil allergies and their healthcare providers.
Biotechnological Method of Preparation and Characterization of Recombinant Antimicrobial Peptide Avicin A from Enterococcus avium.
2019
Doklady. Biochemistry and biophysics
Balandin SV, Finkina EI, Nurmukhamedova EK, Tagaev AA, Umnyakova ES +3 more
Plain English This study focused on creating and analyzing a substance called avicin A, which is produced by a type of bacteria known as Enterococcus avium. The research found that avicin A is very effective at killing harmful Listeria bacteria, which can cause serious infections in people. Understanding how avicin A works is important because it could lead to new treatments for infections like listeriosis.
Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of listeriosis and healthcare providers looking for new antimicrobial treatments.
Analysis of the Serum Cytokine Profile in Allergic Patients Opens a Way to Personalized Treatment of Allergy.
2019
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine
Bogdanov IV, Finkina EI, Melnikova DN, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova ТV
Plain English This study looked at blood samples from patients in Moscow with allergies to tree and weed pollen to understand their immune responses better. Researchers measured certain proteins called cytokines that indicate how the immune system reacts to allergens; they found that patients commonly had a specific immune response linked to their allergies. These findings highlight the need for tailored treatment strategies for allergic patients based on their unique immune profiles.
Who this helps: This helps patients with allergies by guiding doctors to provide personalized treatments.
Acipensins - Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from Leukocytes of the Russian Sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii.
2014
Acta naturae
Shamova OV, Orlov DS, Balandin SV, Shramova EI, Tsvetkova EV +5 more
Plain English This study looked at new antimicrobial peptides found in the immune cells of the Russian sturgeon. Researchers discovered six unique peptides, named Ac1 to Ac6, and found that Ac1 and Ac2 were particularly effective against various harmful bacteria and a fungus, while Ac6 worked only on certain bacteria. This is important because these peptides could lead to new treatments for infections, especially as they showed no harm to human blood cells.
Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
Peptaibol antiamoebin I: spatial structure, backbone dynamics, interaction with bicelles and lipid-protein nanodiscs, and pore formation in context of barrel-stave model.
2013
Chemistry & biodiversity
Shenkarev ZO, Paramonov AS, Lyukmanova EN, Gizatullina AK, Zhuravleva AV +6 more
Plain English This study focused on a fungal antibiotic called antiamoebin I (Aam-I) and how it interacts with cell membranes. Researchers found that Aam-I has a lot of movement within its structure, which contributes to its weaker ability to form channels in membranes compared to another antibiotic, zervamicin IIB (Zrv-IIB). Specifically, while Aam-I shows significant fluctuations, Zrv-IIB is much more stable in membrane-like environments.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and pharmaceutical developers looking for effective antibiotics.
Isolation, structure elucidation, and synergistic antibacterial activity of a novel two-component lantibiotic lichenicidin from Bacillus licheniformis VK21.
2010
Biochemistry
Shenkarev ZO, Finkina EI, Nurmukhamedova EK, Balandin SV, Mineev KS +6 more
Plain English This study focused on a new antibiotic called lichenicidin, which is made up of two components named Lchalpha and Lchbeta, isolated from a bacterium. Researchers found that these components work together better than when used separately; they can effectively kill certain harmful bacteria at very low doses, with Lchalpha and Lchbeta needing only nanomolar amounts, compared to the micromolar amounts needed when used alone. This finding is important because it could lead to more effective treatments for bacterial infections that are hard to treat, especially as antibiotic resistance becomes a bigger problem.
Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with difficult bacterial infections.
Lipid-protein nanodiscs: possible application in high-resolution NMR investigations of membrane proteins and membrane-active peptides.
2009
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
Shenkarev ZO, Lyukmanova EN, Solozhenkin OI, Gagnidze IE, Nekrasova OV +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how lipid-protein nanodiscs (tiny structures that mimic cell membranes) can be used to examine membrane proteins and peptides more effectively using high-resolution NMR, a type of imaging technology. Researchers embedded a specific potassium channel protein and an antibiotic peptide into these nanodiscs, confirming their stability and movement in solution. They found that the NMR data from these nanodiscs provided valuable information about the proteins' behavior, revealing that the antibiotic peptide showed different states when embedded in different lipid types, with a notable rotational motion rate of about 40 nanoseconds at 45 degrees Celsius.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying drug interactions and membrane proteins, which could lead to better treatments for various diseases.
A novel defensin from the lentil Lens culinaris seeds.
2008
Biochemical and biophysical research communications
Finkina EI, Shramova EI, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV
Plain English Researchers studied a new defense protein called Lc-def found in germinated lentil seeds. They discovered that this protein, which consists of 47 building blocks and can fight against a type of mold called Aspergillus niger, could help plants survive better in tough conditions. This matters because finding plant-based proteins that can combat pathogens can lead to improved crop resilience and food security.
Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural scientists working to protect crops.
Purification and primary structure of novel lipid transfer proteins from germinated lentil (Lens culinaris) seeds.
2007
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
Finkina EI, Balandin SV, Serebryakova MV, Potapenko NA, Tagaev AA +1 more
Plain English Researchers studied a group of eight new proteins from germinated lentil seeds called Lc-LTP1-8, focusing on four of them: Lc-LTP2, Lc-LTP4, Lc-LTP7, and Lc-LTP8. They discovered these proteins had specific weights and sizes, with Lc-LTP2 weighing 9268.7 daltons, and they also learned that these proteins can stop the growth of a type of bacteria known as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This discovery matters because it could lead to new agricultural advancements by using these proteins to better protect crops.
Who this helps: Farmers and agricultural scientists.
Antiamoebin I in methanol solution: rapid exchange between right-handed and left-handed 3(10)-helical conformations.
2007
Chemistry & biodiversity
Shenkarev ZO, Paramonov AS, Nadezhdin KD, Bocharov EV, Kudelina IA +5 more
Plain English This study focused on a compound called Antiamoebin I, an antibiotic derived from certain fungi, to understand how it changes shape in different forms (called conformations) when dissolved in methanol. The researchers discovered that a part of the molecule rapidly shifts between two shapes equally, which may lower its effectiveness compared to similar antibiotics; specifically, Antiamoebin I shows weaker activity than others because its flexibility may hinder how well it can attach to and disrupt harmful membranes.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and developers working on new antibiotics to understand how molecule structure affects treatment effectiveness.
Neuroleptic properties of the ion-channel-forming peptaibol zervamicin: locomotor activity and behavioral effects.
2007
Chemistry & biodiversity
Ovchinnikova TV, Levitskaya NG, Voskresenskaya OG, Yakimenko ZA, Tagaev AA +3 more
Plain English This study examined the effects of two substances called zervamicins IIA and IIB, which are produced by a type of fungus, on mouse behavior. Researchers found that even at low doses, zervamicin IIA significantly reduced movement and exploration, while zervamicin IIB showed similar effects, but required higher doses. The results indicate that these compounds not only affect physical activity but may also lead to symptoms resembling depression in the mice.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals looking for new treatments for mood disorders or movement-related issues.
Plain English Researchers studied a new antimicrobial peptide called aurelin found in the jellyfish Aurelia aurita, which can fight both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They identified its specific structure and determined it consists of 40 amino acids, including six cysteines that form important bonds. This discovery matters because it could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections, especially those resistant to current antibiotics.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with bacterial infections.
Plain English This study looked at a specific enzyme called peroxidase found in the leaves of the windmill palm tree. Researchers found that this enzyme was very active and stable, with a specific activity measured at 6230 units/mg, and it was mainly located in the outer layers of the leaf while being absent in the inner cells. Understanding this enzyme's unique properties could help in applications like improving plant resilience or developing new agricultural techniques.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and agricultural scientists looking for ways to enhance plant growth and stress resistance.
Membrane association and activity of 15/16-membered peptide antibiotics: zervamicin IIB, ampullosporin A and antiamoebin I.
2005
Biochimica et biophysica acta
Kropacheva TN, Salnikov ES, Nguyen HH, Reissmann S, Yakimenko ZA +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how three antibiotic peptides—zervamicin IIB, ampullosporin A, and antiamoebin I—affect cell membranes by testing how they help transport potassium ions across those membranes. The results showed that zervamicin IIB was the most effective in causing changes in the membrane, followed by ampullosporin A and then antiamoebin I. Understanding how these antibiotics interact with cell membranes is important because it can lead to the development of more effective treatments against bacterial infections.
Who this helps: This helps patients in need of new antibiotic treatments, especially for drug-resistant infections.
Purification and primary structure of two isoforms of arenicin, a novel antimicrobial peptide from marine polychaeta Arenicola marina.
2004
FEBS letters
Ovchinnikova TV, Aleshina GM, Balandin SV, Krasnosdembskaya AD, Markelov ML +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied two new antimicrobial proteins, called arenicin-1 and arenicin-2, found in the lugworm. These proteins can fight off harmful bacteria and fungi, showing effectiveness against both types of bacteria. They were able to identify the exact structure of these proteins, which are made up of 21 building blocks and have distinct sequences. This discovery is important because it may lead to new treatments for infections that are hard to treat with current antibiotics.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from bacterial and fungal infections.
Multiple forms of medicinal leech destabilase-lysozyme.
2003
Biochemical and biophysical research communications
Zavalova LL, Artamonova II, Berezhnoy SN, Tagaev AA, Baskova IP +3 more
Plain English Researchers studied a type of enzyme called destabilase-lysozyme, which is derived from medicinal leeches. They discovered that this enzyme exists in at least three different forms with slightly different weights: 12677.6, 12839.7, and 12938.2 daltons. The form weighing 12839.7 daltons matches a specific gene called Ds3, while a new version with a different sequence at the start was also identified, which could lead to a better understanding of this enzyme's functions.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and medical professionals looking for new treatments or therapies that use leech-derived enzymes.
Biosynthetic uniform 13C,15N-labelling of zervamicin IIB. Complete 13C and 15N NMR assignment.
2003
Journal of peptide science : an official publication of the European Peptide Society
Ovchinnikova TV, Shenkarev ZO, Yakimenko ZA, Svishcheva NV, Tagaev AA +2 more
Plain English This research focused on creating a special version of an antibiotic called zervamicin IIB using a method that enriches it with specific carbon and nitrogen isotopes (13C and 15N). The scientists successfully produced this antibiotic with more than 90% of the desired isotopes, allowing them to determine its structure in detail. This work is important because it helps better understand how this antibiotic works and can lead to improved drug development.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and pharmaceutical companies developing new antibiotics.
[Isolation, biological properties, and spatial structure of an antibiotic loloatin A].
2002
Bioorganicheskaia khimiia
Krachkovskiĭ SA, Sobol' AG, Ovchinnikova TV, Tagaev AA, Iakimenko ZA +4 more
Plain English Researchers isolated a new antibiotic called loloatin A from a specific strain of bacteria. This antibiotic is a cyclic peptide, and its structure was analyzed using a technique called NMR spectroscopy. Understanding this antibiotic is important because it may offer new ways to fight infections resistant to other treatments.
Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with antibiotic-resistant infections.
NMR structure of the channel-former zervamicin IIB in isotropic solvents.
2000
FEBS letters
Balashova TA, Shenkarev ZO, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV, Raap J +1 more
Plain English This study examined the structure of a peptide called zervamicin IIB, which forms channels in cell membranes, using a technique called NMR spectroscopy in various solvent mixtures. The researchers found that zervamicin IIB maintains a consistent shape across different solvents, specifically a bent helical structure, with very slight variations (about 0.3 angstroms). Understanding this structure is important because it can help in designing better ion channels for applications in medicine.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and developers working on new treatments that target cell membrane functions.
Plain English This study focused on creating a new version of the hormone oxytocin through genetic engineering in a type of bacteria. The researchers developed a hybrid protein that successfully produced a modified form of oxytocin, which could potentially be useful for making shorter peptides in a lab setting. This breakthrough is important because it shows a new way to produce important hormones that may have medical uses, like in treatments for mental health or social behavior.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and medical professionals working on treatments involving hormones.
[Isolation of a homogeneous functionally active beta-adrenergic receptor from bovine cerebellum using lauroyl sucrose. Effect of trypsin on receptor activity].
1988
Biokhimiia (Moscow, Russia)
Voeĭkov VL, Udovichenko IP, Kiselev OG, Tagaev AA, Kovalevich TE
Plain English This study focused on isolating and analyzing beta-adrenergic receptors derived from cow brains. Researchers successfully extracted these receptors in a pure form and confirmed that they could still function normally even after being treated with an enzyme called trypsin. The findings are significant because they provide a better understanding of these receptors, which play a key role in many body functions, including heart rate and blood pressure regulation.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals who study heart conditions and other diseases related to the nervous system.