Our researcher José Villalaín has just published a new paper titled
“Ergothioneine Thione Spontaneously Binds to and Detaches from the Membrane Interphase” (Membranes, 2025, 15(11), 328; DOI: 10.3390/membranes15110328).
This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to explore the behavior of ergothioneine, a powerful natural antioxidant with growing relevance in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and biomedicine.
The work sheds new light on how this molecule interacts with biological membranes, offering valuable insights into its protective role against oxidative stress and its potential applications for health and well-being.
Produced naturally by fungi, algae, and bacteria, ergothioneine has been linked to benefits in metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and liver diseases, as well as notable anti-aging properties.
In this research, Villalaín demonstrates that the thione form (ERGO) of the molecule can spontaneously insert into the interfacial region of biological membranes, moving freely between the aqueous environment and the membrane without disrupting its structure or forming aggregates.
These findings reveal new mechanisms of action for ergothioneine and expand our understanding of how natural antioxidants interact with cell membranes.
A fascinating study that combines molecular biology, biophysics, and computational simulations to unravel the connection between structure and function in biomolecules of biomedical interest.
📖 Read the full article:
https://lnkd.in/dFNeMNWS