Ostroumov S. A., and L. N. Vorobiev. Membrane potential and surface charge densities as possible generalized regulators of membrane protein activities. - Journal of Theoretical Biology 1978. Volume 75, Issue 3, 7 December 1978, Pages 289-297. Journal of Theoretical Biology. Volume 75, Issue 3, [7 December] 1978, Pages 289-297 doi:10.1016/0022-5193(78)90335-1. Copyright © 1978 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Membrane potential and surface charge densities as possible generalized regulators of membrane protein activities. S. A. Ostroumov [Corresponding Author, Contact Information, a, b, c], and L. N. Vorobiev. Affiliations: a Dept. of Bioenergetics, Belozersky Lab., Moscow State University, Moscow, U.S.S.R. (former address at the moment of publication); b M. M. Shemiakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117312, U.S.S.R. (former address at the moment of publication); c At present one of the authors (S. O.) is at Laboratory of Physico-Chemistry of Biomembranes, Biological Faculty, M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation. Received 28 November 1977; Revised 30 March 1978. Available online 15 December 2004. ABSTRACT: On the basis of experimental evidence accumulated in studies of coupling and other membranes a theoretical discussion of a “breathing” membrane structure dependent upon a changing transmembrane electrical (electrochemical) gradient is presented. In the case of certain membranes difference of electrical potentials across the membrane (Δψ) is considered as one of important driving forces for some membrane protein folding and/or the arrangement of subunits within some oligomeric proteins. Δψ changes may induce synchronous reversible energetically favourable transitions in the three-dimensional architecture of several spatially separated proteins of the biomembrane. A polyfunctional regulation of levels of activities of spatially separated membrane proteins may be achieved; in some cases alterations of Δψ and surface charge densities may fulfil function of a link in the chain of events triggering membrane-bound activities in response to external stimuli. Key issues: biomembranes, membrane potential,surface charge densities, regulators, membrane proteins, activities; http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WMD-4F1J81C-6V&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F07%2F1978&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1279607346&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=369706b45f7fb8f7feaa41f2e1d22fb4;
Ostroumov S. A., and L. N. Vorobiev. Membrane potential and surface charge densities as possible generalized regulators of membrane protein activities. - Journal of Theoretical Biology 1978. Volume 75, Issue 3, 7 December 1978, Pages 289-297. doi:10.1016/0022-5193(78)90335-1

Present review describes research on novel natural anticancer agents isolated from terrestrial and marine sources. More than 120 cytotoxic anticancer compounds have shown confirmed activity in tumor cell lines bioassay and are of current interest to National Cancer Institute for further in vivo evaluation. Intensive searchers for new classes of pharmacologically potent agents produced by terrestrial and marine organisms have resulted in the discovery of dozens of compounds posessing high cytotoxic activities. However, only a limited number of them have been tested in pre-clinical and clinical trials. One of the reasons is a limited supply of the active ingedients from the natural sources. However, the pre-clinical and clinical development of many terrestrial and/or marine derived natural products into pharmaceuticals is often hampered by a limited supply from the natural source. Total synthesis is of vital importnace in these situations, allowing for the production of useful quantities of the target compound for further biological evaluation. With computer program PASS some additional biological activities are also predicted, which point toward new possible applications of these compounds. This review emphasizes the role of terrestrial and marine peroxides as an important soure of leads for drug discovery.
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 2008, 7, 571-589.

Present review describes research on novel natural cyclobutane-containing alkaloids isolated from terrestrial and marine species. More than 60 biological active compounds have been confirmed to have antimicrobial, antibacterial, antitumor, and other activities. The structures, synthesis, origins, and biological activities of a selection of cyclobutanecontaining alkaloids are reviewed. With the computer program PASS some additional biological activities are also predicted, which point toward new possible applications of these compounds. This review emphasizes the role of cyclobutane-containing alkaloids as an important source of leads for drug discovery.
The Open Medicinal Chemistry Journal, 2008, 2, 26-37.