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Biomedical subjects

Jing Li

Publications and source records attributed to Jing Li.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

Norepinephrine transporter function and desipramine: residual drug effects versus short-term regulation.

Previous research has shown that exposure of norepinephrine transporter (NET)-expressing cells to desipramine (DMI) downregulates the norepinephrine transporter, although changes in the several transporter parameters do not demonstrate the same time course. Exposures to desipramine for <1 day reduces only radioligand binding and uptake capacity while transporter-immunoreactivity is unaffected. Recent demonstration of persistent drug retention in cells following desipramine exposures raises the possibility that previous reported changes in the norepinephrine transporter may be partly accountable by residual drug. In this study, potential effects of residual desipramine on norepinephrine transporter binding and uptake were re-evaluated following exposures of PC12 cells to desipramine using different methods to remove residual drug. Using a method that minimizes residual drug, exposure of intact PC12 cells to desipramine for 4h had no effect on uptake capacity or [(3)H]nisoxetine binding to the norepinephrine transporter, while exposures for > or =16 h reduced uptake capacity. Desipramine-induced reductions in binding to the transporter required >24 h or greater periods of desipramine exposure. This study confirms that uptake capacity of the norepinephrine transporter is reduced earlier than changes in radioligand binding, but with a different time course than originally shown. Special pre-incubation procedures are required to abolish effects of residual transporter inhibitor when studying inhibitor-induced transporter regulation.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate-mediated neurotensin release via protein kinase C-delta downstream of the Rho/ROK pathway.

Myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS) is a cellular substrate for protein kinase C (PKC). Recently, we have shown that PKC isoforms-alpha and -delta, as well as the Rho/Rho kinase (ROK) pathway, play a role in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-mediated secretion of the gut peptide neurotensin (NT) in the BON human endocrine cell line. Here, we demonstrate that activation of MARCKS protein is important for PMA- and bombesin (BBS)-mediated NT secretion in BON cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) to MARCKS significantly inhibited, whereas overexpression of wild-type MARCKS significantly increased PMA-mediated NT secretion. Endogenous MARCKS and green fluorescent protein-tagged wild-type MARCKS were translocated from membrane to cytosol upon PMA treatment, further confirming MARCKS activation. MARCKS phosphorylation was inhibited by PKC-delta siRNA, ROKalpha siRNA, and C3 toxin (a Rho protein inhibitor), suggesting that the PKC-delta and the Rho/ROK pathways are necessary for MARCKS activation. The phosphorylation of PKC-delta was inhibited by C3 toxin, demonstrating that the role of MARCKS in NT secretion was regulated by PKC-delta downstream of the Rho/ROK pathway. BON cell clones stably transfected with the receptor for gastrin releasing peptide, a physiologic stimulant of NT, and treated with BBS, the amphibian equivalent of gastrin releasing peptide, demonstrated a similar MARCKS phosphorylation as noted with PMA. BBS-mediated NT secretion was attenuated by MARCKS siRNA. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for novel signaling pathways, including the sequential regulation of MARCKS activity by Rho/ROK and PKC-delta proteins, in stimulated gut peptide secretion.

Blotting, Western↗

Multiple and multivalent interactions of novel anti-AIDS drug candidates, sulfated polymannuronate (SPMG)-derived oligosaccharides, with gp120 and their anti-HIV activities.

Sulfated polymannuronate (SPMG), a novel anti-AIDS drug candidate, combats HIV-1 infection mainly by binding to gp120 protein with high affinity. To explore the structural basis of this anti-HIV-1 action, size-defined oligosaccharides were prepared by semi-synthesis or separated from native SPMG. In this study, a series of homogeneously sized SPMG fragments are evaluated for their capacity to bind rgp120 using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The minimum SPMG fragment size that interacts with rgp120 is a hexasaccharide. Additionally, binding capacity increases with the molecular size of oligosaccharides, with the affinity of large fragments (> or = 15-16 saccharides) approaching that of full-sized SPMG. Competitive inhibition and stoichiometric analyses disclose that SPMG oligos bind to multiple binding sites on gp120. Sugar chains longer than 15-16 saccharide residues (SPMG) display multivalent interactions, with one sugar chain binding to two or three gp120 molecules. Consistent with binding data, a positive correlation exists between the size of SPMG oligosaccharides and their anti-HIV activity. The octasaccharide is established to be the minimal active fragment inhibiting syncytium formation and lowering the P24 core antigen level in HIV-IIIB-infected CEM cells. Alternatively, about 50% anti-HIV activity was observed for 15-16 saccharides, whereas a 19-20-saccharide fragment displayed anti-HIV activity equivalent to native SPMG. The structures of the unique minimum hexasaccharide specifically recognized by gp120 and the minimum octasaccharide combating HIV-IIIB infection were representatively structured as [ManA (2s)beta1-4 ManA(2s/3s)]n.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Chlorophyllase 1, a damage control enzyme, affects the balance between defense pathways in plants.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is central to plant response to several pathogens. One of the sources of ROS is the chloroplast because of the photoactive nature of the chlorophylls. Chlorophyllase 1 (encoded by AtCLH1) of Arabidopsis thaliana is quickly induced after tissue damage (e.g., caused by the bacterial necrotroph Erwinia carotovora or the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola). RNA interference silencing of AtCLH1 resulted in failure to degrade free chlorophyll after tissue damage and in resistance to E. carotovora. Both inoculation with E. carotovora and exposure to high light caused elevated accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in AtCLH1 silenced plants. This was accompanied by expression of marker genes for systemic acquired resistance and induction of antioxidant defenses. Interestingly, downregulation of AtCLH1 resulted in increased susceptibility to A. brassicicola, resistance to which requires jasmonate signaling. We propose that AtCLH1 is involved in plant damage control and can modulate the balance between different plant defense pathways.

Antioxidants↗

Effect of acidic oligosaccharide sugar chain on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats and its related mechanisms.

In this study we evaluated the effect of a novel, marine-derived, acidic oligosaccharide on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats using the Morris water maze test. The results show that 30-day administration of this oligosaccharide, referred to as acidic oligosaccharide sugar chain (AOSC), to rats attenuates memory impairment by scopolamine, as evaluated by shortened escape latency, swimming distance, and increased swimming time of rats with memory impairment induced by scopolamine in the quadrant where the platform is placed. The data additionally suggest that an appropriate dose of scopolamine, a traditional muscarinic receptor antagonist, elevates oxidative damage in brain, characterized by inactivation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and consequently, inhibition of ATPase in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. AOSC ameliorates oxidative injuries caused by scopolamine by increasing the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and ATPase. Further investigation by flow cytometry revealed that AOSC significantly reduces the overloading of intracellular free calcium ion ([Ca2+]i), thus suppressing apoptosis induced by H2O2 in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. These findings suggest that AOSC can induce cognitive improvement via its antioxidant activity.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

1-D infinite array of metalloporphyrin cages.

The reaction of Co(II) with 5,15-dipyridyl-10,20-diphenylporphyrin (H(2)DPyP) produces the first metal-organic coordination polymer supported by a trans meso-bifunctional porphyrin ligand. Formulated empirically as [Co(3)(DPyP)(3)] x 4DMF, this compound exhibits a ribbonlike coordination network consisting of tetranuclear metalloporphyrin cages. The DMF guest molecules fill the intra-ribbon cages as well as the inter-ribbon space. Evacuation of [Co(3)(DPyP)(3)] x 4DMF at 130 degrees C generates [Co(3)(DPyP)(3)] that retains crystallinity, as shown by its powder X-ray diffraction pattern, which is consistent with that of [Co(3)(DPyP)(3)] x 4DMF.

Journal Article↗

Inhibition of the beta-catenin signaling pathway in blastocyst and uterus during the window of implantation in mice.

Beta-catenin, the mammalian homolog of Drosophila armadillo protein, was first identified as a cadherin-associated protein at cell-cell junctions. Another function of beta-catenin is the transduction of cytosolic signals to the nucleus in a variety of cellular contexts, which usually are elicited by the active form of beta-catenin. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential role of active beta-catenin in the mouse embryo and uterus during embryo implantation. Active beta-catenin was detected differentially in mouse embryos and uteri during the peri-implantation period. Aberrant activation of beta-catenin by LiCl, a well-known glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor, significantly inhibited blastocyst hatching and subsequent adhesion and outgrowth on fibronectin. Results obtained from pseudopregnant and implantation-delayed mice imply an important role for implanting blastocysts in the temporal and spatial changes of active beta-catenin in the uterus during the window of implantation. Collectively, these results suggest that the beta-catenin signaling pathway is inhibited in both blastocyst and uterus during the window of implantation, which may represent a new mechanism to synchronize the development of preimplantation embryos and differentiation of the uterus during this process.

Animals↗

Interleukin (IL)-1 beta in tracheal aspirates from premature infants induces airway epithelial cell IL-8 expression via an NF-kappa B dependent pathway.

Tracheal aspirate IL-8 concentration and airway epithelial cell IL-8 expression are each increased in premature infants undergoing mechanical ventilation. We sought to determine the cytokines responsible for IL-8 expression in this context. Tracheal aspirates were collected from 18 mechanically ventilated premature infants. IL-8 protein abundance was high in tracheal aspirates from ventilated premature infants (mean, 5806 +/- 4923 pg/mL). IL-1 alpha (mean, 20 +/- 6 pg/mL), IL-1 beta (mean 67 +/- 46 pg/mL), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (mean, 8 +/- 2 pg/mL) were also found. Incubation of tracheal aspirates with 16HBE14o- human bronchial epithelial cells increased IL-8 protein in both cell lysates and supernatants, as well as transcription from the IL-8 promoter. Aspirates also induced nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B activation. Mutation of the IL-8 promoter NF-kappa B site abolished aspirate-induced IL-8 transcription. Endotoxin concentrations in the tracheal aspirates were negligible and incapable of inducing IL-8 promoter activity. Finally, incubation of tracheal aspirates with a neutralizing antibody against IL-1 beta reduced epithelial cell IL-8 production, whereas neutralizing antibodies against IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha had no effect. We conclude that airway fluid from mechanically ventilated premature infants contains soluble factors capable of inducing airway epithelial cell IL-8 expression via a NF-kappa B-dependent pathway, and that IL-1 beta plays a specific role in this process.

Cells, Cultured↗

Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of 177Lu-labeled multivalent single-chain Fv construct of the pancarcinoma monoclonal antibody CC49.

PURPOSE: Lutetium-177 (177Lu) is a radionuclide of interest for radioimmunoimaging (RII) and radioimmunotherapy (RIT) on account of its short half-life (161 h) and the ability to emit both beta and gamma radiation. Single-chain Fv (scFv) constructs have shown advancement in cancer diagnosis and therapy due to the pharmacokinetics advantage and seem to be intriguing tools in oncology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution characteristics of the 177Lu-labeled tetravalent scFv of CC49 MAb and intact CC49 IgG in vivo. METHODS: Conjugation and labeling conditions of multivalent scFv with 177Lu were optimized without affecting integrity and immunoreactivity. For this purpose, multivalent scFv constructs {dimer, sc(Fv)2; tetramer, [sc(Fv)2]2} of the MAb CC49 were expressed as secretory proteins in Pichia pastoris. The purified scFv constructs and IgG form of CC49 were conjugated with a bifunctional chelating agent, ITCB-DTPA, and labeled with 177Lu. The comparative biodistribution, blood clearance, and tumor-targeting characteristics of 177Lu-labeled tetravalent [sc(Fv)2]2 construct of CC49 MAb and intact CC49 IgG were investigated in the athymic mice bearing LS-174T xenografts. RESULTS: Approximately, 90% of 177Lu incorporation was achieved using ITCB-DTPA chelator, and the labeled immunoconjugates maintained integrity and immunoreactivity. Blood clearance studies demonstrated an alpha half-life (t1/2alpha) of 177Lu-labeled [sc(Fv)2]2 and IgG of CC49 at 4.40 and 9.50 min and a beta half-life (t1/2beta) at 375 and 2,193 min, respectively. At 8 h post administration, the percent of the injected dose accumulated/gram (%ID/g) of the LS-174T tumor was 6.4+/-1.3 and 8.9+/-0.6 for 177Lu-labeled [sc(Fv)2]2 and IgG of CC49, respectively, in the absence of L-lysine. The corresponding values were 8.0+/-0.6 and 8.4+/-1.2 in the presence of L-lysine. Renal accumulation of [sc(Fv)2]2 was significantly (p<0.005) reduced in the presence of L-lysine. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that the ITCB-DTPA conjugation and 177Lu-labeling of scFvs are feasible without influencing the antibody characteristics. 177Lu-labeled [sc(Fv)2]2 showed faster clearance and equivalent tumor uptake at 8 h compared with its IgG form, with a markedly reduced renal uptake in the presence of L-lysine. Therefore, 177Lu-labeled [sc(Fv)2]2 may be a potential radiopharmaceutical for the treatment of cancer.

Animals↗

Inhibition of mitochondrial gene transcription suppresses neurotensin secretion in the human carcinoid cell line BON.

Mitochondria, organelles essential for ATP production, play a central role in a number of cellular functions, including the regulation of insulin secretion. Neurotensin (NT), an important regulatory intestinal hormone, has been implicated in fatty acid translocation, gut motility and secretion, and intestinal cell growth; however, mechanisms regulating NT secretion have not been entirely defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inhibition of mitochondrial gene transcription on NT secretion. BON cells, a novel human carcinoid cell line that produces and secretes NT peptide and expresses the gene encoding NT (designated NT/N), were treated with ethidium bromide (EB; 0.05, 0.1, and 0.4 microg/ml), an inhibitor of DNA and RNA synthesis, or vehicle over a time course (1-4 days). Cells were then stimulated with either ACh (100 microM) or phorbol 12 myristate,13-acetate (PMA, 10 nM) for 30 min. Media and cells were extracted, and NT peptide measured by RIA. Treatment with EB had no effect on BON cell viability or cell cycle distribution over the 4-day course. In contrast, EB treatment produced a dose-dependent reduction of mitochondrial gene expression; however, NT/N gene expression was not altered. Mitochondrial inhibition by EB treatment suppressed NT secretion induced by ACh and PMA, both in a dose-dependent manner. EB-mediated inhibition of NT secretion and mitochondrial gene expression was reversed with removal of EB. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of mitochondrial gene transcription suppresses both ACh- and PMA-stimulated NT release. These findings are the first to demonstrate that mitochondrial function is important for agonist-mediated NT secretion.

Acetylcholine↗

Sulfated polymannuroguluronate, a novel anti-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) drug candidate, targeting CD4 in lymphocytes.

Sulfated polymannuroguluronate (SPMG), a marine sulfated polysaccharide, has entered the Phase II clinical trial in China as the first anti-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) drug candidate obtained from marine organisms. To determine the binding site(s) (receptors) of SPMG in lymphocytes mediating its anti-AIDS activities, fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled SPMG was used to investigate SPMG binding to lymphocytes. Flow cytometry (FCM) and fluorescence microscopy analysis showed that the SPMG binds to lymphocytes in a rapid, specific, reversible, and saturable fashion. Several SPMG binding proteins were purified by affinity chromatography from lymphocyte membrane preparations. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting analysis revealed that a 55kDa lymphocyte membrane protein is CD4. To characterize the SPMG and CD4 interaction, inhibition assay and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay were carried out. SPMG bound to CD4 in a multivalent fashion with specificity. The binding of SPMG to human lymphocyte CD4 was competitively inhibited by human soluble CD4 (hsCD4). Likewise, the binding between hsCD4 and immobilized SPMG was blocked by excess free SPMG. These results indicate that CD4 is one of the specific SPMG binding sites (receptors) in lymphocytes. The interaction between SPMG and CD4 may provide a mechanistic explanation of the immunopotentiating and anti-AIDS activities of SPMG in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Clinical application of mastoscopic axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technique and significance of mastoscopic axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with breast cancer use methylene blue to test axillary sentinel lymph node. Sentinel lymph node was moved with endoscopy, and endoscopic axillary lymph nod dissection was performed. Pathological examination of sentinel lymph node and axillary lymph node was made with HE. To evaluate detection rate and false negative rate in sentinel lymph node. RESULTS: Among the 62 patients, 61 were confirmed by endoscopic axillary sentinel lymph nod biopsy. Detection rate was 98.4%. Thirty-five cases were no metastasis, 27 cases were metastasis, false negative rate was 0. CONCLUSIONS: Mastoscopic axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy has a high detection rate, good efficiency of cosmetic and lower complications. It has higher sensitivity than traditional axillary lymph nod dissection and provide accurate lymph node stages.

Adult↗

Regulation of IL-8 and IL-1beta expression in Crohn's disease associated NOD2/CARD15 mutations.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammation affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Three mutations (Arg702Trp, Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC) within the NOD2/CARD15 gene increase CD susceptibility. Here, we define cytokine regulation in primary human mononuclear cells, with muramyl dipeptide (MDP), the minimal NOD2/CARD15 activating component of peptidoglycan. By microarray, MDP induces a broad array of transcripts, including interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). Leu1007fsinsC homozygotes demonstrated decreased transcriptional response to MDP. Electromobility shift assay demonstrated that MDP-induced NF-kappaB activation is mediated via p50 and p65 subunits, but not RelB or c-Rel. In wild-type individuals, MDP-induced IL-8 protein expression with a greater response to high dose (1 micro g/ml) compared with low-dose (10 ng/ml) MDP. At low MDP doses, in all homozygotes, we observed no induction of IL-8 protein. With high doses of MDP, Leu1007fsinsC homozygotes showed no induction. Modest induction of IL-8 protein was observed in Gly908Arg and Arg702Trp homozygotes, indicating varying MDP sensitivity of the CD-associated mutations. In wild-type healthy control, CD and ulcerative colitis individuals, low-dose MDP and TNFalpha alone results in only modest IL-1beta protein induction. With MDP plus TNFalpha, there is a synergistic induction of IL-1beta secretion. In Leu1007fsinsC homozygotes, there is a profound defect in IL-1beta secretion, despite marked induction of IL-1beta mRNA. These findings demonstrate post-transcriptional dependency on the NOD2/CARD15 pathway for IL-1beta secretion with MDP and TNFalpha treatment. Taken together, these studies suggest that a signaling defect of innate immunity to MDP may be an essential underlying defect in the pathogenesis of some CD patients.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

The N-terminal propeptide of lung surfactant protein C is necessary for biosynthesis and prevents unfolding of a metastable alpha-helix.

The lung surfactant-associated protein C (SP-C) consists mainly of a polyvaline alpha-helix, which is stable in a lipid membrane. However, in agreement with the predicted beta-strand conformation of a polyvaline segment, helical SP-C unfolds and transforms into beta-sheet aggregates and amyloid fibrils within a few days in aqueous organic solvents. SP-C fibril formation and aggregation have been associated with lung disease. Here, we show that in a recently isolated biosynthetic precursor of SP-C (SP-Ci), a 12 residue N-terminal propeptide locks the metastable polyvaline part in a helical conformation. The SP-Ci helix does not aggregate or unfold during several weeks of incubation, as judged by hydrogen/deuterium exchange and mass spectrometry. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments further indicate that the propeptide reduces exchange in parts corresponding to mature SP-C. Finally, in an acidic environment, SP-Ci unfolds and aggregates into amyloid fibrils like SP-C. These data suggest a direct role of the N-terminal propeptide in SP-C biosynthesis.

Circular Dichroism↗

The role of protein kinase D in neurotensin secretion mediated by protein kinase C-alpha/-delta and Rho/Rho kinase.

Neurotensin (NT) is a gut peptide that plays an important role in gastrointestinal (GI) secretion, motility, and growth as well as the proliferation of NT receptor positive cancers. Secretion of NT is regulated by phorbol ester-sensitive protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms-alpha and -delta and may involve protein kinase D (PKD). The purpose of our present study was: (i) to define the role of PKD in NT release from BON endocrine cells and (ii) to delineate the upstream signaling mechanisms mediating this effect. Here, we demonstrate that small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted against PKD dramatically inhibited both basal and PMA-stimulated NT secretion; NT release is significantly increased by overexpression of PKD. PKC-alpha and -delta siRNA attenuated PKD activity, whereas overexpression of PKC-alpha and -delta enhanced PKD activity. Rho kinase (ROK) siRNA significantly inhibited NT secretion, whereas overexpression of ROKalpha effectively increased NT release. Rho protein inhibitor C3 dramatically inhibited both NT secretion and PKD activity. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that PKD activation plays a central role in NT peptide secretion; upstream regulators of PKD include PKC-alpha and -delta and Rho/ROK. Importantly, our results identify novel signaling pathways, which culminate in gut peptide release.

Blotting, Western↗

Differential effect of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids on hepatic glucose metabolism in humans.

Prolonged infusions of lipid and heparin that achieve high physiological free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations inhibit hepatic (and peripheral) insulin sensitivity in humans. These infusions are composed largely of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; linoleic and linolenic). It is not known whether fatty acid composition per se affects hepatic glucose metabolism in humans. To address this issue, we examined the impact of enteral infusions of either palm oil (48% palmitic, 35% oleic, and 8% linoleic acids) or safflower oil (6% palmitic, 12% oleic, 74% linoleic acids) in 14 obese nondiabetic subjects. (2)H(2)O was administered to determine the contribution of gluconeogenesis to endogenous glucose production (EGP), and a primed continuous infusion of [6,6-(2)H]glucose was administered to assess glucose appearance. As a result of the lipid infusions, plasma FFA concentrations increased significantly in both the palm oil (507.5 +/- 47.4 to 939.3 +/- 61.3 micromol/l, P < 0.01) and safflower oil (588.2.0 +/- 43.0 to 857.8 +/- 68.7 micromol/l, P < 0.01) groups after 4 h. EGP was similar at baseline (12.4 +/- 1.8 vs. 11.2 +/- 1.0 micromol x kg FFM(-1) x min(-1)). During a somatostatin-insulin clamp, the glucose infusion rate was significantly lower (AUC glucose infusion rate 195.8 +/- 50.7 vs. 377.8 +/- 38.0 micromol/kg FFM, P < 0.01), and rates of EGP were significantly higher (10.7 +/- 1.4 vs. 6.5 +/- 1.5 micromol x kg FFM(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.01) after palm oil compared with safflower oil, respectively. Baseline rates of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis were also similar. However, after lipid infusion, rates of glycogenolysis were suppressed by safflower oil but not by palm oil. Thus these studies demonstrate, for the first time in humans, a differential effect of saturated fatty acids and PUFA on hepatic glucose metabolism.

Adult↗

Density-functional study of organic-inorganic hybrid single crystal ZnSe(C2H8N2)(1/2).

Unusual properties (i.e., strong band dispersion, high carrier mobility, wide absorption-energy window, and sharp band-edge transition) that are desirable for hybrid-material electronics and for solar electric energy conversion are predicted to exist in the organic-inorganic chalcogenide single crystal ZnSe(C2H8N2)(1/2) by using density-functional calculations. A simple mechanism, namely that the band-edge electronic states of the hybrid composite is predominantly determined by the inorganic constituent, is revealed to be responsible for governing these properties. Suggestions for further engineering hybrid semiconductors are also provided

Journal Article↗