J. Rimer, Z. An, Zina Zhu
Oct 15, 2010
Citations
2
Influential Citations
190
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Quality indicators
Journal
Science
Abstract
Taking the Cystine Kidney stones that form from l-cystine are much less common than those forming from calcium oxalate monohydrate, but are more likely to cause chronic kidney disease. Rimer et al. (p. 337; see the cover; see the Perspective by Coe and Asplin) designed two structural mimics for l-cystine. Atomic force microscopy showed that at low concentrations, the mimics could change the l-cystine crystal habit and inhibit overall crystal growth. These structural mimics may thus offer hope for treating cystinuria. Structural mimics for l-cystine may provide drug treatments for certain types of kidney stones. Crystallization of l-cystine is a critical step in the pathogenesis of cystine kidney stones. Treatments for this disease are somewhat effective but often lead to adverse side effects. Real-time in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that l-cystine dimethylester (L-CDME) and l-cystine methylester (L-CME) dramatically reduce the growth velocity of the six symmetry-equivalent {100} steps because of specific binding at the crystal surface, which frustrates the attachment of l-cystine molecules. L-CDME and L-CME produce l-cystine crystals with different habits that reveal distinct binding modes at the crystal surfaces. The AFM observations are mirrored by reduced crystal yield and crystal size in the presence of L-CDME and L-CME, collectively suggesting a new pathway to the prevention of l-cystine stones by rational design of crystal growth inhibitors.