Radioimmunoassay of low molecular weight human kininogen

A radioimmunoassay for low molecular weight (LMW) human Kininogen has been carried out. The first step was to prepare LMW Kininogen from human plasma. The proposed method allowed to get chemically pure and biologically active LMW Kininogen. This preparation was used to induce antibody. Optimal conditions for labelling and incubation were determined. This method may be applied to the assay of Kininogen in human plasma.     

Induction of the SOS function sfiA in E. coli by systems which generate triplet ketones

Generation of triplet ketones, either chemically through thermal decomposition of 3-hydroxymethyl-3,4,4-trimethyl-1,2-dioxetane and 3-[N-(pyridino)carbamoyl]methyl-3,4,4-trimethyl-1,2-dioxetane++ + or enzymatically via the aerobic oxidation of isobutyraldehyde trimethylsilyl enol ether catalyzed by horse-radish peroxidase, triggers the SOS function sfiA in E. coli. Although the observed effects are relatively weak and the triplet ketone scavenger tryptophan was ineffective in this system, our results provide evidence for the involvement of triplet ketones in this type of DNA damage. Possible mechanisms are discussed.     

Contrasting ability of deep and shallow rooting rice genotypes to grow through plough pans containing simulated biopores and cracks

Plant and Soil - Cracks and biopores in compacted soil such as plough pans could aid deep rooting, mitigating constraints to seasonal upland use of paddy fields for rice production. This research...     

Discovery and structure–activity relationships of small molecules that block the human immunoglobulin G–human neonatal Fc receptor (hIgG–hFcRn) protein–protein interaction

The neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, prolongs the half-life of IgG in the serum and represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune disease. Small molecules that block the protein–protein interactions of human IgG–human FcRn may lower pathogenic autoantibodies and provide effective treatment. A novel class of quinoxalines has been discovered as antagonists of the IgG:FcRn protein–protein interaction through optimization of a hit derived from a virtual ligand-based screen.     

Owning Genetic Information and Gene Enhancement Techniques: Why Privacy and Property Rights May Undermine Social Control of the Human Genome

In this article I argue that the proper subjects of intangible property claims include medical records, genetic profiles, and gene enhancement techniques. Coupled with a right to privacy these intangible property rights allow individuals a zone of control that will, in most cases, justifiably exclude governmental or societal invasions into private domains. I argue that the threshold for overriding privacy rights and intangible property rights is higher, in relation to genetic enhancement techniques and sensitive personal information, than is commonly suggested. Once the bar is raised, so-to-speak, the burden of overriding it is formidable. Thus many policy decisions that have been recently proposed or enacted – citywide audio and video surveillance, law enforcement DNA sweeps, genetic profiling, national bans on genetic testing and enhancement of humans, to name a few – will have to be backed by very strong arguments.     

The crystal structure and mechanism of 1-L-myo-inositol- 1-phosphate synthase.

1-l-myo-Inositol-1-phosphate synthase catalyzes the conversion of d-glucose 6-phosphate to 1-l-myo-inositol-1-phosphate (MIP), the first and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of all inositol-containing compounds. It involves an oxidation, intramolecular aldol cyclization, and reduction. We have determined the first crystal structure of MIP synthase. We present structures of both the NAD-bound enzyme and the enzyme bound to an inhibitor, 2-deoxy-glucitol-6-phosphate. While 58 amino acids are disordered in the unbound form of the enzyme in the vicinity of the active site, the inhibitor nucleates the folding of this domain in a striking example of induced fit, serving to completely encapsulate it within the enzyme. Three helices and a long beta-strand are formed in this process. We postulate a mechanism for the conversion based on the structure of the inhibitor-bound complex.