Prediction of the three-dimensional structure of aflatoxin of Aspergillus flavus by homology modelling

Aflatoxins are polyketide-derived secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. The toxic effects of aflatoxins have adverse consequences for human health and agricultural economics. The aflR gene, a regulatory gene for aflatoxin biosynthesis, encodes a protein containing a zinc-finger DNA-binding motif. AFLR-Protein three-dimensional model was generated using Robetta server. The modeled AFLR-Protein was further optimization and validation using Rampage. In the simulations, we monitored the backbone atoms and the C-α-helix of the modeled protein. The low RMSD and the simulation time indicate that, as expected, the 3D structural model of AFLR-protein represents a stable folding conformation. This study paves the way for generating computer molecular models for proteins whose crystal structures are not available and which would aid in detailed molecular mechanism of inhibition of aflatoxin.     

A cardiac electric field on the body surface in rats with left ventricular hypertrophy caused by experimental renovascular hypertension

The dynamics of potential distribution of cardiac electric field on the body surface was studied in renovascular hypertensive rats (Goldblatt type) during the ventricular activity. Three inversions of the mutual location of positive and negative areas of the cardiac electric field on the body surface were found in normotensive and hypertensive rats during the QRS-T period. Left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart in rats caused by renovascular hypertension results in changes of temporal and amplitude characteristics of the body surface potential distribution during the initial and terminal ventricular activity. The shifting trajectory of the positive and negative areas and their extremal ranges on the body surface does not change during the ventricular activity in rats with left ventricular hypertrophy of the heart as compared to the initial normotensive state.     

Mapping the amino acid properties of constituent nucleoporins onto the yeast nuclear pore complex

Visualization of molecular structures aids in the understanding of structural and functional roles of biological macromolecules. Macromolecular transport between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm is facilitated by the nuclear pore complex (NPC). The ring structure of the NPC is large and contains several distinct proteins (nucleoporins) which function as a selective gate for the passage of certain molecules into and out of the nucleus. In this note we demonstrate the utility of a python code that allows direct mapping of the physiochemical properties of the constituent nucleoporins on the scaffold of the yeast NPC׳s cytoplasmic view. We expect this tool to be useful for researchers to visualize the NPC based on their physiochemical properties and how it alters when specific mutations are introduced in one or more of the nucleoporins. The code developed using Python is available freely from the authors.     

Structure of the cardiac systole in mammals and birds

The comparative analysis of the contractile function of the heart left ventricle in four species of homoeothermic tetrapods (chicken, quail, rat, sheep) who differ in their spatio-temporal pattern of ventricular excitation, heart rate, and heart weight was performed. The analysis of cardiac cycle structure was performed on the basis of synchronous recording of ECG, phonocardiogram, and apex cardiogram. Indices of myocardial contractility of the left ventricle calculated on the basis of the analysis of the cardiac dynamics indicate disadvantageous contractile function of the left ventricle in rodents and non-flying birds in comparison with sheep. The functioning of the left ventricle in male rats is more strained than in female rats. One fundamental factor determining a more strained functioning of the left ventricle in birds in comparison with mammals is the heart rate. The relative weight and activation pattern of the left ventricular myocardium govern the contractile function of the left ventricle to a lesser extent.     

The treatment of isolated genera

Problems presented by genera, or small groups of genera, which have been given family rank are reviewed, and the genera are divided into a number of categories according to the closeness of their affinity to other genera or families. Satellite genera that stand in close relation to families should be united with them. Binary families, that have been divided into two (or more) related families, should be re–united. Families connected by linking genera, should, logically, be united but practical considerations usually prevent this. Clusters of diverse but more or less distantly related genera present unusual problems, being treated either as several, often monogeneric families or as a loosely structured family. Truly isolated genera must be given family and often ordinal rank.