Method for Primary Screening of Pharmaceuticals on the Paramecium caudatum Eukaryotic Cell Model

Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics - The  effect  of  adrenaline  in  various  concentrations  and  dopamine  at...     

Predicting the spatial organization of chromosomes using epigenetic data

Chromosome folding can reinforce the demarcation between euchromatin and heterochromatin. Two new studies show how epigenetic data, including DNA methylation, can accurately predict chromosome folding in three dimensions. Such computational approaches reinforce the idea of a linkage between epigenetically marked chromatin domains and their segregation into distinct compartments at the megabase scale or topological domains at a higher resolution.Please see related articles: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0741-y and http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0740-z     

Specificity of Endo-β-1,3-glucanase G A from Cellulomonas cellulans towards Structurally Diversified Acceptor Molecules in Transglycosylation Rreaction

The synthetic properties of homogeneous endo- &#103 -1,3-glucanase G A from Cellulomonas cellulans were studied. Thirty-one synthetic and natural &#102 - and &#103 -glycosides were examined as acceptor molecules in transglycosylation reactions conducted in an aqueous-organic solvent environment with &#103 -1,3-glucan as a polymeric donor. Seventeen acceptors underwent significant glycosylation. The best acceptors for glucanase G A were &#102 - or &#103 -glycosides that, in the favoured chair conformation of the pyranose ring, had all the equatorial substituents. Glycosides having an axial 4-hydroxyl or 2-hydroxyl group in the pyranose ring represent a poor class of acceptors.     

Identification of the Hydroxyl Radical and Other Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Neutrophil Granulocytes Exposed to a Fragment of the Amyloid Beta Peptide

A fragment of the amyloid beta protein, &#103 A(25-35), was investigated for its effect on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophil granulocytes. The formation and identification of ROS were examined by using a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCF) fluorescence assay, a luminol chemiluminescence assay, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with DEPMPO as a spin trap, and hydroxylation of 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HBA). The DCF assay showed that &#103 A(25-35) stimulated formation of ROS in a concentration and time dependent manner. The inverted peptide, &#103 A(35-25), gave no response. Also, luminol-amplified chemiluminescence was stimulated by &#103 A(25-35). Incubation with diethyldithiocarbamate (a superoxide dimustase inhibitor) and salicylhydroxamate (SHA; a myeloperoxidase inhibitor) reduced the chemiluminescence. This indicates that hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is formed after exposure to &#103 A(25-35). The EPR spectra indicated a concentration dependent formation of superoxide ( O 2 &#148 &#109 ) - and hydroxyl ( &#148 OH)- radicals. Hydroxylation of 4-HBA to 3,4,-dihydroxybenzoate confirmed production of &#148 OH. This response was attenuated by SHA, indicating involvement of HOCl in formation of &#148 OH. The DCF fluorescence was inhibited with U0126 (an extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor). Further analysis with western blot confirmed phosphorylation of ERK1/2 after exposure to &#103 A(25-35). The phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) inhibitor 7,7-dimethyl-(5Z,8Z)-eicosadienoic acid, and diphenyleneiodonium, which inhibits the NADPH oxidase, also led to a reduction of the DCF fluorescence. The present findings indicate that &#103 A(25-35) stimulates the NADPH oxidase by activating the ERK pathway and PLA 2 . Production of O 2 &#148 &#109 can lead to HOCl and further formation of &#148 OH, which both have a cytotoxic potential.     

Microbial diversity and composition in different gut locations of hyperlipidemic mice receiving krill oil

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - Low-dose (LD, 100 mg kg−1 day−1), moderate-dose (MD, 200 mg kg−1 day−1), and...     

Our unique microbial identity

A recent article examines the extent of individual variation in microbial identities and how this might determine disease susceptibility, therapeutic responses and recovery from clinical interventions.Please see related article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0646-9     

Assembling allopolyploid genomes: no longer formidable

A combined approach of whole genome shotgun sequencing and ultra-high density linkage mapping using skim sequencing of a segregating population is effective for assembling allopolyploid genomes.See related Research, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0582-8     

Genetic diversity of Oxytropis section Xerobia (Fabaceae) in one of the centres of speciation

Genetica - The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Oxytropis caespitosa, O. grandiflora, O. eriocarpa, O. mixotriche, O. nitens,...     

Low-temperature (77 K) phosphorescence of triplet chlorophyll in isolated reaction centers of photosystem II

Photosynthesis Research - Phosphorescence characterized by the main emission band at 952 ± 1 nm (1.30 eV), the lifetime of...     

Effect of Chronic Ethanol Feeding on Oxysterols in Rat Liver

It was our hypothesis that, as a consequence of increased oxidative stress, cholesterol-derived hydroperoxides and oxysterols are increased in livers of rats exposed to ethanol. To test this we dosed Wistar rats (approximately 0.1 kg initial body weight) with ethanol chronically (rats fed a nutritionally complete liquid diet containing ethanol as 35% of total calories; sampled liver at approximately 6-7 weeks). We measured concentrations of 7 &#102 - and 7 &#103 -hydroperoxycholest-5-en-3 &#103 -ol (7 &#102 -OOH and 7 &#103 -OOH) as well as 7 &#102 - and 7 &#103 -hydroxycholesterol (7 &#102 -OH and 7 &#103 -OH), and 3 &#103 -hydroxycholest-5-en-7-one (also termed 7-ketocholesterol; 7-keto). In response to chronic alcohol feeding, there were significant elevations in the concentrations of 7 &#102 -OOH (+169%, P =0.005 ) and 7 &#103 -OOH (+199%, P =0.011 ). Increases in the concentrations of hepatic 7-keto (+74%, P =0.01 ) and decreases in cholesterol ( &#109 43%; P =0.03 ) also occurred. In contrast, the concentrations of both 7 &#102 -OH and 7 &#103 -OH were not significant (NS). However, when oxysterols in chronic ethanol-fed rats were expressed relative to cholesterol there were significant increases in 7-keto/cholesterol ( P =0.0006), 7 &#102 -OH/cholesterol ( P =0.0018) and 7 &#103 -OH/cholesterol ( P =0.0047). In conclusion, this is the first report of increased 7 &#102 -OOH, 7 &#103 -OOH, and 7-keto in liver of rats and their elevation in chronic experimental alcoholism represent evidence of increased oxidative stress.     

A novel property of hexokinase inhibition by Favipiravir and proposed advantages over Molnupiravir and 2 Deoxy d glucose in treating COVID-19

Biotechnology Letters - In the wake of SARS-CoV-2’s global spread, human activities from health to social...     

DNA Replication Error-Induced Extinction of Diploid Yeast

Genetic defects in DNA polymerase accuracy, proofreading, or mismatch repair (MMR) induce mutator phenotypes that accelerate adaptation of microbes and tumor cells. Certain combinations of mutator alleles synergistically increase mutation rates to levels that drive extinction of haploid cells. The maximum tolerated mutation rate of diploid cells is unknown. Here, we define the threshold for replication error-induced extinction (EEX) of diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Double-mutant pol3 alleles that carry mutations for defective DNA polymerase-δ proofreading (pol3-01) and accuracy (pol3-L612M or pol3-L612G) induce strong mutator phenotypes in heterozygous diploids (POL3/pol3-01,L612M or POL3/pol3-01,L612G). Both pol3-01,L612M and pol3-01,L612G alleles are lethal in the homozygous state; cells with pol3-01,L612M divide up to 10 times before arresting at random stages in the cell cycle. Antimutator eex mutations in the pol3 alleles suppress this lethality (pol3-01,L612M,eex or pol3-01,L612G,eex). MMR defects synergize with pol3-01,L612M,eex and pol3-01,L612G,eex alleles, increasing mutation rates and impairing growth. Conversely, inactivation of the Dun1 S-phase checkpoint kinase suppresses strong pol3-01,L612M,eex and pol3-01,L612G,eex mutator phenotypes as well as the lethal pol3-01,L612M phenotype. Our results reveal that the lethal error threshold in diploids is 10 times higher than in haploids and likely determined by homozygous inactivation of essential genes. Pronounced loss of fitness occurs at mutation rates well below the lethal threshold, suggesting that mutator-driven cancers may be susceptible to drugs that exacerbate replication errors.     

Redescription and molecular characterisation of Allogastrocotyle bivaginalis Nasir & Fuentes Zambrano, 1983 (Monogenea: Gastrocotylidae) from Trachurus picturatus (Bowdich) (Perciformes: Carangidae) off the Algerian coast,Mediterranean Sea

Systematic Parasitology - Allogastrocotyle bivaginalis Nasir & Fuentes Zambrano, 1983, the sole species of Allogastrocotyle Nasir & Fuentes Zambrano, 1983, was described from...     

Indirect somatic embryogenesis induction of Papaver degenii and influence of gelling agents and elicitors

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant - Papaver degenii (Urum. & Jav.) Kuzmanov is a Bulgarian glacial relict which is reported as part of Papaver alpinum subsp. alpinum by...     

Identification of Hybrids between the Far Eastern Redfins Tribolodon hakonensis and T. brandtii Based on the Cephalic Lateral-Line System and Four Molecular Genetic Markers

Journal of Ichthyology - Three species of the genus Tribolodon (T. hakonensis, T. brandtii, and T. sachalinensis) and hybrids between T. hakonensis and...     

Dietary Application of the Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 426951 Enhances Immune Status and Growth of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Vaccinated Against Yersinia ruckeri

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins - This study was aimed to assess the effect of oral application of Lactobacillus plantarum (2 × 107 CFU g−1...     

In vitro somatic embryogenesis of Texas ebony (Ebenopsis ebano [Berland.] Barneby & J.W. Grimes)

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant - Texas ebony (Ebenopsis ebano [Berland.] Barneby & J.W. Grimes) is a member of the Fabaceae that is native to Mexico. Its wood has...     

Oxysterols As Indices of Oxidative Stress in Man After Paraquat Ingestion

The aim of this study is to evaluate oxidative stress in man after paraquat ingestion by analyzing 7 &#102 - and 7 &#103 -hydroperoxycholest-5-en-3 &#103 -ol (7 &#102 - and 7 &#103 -OOH) as well as oxysterols, cholesterol oxidation products, as indices of lipid peroxidation. Lung, kidney, and liver were collected at autopsy from seven patients with paraquat poisoning and seven controls matched for age and sex. We identified for the first time 7-ketocholesterol (7-keto) and 7-hydroxycholesterol (7 &#102 -OH and 7 &#103 -OH) in human kidney by LC-MS. Next, we quantified 7 &#102 -OOH and 7 &#103 -OOH by HPLC with postcolumn chemiluminescence as well as oxysterols by HPLC-UV. Both 7 &#102 -OOH and 7 &#103 -OOH detected in lung and kidney from the controls were as low as the paraquat group. In contrast, we found both 7-keto and 7 &#103 -OH in lung and 7-keto in kidney from the paraquat group were significantly higher than from the controls. This is the first report on accumulated oxysterols in lung and kidney from human paraquat poisoning. It seems to reflect greater oxidative stress in the pathology of paraquat intoxication.     

Integrating host gene expression and the microbiome to explore disease pathogenesis

In a recent study, rich clinical assessment and longitudinal study design are combined with host gene expression and microbial sequencing analyses to develop a framework for exploring disease etiology and outcomes in the context of human inflammatory disease.See related article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0637-x     

Biosystematics of Draba cuneifolia and D. platycarpa (cruciferae) with emphasis on volatile and flavonoid constituents

Brittonia - Droba platycarpa Torrey & Gray has been frequently treated as a variety ofD. cuneijolia Nutt. ex Torrey & Gray, but our data indicate that it is sufficiently distinct...