International Symposium on Insect Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology：Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China, September 19-22, 2007

We are building on the success of the Sixth Chinese Insect Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Symposium, Beijing, held in 2005. The 2005 symposium saw many Chinese and international authorities share their expertise in a broad range of insect science, including analyses of insect genomes and proteomes, functional gene expression and regulation during development, insect immunity, insect neurobiology, insect-host interactions and insect chemical communication. The coming symposium, which will be held in Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong province, September 19-22, 2007, will offer material along similar lines.[第一段]     

Biochemistry and molecular genetics of poly-γ-glutamate synthesis

Current research into poly-gamma-glutamate (PGA) and its biosynthesis is reviewed. In PGA-producing Bacillus subtilis, glutamate racemase supplies abundant DL-glutamate, the substrate for PGA synthesis. The pgsBCA genes of PGA-producing B. subtilis, which encode the membrane-associated PGA synthetase complex PgsBCA, were characterized and the enzyme complex was suggested to be an atypical amide ligase based on its structure and function. A novel reaction mechanism of PGA synthesis is proposed.     

Proceedings of the XVIII Congress of the International Primatological Society Adelaide,Australia, January 7–12, 2001

International Journal of Primatology -     

Biochemistry of Direct Cell−Cell Interactions. Signaling Factors Regulating Orchestration of Cell Populations

Biochemical mechanisms for the orchestration of cell populations are discussed in view of direct cell?cell inter-actions and composition of the intercellular medium. In our works of the last 20 years, we used circahoralian (ultradian) rhythm of protein synthesis as a marker of cell interactions. Experiments in cell cultures are described; some influences on the organism native medium were performed. Information is presented on the signaling membrane factors that trigger a cascade of processes in the cytoplasm and lead to the orchestration of cell activity in vitro and in vivo. Among these factors are blood serum neurotransmitters, gangliosides, and some hormones. Studying protein synthesis kinetics allowed us to understand the importance of maintaining the constant levels of signaling factors in mammalian blood. The literature on protein phosphorylation as a key process of cell organization is reviewed. The persistence of the organizing signal for several days is described as a type of cell “memory”. It seems promising to extend the area for application of direct cell?cell interactions (respiration of cells, proliferation, etc.) to study possibilities of epigenetic regulation. It is important to continue the studies on the mechanisms of biochemical action of the known drugs as signaling factors.