Systems biology of pathogen-host interaction: Networks of protein-protein interaction within pathogens and pathogen-human interactions in the post-genomic era

Infectious diseases comprise some of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Interactions between pathogen and host proteins underlie the process of infection. Improved understanding of pathogen-host molecular interactions will increase our knowledge of the mechanisms involved in infection, and allow novel therapeutic solutions to be devised. Complete genome sequences for a number of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the human host, has led to the revelation of their protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. In this post-genomic era, pathogen-host interactions (PHIs) operating during infection can also be mapped. Detailed systematic analyses of PPI and PHI data together are required for a complete understanding of pathogenesis of infections. Here we review the striking results recently obtained during the construction and investigation of these networks. Emphasis is placed on studies producing large-scale interaction data by high-throughput experimental techniques.     

Capturing B type acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells using two types of antibodies

One way to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) is to screen cells for multiple surface markers using flow cytometry. In order to develop an alternative microfluidic based method, isolation of B type acute lymphoblastic cells using two types of antibodies should be investigated. The immunomagnetic beads coated with various antibodies are used to capture the B type acute lymphoblastic cells. Single beads, two types of beads and surface immobilized antibody were used to measure the capture efficiency. Both micro and nanosize immunomagnetic beads can be used to capture B type acute lymphoblastic cells with a minimum efficiency of 94% and maximum efficiency of 98%. Development of a microfluidic based biochip incorporating immunomagnetic beads and surface immobilized antibodies for monitoring MRD can be an alternative to current cost and time inefficient laboratory methods. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2737, 2019     

Augmentation of ADAMTS9 gene expression by IL‐1β is reversed by NFκB and MAPK inhibitors,but not PI3 kinase inhibitors

The pathways involved in the regulation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 9 (ADAMTS9) expression have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3 kinase) in ADAMTS9 gene regulation, with special focus on the involvement of NF‐κB in IL‐1β‐induced ADAMTS9 expression. The OUMS‐27 chondrosarcoma cells were exposed to IL‐1β. They were pretreated with 20 μM PD98059 (specific inhibitor of p44/42 kinase), 10 μM SB203580 (specific inhibitor of p38 kinase), 20 μM SB600125 (MAPK inhibitor), and 1 μM Wortmannin and 10 μM LY294002 (specific inhibitors of PI3 kinase) for 30 min and subsequently incubated with IL‐1β. For the effects of NF‐κB and IκB inhibitors, cells were pretreated with curcumin or BAY117085 for 30 min and subsequently incubated with IL‐1β. BAY117085 and different concentrations of curcumin were applied to the cells just after the first experiment to determine their concentration effect on ADAMTS9 gene expression. After total RNA was extracted, they were reversely transcribed with random primers and then real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on cDNA samples. There was a significant difference between control and stimulated cells in terms of ADAMTS9/β‐actin ratio. Wortmannin and LY294002 did not have any repressive effect on the OUMS‐27 whereas SB203580 and SP600125 were found to decrease the expression of ADAMTS9 gene. BAY 117085 and curcumin, which are two NF‐κB inhibitors, led to a decrease in the ratio of ADAMTS9/β‐actin. As a conclusion, the pathways MAPK and NF‐κB were thought to be responsible pathways for the induction of ADAMTS9 gene. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoelectrochemical Wiring of Paulschulzia pseudovolvox (Algae) to Osmium Polymer Modified Electrodes for Harnessing Solar Energy

Studies on biological photovoltaics based on intact organisms are challenging and in most cases include diffusing mediators to facilitate electrochemical communication with electrodes. However, using such mediators is impractical. Instead, surface confined Os‐polymers have been successfully used in electrochemical studies including oxidoreductases and bacterial cells but not with algae. Photoelectrogenic activity of a green alga, Paulschulzia pseudovolvox, immobilized on graphite or Os‐polymer modified graphite is demonstrated. Direct electron transfer is revealed, when no mediator is added, between algae and electrodes with electrons emerging from photolysis of water via the cells to the electrode exhibiting a photocurrent density of 0.02 μA cm^?2. Os‐polymers with different redox potentials and structures are used to optimize the energy gap between the photosynthetic complexes of the cells and the Os‐polymers and those of greater solubility, better accessibility with membranes, and relatively higher potentials yielded a photocurrent density of 0.44 μA cm^?2. When benzoquinone is included to the electrolyte, the photocurrent density reaches 6.97 μA cm^?2. The photocurrent density is improved to 11.50 μA cm^?2, when the cells are protected from reactive oxygen species when either superoxide dismutase or catalase is added. When adding an inhibitor specific for photosystem II, diuron, the photocurrent is decreased by 50%.     

Fading of wound-induced volatile release during Populus tremula leaf expansion

Journal of Plant Research - The release of stress-driven volatiles throughout leaf development has been little studied. Therefore, we subjected poplar leaves during their developmental stage (from...