Modified merozoite surface protein-1 peptides with short alpha helical regions are associated with inducing protection against malaria.

The merozoite surface protein-1 represents a prime candidate for development of a malaria vaccine. Merozoite surface protein-1 has been shown to demonstrate high-activity peptide binding to human red blood cells. One of the high-activity binding peptides, named 5501, located in the N-terminus (amino acid sequence MLNISQHQCVKKQCPQNS) of the 19-kDa molecular mass fragment of merozoite surface protein-1, is conserved, nonimmunogenic and nonprotective. Its critical binding residues were identified and replaced with amino acids of similar mass but different charge, in order to modify their immunogenic and protective characteristics. Three analogues with positive or negative immunological results were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance to correlate their three-dimensional structure with their biological functions. The studied peptides presented alpha-helical fragments, but in different peptide regions and extensions, except for randomly structured 5501. We show that altering a few amino acids induced immunogenicity and protectivity against experimental malaria and changed the peptide three-dimensional structure, suggesting a better fit with immune-system molecules.     

Effect of AMP and its analogues on the environment of phosphorylase b coenzyme

Using fluorescence and SH-groups titration techniques we have proved existence of an inverse relationship betweenthe rate constants of bimolecular deactivation of phosphorylase b coenzyme by iodide ion in the presence of AMP and its analogues and the shielding rate constants of slow cysteine, C-108, by the diverse nucleotides, The greater the shielding rate constants, the smaller the rate constant of deactivation by iodied ion. The analogues we have used were AMP, IMP, 2′dAMP, 2′AMP and 3′AMP.     

Isoteuflidin,a neo-clerodane diterpenoid from Teucrium chamaedrys,and revised structures of teucrins F and G

A new neo-clerodane diterpenoid, isoteuflidin, was isolated from the aerial part of Teucrium chamaedrys. Its structure, 15,16-epoxy-3β-hydroxy-19     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus aryabhattai</Emphasis> BA03: a novel approach to the production of natural value-added compounds

A strain designated as BA03, with the ability to transform ferulic acid into vanillin and 4-vinylguaiacol, was isolated from contaminated cryovials. The production of natural value-added compounds was dependent on the media employed. The morphological and physiological characteristics of this strain were compared with those of the typical vanillin-producer strain Amycolatopsis sp. ATCC 39116. According to a partial 16S rRNA sequence, we determined that BA03 belonged to Bacillus aryabhattai. In addition, analysis of the results showed that this strain exhibited interesting enzymatic activity, including cellulases, laccases, lipases and pectinases. In light of this, we propose new functions for this multitasking microorganism. We suggest that it may be used for converting lignocellulosic wastes into byproducts with industrial uses, and also for treating disposal residues such as dyes in the textile industry. Hence, the possibility for novel research with B. aryabhattai opens up in the fields of biodegradation and/or revalorization of wastes.