Production of recombinant serpins in Escherichia coli

Expression systems based on Escherichia coli offer fast, cheap, and convenient means for the production of recombinant serpins. Over 30 active serpins from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms have been produced in this way, using a variety of vectors, promoters, fusion partners, and host strains. Serpins forming insoluble inclusion bodies in E. coli can generally be solubilized and refolded. Here, we outline the general approaches and procedures to be considered when contemplating the use of E. coli for recombinant serpin production.     

Suppression of Embryogenesis and Hatching in Meloidogyne javanica by Thermal Stress

Embryogenes is and hatching of eggs of Meloidogyne javanica were suppressed by brief heat treatment (46 C for 10 min). The period of suppression or arrested development differs according to the stage of development of the nematode when heat treatment is applied. The effect on hatching is much more pronounced than on embryogenesis.     

Restoration approach influences carbon exchange at in-situ oil sands exploration sites in east-central Alberta

Wetlands Ecology and Management - Oil sands exploration activities across the Alberta boreal peatlands requires tree clearing and results in sites being left compressed and with altered understory...     

In vitro Inhibition of Clinical Isolates of Otitis Media Pathogens by the Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12

Otitis media is a common childhood infection, frequently requiring antibiotics. With high rates of antibiotic prescribing and increasing antibiotic resistance, new strategies in otitis media prevention and treatment are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro inhibitory activity Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 against otitis media pathogens. Efficacy of the bacteriocin activity of S. salivarius BLIS K12 against the otitis media isolates was assessed using the deferred antagonism test. Overall, 48% of pathogenic isolates exhibited some growth inhibition by S. salivarius BLIS K12. S. salivarius BLIS K12 can inhibit the in vitro growth of the most common pathogens.

     

The effect of peptidoglycan enriched diets on antimicrobial peptide gene expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) peptidoglycan (PG) enriched diets on antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression. Fish were divided into 5 groups and fed diets containing 0, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg PG/Kg, and sampled 1, 7 and 14 days later. The expression of eight AMP genes (four defensins, two cathelicidins and two liver expressed AMPs) was determined in skin, gill, gut and liver, tissues important for first lines of defence or production of acute phase proteins. Up-regulation of many AMPs was found after feeding the PG enriched diets, with sequential expression seen over the time course studied, where defensins were typically expressed early and cathelicidins and LEAPs later on. A number of clear differences in AMP responsiveness between the tissues examined were also apparent. Of the four PG concentrations used, 5 mg PG/Kg did not always elicit AMP gene induction or to the same degree as seen with the other diets. The three higher dose groups generally showed similar trends although differences in fold change were more pronounced in the 50 and 100 mg PG/Kg groups. Curiously several AMPs were down-regulated after 14 days of feeding in gills, gut and liver. Nevertheless, overall the PG enriched diets had a positive effect on AMP expression. Further investigations now need to be undertaken to confirm whether this higher AMP gene expression correlates with protection against common bacterial diseases and if PG enriched diets have value as a means to temporarily boost the piscine immune system.