Triterpenoids from the leaves of Psidium guajava

The resin of Commiphora kwo yielded two new octanordammarane triterpenes namely 15 alpha-hydroxymansumbinone and 28-acetoxy-15 alpha-hydroxymansumbinone, along with the four known compounds, mansumbinone, mansumbinol, (16S, 20R)-dihydroxydammar-24-en-3-one and T-cadinol. These structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray analysis.     

A walk though vertebrate and invertebrate protamines

An updated comparative analysis of protamines and their corresponding genes is presented, including representative organisms from each of the vertebrate classes and one invertebrate (squid, Loligo opalescens). Special emphasis is placed on the implications for sperm chromatin organization and the evolutionary significance. The review is based on some of the most recent publications in the field and builds upon previously published reviews on this topic.     

Characterization of hemoglobin from the lizard Uromastix hardwickii

Hemoglobin from the tropic lizard Uromastix hardwickii was isolated. Chain separations were studied, and the whole carboxymethylated globin was cleaved with trypsin. Peptides were pre-fractionated by exclusion chromatography and finally purified by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Amino acid sequence analysis permitted ordering of peptides in alpha- and beta-chains by homology with known structures in other hemoglobins. Results show large structural variations (about 50% homology between Uromastix and viper alpha-chains) and suggest chain heterogeneity with the presence of at least two types of both the alpha- and beta-chains in the preparations.     

Expression of S100B during embryonic development of the mouse cerebellum

Background  

In the cerebellum of newborn S100B-EGFP mice, we had previously noted the presence of a large population of S100B-expressing cells, which we assumed to be immature Bergmann glial cells. In the present study, we have drawn on this observation to establish the precise spatio-temporal pattern of S100B gene expression in the embryonic cerebellum.     

Molecular characterization of fungal endophyte diversity isolated from Aconitum heterophyllum: a critically endangered medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya

International Microbiology - Aconitum heterophyllum is a rare perennial herb from Kashmir Himalayas. Due to its threatened status and dependence on its environment, the plant was examined for any...