Structural and functional aspects of bacterial membranes and liposomes interactions

Effect of exogenous lipids on the morphology and enzymatic activity of Bacillus cereus B4368 membrane has been studied. Specific character of different lipids action on the membrane enzyme activity was found. This peculiarity had been taken into account by using liposomes in biological systems.     

Effect of metal microelements on biochemical indices of probiotic bacteria

The influence of metal-microelements (Zn, Cu, Ag, Au) in colloid and ionic form on the main biochemical parameters (ATP-ase activity, transmembrane potential and respiratory activity) of E. coli G35 N#1-413 and Ent. faecalis G35 N#4-410 probiont-strains has been studied with the goal to create complex metal-bearing probiotic preparations. Monotonous dose-dependent inhibitory influence of all mentioned metals in ionic form on the bacteria functional activity has been established. Metals' colloids had certainly stimulating influence on microorganisms' biochemical parameters in the same concentration limits with the following maximum positive effects: for Zn - 2x10(-7)-2x10(-4) mg/ml, for Cu - 8.4x10(-7)-8.4x10(-6) microg/ml, for Ag - 23x10(-7)-23x10(-4) microg/ml, for Au - 5x10(-6) microg/ml by metals. It has been shown, that cultural characteristics of probiont-bacteria in the presence of both ionic and colloid forms of studied metals remain stable. Certain stimulation of probiont-bacteria' main enzymes and life-support processes by colloidal forms of the studied metals-microelements in determined concentration and particle dimension limits is the evidence of a possibility of metals' colloids application in probiotic preparations' composition in order to increase the resistance and functional activity of probiont-microorganisms.     

Prediction of the three-dimensional structure of aflatoxin of Aspergillus flavus by homology modelling

Aflatoxins are polyketide-derived secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. The toxic effects of aflatoxins have adverse consequences for human health and agricultural economics. The aflR gene, a regulatory gene for aflatoxin biosynthesis, encodes a protein containing a zinc-finger DNA-binding motif. AFLR-Protein three-dimensional model was generated using Robetta server. The modeled AFLR-Protein was further optimization and validation using Rampage. In the simulations, we monitored the backbone atoms and the C-α-helix of the modeled protein. The low RMSD and the simulation time indicate that, as expected, the 3D structural model of AFLR-protein represents a stable folding conformation. This study paves the way for generating computer molecular models for proteins whose crystal structures are not available and which would aid in detailed molecular mechanism of inhibition of aflatoxin.     

Obtaining bioluminescent bacterial strains for detection of thallium ions

The possibility of Alcaligenes eutrophus T1 luxphenotype creation by temperature induced mutagenesis has been shown. These mutants are able to emit light after induction by thallium ions. This biological method of thallium detection possesses high specificity and sensitivity (0.5 microM of metal). Such microbial cells can be used to quantify bioavailability of thallium part in the environment.     

Mapping the amino acid properties of constituent nucleoporins onto the yeast nuclear pore complex

Visualization of molecular structures aids in the understanding of structural and functional roles of biological macromolecules. Macromolecular transport between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm is facilitated by the nuclear pore complex (NPC). The ring structure of the NPC is large and contains several distinct proteins (nucleoporins) which function as a selective gate for the passage of certain molecules into and out of the nucleus. In this note we demonstrate the utility of a python code that allows direct mapping of the physiochemical properties of the constituent nucleoporins on the scaffold of the yeast NPC׳s cytoplasmic view. We expect this tool to be useful for researchers to visualize the NPC based on their physiochemical properties and how it alters when specific mutations are introduced in one or more of the nucleoporins. The code developed using Python is available freely from the authors.     

Obtaining of bacterial bioluminescent strain Protobacterium phosphoreum B7071 (lux+) for the determination of zinc ion concentration

The transconjugate containing hybrid plasmid (Te(R)Zn(R)lux+) was obtained using the conjugation method on Pseudomonasfragi T2(5) (Te(R)ZnR) strain and bioluminescent strain Protobacterium phosphoreum B7071 (lux+). The expression regulation of lux-genes on the obtained plasmid is carried out by promotor-operational area conjointly with zinc resistance genes. The cells of the obtained genetically modified bacteria have the ability to specific induced luminescence, which is a respond to zinc ions' presence in the measuring medium. It was shown that the cells' bioluminescence intensity of trans-conjugate is linearly dependent on zinc ions' concentration within the range of 1-100 microM, that provides the opportunity of using biosensor as a strain for qualitative and quantitative detection of the metal. The low sensitivity limit of this method is 0.5 microM for the metal. Besides having high sensitivity, the developed lux-biosensor is highly specified.     

The treatment of isolated genera

Problems presented by genera, or small groups of genera, which have been given family rank are reviewed, and the genera are divided into a number of categories according to the closeness of their affinity to other genera or families. Satellite genera that stand in close relation to families should be united with them. Binary families, that have been divided into two (or more) related families, should be re–united. Families connected by linking genera, should, logically, be united but practical considerations usually prevent this. Clusters of diverse but more or less distantly related genera present unusual problems, being treated either as several, often monogeneric families or as a loosely structured family. Truly isolated genera must be given family and often ordinal rank.     

Veterinary probiotic preparation influence on the biochemical blood indices of young farm animals

The veterinary probiotic preparation was developed on the basis of aerobic part of bacterial strains of normal human intestinal microflora: 3 strains of Escherichia coli--G35No1-413, G35No2-412, G35No3-411, and one Enterococcus faecalis G35No4-410 strain. The influence of a pilot lot of the prepapration on the biochemical blood indices and the state of intestinal microflora of different age groups of young farm animal (calves and piglets) was studied during the process of the commission tests. It has been shown, that the developed probiotic promotes the improvement of protein and mineral metabolism, normalization of level of enzyme activities, which show state of the native immunity of the young farm animals' organism. It was the result of normalization of the intestinal microflora composition. The optimal doses and periods of intake have been determined. On the basis of executed researches the veterinary probiotic preparation has been presented for registration to the State Department of Veterinary Medicine of Ukraine.