Current Issues in Molecular Biology

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The Genetic Diversity and Evolution of Francisella tularensis with Comments on Detection by PCR

by Mark K. Gunnell, Byron J. Adams and Richard A. Robison

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2016, 18(1), 79-92; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.018.079 - 3 Sep 2015

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 496

Francisella tularensis has been the focus of much research over the last two decades mainly because of its potential use as an agent of bioterrorism. F. tularensis is the causative agent of zoonotic tularemia and has a worldwide distribution. The different subspecies of [...] Read more.

Francisella tularensis has been the focus of much research over the last two decades mainly because of its potential use as an agent of bioterrorism. F. tularensis is the causative agent of zoonotic tularemia and has a worldwide distribution. The different subspecies of F. tularensis vary in their biogeography and virulence, making early detection and diagnosis important in both the biodefense and public health sectors. Recent genome sequencing efforts reveal aspects of genetic diversity, evolution and phylogeography previously unknown for this relatively small organism, and highlight a role for detection by various PCR assays. This review explores the advances made in understanding the evolution and genetic diversity of F. tularensis and how these advances have led to better PCR assays for detection and identification of the subspecies. Full article

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Malaria Parasite Survival Depends on Conserved Binding Peptides' Critical Biological Functions

by Manuel E. Patarroyo, Gabriela Arévalo-Pinzón, Cesar Reyes, Armando Moreno-Vranich and Manuel A. Patarroyo

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2016, 18(1), 57-78; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.018.057 - 28 Aug 2015

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Abstract

Biochemical, structural and single amino acid level analysis of 49 Plasmodium falciparum protein regions (13 sporozoite and 36 merozoite proteins) has highlighted the functional role of each conserved high activity binding peptide (cHABP) in cell host-microbe interaction, involving biological functions such as gliding [...] Read more.

Biochemical, structural and single amino acid level analysis of 49 Plasmodium falciparum protein regions (13 sporozoite and 36 merozoite proteins) has highlighted the functional role of each conserved high activity binding peptide (cHABP) in cell host-microbe interaction, involving biological functions such as gliding motility, traversal activity, binding invasion, reproduction, nutrient ion transport and the development of severe malaria. Each protein's key function in the malaria parasite's asexual lifecycle (pre-erythrocyte and erythro-cyte) is described in terms of cHABPs; their sequences were located in elegant work published by other groups regarding critical binding regions implicated in malarial parasite invasion. Such cHABPs represent the starting point for developing a logical and rational methodology for selecting an appropriate mixture of modified cHABPs to be used in a completely effective, synthetic antimalarial vaccine. Such methodology could be used for developing vaccines against diseases scourging humanity. Full article

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SUMOylation: A Link to Future Therapeutics

by Faheem Ahmed Khan, Nuruliarizki Shinta Pandupuspitasari, Chun-Jie Huang, Xingjie Hao and ShuJun Zhang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2016, 18(1), 49-56; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.018.049 - 3 Aug 2015

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 502

Abstract

SUMOylation, much of a similar process like ubiquitination catches attention across various research groups as a potential therapeutic target to fight various infectious and cancerous diseases. This idea take its strength from recent reports which unearth the molecular mechanisms of SUMOylation and its [...] Read more.

SUMOylation, much of a similar process like ubiquitination catches attention across various research groups as a potential therapeutic target to fight various infectious and cancerous diseases. This idea take its strength from recent reports which unearth the molecular mechanisms of SUMOylation and its involvement in important diseases distributed across various kingdoms. At the beginning SUMOylation was considered a process affected only by viral diseases but subsequent reports enlighten its role in diseases caused by bacteria as well. This enhances the SUMOylation canvas and demanded more in-depth study of the process. The present review is an attempt to study the regulatory mechanism of genes when the natural SUMOylation pathway is disturbed, the cross-talk among SUMOylation and other post translational modifications, the role of miRNAs in controlling the function of transcripts, loading of RNA species into exosomes and the possible SUMOylation related therapeutic targets. Full article

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Attomole-Level Genomics with Single-Molecule Direct DNA, cDNA and RNA Sequencing Technologies

by Fatih Ozsolak

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2016, 18(1), 43-48; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.018.043 - 8 Jul 2015

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 497

Abstract

With the introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in 2005, the domination of microarrays in genomics quickly came to an end due to NGS's superior technical performance and cost advantages. By enabling genetic analysis capabilities that were not possible previously, NGS technologies have [...] Read more.

With the introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in 2005, the domination of microarrays in genomics quickly came to an end due to NGS's superior technical performance and cost advantages. By enabling genetic analysis capabilities that were not possible previously, NGS technologies have started to play an integral role in all areas of biomedical research. This chapter outlines the low-quantity DNA/cDNA sequencing capabilities and applications developed with the Helicos single molecule DNA sequencing technology. Full article

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A Critical Review of the Concept of Transgenic Plants: Insights into Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Farming

by Rambod Abiri, Alireza Valdiani, Mahmood Maziah, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Mahbod Sahebi, Zetty Norhana Balia Yusof, Narges Atabaki and Daryush Talei

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2016, 18(1), 21-42; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.018.021 - 6 May 2015

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1877

Abstract

Using transgenic plants for the production of high-value recombinant proteins for industrial and clinical applications has become a promising alternative to using conventional bioproduction systems, such as bacteria, yeast, and cultured insect and animal cells. This novel system offers several advantages over conventional [...] Read more.

Using transgenic plants for the production of high-value recombinant proteins for industrial and clinical applications has become a promising alternative to using conventional bioproduction systems, such as bacteria, yeast, and cultured insect and animal cells. This novel system offers several advantages over conventional systems in terms of safety, scale, cost-effectiveness, and the ease of distribution and storage. Currently, plant systems are being utilised as recombinant bio-factories for the expression of various proteins, including potential vaccines and pharmaceuticals, through employing several adaptations of recombinant processes and utilizing the most suitable tools and strategies. The level of protein expression is a critical factor in plant molecular farming, and this level fluctuates according to the plant species and the organs involved. The production of recombinant native and engineered proteins is a complicated procedure that requires an inter- and multi-disciplinary effort involving a wide variety of scientific and technological disciplines, ranging from basic biotechnology, biochemistry, and cell biology to advanced production systems. This review considers important plant resources, affecting factors, and the recombinant-protein expression techniques relevant to the plant molecular farming process. Full article

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The Malaria Parasite's Achilles' Heel: Functionally-Relevant Invasion Structures

by Manuel E. Patarroyo, Martha P. Alba, Cesar Reyes, Rocio Rojas-Luna and Manuel A. Patarroyo

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2016, 18(1), 11-20; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.018.011 - 1 Apr 2015

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 363

Abstract

Malaria parasites have their Achilles' heel; they are vulnerable in small parts of their relevant molecules where they can be wounded and killed. These are sporozoite and merozoite protein conserved high activity binding peptides (cHABPs), playing a critical role in [...] Read more.

Malaria parasites have their Achilles' heel; they are vulnerable in small parts of their relevant molecules where they can be wounded and killed. These are sporozoite and merozoite protein conserved high activity binding peptides (cHABPs), playing a critical role in binding to and invasion of host cells (hepatocytes and erythrocytes, respectively). cHABPs can be modified by specific amino acid replacement, according to previously published physicochemical rules, to produce analogues (mHABPs) having left-handed polyproline II (PPII_L)-like structures which can modulate an immune response due to fitting perfectly into the HLA-DRβ1* peptide binding region (PBR) and having an appropriate presentation to the T-cell receptor (TCR). Full article

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The Role of Ubiquitination in Regulation of Innate Immune Signaling

by Ali Zohaib, Xiaodong Duan, Bibo Zhu, Jing Ye, Shengfeng Wan, Huanchun Chen, Xueqin Liu and Shengbo Cao

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2016, 18(1), 1-10; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.018.001 - 30 Mar 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 336

Abstract

Ubiquitination, also denoted ubiquitylation, is a posttranslational modification that has been implicated in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Ubiquitination plays crucial roles in innate immune signaling by ensuring the proper orchestration of several signaling mediators that constitute a functional [...] Read more.

Ubiquitination, also denoted ubiquitylation, is a posttranslational modification that has been implicated in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Ubiquitination plays crucial roles in innate immune signaling by ensuring the proper orchestration of several signaling mediators that constitute a functional immune response. Herein, we briefly summarize the latest discoveries concerning the molecular ubiquitination-related machinery that senses, assembles, and disassembles innate immune signaling mediators. Full article

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Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., Volume 18, Issue 1 (January 2016) – 7 articles

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