Current Issues in Molecular Biology

573 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Eph Receptor/Ephrin System: An Emerging Player in the Invasion Game

by Tessa N. Campbell and Stephen M. Robbins

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2008, 10(1-2), 61-66; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.010.061 - 6 Jun 2008

Viewed by 592

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases (Ephs) and their membrane-anchored ligands (ephrins) form a vital cell communication system capable of bi-directional signaling. This Eph receptor/ephrin system has classically been demonstrated to play a role in development. However, emerging evidence has revealed differential expression of Ephs [...] Read more.

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases (Ephs) and their membrane-anchored ligands (ephrins) form a vital cell communication system capable of bi-directional signaling. This Eph receptor/ephrin system has classically been demonstrated to play a role in development. However, emerging evidence has revealed differential expression of Ephs and ephrins in numerous cancers. Recent studies suggest that this system influences invasive behaviour, promoting a more aggressive and metastatic phenotype. Hence, this minireview summarizes the current understanding of the contribution of both Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands to invasiveness in cancer, as well as their use as potential therapeutic targets. Full article

678 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gene Amplification from Cryopreserved Arabidopsis thaliana Shoot Tips

by Chhandak Basu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2008, 10(1-2), 55-60; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.010.055 - 6 Jun 2008

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 621

Abstract

Cryopreservation is a way to store elite quality plant germplasms. The exact mechanism of stress tolerance during cryopreservation is unknown. Unavavailability of a detailed protocol for understanding the moelcular genetics of plant cryostress is a major obstacle in plant cryobiology research. This paper [...] Read more.

Cryopreservation is a way to store elite quality plant germplasms. The exact mechanism of stress tolerance during cryopreservation is unknown. Unavavailability of a detailed protocol for understanding the moelcular genetics of plant cryostress is a major obstacle in plant cryobiology research. This paper describes the methods of extraction of total RNA from cryogenically stored plant tissues accompanied by successful amplication of cDNAs by reverse transcriptase PCR. The whole process can be completed in two to three days. Through this protocol, several genes were indentified which were differentially expressed during cryostress. This protocol will help researchers to pursue further research in the field of molecular genetics of plant cryostress. Interesting genes identified via these processes can be cloned and plants can be transfomred for the purpose of trait enhancement and modification. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics in the Intestinal Tract

by V. Delcenserie, D. Martel, M. Lamoureux, J. Amiot, Y. Boutin and D. Roy

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2008, 10(1-2), 37-54; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.010.037 - 6 Jun 2008

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1779

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is the largest source of microbial stimulation that exerts both harmful and beneficial effects on human health. The interaction between probiotic and enterocytes is the initiating event in immunomodulation and merits particular attention. The effects of probiotic is strain dependent [...] Read more.

The intestinal microbiota is the largest source of microbial stimulation that exerts both harmful and beneficial effects on human health. The interaction between probiotic and enterocytes is the initiating event in immunomodulation and merits particular attention. The effects of probiotic is strain dependent and for each new probiotic strain, profiles of cytokines secreted by lymphocytes, enterocytes or dendritic cells that come in contact with the strain should be systematically established. To evaluate the effects of probiotics on the immune system, models that mimic the mucosa, and thus the physiological reality, should be preferred whenever it is possible. Then, the in vitro observed effects should be backed up by properly conducted randomized double bind clinical studies. More detailed studies are needed to determine the precise action mode of probiotics on both mucosal and systemic immunity. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Gene-Environment Interactions and Epigenetic Basis of Human Diseases

by Liang Liu, Yuanyuan Li and Trygve O. Tollefsbol

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2008, 10(1-2), 25-36; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.010.025 - 6 Jun 2008

Cited by 146 | Viewed by 1254

Abstract

Most human diseases are related in some way to the loss or gain in gene functions. Regulation of gene expression is a complex process. In addition to genetic mechanisms, epigenetic causes are gaining new perspectives in human diseases related to gene deregulation. Most [...] Read more.

Most human diseases are related in some way to the loss or gain in gene functions. Regulation of gene expression is a complex process. In addition to genetic mechanisms, epigenetic causes are gaining new perspectives in human diseases related to gene deregulation. Most eukaryotic genes are packed into chromatin structures, which lead to high condensations of the genes that require dynamic chromatin remodeling processes to facilitate their transcription. DNA methylation and histone modifications represent two of the major chromatin remodeling processes. They also serve to integrate environmental signals for the cells to modulate the functional output of their genome. Complex human diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes are believed to have a strong environmental component in addition to genetic causes. Aberrancies in chromatin remodeling are associated with both genetically and environmentally-related diseases. We will focus on recent findings of the epigenetic basis of human metabolic disorders to facilitate further exploration of epigenetic mechanisms and better understandings of the molecular cues underlying such complex diseases. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Long-Term Stability of the Human Gut Microbiota in Two Different Rat Strains

by Carl Alpert, Silke Sczesny, Bärbel Gruhl and Michael Blaut

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2008, 10(1-2), 17-24; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.010.017 - 6 Jun 2008

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Abstract

Human microbiota associated rats are frequently used as a model to study host microbe interactions. This study investigated the long-term stability of the bacterial community in such rats. Following the association of two strains of germ-free rats (12 male animals each) with fecal [...] Read more.

Human microbiota associated rats are frequently used as a model to study host microbe interactions. This study investigated the long-term stability of the bacterial community in such rats. Following the association of two strains of germ-free rats (12 male animals each) with fecal bacteria from a human donor the development of the microbiota was monitored for 12 months by PCRdenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. During this time the Dice similarity coefficient (C_s) for the fecal microbial community of the rats associated with a human microbiota in comparison to the donor sample ranged between 73% ± 8 and 74% ± 3 for the Wistar and the Fischer 344 rats, respectively. After 12 months the similarity coefficients were 78% ± 9 and 76% ± 7, respectively, while the similarity coefficients for rat sample replicates ranged from 77% ± 7 to 88% ± 5; the similarity coefficient of the donor sample replicates was 78% ± 9. DNA sequences of bands observed in the different denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles exhibited the highest degree of identity to uncultured bacteria previously found in samples of human, mouse or pig intestinal origin. The results of this study suggest that the dominant human fecal microbiota can be maintained in the human microbiota associated rat model for at least one year. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Considerations in the Development of Live Biotherapeutic Products for Clinical Use

by Jennifer J. Ross, Philip E. Boucher, Siba P. Bhattacharyya, Dennis J. Kopecko, Elizabeth M. Sutkowski, Patricia J. Rohan, Donna K.F. Chandler and Julienne Vaillancourt

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2008, 10(1-2), 13-16; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.010.013 - 6 Jun 2008

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 967

Abstract

Food products in the United States (U.S.), including dietary supplements, may contain live microorganisms and can be promoted for general health, nutritional, or structure/function claims. In contrast, such preparations used with the intention of having a preventive or therapeutic effect in humans are [...] Read more.

Food products in the United States (U.S.), including dietary supplements, may contain live microorganisms and can be promoted for general health, nutritional, or structure/function claims. In contrast, such preparations used with the intention of having a preventive or therapeutic effect in humans are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. as biological products, specifically as live biotherapeutic products (LBPs). Discussion of considerations in the early development of LBPs may aid in preparation of an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) that is designed to collect clinical data to support marketing approval of a LBP in the U.S. for a specific clinical use. Product information is an important component of an IND to support a proposed clinical study. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Biosensor Recognition Elements

by James P. Chambers, Bernard P. Arulanandam, Leann L. Matta, Alex Weis and James J. Valdes

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2008, 10(1-2), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.010.001 - 6 Jun 2008

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1099

Abstract

Molecular recognition is central to biosensing. [...] Full article

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Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., Volume 10, Issue 1-2 (January&July 2008) – 7 articles

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