Current Issues in Molecular Biology

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Open AccessReview

An Overview of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Mutant in the Asia Pacific

by Shuaibu A Hudu, Yasmin A Malik, Mohd T Niazlin, Nabil S. Harmal and Zamberi Sekawi

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 69-78; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.069 - 6 Sep 2013

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Hepatitis B virus infection is a serious health problem worldwide, and more than 350 million people are chronic carriers, constituting a major global threat. Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific have the highest levels of endemicity in the world, with an estimated seroprevalence [...] Read more.

Hepatitis B virus infection is a serious health problem worldwide, and more than 350 million people are chronic carriers, constituting a major global threat. Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific have the highest levels of endemicity in the world, with an estimated seroprevalence ranging between 2% and 31%. Mutations in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been reported in many parts of the world but are most common in Asian infants; such mutants have several clinical effects, such as the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Diagnostic failures by commercial assays have reduced the diagnostic effectiveness of HBsAg detection. For example the substitution of an amino acid in the major hydrophilic region of the S gene reduces the binding of hepatitis B surface antibodies leading to immune escape. The safety of blood transfusion may be compromised by current screening tests due to escape from being neutralised by antibodies induced by HBsAg mutants, and undetectable levels of viral surface protein. Data on the epidemiology of HBsAg mutation in Asia Pacific are scant; however, this manuscript has reviewed the available information on the epidemiology of HBsAg mutation in Asia Pacific. Full article

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Open AccessReview

The Influence of Intestinal Tract and Probiotics on the Fate of Orally Administered Drugs

by Maja Stojančević, Gordana Bojić, Hani Al Salami and Momir Mikov

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 55-68; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.055 - 4 Sep 2013

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 862

Abstract

Although the liver has long been considered as a main organ responsible for drug metabolism, the role of the gut metabolizing enzymes and the gut microflora is becoming more profoundly evident in drug metabolism, absorption and overall efficacy. This review will explore various [...] Read more.

Although the liver has long been considered as a main organ responsible for drug metabolism, the role of the gut metabolizing enzymes and the gut microflora is becoming more profoundly evident in drug metabolism, absorption and overall efficacy. This review will explore various mechanisms by which the gut-microflora influences drug pharmacokinetics including biotransformation, bioactivation, and biodegradation as well as up- or down-regulation of the epithelial transporters. The gut-luminal fluids, intestinal mucosa and gut microflora contain high concentrations of various enzymes which are responsible for the oxidation, hydrolysis and conjugation of drugs. Such metabolic reactions may lead to either drug over- or under-dosing, which impacts the drugs efficacy and safety. The processes, by which the intestinal enzymes and gut-protein transporters influence drug pharmacokinetic parameters, will be detailed. Since the intestinal microflora plays an important role in physiological, nutritional, metabolic, and immunological processes in human body, there is currently some interest in the manipulation of its composition and activity by administering probiotics. This review will also examine the capacity of probiotics to interact with resident microbial community, affecting the respective enzymes or by providing their own specific enzymatic activities that may consequently change the bioavailability and pharmacological activity of concomitantly taken drugs. Full article

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PCR-Based Methodologies Used to Detect and Differentiate the Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex: B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis

by Woan Lowe, Jordon K. March, Annette J. Bunnell, Kim L. O'Neill and Richard A. Robison

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 23-54; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.023 - 22 Aug 2013

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 791

Abstract

Methods for the rapid detection and differentiation of the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex comprising B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis, have been the topic of recent research due to the high degree of phenotypic and genotypic similarities of these species. [...] Read more.

Methods for the rapid detection and differentiation of the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex comprising B. pseudomallei, B. mallei, and B. thailandensis, have been the topic of recent research due to the high degree of phenotypic and genotypic similarities of these species. B. pseudomallei and B. mallei are recognized by the CDC as tier 1 select agents. The high mortality rates of glanders and melioidosis, their potential use as bioweapons, and their low infectious dose, necessitate the need for rapid and accurate detection methods. Although B. thailandensis is generally avirulent in mammals, this species displays very similar phenotypic characteristics to that of B. pseudomallei. Optimal identification of these species remains problematic, due to the difficulty in developing a sensitive, selective, and accurate assay. The development of PCR technologies has revolutionized diagnostic testing and these detection methods have become popular due to their speed, sensitivity, and accuracy. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview and evaluation of the advancements in PCR-based detection and differentiation methodologies for the B. pseudomallei complex, and examine their potential uses in diagnostic and environmental testing. Full article

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Open AccessReview

The Roles of Moonlighting Proteins in Bacteria

by Guangqiang Wang, Yu Xia, Jing Cui, Zhennan Gu, Yuanda Song, Yong Q. Chen, Haiqin Chen, Hao Zhang and Wei Chen

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 15-22; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.015 - 22 Jul 2013

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 970

Abstract

Moonlighting proteins, characterized by their multiple autonomous functions, have been detected in bacteria. Surprisingly, many of these proteins are conserved and involved in metabolic pathway or the cell stress response. They localise to the bacterial surface to take on additional activities, which have [...] Read more.

Moonlighting proteins, characterized by their multiple autonomous functions, have been detected in bacteria. Surprisingly, many of these proteins are conserved and involved in metabolic pathway or the cell stress response. They localise to the bacterial surface to take on additional activities, which have been hypothesised to contribute to bacterial virulence or bacterial benefit. In this review, we compare the functions of moonlighting proteins in bacteria, describe the structural basis of moonlighting functions, and summarise the regulation of secretion and localisation of moonlighting proteins. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Toxin-Antitoxin Systems: Classification, Biological Function and Application in Biotechnology

by Sobhan Ghafourian, Mohammad Raftari, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard and Zamberi Sekawi

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 9-14; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.009 - 7 May 2013

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Abstract

The toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are systems in which an unstable antitoxin inhibits a stable toxin. This review aims to introduce the TA system and its biological application in bacteria. For this purpose, first we introduce a new classification for the TA systems based [...] Read more.

The toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are systems in which an unstable antitoxin inhibits a stable toxin. This review aims to introduce the TA system and its biological application in bacteria. For this purpose, first we introduce a new classification for the TA systems based on how the antitoxin can neutralize the toxin, we then describe the functions of TA systems and finally review the application of these systems in biotechnology. Full article

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Open AccessBook Review

Book Review: A Fungus amongst Us

by Jennifer Loros

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 7-8; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.007 - 9 Apr 2013

Viewed by 316

Abstract

Book review of Neurospora Genomics and Molecular Biology (Durgadas P. Kasbekar and Kevin McCluskey). Durgadas Kasbekar and Kevin McCluskey have edited an engaging new book called Neurospora Genomics and Molecular Biology on the scientific contributions of Neurospora crassa, the model system made [...] Read more.

Book review of Neurospora Genomics and Molecular Biology (Durgadas P. Kasbekar and Kevin McCluskey). Durgadas Kasbekar and Kevin McCluskey have edited an engaging new book called Neurospora Genomics and Molecular Biology on the scientific contributions of Neurospora crassa, the model system made famous with George Beadle and Edward Tatum's 1958 Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine. Full article

633 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Developments in Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Technology

by Vijay J. Gadkar and Martin Filion

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2014, 16(1), 1-6; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.016.001 - 8 Apr 2013

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2810

Abstract

Real time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) technology has revolutionized the detection landscape in every area of molecular biology. The fundamental basis of this technology has remained unchanged since its inception, however various modifications have enhanced the overall performance of this highly versatile technology. These improvements [...] Read more.

Real time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) technology has revolutionized the detection landscape in every area of molecular biology. The fundamental basis of this technology has remained unchanged since its inception, however various modifications have enhanced the overall performance of this highly versatile technology. These improvements have ranged from changes in the individual components of the enzymatic reaction cocktail (polymerizing enzymes, reaction buffers, probes, etc.) to the detection system itself (instrumentation, software, etc.). The RT-qPCR technology currently available to researchers is more sensitive, faster and affordable than when this technology was first introduced. In this article, we summarize the developments of the last few years in RT-qPCR technology and nucleic acid amplification. Full article

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Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., Volume 16, Issue 1 (January 2014) – 7 articles

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