Current Issues in Molecular Biology

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Flow Cytometry: Principles and Instrumentation

by Rafael Nunez

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2001, 3(2), 39-45; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.003.039 - 1 Apr 2001

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The standard benchtop flow cytometer is very similar to a hematology cell counter. In fact, flow cytometers can trace their origins back to the early hematology counters [...] Full article

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Introduction to the Field of Cytometry and its Importance in Biomedicine

by Rafael Nunez

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2001, 3(2), 37-38; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.003.037 - 1 Apr 2001

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 383

Abstract

Flow cytometry is a methodology for determining and quantitating cellular features, organelles or cell structural components primarily by both optical and electronic means. Although it measures one cell at a time, the newest equipment is able to process up to several hundred thousand cells in a few seconds. Flow cytometry can be used to count and even distinguish cells of different types in a mixture by quantitating their structural features. Therefore, flow cytometry has great advantages compared to traditional microscopy since it permits the analysis of a greater number of cells in a fraction of the time. In addition cell sorting with flow cytometers has been a powerful tool for diverse fields in biomedical research and clinical applications. Full article

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Virulence Properties of Oral Bacteria: Impact of Molecular Biology

by Howard K. Kuramitsu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2001, 3(2), 35-36; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.003.035 - 1 Apr 2001

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Abstract

Dental caries and periodontitis, although generally not life threatening, are nevertheless of significant importance. An understanding of the molecular nature of these diseases could aid the development of novel methods of prevention and control, and increase our knowledge of their etiology. The identification of virulence factors in oral bacteria could lead to the development of vaccines directed against these organisms, the design of inhibitors of biofilm formation, and the development of replacement therapy strategies. Full article

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Ribozyme Genes Protecting Transgenic Melon Plants Against Potyviruses

by Eric Huttner, William Tucker, Agnès Vermeulen, Frédéric Ignart, Brett Sawyer and Robert Birch

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2001, 3(2), 27-34; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.003.027 - 1 Apr 2001

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 518

Abstract

Potyviruses are the most important viral pathogens of crops worldwide. Under a contract with Gene Shears Pty Limited, we are using ribozyme genes to protect melon plants against two potyviruses: WMV2 and ZYMV. Different polyribozyme genes were designed, built and introduced into melons plants. Transgenic melon plants containing a resistance gene were obtained and their progeny was challenged by the appropriate virus. Most of the genes tested conferred some degree of resistance to the viruses in glasshouse trials. Melon plants from one family containing one gene directed against WMV2 were also field-trialed on small plots under natural infection pressure and were found immune to WMV2. Field trial is in progress for plants containing genes against ZYMV. Some of the ribozyme genes used in the plants were also assayed in a transient expression system in tobacco cells. This enabled us to study the sequence discrimination capacity of the ribozyme in the case of one ribozyme target site. We found that a mutated target GUG (non cleavable) was less susceptible to inhibition by the ribozyme gene than the corresponding wild type target GUA (cleavable). Work is now in progress to incorporate multiple resistance genes in melon plants, in constructs designed in compliance with the evolving European regulations concerning transgenic plants. The use of ribozyme genes to protect plants against viruses provides an alternative to the technologies currently used for protecting crops against viruses, based on the concept of Pathogen Derived Resistance. In the light of concerns expressed by some plant virologists (13) about the use of viral genes in transgenic plants, it may be that ribozyme genes will find many uses in this area of agricultural biotechnology. Full article

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Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., Volume 3, Issue 2 (April 2001) – 4 articles

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