Development and utilization of new O-independent bioreporters.

Fluorescent proteins have revolutionized science since their discovery in 1962. They have enabled imaging experiments to decipher the function of proteins, cells, and organisms, as well as gene regulation. Green fluorescent protein and all its derivatives are now standard tools in cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and microbiology laboratories around the world.

Normal B cells express ZAP70 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A link between autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation?

ZAP70 has a prognostic value in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), through altered B-cell receptor signaling, which is important in CLL pathogenesis. A good correlation between ZAP70 expression in CLL cells and the occurrence of autoimmune phenomena has been reported. Yet, the great majority of CLL-associated autoimmune cytopenia is due to polyclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G synthesized by nonmalignant B cells, and this phenomenon is poorly understood.

Genetic and physiological insights into the diazotrophic activity of a non-cyanobacterial marine diazotroph.

Nitrogen (N ) fixation, or diazotrophy, supports a large part of primary production in oceans. Culture-independent approaches highlighted the presence in abundance of marine non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs (NCD), but their ecophysiology remains elusive, mostly because of the low number of isolated NCD and because of the lack of available genetic tools for these isolates. Here, a dual genetic and functional approach allowed unveiling the ecophysiology of a marine NCD affiliated to the species Vibrio diazotrophicus.

Can selenium-enriched spirulina supplementation ameliorate sepsis outcomes in selenium-deficient animals?

In intensive care units, sepsis is the first cause of death. In this pathology, inflammation and oxidative status play a crucial role in patient outcomes. Interestingly, 92% of septic patients exhibit low selenium plasma concentrations (a component of antioxidant enzymes).