Mammalian genomes are viewed as functional organizations that orchestrate spatial and temporal gene regulation. CTCF, the most characterized insulator-binding protein, has been implicated as a key genome organizer. However, little is known about CTCF-associated higher-order chromatin structures at a global scale.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPandemic influenza by the swine-origin influenza virus (H1N1 2009) has attracted considerable concern worldwide. A convenient and accurate diagnostic approach that can be deployed at the point of care, such as in a doctor's office or at an airport, is critical for disease control. Here we report the development of a silicon-based microfluidic system for subtype differentiation of the novel H1N1 2009 strain vs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLRRK2 plays an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its biological functions are largely unknown. Here, we cloned the homolog of human LRRK2, characterized its expression, and investigated its biological functions in zebrafish. The blockage of zebrafish LRRK2 (zLRRK2) protein by morpholinos caused embryonic lethality and severe developmental defects such as growth retardation and loss of neurons.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn April 2009, a new influenza A (H1N1 2009) virus emerged that rapidly spread around the world. While current variants of this virus have caused widespread disease, particularly in vulnerable groups, there remains the possibility that future variants may cause increased virulence, drug resistance or vaccine escape. Early detection of these virus variants may offer the chance for increased containment and potentially prevention of the virus spread.
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