Cellular and Molecular Effects of the Bruck Syndrome-Associated Mutation in the Gene.

Bruck syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by increased bone fragility and joint contractures similar to those in arthrogryposis and is known to be associated with mutations in the () and () genes. These genes encode endoplasmic reticulum proteins that play an important role in the biosynthesis of type I collagen, which in turn affects the structure and strength of connective tissues and bones in the body. Mutations are associated with disturbances in both the primary collagen chain and its post-translational formation, but the mechanism by which mutations lead to Bruck syndrome phenotypes has not been determined, not only because of the small number of patients who come to the attention of researchers but also because of the lack of disease models.

Chromatin condensed domains revealed by AFM, and their transformation in mechanically deformed normal and malignant cell nuclei.

It has been generally accepted that heterochromatin is represented by a regular, dense and closed structure, while euchromatin is open and sparse. Recent evidence indicates that chromatin is comprised of irregular nucleosome clutches compacted within the nucleus. Transcriptional events transform the chromatin architecture, resulting in appearance of 100-300 nm nucleosomal aggregates.

Fullerene C Conjugate with Folic Acid and Polyvinylpyrrolidone for Targeted Delivery to Tumor Cells.

The use of targeted drug delivery systems, including those based on selective absorption by certain receptors on the surface of the target cell, can lead to a decrease in the minimum effective dose and the accompanying toxicity of the drug, as well as an increase in therapeutic efficacy. A fullerene C conjugate (FA-PVP-C) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a biocompatible spacer and folic acid (FA) as a targeting ligand for tumor cells with increased expression of folate receptors (FR) was obtained. Using C NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectrometry, fluorometry and thermal analysis, the formation of the conjugate was confirmed and the nature of the binding of its components was established.

Expression in Gliomas Is Dependent on Cell Metabolism.

The OCT4 transcription factor is necessary to maintain cell stemness in the early stages of embryogenesis and is involved in the formation of induced pluripotent stem cells, but its role in oncogenesis is not yet entirely clear. In this work, expression was investigated in malignant gliomas. Twenty glioma cell lines and a sample of normal adult brain tissue were used.

Alterations in the chromatin packaging, driven by transcriptional activity, revealed by AFM.

Background: The gene expression differs in the nuclei of normal and malignant mammalian cells, and transcription is a critical initial step, which defines the difference. The mechanical properties of transcriptionally active chromatin are still poorly understood. Recently we have probed transcriptionally active chromatin of the nuclei subjected to mechanical stress, by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) [1].