Control of proline utilization by the Lrp-like regulator PutR in Caulobacter crescentus.

Cellular metabolism recently emerged as a central player modulating the bacterial cell cycle. The Alphaproteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus appears as one of the best models to study these connections, but its metabolism is still poorly characterized. Considering that it lives in oligotrophic environments, its capacity to use amino-acids is often critical for its growth.

Antiproliferative and antimetabolic effects behind the anticancer property of fermented wheat germ extract.

Background: Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) sold under the trade name Avemar exhibits anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. Its mechanisms of action are divided into antiproliferative and antimetabolic effects. Its influcence on cancer cell metabolism needs further investigation.

The mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1) from Mycobacterium bovis BCG influences various growth characteristics.

Background: Pathogenic mycobacteria such as M. tuberculosis, M. bovis or M.

A novel keratan sulphate domain preferentially expressed on the large aggregating proteoglycan from human articular cartilage is recognized by the monoclonal antibody 3D12/H7.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared against aggrecan which has been isolated from human articular cartilage and purified by several chromatographic steps. One of these mAbs, the aggrecan-specific mAb 3D12/H7, was selected for further characterization. The data presented indicate that this mAb recognizes a novel domain of keratan sulphate chains from aggrecan: (1) immunochemical staining of aggrecan is abolished by treatment with keratanase/keratanase II, but not with keratanase or chondroitin sulphate lyase AC/ABC; (2) after chemical deglycosylation of aggrecan no staining of the core-protein was observed; (3) different immunochemical reactivity was observed against keratan sulphates from articular cartilage, intervertebral disc and cornea for the mAbs 3D12/H7 and 5D4.

Preparation and validation of implantable electrodes for the measurement of oxygen and glucose.

In realizing the continuous measurement of pO2 and glucose concentration in the subcutaneous tissue, miniaturized electrochemical oxygen- and enzyme glucose sensors, based on modified Clark-type electrodes for transient implantation, were developed and investigated. The electrodes were prepared by means of sequential dipping procedures in glucose oxidase and in different polymer solutions at well-defined environmental conditions in an incubator. By means of combining a hydrophobic membrane with a glucose permeable area and a hydrophilic membrane in the case of the glucose sensor, linearity of the glucose dependent electrode signal up to greater than 20 mmol/l could be achieved.