Phylogenetic diversity of the dddP gene for dimethylsulfoniopropionate-dependent dimethyl sulfide synthesis in mangrove soils.

The dddP gene encodes an enzyme that cleaves dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) into dimethyl sulfide (DMS) plus acrylate and has been identified in various marine bacteria and some fungi. The diversity of dddP genes was investigated by culture-independent PCR-based analysis of metagenomic DNA extracted from 4 mangrove soils in Southern China. A phylogenetic tree of 144 cloned dddP sequences comprised 7 groups, 3 of which also included dddP genes from previously identified Ddd(+) (DMSP-dependent DMS production) bacteria.

Streptomyces shenzhenensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from mangrove sediment.

An actinomycete strain, which was designated 172115(T), was isolated from mangrove soil in Shenzhen, China. Strain 172115(T) fell within the genus Streptomyces in the 16S rRNA gene tree and could be grouped into this genus based on its chemotaxonomic and morphological data. The strain shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Streptomyces lanatus NBRC 12787(T) (AB184845) (98.

Streptomyces qinglanensis sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment.

A Streptomyces-like strain, 172205(T), was obtained from mangrove soil collected at Qinglan Harbour, Wenchang, Hainan, China. The strain was characterized by white aerial mycelium and long spore chains. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain represents a novel member of the genus Streptomyces, exhibiting highest levels of similarity (<98.

Gene therapy for psoriasis in the K14-VEGF transgenic mouse model by topical transdermal delivery of interleukin-4 using ultradeformable cationic liposome.

Background: Topical transdermal gene delivery to the skin shows great potential for painless, non-invasive administration of vaccines and therapeutic agents. Interleukin (IL)-4 strategies have shown a good antipsoriatic effect in clinic trials. To date, no information has been acquired on the effectiveness of gene therapy for psoriasis in the K14-VEGF transgenic mouse model by topical transdermal penetration of murine IL-4 (mIL-4) using ultradeformable cationic liposome (UCL).

Acute toxicity evaluation of biodegradable in situ gel-forming controlled drug delivery system based on thermosensitive PEG-PCL-PEG hydrogel.

In this work, a biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG-PCL-PEG, PECE) triblock copolymer was successfully synthesized. The aqueous solution of such PECE copolymer displayed special sol-gel-sol transition as temperature increase, which is a flowing sol at low-temperature and turns into a nonflowing gel at body temperature. The cytotoxicity of PECE copolymer was evaluated by cell viability assay using HEK 293 cells.