Characterisation of identity-informative genetic markers in the Australian population with European ancestry.

Identity-informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (iiSNPs) are valuable genetic markers for human identification and kinship testing in forensic casework, especially when the quality and quantity of DNA evidence is not suitable for routine short tandem repeat (STR) profiling. This study analysed 105 buccal samples representing the Australian population with European ancestry in order to assign allele frequencies and conduct population genetic analyses for 94 iiSNPs and 20 STRs. The markers were assessed by calculating relevant forensic statistics and testing for deviations from Hardy-Weinberg and linkage equilibrium.

Modulators of the Hop-HSP90 Protein-Protein Interaction Disrupt KSHV Lytic Replication.

The central role of the chaperome in maintaining cellular proteostasis has seen numerous viral families evolve to parasitically exploit host chaperones in their life cycle. The HSP90 chaperone protein and its cochaperone Hop have both individually been shown to be essential factors for Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic replication. Given the fundamental regulatory role that protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play in cellular biology, we reasoned that disrupting the Hop-HSP90 PPI may provide a new host-based target for inhibiting KSHV lytic replication.

Tellurium-based mass cytometry barcode for live and fixed cells.

Mass cytometry is a revolutionary technology that allows for the simultaneous quantification of >40 different biomarkers with cellular resolution. The biomarkers are detected using metal-labeled antibodies as well as small-molecule probes of cell size, viability, and biochemical status. Barcoding is an important component of sample preparation because it reduces processing time, eliminates sample-to-sample variation, discriminates cell doublets, reduces the amount of antibody needed, and conserves sample.

Amphipathic beta-strand mimics as potential membrane disruptive antibiotics.

In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of bacterial strains emerging that are resistant to the currently available antibiotics. In the search for new antibiotics, attention has been focused on natural antimicrobial peptides that act by selectively disrupting the membranes of bacterial cells, a mechanism that is thought to be nonconducive to the development of resistance. It is desirable to mimic the structures and activities of these peptides while introducing properties such as resistance to proteolytic degradation, which make molecules more ideal for development as drugs.