Small-molecule mimics of an alpha-helix for efficient transport of proteins into cells.

We designed and synthesized small-molecule mimics of an alpha-helical peptide protein transduction domain (PTD). These small-molecule carriers, which we termed SMoCs, are easily coupled to biomolecules, and efficiently deliver dye molecules and recombinant proteins into a variety of cell types. We designed the SMoCs using molecular modeling techniques.

DNA replication licensing in peripheral B-cell lymphoma.

Peripheral B-cell lymphomas representing 90% of lymphoid neoplasms are divided into low- and high-growth fraction lymphomas. Here we investigate regulation of DNA replication licensing during B-cell lymphomagenesis. Combined analysis of origin licensing factors Mcm2 and geminin with the proliferation marker Ki67 in SLL/CLL, MCL, DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma reveals for the first time the precise cell cycle state of these entities.

DNA replication licensing in somatic and germ cells.

The DNA replication (or origin) licensing system ensures precise duplication of the genome in each cell cycle and is a powerful regulator of cell proliferation in metazoa. Studies in yeast, Drosophila melanogaster and Xenopus laevis have characterised the molecular machinery that constitutes the licensing system, but it remains to be determined how this important evolutionary conserved pathway is regulated in Homo sapiens. We have investigated regulation of the origin licensing factors Cdc6, Cdt1, Mcm2 and Geminin in human somatic and germ cells.

Production of minimally disturbed synchronous cultures of hematopoietic cells.

A method is describedforproducing sizable quantities of synchronously dividing, minimally disturbed mammalian cells. Cultures were grown immobilized on surfaces such that cell division within the population resulted in the continuous release of synchronous newborn cells. As judged by the quality and duration of synchronous growth, cell size distributions, and DNA compositions, newborn mouse L1210 cells grew with a very high level of synchrony without overt evidence of growth disturbances.