RNA Binding Properties of SOX Family Members.

SOX proteins are a family of transcription factors (TFs) that play critical functions in sex determination, neurogenesis, and chondrocyte differentiation, as well as cardiac, vascular, and lymphatic development. There are 20 SOX family members in humans, each sharing a 79-residue L-shaped high mobility group (HMG)-box domain that is responsible for DNA binding. SOX2 was recently shown to interact with long non-coding RNA and large-intergenic non-coding RNA to regulate embryonic stem cell and neuronal differentiation.

Structural Insights into the Unique Modes of Relaxin-Binding and Tethered-Agonist Mediated Activation of RXFP1 and RXFP2.

Our poor understanding of the mechanism by which the peptide-hormone H2 relaxin activates its G protein coupled receptor, RXFP1 and the related receptor RXFP2, has hindered progress in its therapeutic development. Both receptors possess large ectodomains, which bind H2 relaxin, and contain an N-terminal LDLa module that is essential for receptor signaling and postulated to be a tethered agonist. Here, we show that a conserved motif (GDxxGWxxxF), C-terminal to the LDLa module, is critical for receptor activity.

Recent Developments in Recombinant Proteins for Diagnosis of Human Fascioliasis.

Fascioliasis is an important neglected tropical disease that causes severe injury to the bile ducts and liver. Therefore, a rapid and accurate method for detection of Fasciola hepatica infection plays a vital role in early treatment. Currently, the diagnosis of fascioliasis is mainly conducted via serological tests using the excretory/secretory (E/S) products, which might cross-react with antigens from other helminth parasitic diseases.

The rK39 Antigen from an Iranian Strain of : Detection of Anti- Antibodies in Humans and Dogs.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form of leishmaniasis in Iran with high mortality rates in the case of inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate a new rk39 recombinant antigen from an Iranian strain of for diagnosis of VL in humans and dogs.

Methods: rK39-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with the direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti antibodies.

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors: Molecular docking and experimental studies.

Activating mutations in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) occur in 25% of acute lymphoid and 30% of acute myeloid leukaemia cases. Therefore, FLT3 is a potential therapeutic target for small molecule kinase inhibitors. In this study, protein-ligand interactions between FLT3 and kinase inhibitors (CEP701, PKC412, sunitinib, imatinib and dasatinib) were obtained through homology modelling and molecular docking.

Expression of a functional cold active β-galactosidase from Planococcus sp-L4 in Pichia pastoris.

Lactase deficiency problem discourages many adults from consuming milk as a major source of micro- and macronutrients. Enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose is an ideal solution for this problem but such processing adds significant costs. In this study, a cold active β-galactosidase from Planococcus sp-L4 (bgal) was optimized for expression of recombinant "BGalP" in Pichia pastoris.