Biodegradation of polyethylene and polystyrene by Zophobas atratus larvae from Bangladeshi source and isolation of two plastic-degrading gut bacteria.

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern globally, and novel and eco-friendly approaches like bioremediation are essential to mitigate the impact. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are three of the most frequently used plastic types. This study examined biodegradation of these using Zophobas atratus larvae, followed by isolation and whole genome sequencing of gut bacteria collected from larvae frass.

Bidirectional promoters: an enigmatic genome architecture and their roles in cancers.

Bidirectional promoters are the transcription regulatory regions of genes positioned head-to-head on opposite strands. Specific sequence signals, chromatin modifications and three-dimensional structures of the transcription site facilitate the unconventional yet tightly regulated transcription proceeding in both directions from these promoters. Mutations or aberrant epigenetic changes can lead to abnormal enhanced or reduced expression from either of the bidirectionally transcribed genes resulting in tumorigenesis.

Perversely expressed long noncoding RNAs can alter host response and viral proliferation in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: Regulatory roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) during viral infection has become more evident in last decade, but are yet to be explored for SARS-CoV-2.

Materials & Methods: We analyzed RNA-seq dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infected lung epithelial cells to identify differentially expressed genes.

Results: Our analyses uncover 21 differentially expressed lncRNAs broadly involved in cell survival and regulation of gene expression.

Computational engineering the binding affinity of Adalimumab monoclonal antibody for designing potential biosimilar candidate.

Amongst the anti-TNF-α therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, Adalimumab mAb is one of the best candidates. However, several risk factors are found to be associated with higher doses. Improvement of the binding properties will therefore significantly increase its therapeutic efficacy, reduce the dosage requirements, and ultimately the associated toxicity and treatment cost.