Differential gene expression by RNA-seq during Alzheimer's disease-like progression in the Drosophila melanogaster model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive, irreversible loss of memory and cognitive function. Drosophila melanogaster and other animal models are used to study several diseases, in order to elucidate unknown mechanisms and develop potential therapies. Molecular studies require biological samples and, for neuropathologies such as AD biopsy of the human brain, are invasive and potentially damaging.

Deep sequencing analysis of toad skin glands and partial biochemical characterization of its cutaneous secretion.

Background: Animal poisons and venoms are sources of biomolecules naturally selected. toads are widespread in the whole Brazilian territory and they have poison glands and mucous gland. Recently, protein from toads' secretion has gaining attention.

In-Depth Venome of the Brazilian Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus: An Integrative Approach Combining Its Venom Gland Transcriptome and Venom Proteome.

Snake venoms are complex mixtures mainly composed of proteins and small peptides. Crotoxin is one of the most studied components from Crotalus venoms, but many other components are less known due to their low abundance. The venome of Crotalus durissus terrificus, the most lethal Brazilian snake, was investigated by combining its venom gland transcriptome and proteome to create a holistic database of venom compounds unraveling novel toxins.

New findings from the first transcriptome of the Bothrops moojeni snake venom gland.

Snakebites are a serious health problem in tropical countries. In Brazil, the genus Bothrops (Viperidae family) causes most of the ophidic accidents, characterized by proteolysis and haemorrhage. Snake venoms are rich sources of toxins with great therapeutic and biotechnological potential and omics approaches is a valuable tool for identification of new bioactive components in the venom.

Ultrastructure of bovine sperm chromatin.

Mammalian semen chromatin comprises DNA, protamine, and, at lower levels, other proteins. This constitution confers intense compaction to the chromatin, helping to protect the DNA and causing the head of the sperm to be very small, facilitating the safe transport of its genetic contents. It is known that changes in the sperm chromatin compaction lead to fertility problems in bulls, justifying studies of this structure.