Biotin Binding Hardly Affects Electron Transport Efficiency across Streptavidin Solid-State Junctions.

The electron transport (ETp) efficiency of solid-state protein-mediated junctions is highly influenced by the presence of electron-rich organic cofactors or transition metal ions. Hence, we chose to investigate an interesting cofactor-free non-redox protein, streptavidin (STV), which has unmatched strong binding affinity for an organic small-molecule ligand, biotin, which lacks any electron-rich features. We describe for the first time meso-scale ETp via electrical junctions of STV monolayers and focus on the question of whether the rate of ETp across both native and thiolated STV monolayers is influenced by ligand binding, a process that we show to cause some structural conformation changes in the STV monolayers.

Enhancement of cytokine production and AP-1 transcriptional activity in T cells by thalidomide-related immunomodulatory drugs.

CC-4047 (Actimid) and CC-5013 (Revimid) belong to a class of thalidomide analogs collectively known as the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), which are currently being assessed in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma and other cancers. IMiDs potently enhance T cell and natural killer cell responses and inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, and IL-12 production from LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, the molecular mechanism of action for these compounds is unknown.

A novel subclass of thalidomide analogue with anti-solid tumor activity in which caspase-dependent apoptosis is associated with altered expression of bcl-2 family proteins.

Thalidomide is clinically useful in a number of cancers. Antitumor activity may be related to a number of known properties, including anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and T-cell costimulatory and antiangiogenic activities. However, it may also involve direct antitumor effects.

Identification of a putative ribosomal protein mRNA in Chironomus riparius and its response to cadmium, heat shock, and actinomycin D.

A putative ribosomal protein (rp) mRNA in Chironomus riparius has been found using differential display (DD). Its sequence has 84.8% identity with mosquito rp L8, Aedes albopictus, and is approximately 0.