Single cell-level detection and quantitation of leaky protein expression from any strongly regulated bacterial system.

Extremely low levels of "leaky" expression of genes in bacterial protein expression systems can severely curtail cell viability when expressed proteins are toxic. A general method for sensitive detection of such expression is lacking. Here, we present a method based on microscopic visualization of a fluorescent "reporter" protein (RFP-HU-A) constructed by fusing red fluorescent protein (RFP) to the N-terminus of a nucleoid-associated, histone-like DNA-binding protein, HU-A.

Expression pattern of integrins and their ligands in mouse feto-maternal tissues during pregnancy.

The role of integrins, the cell-surface glycoproteins involved in various cellular functions, is well documented. However, information about their role and expression profile during pregnancy is still scant. In the present study, the expression of the integrin subunits beta(3), alpha(6) and alpha(5), along with their ligands vitronectin, osteopontin, laminin and fibronectin, was investigated in mouse uterus during different stages of pregnancy, namely 6.

Integrin receptors: the dynamic modulators of endometrial function.

Cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions play a critical role in various developmental processes, including differentiation, proliferation and migration of cells. ECM proteins can influence cellular function thus creating a complex feedback mechanism. The adhesion of cells to each other, their ECM proteins and endothelial surfaces is mediated by a variety of membrane proteins collectively known as adhesion molecules.