maT and mosquito transposons in cnidarians: evolutionary history and intraspecific differences.

Transposable elements exert a significant effect on the size and structure of eukaryotic genomes. Tc1/mariner superfamily elements represent the widely distributed and highly variable group of DNA transposons. Tc1/mariner elements include TLE/DD34-38E, MLE/DD34D, maT/DD37D, Visitor/DD41D, Guest/DD39D, mosquito/DD37E, and L18/DD37E families, all of which are well or less scarcely studied.

The IS630/Tc1/mariner transposons in three ctenophore genomes.

Transposable elements (TEs) exert a significant effect on the structure and functioning of the genomes and also serve as a source of the new genes. The study of the TE diversity and evolution in different taxa is indispensable for the fundamental understanding of their roles in the genomes. IS630/Tc1/mariner (ITm) transposable elements represent the most prevalent and diverse group of DNA transposons.

Understanding neurobehavioral genetics of zebrafish.

Due to its fully sequenced genome, high genetic homology to humans, external fertilization, fast development, transparency of embryos, low cost and active reproduction, the zebrafish has become a novel promising model organism in biomedicine. Zebrafish are a useful tool in genetic and neuroscience research, including linking various genetic mutations to brain mechanisms using forward and reverse genetics. These approaches have produced novel models of rare genetic CNS disorders and common brain illnesses, such as addiction, aggression, anxiety and depression.

Alkyl triphenylphosphonium surfactants as nucleic acid carriers: complexation efficacy toward DNA decamers, interaction with lipid bilayers and cytotoxicity studies.

Herein, for the first time the complexation ability of a homological series of triphenylphosphonium surfactants (TPPB-n) toward DNA decamers has been explored. Formation of lipoplexes was confirmed by alternative techniques, including dynamic light scattering, indicating the occurrence of nanosized complexes (ca. 100-150 nm), and monitoring the charge neutralization of nucleotide phosphate groups and the fluorescence quenching of dye-intercalator ethidium bromide.

Structural, biocomplexation and gene delivery properties of hydroxyethylated gemini surfactants with varied spacer length.

Gemini surfactants with hexadecyl tails and hydroxyethylated head groups bridged with tetramethylene (G4), hexamethylene (G6) and dodecamethylene (G12) spacers were shown to self-assemble at the lower critical micelle concentration compared to their conventional m-s-m analogs. The lipoplex formation and the plasmid DNA transfer into different kinds of host cells were studied. In the case of eukaryotic cells, high transfection efficacy has been demonstrated for DNA-gemini complexes, which increased as follows: G6 View Article and Find Full Text PDF