A regulatory RNA is involved in RNA duplex formation and biofilm regulation in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) are involved in essential biological processes in all three domains of life. The regulatory potential of ncRNAs in Archaea is, however, not fully explored. In this study, RNA-seq analyses identified a set of 29 ncRNA transcripts in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius that were differentially expressed in response to biofilm formation.

Plasticity of archaeal C/D box sRNA biogenesis.

Archaeal and eukaryotic organisms contain sets of C/D box s(no)RNAs with guide sequences that determine ribose 2'-O-methylation sites of target RNAs. The composition of these C/D box sRNA sets is highly variable between organisms and results in varying RNA modification patterns which are important for ribosomal RNA folding and stability. Little is known about the genomic organization of C/D box sRNA genes in archaea.

C/D box sRNA-guided 2'-O-methylation patterns of archaeal rRNA molecules.

Background: In archaea and eukaryotes, ribonucleoprotein complexes containing small C/D box s(no)RNAs use base pair complementarity to target specific sites within ribosomal RNA for 2'-O-ribose methylation. These modifications aid in the folding and stabilization of nascent rRNA molecules and their assembly into ribosomal particles. The genomes of hyperthermophilic archaea encode large numbers of C/D box sRNA genes, suggesting an increased necessity for rRNA stabilization at extreme growth temperatures.

Copper-binding properties of the BIR2 and BIR3 domains of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein.

The X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is a zinc metalloprotein that has recently been implicated in copper homeostasis. XIAP mediates apoptosis via the inhibition of caspase enzymes through multiple baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) domains, wherein zinc is coordinated by three cysteine amino acids and one histidine amino acid. XIAP binds copper ions directly at one or more unspecified sites, indicating that the protein may function as a copper sensor.

Development of solid-supported Glaser-Hay couplings.

While the Glaser-Hay coupling of terminal alkynes is a useful reaction, several issues associated with chemoselectivity preclude its widespread application in synthetic chemistry. To address these issues, a solid-supported Glaser-Hay methodology was developed to afford only asymmetric diyne products. This methodology was then applied to a series of immobilized alkynes with a diverse set of soluble alkynes to generate an array of heterocoupled products in high yields and purities.

In vitro assembly and activity of an archaeal CRISPR-Cas type I-A Cascade interference complex.

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems of type I use a Cas ribonucleoprotein complex for antiviral defense (Cascade) to mediate the targeting and degradation of foreign DNA. To address molecular features of the archaeal type I-A Cascade interference mechanism, we established the in vitro assembly of the Thermoproteus tenax Cascade from six recombinant Cas proteins, synthetic CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) and target DNA fragments. RNA-Seq analyses revealed the processing pattern of crRNAs from seven T.

Development of rapid microwave-mediated and low-temperature bacterial transformations.

The introduction of exogenous DNA into Escherichia coli is a cornerstone of molecular biology. Herein, we investigate two new mechanisms for bacterial transformation involving either the use of microwave irradiation or a freeze-thaw protocol in liquid nitrogen. Ultimately, both methods afforded successful transfer of plasmid DNA into bacterial cells, with the freeze-thaw technique yielding efficiencies of ~10(5).

Discovery of small molecule modifiers of microRNAs for the treatment of HCV infection.

While RNA has traditionally been viewed as a mechanism to transfer genetic information, its importance and functionality has only truly been demonstrated in the past 20 years. One prime example of this significance can be found within microRNAs (miRNAs), which are involved in the regulation of a substantial number of human genes. Consequently, these miRNAs represent a novel target for therapeutic agents towards the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders.

Approaches to the modulation of miRNA maturation.

The therapeutic importance of microRNA (miRNA) regulation has recently been realized as these small, noncoding RNAs have been demonstrated to be involved with a plethora of diseases and disorders. Due to the complex miRNA maturation process, the expression of these important biomolecules can be manipulated at various stages of the pathway. This review examines both in vivo and in vitro mechanisms and assays that have been developed to regulate miRNA levels.

RNA-Seq analyses reveal the order of tRNA processing events and the maturation of C/D box and CRISPR RNAs in the hyperthermophile Methanopyrus kandleri.

The methanogenic archaeon Methanopyrus kandleri grows near the upper temperature limit for life. Genome analyses revealed strategies to adapt to these harsh conditions and elucidated a unique transfer RNA (tRNA) C-to-U editing mechanism at base 8 for 30 different tRNA species. Here, RNA-Seq deep sequencing methodology was combined with computational analyses to characterize the small RNome of this hyperthermophilic organism and to obtain insights into the RNA metabolism at extreme temperatures.

Identification of biological dusts by elemental analysis.

The feasibility of identifying, by microscopial and X-ray techniques, the biological source of cotton plant dusts produced from individual plant parts was determined. Major elements observed were magnesiu, aluminum, silicon, sulfur, chlorine, potassiu, and calcium. Some plant parts were distinguished by variations in elemental content.

Survey of effects of variety and growing location of cotton on cardroom dust composition.

Electrostatically precipitated respirable dusts from six major U.S. varieties and growing areas were analyzed.

Chemical properties of cotton dust.

Byssinosis, a respiratory disease, is caused by dust in cotton textile mills. The heterogeneous, complex dust varies in composition and activity in different "cotton-related" processing operations. Information concerning the constitution of "cotton dust" is reviewed.