Microglia-secreted TNF-α affects differentiation efficiency and viability of pluripotent stem cell-derived human dopaminergic precursors.

Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the progressive loss of dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Even though successful transplantation of dopamine-producing cells into the striatum exhibits favourable effects in animal models and clinical trials; transplanted cell survival is low. Since every transplant elicits an inflammatory response which can affect cell survival and differentiation, we aimed to study in vivo and in vitro the impact of the pro-inflammatory environment on human dopaminergic precursors.

Genome Sequence and Characterization of Phage, vB_LcaM_Lbab1 Isolated from Raw Milk.

Only a few phages have so far been characterized. As several strains are part of probiotic formulations, bacteriophage outbreaks targeting these strains can lead to critical losses within the dairy industry. A new phage was isolated from raw milk obtained from a milking yard from the province of Buenos Aires.

Isolation and Characterization of vB_MsmS_Celfi: A New Bacteriophage.

Because of the clinical relevance of , and from a therapeutic perspective, there is an increasing interest to study phages that infect bacteria belonging to this genus. A phage was isolated from a soil sample, using as host. Its characterization included sequencing, annotation, and analysis of the genome, host range determination, and electron microscopy imaging.

Tightening Bonds in Latin America Through Phage Discovery.

Between 2015 and 2019, we hosted an International Phage Course at Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 2-week full-time course was hands-on and included lectures from renowned phage biologists. Participating students were able to meet and discuss with recognized experts from around the world in a familiar setting, facilitating the establishment of scientific collaborations and the expansion of their networks.

Genetic manipulation of phages for therapy using BRED.

The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance has placed the focus on phages as an alternative antimicrobial therapy. Recently, the first patient treatment using engineered phages to combat a mycobacterial infection was successfully performed; genetic modifications were made using Bacteriophage Recombineering of Electroporated DNA (BRED). BRED is a simple technique that allows genetic manipulation of phages.