Expression and characterization of the JAK kinase and STAT protein from brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana.

In this study, we isolated and characterized both JAK and STAT genes from Artemia, Artemia franciscana. Although AfJAK showed only 19% identity (33% similarity) to the Drosophila Hop protein, AfJAK contained the characteristic JAK homology domain (JH domain) from JH1 to JH7. On the other hand, AfSTAT showed higher identity (30%) to Drosophila STAT (STAT92E).

Expression and characterization of two STAT isoforms from Sf9 cells.

In invertebrates, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway is involved in the anti-bacterial response and is part of an anti-viral response in Drosophila. In this study, we show that two STAT transcripts are generated by alternative splicing and encode two isoforms of Sf-STAT with different C-terminal ends. These two isoforms were produced and purified using the recombinant baculovirus technology.

Characterization of two mosquito STATs, AaSTAT and CtSTAT. Differential regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation and DNA binding activity by lipopolysaccharide treatment and by Japanese encephalitis virus infection.

Two mosquito STATs, AaSTAT and CtSTAT, have been cloned from Aedes albopictus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes, respectively. These two STATs are more similar to those of Drosophila, Anopheles, and mammalian STAT5 in the DNA binding and Src homology 2 domains. The mRNA transcripts are expressed at all developmental stages, and the proteins are present predominantly at the pupal and adult stages in both mosquitoes.

Laboratory and field experiments used to identify Canis lupus var. familiaris active odor signature chemicals from drugs, explosives, and humans.

This paper describes the use of headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography to identify the signature odors that law enforcement-certified detector dogs alert to when searching for drugs, explosives, and humans. Background information is provided on the many types of detector dog available and specific samples highlighted in this paper are the drugs cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxy- N-methylamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy), the explosives TNT and C4, and human remains. Studies include the analysis and identification of the headspace "fingerprint" of a variety of samples, followed by completion of double-blind dog trials of the individual components in an attempt to isolate and understand the target compounds that dogs alert to.

Genomic structure, expression and characterization of a STAT5 homologue from pufferfish (Tetraodon fluviatilis).

The STAT5 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 5) gene was isolated and characterized from a round-spotted pufferfish genomic library. This gene is composed of 19 exons spanning 11 kb. The full-length cDNA of Tetraodon fluviatilis STAT5 (TfSTAT5) contains 2461 bp and encodes a protein of 785 amino acid residues.

Identification of odor signature chemicals in cocaine using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography and detector-dog response to isolated compounds spiked on U.S. paper currency.

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography (GC) is optimized and applied to the analysis of street-cocaine samples followed by the field-testing of isolated chemicals using certified detector dogs. SPME proves to be a very sensitive and rapid method for isolating odor chemicals from street-cocaine samples. SPME-GC and activated charcoal strip (ACS)-SPME-GC signature profile methods are developed for the detection and quantitation of cocaine-odor chemicals, including the optimization of controllable variables such as fiber chemistry, extraction time, and desorption time.