An optimized procedure for detection of genetically modified DNA in refined vegetable oils.

In this study, the amplifiable DNA from refined vegetable oils was isolated by using commercial DNA extraction kits based on the CTAB method in combination with nucleic acid enrichment, and then the presence of genetically modified (GM) soybean and maize DNA in the oils was traced by PCR. The results showed that the duration and intensity of heating had no significant effect on the DNA stability and concentration in oils for a short period, suggesting that DNA in oils could be stably reserved for a certain time, thus making it possible to trace down refined vegetable oils reliably and effectively. The results provided a set of primers suitable for systematic GM oil detection.

signatureSearch: environment for gene expression signature searching and functional interpretation.

signatureSearch is an R/Bioconductor package that integrates a suite of existing and novel algorithms into an analysis environment for gene expression signature (GES) searching combined with functional enrichment analysis (FEA) and visualization methods to facilitate the interpretation of the search results. In a typical GES search (GESS), a query GES is searched against a database of GESs obtained from large numbers of measurements, such as different genetic backgrounds, disease states and drug perturbations. Database matches sharing correlated signatures with the query indicate related cellular responses frequently governed by connected mechanisms, such as drugs mimicking the expression responses of a disease.

High-throughput small molecule screening reveals Nrf2-dependent and -independent pathways of cellular stress resistance.

Aging is the dominant risk factor for most chronic diseases. Development of antiaging interventions offers the promise of preventing many such illnesses simultaneously. Cellular stress resistance is an evolutionarily conserved feature of longevity.