Harmonization and standardization of nucleus pulposus cell extraction and culture methods.

Background: In vitro studies using nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are commonly used to investigate disc cell biology and pathogenesis, or to aid in the development of new therapies. However, lab-to-lab variability jeopardizes the much-needed progress in the field. Here, an international group of spine scientists collaborated to standardize extraction and expansion techniques for NP cells to reduce variability, improve comparability between labs and improve utilization of funding and resources.

Wide Distribution of Foxicin Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Strains - An Unusual Secondary Metabolite with Various Properties.

Tü6028 is known to produce the polyketide antibiotic polyketomycin. The deletion of the oxygenase gene led to a non-polyketomycin-producing mutant. Instead, novel compounds were produced by the mutant, which have not been detected before in the wild type strain.