5,952 results match your criteria: "Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology[Affiliation]"

Control of spatio-temporal patterning via cell growth in a multicellular synthetic gene circuit.

Nat Commun

November 2024

Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

A major goal in synthetic development is to build gene regulatory circuits that control patterning. In natural development, an interplay between mechanical and chemical communication shapes the dynamics of multicellular gene regulatory circuits. For synthetic circuits, how non-genetic properties of the growth environment impact circuit behavior remains poorly explored.

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Expression, purification, and biophysical analysis of a part of the C-terminal domain of human hypoxia inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α).

Biochem Biophys Res Commun

December 2024

Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece. Electronic address:

Hypoxia inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH)-Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) family of transcription factors. It is overexpressed in several cancers, associated with poor prognosis of the patients and resistance to treatment. Here, we study the residues 366-704 of the C-terminal end of human HIF-2α, which contains the N-transcriptional activation domain (NTAD), the oxygen-dependent degradation domain (ODD), and a part of the inhibitory domain (IH).

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Immune cells play a pivotal role in the establishment, growth, and progression of tumors at primary and metastatic sites. Macrophages, in particular, play a critical role in suppressing immune responses and promoting an anti-inflammatory environment through both direct and indirect cell-cell interactions. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying such interactions is limited due to a lack of reliable tools for studying transient interactions between cancer cells and macrophages within the tumor microenvironment.

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The current study focuses on the effect of extract on the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from camel milk in the region of El Oued (Algeria). Chromatographic analysis by HPLC was carried out to detect the most important compounds extracted from the plant. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the colorimetric procedures Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride.

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Selenium ameliorates oxidized phospholipid-mediated testicular dysfunction and epididymal sperm abnormalities following Bisphenol A exposure in adult Wistar rats.

Reprod Toxicol

December 2024

Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Integrative Biology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu 610005, India. Electronic address:

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting compound extensively utilized in the production of polycarbonate polymers and epoxy resins that, upon exposure, pose a significant threat to male reproductive health because of its estrogenic properties. Accumulating evidence suggests that BPA exposure disrupts the normal process of spermatogenesis, alters testicular morphology and function, and interferes with testicular steroidogenesis and hormonal signaling. However, the precise mechanism by which BPA affects testicular function remains unclear.

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Article Synopsis
  • Dietary lipids are crucial for energy, cell structure, and various physiological processes, with PUFAs being examined in diets for pigs in this study.
  • The research focused on two pig breeds, Polish Landrace and PLxDuroc, comparing a normal diet to a PUFAs-enriched one while analyzing liver miRNA profiles for their impact on important agricultural traits.
  • Findings highlighted significant gene interactions related to traits like meat color and fat thickness, revealing specific miRNA clusters linked to muscle development and other essential biological functions.
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Objectives: The study aims to characterize BRCA1/2 mutations in Pakistani gastric cancer (GC) patients, identifying unique pathogenic variants and evaluating their potential as diagnostic biomarkers, while also exploring therapeutic avenues for personalized treatment strategies.

Methodology: In this study, we investigated the role of Breast Cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and Breast Cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) mutations in Pakistani GC patients and their functional implications using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Results: Through NGS, we identified a total of 19 mutations in BRCA1 and 11 mutations in BRCA2, all with high mutation quality scores.

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Effects of Road-traffic Disturbances on the Bird Community of a Subtropical Island.

Zool Stud

April 2024

Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland. E-mail: (J. Polak).

The rapid expansion of road networks worldwide is one of the most serious threats to biodiversity conservation. Evaluating the effects of various anthropogenic factors on the distribution and abundance of birds in subtropical and tropical ecosystems is extremely important in the context of the dynamic developments that these areas have been subject to in recent years. This study assessed the impact of road traffic on the abundance and species richness of roadside birds on the subtropical island of Tenerife.

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According to the World Health Organization, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over two billion people worldwide. While the links between nutrition and many diseases have become clear over recent decades, NTDs have lagged behind and the linkage with nutrition is largely unknown. We conducted this systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the current knowledge on the association between NTDs and malnutrition.

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The poly(A) tail is a dynamic structure at the 3'- end of the majority of RNA polymerase II transcripts. It is a critical feature, particularly for mRNAs, as the length of the poly(A) tail regulates their translational efficiency and lifespan. The shortening of the tail is catalyzed by deadenylases that trim and finally remove it, triggering mRNA degradation.

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Multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells maintain redox homeostasis to eliminate oxidative stress-mediated cell death. This study explores the effects of solasodine on regulating P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression through the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and oxidative stress-induced sensitization of drug-resistant cancer cells to chemotherapeutics. Initially, the oxidative stress indicators such as intracellular ROS generation, the levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and gamma-H2AX (γ-H2AX) in the KBChR-8-5 drug-resistant cells were measured.

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Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are primarily engaged in the regulation of fundamental cellular processes. Overexpression and mutations in these tyrosine kinases cause a variety of malignancies, including lung cancer. The current study addresses the suppression of inactive and mutant variants of the EGFR target site via two primary proposals: (1) To prevent the formation of its mutant form by inhibiting inactive EGFR.

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Fin abnormalities are common in reared fish. They mainly consist of partial to complete lack of rays and severe abnormalities of fin-supporting skeletal elements, which develop during the larval stage, up to the completion of fin skeleton ontogeny. This study reports a new abnormal condition, ray-resorption syndrome (RSS), which developed after the completion of fin ontogeny in initially normal European seabass larvae, leading to extensive loss of fin rays.

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Scope: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health issue with increasing prevalence. Polyphenols, such as grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), are bioactive compounds present in plants and represent an interesting therapeutical approach for MASLD.

Methods And Results: This study questioned whether the timing of GSPE administration impacts liver diurnal metabolism and steatosis in a rat obesity model.

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Identification, functional characterization and expression profiling of three triterpene synthases from the legume plant Vigna unguiculata.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun

December 2024

Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Plant and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Larissa, 41500, Greece. Electronic address:

Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are important regulatory enzymes involved in cyclization reactions of 2, 3-oxidosqualene to form triterpenes and sterols. This study presents the identification and characterization of three OSC genes, a β - amyrin synthase (VuβAS), a lupeol synthase (VuLUS) and a cycloartenol synthase (VuCAS) in Vigna unguiculata, an edible leguminous plant with high nutritional and nutraceutical value. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the VuβAS, VuLUS and VuCAS were clustered within the clades of previously characterized β - amyrin synthases, lupeol synthases and cycloartenol synthases.

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Extraoral bitter taste receptors offer intriguing potential for modulating metabolism and the gut-brain axis through dietary interventions. Our understanding of these receptors is limited, and data on their effects on ageing are scarce. The complexity conveyed by their high diversity, low expression levels and species-dependent variability challenges our comprehension.

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Article Synopsis
  • * The study involved 58 T2DM patients, showing that 15.5% had significant bacteriuria, primarily in those without prior UTI history or symptoms.
  • * Results indicated high antibiotic resistance among isolated bacteria, particularly against co-trimoxazole and tetracycline, while being fully susceptible to amikacin and levofloxacin, highlighting the need for routine bacterial culture and sensitivity testing in T2DM patients.
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The study aimed to isolate, purify and optimise tyrosinase from banana peel waste for industrial use. Tyrosinase was extracted from banana peel using phosphate buffer. Purification initiated with centrifugation followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation.

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The 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) plays a crucial role in determining mRNA stability, localisation, translation and degradation. Cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE), a method for the detection of capped 5' ends of mRNAs, additionally reveals a large number of apparently 5' capped RNAs derived from locations within the body of the transcript, including 3'UTRs. Here, we provide direct evidence that these 3'UTR-derived RNAs are indeed capped and widespread in mammalian cells.

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Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) poses a significant threat to the aquaculture industry, causing substantial losses and economic burdens. The disease, attributed to nervous necrosis viruses within the Betanodavirus genus, is particularly pervasive in the Mediterranean region, affecting various fish species across all production stages with mortality rates reaching 100%. Developing effective preventive measures against VNN is imperative.

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The disposal of pharmaceutical wastewater has gained increasing attention due to its potential adverse effects on the environment and public health. This study aims to assess the concentration of pharmaceutical contaminants and their toxicity to aquatic organisms. A qualitative research approach was used.

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In the free-living nematode the transmembrane protein SID-2 imports double-stranded RNA into intestinal cells to trigger systemic RNA interference (RNAi), allowing organisms to sense and respond to environmental cues such as the presence of pathogens. This process, known as environmental RNAi, has not been observed in the most closely related parasites that are also within clade V. Previous sequence-based searches failed to identify orthologues in available clade V parasite genomes.

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Context: Consuming antioxidant-rich foods has been associated with potential benefits in managing chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of Aronia melanocarpa (aronia berry or chokeberry) on human inflammation biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes.

Data Sources: A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies investigating the potential effects of aronia on human inflammation biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes between April 2022 and November 2023.

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Diabetes is a major global health issue and as current treatments fail, the search for new antidiabetic drugs is crucial. This investigation, focusing on identifying potential antidiabetic compounds from the endangered plant species Vepris glandulosa, led to the isolation of two known alkaloids, choisyine acetate (1) and choisyine (2). The study established the in vitro inhibitory activities and in silico molecular interaction of the two alkaloids with α-amylase based on IC values, Linewaever-Burk/Dixon plot kinetic analyses and Molecular docking, respectively.

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