Displaying publications 3741 - 3760 of 8213 in total

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  1. How far have we reached in development of effective influenza vaccine?
    Looi QH, Foo JB, Lim MT, Le CF, Show PL
    Int Rev Immunol, 2018;37(5):266-276.
    PMID: 30252547 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2018.1500570
    Despite of ongoing research programs and numerous clinical trials, seasonal influenza epidemics remain a major concern globally. Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent influenza infection. However, current flu vaccines have several limitations, including limited vaccine capacity, long production times, inconsistence efficacy in certain populations, and lack of a "universal" solution. Different next-generation approaches such as cell line-based culture, reverse genetics, and virus expression technology are currently under development to address the aforementioned challenges in conventional vaccine manufacture pipeline. Such approaches hope for safe and scalable production, induce broad-spectrum immunity, create premade libraries of vaccine strains, and target nonvariable regions of antigenic proteins for "universal" vaccination. Here, we discuss the process and challenges of the current influenza vaccine platform as well as new approaches that are being investigated. These developments indicate that an exciting future lies ahead in the influenza vaccine field.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reverse Genetics
  2. Fulltext Smoking interacts with HLA-DRB1 shared epitope in the development of anti-citrullinated protein antibody-positive rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Malaysian Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (MyEIRA)
    Too CL, Yahya A, Murad S, Dhaliwal JS, Larsson PT, Muhamad NA, et al.
    Arthritis Res Ther, 2012;14(2):R89.
    PMID: 22537824 DOI: 10.1186/ar3813
    INTRODUCTION:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease in which genetic and environmental factors interact in the etiology. In this study, we investigated whether smoking and HLA-DRB1 shared-epitope (SE) alleles interact differently in the development of the two major subgroups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), anti-citrullinated proteins antibody (ACPA)-positive and ACPA-negative disease, in a multiethnic population of Asian descent.
    METHODS: A case-control study comprising early diagnosed RA cases was carried out in Malaysia between 2005 and 2009. In total, 1,076 cases and 1,612 matched controls participated in the study. High-resolution HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed for shared-epitope (SE) alleles. All participants answered a questionnaire on a broad range of issues, including smoking habits. The odds ratio (OR) of developing ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative disease was calculated for smoking and the presence of any SE alleles separately. Potential interaction between smoking history (defined as "ever" and "never" smoking) and HLA-DRB1 SE alleles also was calculated.
    RESULTS: In our multiethnic study, both the SE alleles and smoking were associated with an increased risk of developing ACPA-positive RA (OR SE alleles, 4.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.6 to 6.2; OR smoking, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.9 to 9.2). SE-positive smokers had an odds ratio of ACPA-positive RA of 25.6 (95% CI, 10.4 to 63.4), compared with SE-negative never-smokers. The interaction between smoking and SE alleles was significant (attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5 to 1.0)). The HLA-DRB1*04:05 SE allele, which is common in Asian populations, but not among Caucasians, was associated with an increased risk of ACPA-positive RA, and this allele also showed signs of interaction with smoking (AP, 0.4; 95% CI, -0.1 to 0.9). Neither smoking nor SE alleles nor their combination was associated with an increased risk of ACPA-negative RA.
    CONCLUSIONS: The risk of developing ACPA-positive RA is associated with a strong gene-environment interaction between smoking and HLA-DRB1 SE alleles in a Malaysian multiethnic population of Asian descent. This interaction seems to apply also between smoking and the specific HLA-DRB1*04:05 SE allele, which is common in Asian populations but not in Caucasians.
    Matched MeSH terms: Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics*; Smoking/genetics*; HLA-DRB1 Chains/genetics
  3. Fulltext Effects of feeding and induction strategy on the production of BmR1 antigen in recombinant E. coli
    Norsyahida A, Rahmah N, Ahmad RM
    Lett Appl Microbiol, 2009 Nov;49(5):544-50.
    PMID: 19832937 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765X.2009.02694.x
    To investigate the effects of feeding and induction strategies on the production of BmR1 recombinant antigen.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antigens, Helminth/genetics; Escherichia coli/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/genetics
  4. Application of the linear interaction energy method (LIE) to estimate the binding free energy values of Escherichia coli wild-type and mutant arginine repressor C-terminal domain (ArgRc)-l-arginine and ArgRc-l-citrulline protein-ligand complexes
    Asi AM, Rahman NA, Merican AF
    J Mol Graph Model, 2004 Mar;22(4):249-62.
    PMID: 15177077
    Protein-ligand binding free energy values of wild-type and mutant C-terminal domain of Escherichia coli arginine repressor (ArgRc) protein systems bound to L-arginine or L-citrulline molecules were calculated using the linear interaction energy (LIE) method by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The binding behaviour predicted by the dissociation constant (K(d)) calculations from the binding free energy values showed preferences for binding of L-arginine to the wild-type ArgRc but not to the mutant ArgRc(D128N). On the other hand, L-citrulline do not favour binding to wild-type ArgRc but prefer binding to mutant ArgRc(D128N). The dissociation constant for the wild-type ArgRc-L-arginine complex obtained in this study is in agreement with reported experimental results. Our results also support the experimental data for the binding of L-citrulline to the mutant ArgRc(D128N). These showed that LIE method for protein-ligand binding free energy calculation could be applied to the wild-type and the mutant E. coli ArgRc-L-arginine and ArgRc-L-citrulline protein-ligand complexes and possibly to other transcriptional repressor-co-repressor systems as well.
    Matched MeSH terms: Escherichia coli/genetics; Repressor Proteins/genetics; Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics
  5. Fulltext The whole mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Lupocycloporus gracilimanus (Stimpson, 1858) (Decapoda, portunidae)
    Guan M, Tan H, Fazhan H, Xie Z, Shi X, Zhang Y, et al.
    Mitochondrial DNA B Resour, 2018 Oct 26;3(2):1244-1245.
    PMID: 33474478 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2018.1532345
    The mitochondrial genome plays an important role in studies on phylogeography and population genetic diversity. Here we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Lupocycloporus gracilimanus (Stimpson, 1858) which is the first mitochondrial genome reported in genus Lupocycloporus by now. The mitogenome is 15,990 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and a putative control region. The phylogenetic analysis showed that L. gracilimanus was closest to genus Scylla. The present research should provide valuable information for phylogenetic analysis and classification of Portunidae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetics, Population
  6. Isolation and characterization of a phenol-degrading Rhodococcus sp. strain AQ5NOL 2 KCTC 11961BP
    Arif NM, Ahmad SA, Syed MA, Shukor MY
    J Basic Microbiol, 2013 Jan;53(1):9-19.
    PMID: 22581645 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201100120
    In this work, we report on the isolation of a phenol-degrading Rhodococcus sp. with a high tolerance towards phenol. The isolate was identified as Rhodococcus sp. strain AQ5NOL 2, based on 16S rDNA analysis. The strain degraded phenol using the meta pathway, a trait shared by many phenol-degraders. In addition to phenol biodegradation, the strain was also capable of degrading diesel. Strain AQ5NOL 2 exhibited a broad optimum temperature for growth on phenol at between 20 °C and 35 °C. The best nitrogen sources were ammonium sulphate, glycine or phenylalanine, followed by proline, nitrate, leucine, and alanine (in decreasing efficiency). Strain AQ5NOL 2 showed a high tolerance and degradation capacity of phenol, for it was able to register growth in the presence of 2000 mg l(-1) phenol. The growth of this strain on phenol as sole carbon and energy source were modeled using Haldane kinetics with a maximal specific growth rate (μ(max)) of 0.1102 hr(-1), a half-saturation constant (K(s) ) of 99.03 mg l(-1) or 1.05 mmol l(-1), and a substrate inhibition constant (K(i)) of 354 mg l(-1) or 3.76 mmol l(-1). Aside from phenol, the strain could utilize diesel, 2,4-dinitrophenol and ρ-cresol as carbon sources for growth. Strain AQ5NOL 2 exhibited inhibition of phenol degradation by Zn(2+), Cu(2+), Cr(6+), Ag(+) and Hg(2+) at 1 mg l(-1).
    Matched MeSH terms: DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Rhodococcus/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  7. 2-dodecanol (decyl methyl carbinol) inhibits hyphal formation and SIR2 expression in C. albicans
    Lim CS, Wong WF, Rosli R, Ng KP, Seow HF, Chong PP
    J Basic Microbiol, 2009 Dec;49(6):579-83.
    PMID: 19810039 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.200900035
    Candida albicans is capable of undergoing yeast-hypha transition to attain pathogenicity in humans. In this study, we investigated the differential expression of CaSIR2 via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), during yeast-hypha transition with and without the presence of 2-dodecanol. SIR2 transcript levels were found to be significantly enhanced after hyphal induction as compared to the yeast form. This study found that 2-dodecanol is able to inhibit hyphal development and block SIR2 up-regulation, even in hyphal-inducing growth conditions. We suggest that SIR2 may be involved in Candida albicans quorum-sensing and serum-induced yeast-hyphae transition via the Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 signalling cascade.
    Matched MeSH terms: Candida albicans/genetics; Fungal Proteins/genetics; Sirtuin 2/genetics
  8. Fulltext The Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis
    Chow YY, Chin KY
    Mediators Inflamm, 2020;2020:8293921.
    PMID: 32189997 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8293921
    A joint is the point of connection between two bones in our body. Inflammation of the joint leads to several diseases, including osteoarthritis, which is the concern of this review. Osteoarthritis is a common chronic debilitating joint disease mainly affecting the elderly. Several studies showed that inflammation triggered by factors like biomechanical stress is involved in the development of osteoarthritis. This stimulates the release of early-stage inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which in turn induces the activation of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These events, in turn, generate more inflammatory molecules. Subsequently, collagenase like matrix metalloproteinases-13 (MMP-13) will degrade the extracellular matrix. As a result, anatomical and physiological functions of the joint are altered. This review is aimed at summarizing the previous studies highlighting the involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
    Matched MeSH terms: NF-kappa B/genetics; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics
  9. Purification of transcriptionally active multimeric plasmid DNA using zwitterionic detergent and carbonate apatite nano-particles
    Tee LK, Ling CS, Chua MJ, Abdullah S, Rosli R, Chowdhury EH
    Plasmid, 2011 Oct;66(1):38-46.
    PMID: 21419794 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2011.03.001
    Plasmid DNA is one of the indispensable components in molecular biology research and a potential biomaterial for gene therapy and DNA vaccination. Both quality and quantity of extracted plasmid DNA are of the great interests in cloning and subsequent expression of genes in vitro and in vivo for basic research and therapeutic interventions. Bacteria with extremely short generation times are the valuable source of plasmid DNA that can be isolated through a number of existing techniques. However, the current methods have some limitations in isolating high quality plasmid DNA since the multimeric plasmid which is believed to be more efficiently transcribed by RNA polymerase than the monomeric form, is almost lost during the extraction process. Recently, we developed a rapid isolation technique for multimeric plasmid based on generation of a 'protein aggregate' using a zwitterionic detergent and alkali. Here we have investigated the roles of different parameters in the whole extraction process to optimise the production of high quality multimeric plasmid DNA. Moreover, we have showed the advantageous effects of nanoparticles to effectively sediment the 'protein aggregate' for smooth elution of multimeric plasmid DNA from it. Finally, quality assessment study has revealed that the isolated multimeric DNA is at least 10 times more transcriptionally active than the monomeric form isolated by the commercially available Qiaget kit.
    Matched MeSH terms: DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Escherichia coli/genetics; Plasmids/genetics
  10. Impact of IL1B gene polymorphisms and interleukin 1B levels on susceptibility to spontaneous preterm birth
    Langmia IM, Apalasamy YD, Omar SZ, Mohamed Z
    Pharmacogenet Genomics, 2016 Nov;26(11):505-509.
    PMID: 27602547
    OBJECTIVE: Genetic factors influence susceptibility to preterm birth (PTB) and the immune pathway of PTB that involves the production of cytokines such as interleukins has been implicated in PTB disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of interleukin 1β (IL1B) gene polymorphisms and IL1B levels with spontaneous PTB.

    STUDY DESIGN: Peripheral maternal blood from 495 women was used for extraction of DNA and genotyping was carried out using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Maternal plasma was used to measure IL1B levels.

    RESULTS: There was no significant association between the allelic and genotype distribution of IL1B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1143634, rs1143627, rs16944) and the risk of PTB among Malaysian Malay women (rs1143634, P=0.722; rs1143627, P=0.543; rs16944, P=0.615). However, IL1B levels were significantly different between women who delivered preterm compared with those who delivered at term (P=0.030); high mean levels were observed among Malay women who delivered at preterm (mean=32.52) compared with term (mean=21.68). IL1B SNPs were not associated with IL1B plasma levels.

    CONCLUSION: This study indicates a significant association between IL1B levels and reduced risk of PTB among the Malaysian Malay women. This study shows the impact of IL1B levels on susceptibility to PTB disease; however, the high levels of IL1B observed among women in the preterm group are not associated with IL1B SNPs investigated in this study; IL1B high levels may be because of other factors not explored in this study and therefore warrant further investigation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics; Premature Birth/genetics*; Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
  11. Heteroplasmy, length, and sequence characterization of the mitochondrial control region in Tomistoma schlegelii
    Kaur T, Ong AH
    Biochem Genet, 2011 Oct;49(9-10):562-75.
    PMID: 21461907 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-011-9431-y
    This study describes the organization of the repetitive pattern in the mtDNA control region of Tomistoma schlegelii. Using newly designed primers, we detected length variations of approximately 50-100 bp among individuals, and only one individual showed a heteroplasmic band. Sequencing the region after CSB III revealed two main patterns: a repeat motif and a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) pattern. The VNTR region, with a core unit of 104 bp, consisting of four motifs and a short AT chain, is implicated in the length variation seen among individuals of Tomistoma. A conserved motif seen in a family unit indicated that the repeat pattern was stably inherited from the maternal parent to all offspring. A combination of VNTR patterns specific to different crocodilians was seen in Tomistoma, and the overall secondary structure was shown to be similar to that in Crocodylus and Gavialis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alligators and Crocodiles/genetics*; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics*; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics
  12. Fulltext Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells-mediated Transcriptomic Regulation of Leukemic Cells in Delivering Anti-tumorigenic Effects
    Sarmadi VH, Ahmadloo S, Boroojerdi MH, John CM, Al-Graitte SJR, Lawal H, et al.
    Cell Transplant, 2020 2 7;29:963689719885077.
    PMID: 32024378 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719885077
    Treatment of leukemia has become much difficult because of resistance to the existing anticancer therapies. This has thus expedited the search for alternativ therapies, and one of these is the exploitation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) towards control of tumor cells. The present study investigated the effect of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on the proliferation of leukemic cells and gauged the transcriptomic modulation and the signaling pathways potentially affected by UC-MSCs. The inhibition of growth of leukemic tumor cell lines was assessed by proliferation assays, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. BV173 and HL-60 cells were further analyzed using microarray gene expression profiling. The microarray results were validated by RT-qPCR and western blot assay for the corresponding expression of genes and proteins. The UC-MSCs attenuated leukemic cell viability and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner without inducing apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the growth of tumor cells was arrested at the G0/G1 phase. The microarray results identified that HL-60 and BV173 share 35 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (same expression direction) in the presence of UC-MSCs. In silico analysis of these selected DEGs indicated a significant influence in the cell cycle and cell cycle-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Among these, the expression of DBF4, MDM2, CCNE2, CDK6, CDKN1A, and CDKN2A was implicated in six different signaling pathways that play a pivotal role in the anti-tumorigenic activity exerted by UC-MSCs. The UC-MSCs perturbate the cell cycle process of leukemic cells via dysregulation of tumor suppressor and oncogene expression.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cell Cycle/genetics; Apoptosis/genetics; Cell Proliferation/genetics
  13. Fulltext Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fatty acid composition in an interspecific cross of oil palm
    Singh R, Tan SG, Panandam JM, Rahman RA, Ooi LC, Low ET, et al.
    BMC Plant Biol, 2009;9:114.
    PMID: 19706196 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2229-9-114
    Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) is well suited to a perennial crop like oil palm, in which the economic products are not produced until several years after planting. The use of DNA markers for selection in such crops can greatly reduce the number of breeding cycles needed. With the use of DNA markers, informed decisions can be made at the nursery stage, regarding which individuals should be retained as breeding stock, which are satisfactory for agricultural production, and which should be culled. The trait associated with oil quality, measured in terms of its fatty acid composition, is an important agronomic trait that can eventually be tracked using molecular markers. This will speed up the production of new and improved oil palm planting materials.
    Matched MeSH terms: DNA, Complementary/genetics; DNA, Plant/genetics; Arecaceae/genetics*
  14. Selection of reference genes for quantitative studies in acute myeloid leukaemia
    Lee C, Yiau KXS, Lee LJ, Chong PP, Chang KM, Abdullah M
    Malays J Pathol, 2019 Dec;41(3):313-326.
    PMID: 31901916
    INTRODUCTION: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is commonly used in the investigation of acute myeloid leukaemias (AML). Stable reference genes (RG) are essential for accurate and reliable reporting but no standard method for selection has been endorsed.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated simple statistics and published model-based approaches. Multiplex-qPCR was conducted to determine the expression of 24 candidate RG in AMLs (N=9). Singleplex-qPCR was carried out on selected RG (SRP14, B2M and ATP5B) and genes of interest in AML (N=15) and healthy controls, HC (N=12).

    RESULTS: RG expression levels in AML samples were highly variable and coefficient of variance (CV) ranged from 0.37% to 10.17%. Analysis using GeNorm and Normfinder listed different orders of most stable genes but the top seven (ACTB, UBE2D2, B2M, NF45, RPL37A, GK, QARS) were the same. In singleplex-qPCR, SRP14 maintained the lowest CV in AML samples. B2M, one of most stable reference genes in AML, was expressed near significantly different in AML and HC. GeNorm selected ATP5B+SRP14 while Normfinder chose SRP14+B2M as the best two RG in combination. The median expressions of combined RG genes in AML compared to HC were less significantly different than individually implying smaller expression variation after combination. Genes of interest normalised with RG in combination or individually, displayed significantly different expression patterns.

    CONCLUSIONS: The selection of best reference gene in qPCR must consider all sample sets. Model-based approaches are important in large candidate gene analysis. This study showed combination of RG SRP14+B2M was the most suitable normalisation factor for qPCR analysis of AML and healthy individuals.

    Matched MeSH terms: Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*; Gene Expression/genetics*; Mitochondrial Proton-Translocating ATPases/genetics*
  15. The full-length clone of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus and its application as an expression system for Hepatitis B surface antigen
    Ooi A, Tan S, Mohamed R, Rahman NA, Othman RY
    J Biotechnol, 2006 Feb 24;121(4):471-81.
    PMID: 16271415
    A cucumber green mosaic mottle virus (CGMMV) full-length clone was developed for the expression of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The expression of the surface displayed HBsAg by the chimeric virus was confirmed through a double antibody sandwich ELISA. Assessment of the coat protein composition of the chimeric virus particles by SDS-PAGE analysis showed that 50% of the coat proteins were fused to the HBsAg. Biological activity of the expressed HBsAg was assessed through the stimulation of in vitro antibody production by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC that were cultured in the presence of the chimeric virus showed up to an approximately three-fold increase in the level of anti HBsAg immunoglobulin thus suggesting the possible use of this new chimeric virus as an effective Hepatitis B vaccine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Cucumis sativus/genetics*
  16. Fulltext Gene expression patterns distinguish breast carcinomas from normal breast tissues: the Malaysian context
    Pau Ni IB, Zakaria Z, Muhammad R, Abdullah N, Ibrahim N, Aina Emran N, et al.
    Pathol Res Pract, 2010 Apr 15;206(4):223-8.
    PMID: 20097481 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2009.11.006
    Genomic and transcriptomic alterations that affect cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion, commonly occur in breast oncogenesis. Epidemiological evidence has proven that the risk of breast cancer predisposition varies among different ethnicities. This study aims to identify the transcriptome changes that commonly occur during the transition of normal breast epithelium to carcinoma in three local ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians). The gene expression patterns of 43 breast carcinomas with 43 patient-matched normal breast tissues were investigated using Affymetrix U133A GeneChip (containing 22,283 probe sets targeting approximately 18,400 different transcripts) and analyzed with GeneSpring GX10. Our findings revealed a total of 33 significantly differentially expressed genes, which showed>2-fold change at a 99.9% confidence interval level (p<0.001). The significantly differentially expressed genes included CD24, CD36, CD9, TACSTD1, TACSTD2, HBB, LEP, LPL, AKR1C1, AKR1C2 and AKR1C3. Our results indicate that the vast majority of gene expression changes, from normal breast epithelial to carcinoma, found in our three major ethnic populations are similar to those in the Caucasian population. Further study of the differentially expressed genes identified in our present study is needed to search for potential breast tumor biomarkers. This will eventually help to improve the therapeutic and treatment strategies for breast cancer patients in the future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/genetics*; RNA, Messenger/genetics; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics*
  17. Fulltext Advances in Genetic Improvement for Tocotrienol Production: A Review
    Babura SR, Abdullah SNA, Khaza Ai H
    J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2017;63(4):215-221.
    PMID: 28978868 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.63.215
    Tocotrienols are forms of vitamin E that are present in several important food crops. Compared to tocopherols, less research has been conducted on these compounds because of their low bioavailability and distribution in plant tissues. Both tocotrienols and tocopherols are known for their antioxidant and anticancer activities, which are beneficial for both humans and animals. Moreover, tocotrienols possess certain properties which are not found in tocopherols, such as neuroprotective and cholesterol-lowering activities. The contents of tocotrienols in plants vary. Tocotrienols constitute more than 70% and tocopherols less than 30% of the total vitamin E content in palm oil, which is the best source of vitamin E. Accumulation of tocotrienols also occurs in non-photosynthetic tissues, such as the seeds, fruits and latex of some monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species. The use of biotechnological techniques to increase the tocotrienol content in plants, their biological functions, and benefits to human health are discussed in this review.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plants/genetics*; Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics; Vitamin E/genetics
  18. Fulltext Whole genome amplification approach reveals novel polyhydroxyalkanoate synthases (PhaCs) from Japan Trench and Nankai Trough seawater
    Foong CP, Lau NS, Deguchi S, Toyofuku T, Taylor TD, Sudesh K, et al.
    BMC Microbiol, 2014;14:318.
    PMID: 25539583 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-014-0318-z
    Special features of the Japanese ocean include its ranges of latitude and depth. This study is the first to examine the diversity of Class I and II PHA synthases (PhaC) in DNA samples from pelagic seawater taken from the Japan Trench and Nankai Trough from a range of depths from 24 m to 5373 m. PhaC is the key enzyme in microorganisms that determines the types of monomer units that are polymerized into polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and thus affects the physicochemical properties of this thermoplastic polymer. Complete putative PhaC sequences were determined via genome walking, and the activities of newly discovered PhaCs were evaluated in a heterologous host.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acyltransferases/genetics*; Cupriavidus necator/genetics; Marinobacter/genetics
  19. Fulltext Population structure of Helicobacter pylori among ethnic groups in Malaysia: recent acquisition of the bacterium by the Malay population
    Tay CY, Mitchell H, Dong Q, Goh KL, Dawes IW, Lan R
    BMC Microbiol, 2009;9:126.
    PMID: 19538757 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-126
    Helicobacter pylori is a major gastric bacterial pathogen. This pathogen has been shown to follow the routes of human migration by their geographical origin and currently the global H. pylori population has been divided into six ancestral populations, three from Africa, two from Asia and one from Europe. Malaysia is made up of three major ethnic populations, Malay, Chinese and Indian, providing a good population for studying recent H. pylori migration and admixture.
    Matched MeSH terms: DNA, Bacterial/genetics; Genetics, Population; Helicobacter pylori/genetics
  20. The FloR master regulator controls flotation, virulence and antibiotic production in Serratia sp. ATCC 39006
    Quintero-Yanes A, Lee CM, Monson R, Salmond G
    Environ Microbiol, 2020 07;22(7):2921-2938.
    PMID: 32352190 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15048
    Serratia sp. ATCC 39006 produces intracellular gas vesicles to enable upward flotation in water columns. It also uses flagellar rotation to swim through liquid and swarm across semi-solid surfaces. Flotation and motility can be co-regulated with production of a β-lactam antibiotic (carbapenem carboxylate) and a linear tripyrrole red antibiotic, prodigiosin. Production of gas vesicles, carbapenem and prodigiosin antibiotics, and motility are controlled by master transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators, including the SmaI/SmaR-based quorum sensing system and the mRNA binding protein, RsmA. Recently, the ribose operon repressor, RbsR, was also defined as a pleiotropic regulator of flotation and virulence factor elaboration in this strain. Here, we report the discovery of a new global regulator (FloR; a DeoR family transcription factor) that modulates flotation through control of gas vesicle morphogenesis. The floR mutation is highly pleiotropic, down-regulating production of gas vesicles, carbapenem and prodigiosin antibiotics, and infection in Caenorhabditis elegans, but up-regulating flagellar motility. Detailed proteomic analysis using TMT peptide labelling and LC-MS/MS revealed that FloR is a physiological master regulator that operates through subordinate pleiotropic regulators including Rap, RpoS, RsmA, PigU, PstS and PigT.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Transcription Factors/genetics; Virulence/genetics*
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