Platypus venom genes expressed in non-venom tissues

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla M. Whittington ◽  
Katherine Belov

The venom of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) has been poorly studied to date. The recent publication of the platypus genome heralds a new era for mammalian venom research and is a useful starting tool for functional studies of venom components. We report here the patterns of tissue expression of two venom genes, OvNGF and OvCNP, in order to provide some insight into the functions of the proteins they produce and to pave the way for further functional and pharmacological studies, which may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents.

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmaeil Mortaz ◽  
Shamila D. Alipoor ◽  
Mohammad Varahram ◽  
Hamidreza Jamaati ◽  
Johan Garssen ◽  
...  

Exosomes are nanosized vesicles and have recently been recognized as important players in cell-to-cell communication. Exosomes contain different mediators such as proteins, nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, miRNAs, and other ncRNAs), and lipid mediators and can shuttle their exosomal content to both neighboring and distal cells. Exosomes are very effective in orchestrating immune responses in the airways and all cell types can contribute to the systemic exosome pool. Intracellular communication between the broad range of cell types within the lung is crucial in disease emphasizing the importance of exosomes. In asthma, exosomes affect the inflammatory microenvironment which ultimately determines the development or alleviation of the pathological symptoms. Recent studies in this area have provided insight into the underlying mechanisms of disease and led to interest in using exosomes as potential novel therapeutic agents.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinxin Xu ◽  
Xin Jiang ◽  
Yan Dong ◽  
Changli Ma ◽  
Hanqiu Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract RNA replication and transcription machinery is an important drug target for fighting against coronavirus. Non-structure protein nsp8 was proposed harboring primase activity. However, the RNA primer synthesis mechanism of nsp8 is still largely unknown. Here, we purified dimer and tetramer forms of SARS-CoV-2 nsp8. Combined with DLS, SANS and thermo-stability analysis, we found that both dimer and tetramer become loosened and destabilized with decreasing salt concentration, and the dimer form is more stable than the tetramer form. Further investigation showed that nsp8 dimer and tetramer can undergo phase separation but exhibit different phase separation behaviors. nsp8 dimer can form liquid-like droplets in the buffer with a low concentration of NaCl; phase separation of nsp8 tetramer depends on the assistance of RNA. Our findings on different phase separation behaviors of nsp8 dimer and tetramer could provide novel insight into the primer synthesis mechanism in coronavirus and facilitate developing novel therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.


The Eye ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (129) ◽  
pp. 44-46
Author(s):  
Mark Eddleston

Optimum Infinite is a new GP contact lens material, with an oxygen permeability of 180 barrer and was launched by Contamac at the GSLS 2019. This article provides an insight into the development and characteristics of this breakthrough material.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26
Author(s):  
S.V. Tsymbal ◽  

The digital revolution has transformed the way people access information, communicate and learn. It is teachers' responsibility to set up environments and opportunities for deep learning experiences that can uncover and boost learners’ capacities. Twentyfirst century competences can be seen as necessary to navigate contemporary and future life, shaped by technology that changes workplaces and lifestyles. This study explores the concept of digital competence and provide insight into the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 557-567
Author(s):  
Aparoop Das ◽  
Anshul Shakya ◽  
Surajit Kumar Ghosh ◽  
Udaya P. Singh ◽  
Hans R. Bhat

Background: Plants of the genus Inula are perennial herbs of the family Asteraceae. This genus includes more than 100 species, widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa and Asia including India. Many of them are indicated in traditional medicine, e.g., in Ayurveda. This review explores chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of Inula species. Methods: Major databases and research and review articles retrieved through Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline were consulted to obtain information on the pharmacological activities of the genus Inula published from 1994 to 2017. Results: Inula species are used either alone or as an important ingredient of various formulations to cure dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, central nervous system and digestive system, and for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, cancers, skin disorders, hepatic disease, fungal and bacterial infections. A range of phytochemicals including alkaloids, essential and volatile oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and lactones has been isolated from herbs of the genus Inula, which might possibly explain traditional uses of these plants. Conclusion: The present review is focused on chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of Inula species and provides valuable insight into its medicinal potential.


Author(s):  
Andrew Erskine

Plutarch wrote twenty-three Greek Lives in his series of Parallel Lives—of these, ten were devoted to Athenians. Since Plutarch shared the hostile view of democracy of Polybius and other Hellenistic Greeks, this Athenian preponderance could have been a problem for him. But Plutarch uses these men’s handling of the democracy and especially the demos as a way of gaining insight into the character and capability of his protagonists. This chapter reviews Plutarch’s attitude to Athenian democracy and examines the way a statesman’s character is illuminated by his interaction with the demos. It also considers what it was about Phocion that so appealed to Plutarch, first by looking at his relationship with the democracy and then at the way he evokes the memory of Socrates. For him this was not a minor figure, but a man whose life was representative of the problems of Athenian democracy.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document