Shape-selective one-step synthesis of branched gold nanoparticles on the crystal surface of redox-active PdII-macrocycles

The synthesis of branched gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with shape- and size-specific optical properties requires effective control of the particle formation mechanism using appropriate reducing agents and protective agents that prevent...

HIV-1 Packaging Visualised by In-Gel SHAPE

HIV-1 packages two copies of its gRNA into virions via an interaction with the viral structural protein Gag. Both copies and their native RNA structure are essential for virion infectivity. The precise stepwise nature of the packaging process has not been resolved. This is largely due to a prior lack of structural techniques that follow RNA structural changes within an RNA–protein complex. Here, we apply the in-gel SHAPE (selective 2’OH acylation analysed by primer extension) technique to study the initiation of HIV-1 packaging, examining the interaction between the packaging signal RNA and the Gag polyprotein, and compare it with that of the NC domain of Gag alone. Our results imply interactions between Gag and monomeric packaging signal RNA in switching the RNA conformation into a dimerisation-competent structure, and show that the Gag–dimer complex then continues to stabilise. These data provide a novel insight into how HIV-1 regulates the translation and packaging of its genome.

A Dual Role for Behavior in Evolution and Shaping Organismal Selective Environments

The hypothesis that evolved behaviors play a determining role in facilitating and impeding the evolution of other traits has been discussed for more than 100 years with little consensus beyond an agreement that the ideas are theoretically plausible in accord with the Modern Synthesis. Many recent reviews of the genomic, epigenetic, and developmental mechanisms underpinning major behavioral transitions show how facultative expression of novel behaviors can lead to the evolution of obligate behaviors and structures that enhance behavioral function. Phylogenetic and genomic studies indicate that behavioral traits are generally evolutionarily more labile than other traits and that they help shape selective environments on the latter traits. Adaptive decision-making to encounter resources and avoid stress sources requires specific sensory inputs, which behaviorally shape selective environments by determining those features of the external world that are biologically relevant. These recent findings support the hypothesis of a dual role for behavior in evolution and are consistent with current evolutionary theory.

Introduction to Bioinspired Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials (NMs) developed using biomolecules display numerous advantages which attract the science community to explore them for a wide range of applications. In this line, bio-scaffolds are studied as templates to form nano-bio heterojunctions in the nano confined materials. With the high flexibility of biomediated NMs, it is possible to develop desired size and shape selective NMs. Such bio-based NMs have great benefits in wide areas including catalysis, sensors and energy related applications particularly, electrocatalysis, supercapacitor, batteries etc. The viability of bio-scaffolds in developing metal superstructures makes them better choice in the medicinal fields. This book chapter mainly focused on the advantageous and challenges of bioinspired NMs in the medicinal field, particularly in drug delivery systems. Moreover, the synthetic methods such as enzyme catalyzed wet-chemical route, photo-irradiation and incubation methods were also discussed in detail. Also, this chapter gives a better understanding to the readers about the development of new nano-bio heterojunctions for medicine, energy and environmental fields. Moreover, the morphological features of nano-bio interactions at nanoscale level show predominant activity particularly in Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and sensor applications. With the knowledge gained from this chapter, in futuristic, one can go for the development of new metal nanostructures with different bio-scaffolds such as microorganisms, viruses, DNA and protein to mainstream applications for the medicinal fields.