Modelling profile of onchocerca volvulus glutamatecysteine ligase (ONCVO-GCL)

Onchocerca volvulus Glutamate cysteine ligase (ONCVO-GCL) catalyzes the first step in the production of the cellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH), which involve the condensation of cysteine and glutamate to form the dipeptide gamma-glutamylcysteine (γ-GC). ONCVO-GCL is critical to cell survival. Its dysregulation could lead to decreased GSH biosynthesis, reduced cellular antioxidant capacity, and the induction of oxidative stress. ONCVO-GCL expression support the high level of cell proliferation and confer resistance to many chemotherapeutic agents, hence could serve as a molecular target for inhibitors. This study aims to model the 3-dimensional (3D) structure of ONCVO-GCL, validate and predict the active sites of the modelled protein. ONCVO-GCL (Uniprot ID: A0A044QR48) 3D structure was modelled and validated using SWISS-MODEL. The Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of proteins (CASTp) 3.0 was used to predict the active sites of the modelled protein. A percentage identity matrix of 41.81% was obtained, which confirms the similarity identity of 40.86% obtained from the homology modelling. Model with 88% in the most favoured region of Ramachandra plot was obtained and the more favourable active sites for docking analyses due to the similarities observed from the alignment of the modelled structure to the template structure were: GLY 2A, LEU3A, LEU 4A, ARG 40A, TRP 47A, GLY 48A, ASP 49A, GLU 50A, GLU 52A, and PRO 109A.

Biocatalyst: Phytase Production in Solid State Fermentation by OVAT Strategy

The phytase-producing Pichia membranifaciens S3 (MG663581) was isolated from sugarcane juice using phytase screening medium. The predicted and experimental model showed maximum phytase production of 364 U/ml appearing g/100ml: Jack fruit seed (1.5), peptone (0.15), dextrose (0.50), yeast extract (0.05), malt extract (0.05) pH 5.5 and 280C) used OVAT strategy by Solid state fermentation through shake flask methodology. The modelling, 3D structure of Phy S3 amino acid sequences was modelled (PhyS3.B99990003) by using Modeler 9.23 and validated results showed that 86.4% in the favoured region by Ramachandran plot.

Using a Triple Helix approach to examine interactions and dynamics of innovation in less-favoured regions

Using the Triple Helix model, this article examines the contribution of a higher education institution, the Polytechnic of Guarda (PG), located in an inland, a less-favoured region of Portugal, to territorial innovation dynamics. The main goal is to explore how the interaction and cooperation between the three helices of the Guarda region (PG, companies and local governance institutions) fosters innovation and development in a less-favoured region in a sustainable way, generating new patterns of collaboration among the helices. The study investigates the behaviour of the three helices through an online survey. The results suggest that PG has a key role in building a knowledge-based society, in advancing innovation and the development of the region. Its role in business dynamics and community development through knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship training is reflected mainly in the high proportion of businesses and institutions of the local governance system that have workers trained in this institution, and in the satisfaction (medium and high) with the work performed by professionals trained at PG. Although the other helices (companies and local governance institutions) are also involved in innovation to different degrees, the innovation performance of the region remains low because of weak interactions between companies and PG, and between companies and local governance institutions. However, a closer relationship is identified between local governance institutions and PG.

Creating new industries and service clusters on Tyneside

Cluster policies have become an increasingly important component of the European Structural Funds, and are likely to become more so as cost pressures on these policies increase with European enlargement. However, the policy appeal of clusters is based on a range of factors, not merely their low cost. Moreover, benefits identified in a limited number of exemplar regions have been assumed to also hold for clusters in less well-performing regions. This short paper identifies the potential benefits which clusters can bring to a less favoured region beyond aspiring to the creation of a new ‘Silicon Valley’. The paper aims to tease out some of the important caveats of which local authorities seeking to promote cluster-based economic development need to be aware.

Roman Colchester

Colchester lies at the head of an inland promontory which emerges from the undulating Essex lowlands to meet the tidal waters of the Colne estuary. On the northern and eastern sides this promontory is clasped by the winding course of the main stream, and on the south by a tributary known as the Roman River which, bending northwards, slightly restricts the otherwise open approach from the west. The eastern end of the area thus enclosed rises commandingly above the sharply-cut river valleys and the seaward marshes, which are of sufficient extent to seclude it from the risks of an open shore. The combined accessibility and security of the site at an early date attracted both the landsman and the sea-going trader, who doubtless unloaded his Gallic cargoes at wharves not far from those still frequented by a modest coastal traffic. It is no longer disputed that somewhere within the natural limits of this favoured region lay the great oppidum of the Trinovantes.