Network analysis of transcription factors for nuclear reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cell using bioinformatics

Research related to induce pluripotent stem [iPS] cell generation has increased rapidly in recent years. Six transcription factors, namely OCT4, SOX2, C-MYC, KLF4, NANOG, and LIN28 have been widely used for iPS cell generation. As there is a lack of data on intra- and inter-networking among these six different transcription factors, the objective of this study is to analyze the intra- and inter-networks between them using bioinformatics. In this computational biology study, we used AminoNet, MATLAB to examine networking between the six different transcription factors. The directed network was constructed using MATLAB programming and the distance between nodes was estimated using a phylogram. The protein-protein interactions between the nuclear reprogramming factors was performed using the software STRING. The relationship between C-MYC and NANOG was depicted using a phylogenetic tree and the sequence analysis showed OCT4, C-MYC, NANOG, and SOX2 together share a common evolutionary origin. This study has shown an innovative rapid method for the analysis of intra and inter-networking among nuclear reprogramming factors. Data presented may aid researchers to understand the complex regulatory networks involving iPS cell generation

India's homosexual discrimination and health consequences

A large number of countries worldwide have legalized homosexual rights. But for 147 years, since when India was a British colony, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code defines homosexuality as a crime, punishable by imprisonment. This outdated law violates the fundamental rights of homosexuals in India. Despite the fact that literature drawn from Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and modern fiction testify to the presence of same-sex love in various forms, homosexuality is still considered a taboo subject in India, by both the society and the government. In the present article, the continuation of the outdated colonial-era homosexuality law and its impact on the underprivileged homosexual society in India is discussed, as well as consequences to this group's health in relation to HIV infection.

Muitos países têm legalizado os direitos homossexuais. Mas há 147 anos, desde quando a índia ainda era colônia britânica, a Seção 377 do Código Penal indiano define a homossexualidade como crime passível de prisão. Esta lei antiga viola os direitos fundamentais de homossexuais na índia. Embora as literaturas hindu, budista, muçulmana, e a ficção moderna confirmem a presença de sentimento de amor entre pessoas do mesmo sexo, a homossexualidade ainda é considerada um tabu na índia, tanto pela sociedade como pelo governo. No presente artigo, discute-se a continuidade dessa lei da época colonial sobre homossexualidade e seu impacto na sociedade indiana desfavorecida, bem como as conseqüências para a saúde desse grupo quanto à infecção pelo HIV.