Tumor suppressor genes in familial adenomatous polyposis

Colorectal cancer [CRC] is mostly due to a series of genetic alterations that are being greatly under the influence of the environmental factors. These changes, mutational or epigenetic modifications at transcriptional forefront and/or post-transcriptional effects via miRNAs, include inactivation and the conversion of proto-oncogene to oncogenes, and/or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes [TSG]. Here, a thorough review was carried out on the role of TSGs with the focus on the APC as the master regulator, mutated genes and mal-/dysfunctional pathways that lead to one type of hereditary form of the CRC; namely familial adenomatous polyposis [FAP]. This review provides a venue towards defining candidate genes that can be used as new PCR-based markers for early diagnosis of FAP. In addition to diagnosis, defining the modes of genetic alterations will open door towards genome editing to either suppress the disease or reduce its progression during the course of action

Computational identification of MicroRNAs and their transcript target[s] in field mustard [Brassica rapa L.]

Background: Micro RNAs [miRNAs] are a pivotal part of non-protein-coding endogenous small RNA molecules that regulate the genes involved in plant growth and development, and respond to biotic and abiotic environmental stresses posttranscriptionally

Objective: In the present study, we report the results of a systemic search for identification of new miRNAs in B. rapa using homology-based ESTs [Expressed Sequence Tags] analysis and considering a series of filtration criteria

Materials and Methods: Plant mature miRNA sequences were searched in non-protein coding ESTs registered in NCBI EST database. Zuker RNA folding algorithm was used to generate the secondary structures of the ESTs. Potential sequences were candidate as miRNA genes and characterized evolutionarily only and if only they fit some described criteria. Also, the web tool psRNATarget was applied to predict candidate B. rapa miRNA targets

Results: In this study, 10 novel miRNAs from B. rapa belonging to 6 miRNA families were identified using EST-based homology analysis by considering a series of filtration criteria. All potent miRNAs appropriate fold back structure. Several potential targets with known/unknown functions for these novel miRNAs were identified. The target genes mainly encode transcription factors, enzymes, DNA binding proteins, disease resistance proteins, carrier proteins and other biological processes

Conclusions: MicroRNA having diverse functions in plant species growth, development and evolution by posttranscriptionally regulating the levels of specific transcriptome so by effecting on their translation products. Research in miRNA led to the identification of many miRNAs and their regulating genes from diverse plant species

Bacterial secretome analysis in hunt for novel bacteriocins with ability to control Xanthomonas citri subsp. Citri

Background: Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri [Xcc], the causative agent of bacterial citrus canker, has affected citriculture worldwide. Varieties of means have been used to minimize its devastating effects, but no attention has been given to bacteriocins

Objectives: here and for the first time, we report the isolation and characterization of two novel bacteriocins

Materials and Methods: secretome containing bacteriocins of isolated bacteria was separated via SDS-PAGE. Each isolated protein band was characterized and checked for its efficacy in controlling two pathogenic isolates of Xcc via disk diffusion assay. The effects of varieties of carbon, nitrogen and phosphate sources were evaluated on both bacterial growth and bacteriocin production via Taguchi orthogonal method

Results: the two bacteriocins showed an activity up to 55[degree]C that were sensitive to proteases suggesting being protein in nature. Analysis of SDS-PAGE purified protein bands of bacterial secretomes with demonstrated potency against Xcc revealed the presence of peptides with relative molecular masses of 16.9 and 17 kDa for Cronobacter and Enterobacter, respectively. Sequence analysis of peptides revealed an HCP1 family VI secretion system homologue for Cronobacter [YP_001439956] and pilin FimA homologue for Enterobacter [CBK85798.1]. A Taguchi orthogonal array was also implemented to determine the effect of temperature and eight other chemical factors on bacteriocin production for each bacterium

Conclusions: two peptides with novel antibacterial activities effective against Xcc were isolated, characterized and conditions were optimized for their higher production

Transcript analysis of heat shock protein 72 in vitrified 2-cell mouse embryos and subsequent in vitro development

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two different concentrations of cryoprotectants by cryotopvitrification on survival, developmental capacity and Heat shock protein 72 [Hsp72] expression of two-cell mouse embryos. In this experimental study, transcript analysis of Hsp72 gene was performed on non-vitrified and vitrified 2-cell mouse embryos via a nested quantitative polymerase chain reaction [nqPCR] subsequent to normalization with Hprt1 as the reference gene. The different cryoprotectant combinations were 15% [vit[1]:7.5% of each ethylene glycol [EG] and dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], 30% [vit[2]:15% EG + 15% DMSO] and control group with no cryoprotectants. Vitrified and fresh 2-cell embryos were cultured to obtain cleavage and blastocyst formation rates. The results were analyzed via one-way analysis of variance and the mean values were compared with least significant difference [LSD] [p< 0.05]. The relative expression of Hsp72 in vit2 [30% v/v] was significantly higher than vit[1] [15% v/v]. Survival rates were the same for both vitrification treatments and significantly lower than the control group. Cleavage and blastocyst rates in vit[1] were significantly higher than vit[2] while those in two vitrified groups were significantly lower than the control group. Our developmental data demonstrated that vit[1] treatment [7.5% EG and 7.5% DMSO] was more efficient than vit[2] [15% EG and 15% DMSO] in mouse embryos. The cryotopvitrification with two concentrations of cryoprotectants caused the relative changes of Hsp72 transcript level, but the stability of the gene in vit[1] was significantly higher than vit[2] and closer to the fresh 2-cell embryos