Recent Advances in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases.

This Editorial highlights the various observations made in the Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences on "Recent Advances in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases" [...].

Editorial: Special Issue on the "Molecular Biology of Disease Vectors".

Arthropod disease vectors not only transmit malaria but many other serious diseases, many of which are, to a greater or lesser degree, neglected [...].

Historical Advances in Structural and Molecular Biology and How They Impacted Vaccine Development.

Vaccines are among the greatest tools for prevention and control of disease. They have eliminated smallpox from the planet, decreased morbidity and mortality for major infectious diseases like polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, significantly blunted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and prevented viral induced cancers such as cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus. Recent technological advances, in genomics, structural biology, and human immunology have transformed vaccine development, enabling new technologies such as mRNA vaccines to greatly accelerate development of new and improved vaccines. In this review, we briefly highlight the history of vaccine development, and provide examples of where advances in genomics and structural biology, paved the way for development of vaccines for bacterial and viral diseases.

Chemistry towards Biology-Instruct: Snapshot.

The knowledge of interactions between different molecules is undoubtedly the driving force of all contemporary biomedical and biological sciences. Chemical biology/biological chemistry has become an important multidisciplinary bridge connecting the perspectives of chemistry and biology to the study of small molecules/peptidomimetics and their interactions in biological systems. Advances in structural biology research, in particular linking atomic structure to molecular properties and cellular context, are essential for the sophisticated design of new medicines that exhibit a high degree of druggability and very importantly, druglikeness. The authors of this contribution are outstanding scientists in the field who provided a brief overview of their work, which is arranged from in silico investigation through the characterization of interactions of compounds with biomolecules to bioactive materials.

Integrating computer-aided modeling into distance learning to teach molecular genetics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article presents the integration of Tinkercad, a free online modeling program that allows students to model molecular genetic concepts, into the distance learning process. The students had the opportunity to learn molecular genetics in a fun and more efficient way in spite of the limitations of the COVID-19 lockdown, and, in this respect, it can be said that the application was a good compensation for face-to-face learning.

Effectiveness of an "online + in-person" hybrid model for an undergraduate molecular biology lab during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 outbreak has created turbulence and uncertainty into multiple aspects of life in countries around the world. In China, the pandemic continues to pose a great challenge to the nature of traditional in-class education in schools. Chinese education has faced the difficult decision of whether to resume in-person teaching in an unprecedented and time-pressured manner. To ensure the quality of teaching and learning during this time, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of an "online + in-person" hybrid teaching model with a new three-part approach to the hybrid teaching lab, where students prepare for the in-person lab using virtual simulated experiments and learning modules and debrief their learning afterwards online as well. This approach not only enhances the efficiency during the in-person lab but also strongly reinforces concepts and laboratory skills by providing a "practice run" before physically attending the lab. A total of 400 medical undergraduates from Dalian Medical University in China were recruited for this study. In an undergraduate molecular biology laboratory course, we observed 200 students in a hybrid teaching model. We evaluated the learning outcomes from the "online + in-person" hybrid teaching model with a questionnaire survey and assessed the quality of experiment execution, report writing, and group collaboration. Moreover, the 200 students from the hybrid group were evaluated during an annual science competition at the university and compared to 200 students from the competition cohort who had no experience with a hybrid learning model. The comparison data were analyzed using a student's t-test statistical analysis. The students in the hybrid learning group demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for the model, high amount of time utilizing the online system, and high scores on laboratory evaluation assignments. Approximately 98% of the hybrid learning students reported that they preferred mixed teaching to the traditional teaching mode, and all students scored above 96% on the online laboratory report. Teachers of the course observed that the hybrid group had a noticeably higher level of proficiency in lab skills compared to the previous students. At the Dalian Medical University annual science competition, where we compared our hybrid group to a traditional learning group, scores for both the objective and subjective items showed that the students instructed with the hybrid lab model had superior performance (p < 0.05). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a new three-part molecular biology laboratory course that strongly improved students' laboratory skills, knowledge retention, and enthusiasm for the course using online learning to improve their learning efficiency and expedite the in-person laboratory experience. We found that these students performed at a higher level in a combined theoretical/practical science competition compared to the students in traditional in-person lab courses. Additionally, our model subjectively fostered enthusiasm and excellence in both teachers and students. Further, cultivation of the students' independent learning and creative problem solving skills were emphasized. The exploration of an effective teaching model, such as the one described here, not only provides students with a solid foundation for their future medical studies and career development but also promotes more efficient in-person laboratory time.

Editor Profile: Rudi Beyaert.

In this special interview series, we profile members of The FEBS Journal editorial board to highlight their research focus, perspectives on the journal and future directions in their field. Rudi Beyaert is Full Professor in Molecular Biology at the Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, of the University of Ghent (Belgium). He also serves as Vice-Science Director of the Center for Inflammation Research of the VIB in Ghent, where he is heading the Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation. He has served as an Editorial Board Member of The FEBS Journal since 2016.

Structure of the Pandemic.

During global pandemics, the spread of information needs to be faster than the spread of the virus in order to ensure the health and safety of human populations worldwide. In our current crisis, the demand for SARS-CoV-2 drugs and vaccines highlights the importance of biological targets and their three-dimensional shape. In particular, structural biology as a field was poised to quickly respond to crises due to previous experience and expertise and because of its early adoption of open access practices.

Advances in Molecular Genetics Enabling Studies of Highly Pathogenic RNA Viruses.

Experimental work with viruses that are highly pathogenic for humans and animals requires specialized Biosafety Level 3 or 4 facilities. Such pathogens include some spectacular but also rather seldomly studied examples such as Ebola virus (requiring BSL-4), more wide-spread and commonly studied viruses such as HIV, and the most recent example, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. A common characteristic of these virus examples is that their genomes consist of single-stranded RNA, which requires the conversion of their genomes into a DNA copy for easy manipulation; this can be performed to study the viral life cycle in detail, develop novel therapies and vaccines, and monitor the disease course over time for chronic virus infections. We summarize the recent advances in such new genetic applications for RNA viruses in Switzerland over the last 25 years, from the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic to the most recent developments in research on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. We highlight game-changing collaborative efforts between clinical and molecular disciplines in HIV research on the path to optimal clinical disease management. Moreover, we summarize how the modern technical evolution enabled the molecular studies of emerging RNA viruses, confirming that Switzerland is at the forefront of SARS-CoV-2 research and potentially other newly emerging viruses.

Reflections on the 50-year history of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB).

The Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists, Inc. (FAOBMB) celebrates its Golden Jubilee in 2022. Established in August 1972 as a regional grouping of three national societies of biochemists in Australia, India and Japan, it took the name Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists (FAOB). The Federation rapidly grew to encompass another 12 national societies (or groups) of biochemists within 6 years, eventually increasing the number of Constituent Members to 21 by 2014. FAOB soon established regular scientific meetings, including triennial Congresses and annual Symposia; from 1980 FAOB Travel Fellowships enabled regional young scientists to participate in them. In 1992, FAOB was constituted as an Incorporated Association in Victoria, Australia, changing its name 1 year later (yielding the acronym FAOBMB). A printed Newsletter/Bulletin was distributed through each Constituent Society or Group from 1972 to 1999. With the advent of the internet and email in the late 1990s, communication rapidly improved, such that the first webpage of FAOBMB was set up in 1995. From the inception of the Federation, an international journal sponsored by FAOB was foreshadowed but only commenced in 1997, sadly lasting only 6 years. Education in biochemistry and molecular biology became prominent in FAOBMB from the 1990s. In the 21st century, awards to high-achieving scientists and educationists were introduced, the first being the Young Scientist Awards in 2006. The Fellowships program was extended to young educationists in 2018. FAOB(MB) has been supported by the International Union of Biochemistry (and Molecular Biology) almost its entire history, mostly for support of Congresses, Conferences and Symposia, but also for Young Scientist Programs. The most recent challenge to FAOBMB came with the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Committee and the Constituent Members rapidly adapted to virtual communications for their administrative meetings and Education Symposia, and a memorable Congress was held totally on-line in 2021.

News from around the RNA world: new avenues in RNA biology, biotechnology and therapeutics from the 2022 SIBBM meeting.

Since the formalization of the Central Dogma of molecular biology, the relevance of RNA in modulating the flow of information from DNA to proteins has been clear. More recently, the discovery of a vast set of non-coding transcripts involved in crucial aspects of cellular biology has renewed the enthusiasm of the RNA community. Moreover, the remarkable impact of RNA therapies in facing the COVID19 pandemics has bolstered interest in the translational opportunities provided by this incredible molecule. For all these reasons, the Italian Society of Biophysics and Molecular Biology (SIBBM) decided to dedicate its 17th yearly meeting, held in June 2022 in Rome, to the many fascinating aspects of RNA biology. More than thirty national and international speakers covered the properties, modes of action and applications of RNA, from its role in the control of development and cell differentiation to its involvement in disease. Here, we summarize the scientific content of the conference, highlighting the take-home message of each presentation, and we stress the directions the community is currently exploring to push forward our comprehension of the RNA World 3.0.

Optimization of Omega-3 Index Levels in Athletes at the US Naval Academy: Personalized Omega-3 Fatty Acid Dosage and Molecular Genetic Approaches.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend increasing the intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is one marker used to assess omega-3 status. The O3I national average is 4.3%, which translates into a high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Research has reported an association between variants in the two desaturase encoding genes, fatty acid desaturase 1 and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS1/2), and the concentration of O3I. The aim of this study was to assess whether a personalized dosage of omega-3 supplementation would lead to an O3I ≥ 8%. A secondary aim was to identify if changes in O3I levels would be associated with either of the two FADS1/2 variants. METHODS: This interventional study had a pre- and post-intervention design to assess changes in O3I. Ninety participants completed demographic, biometrics, O3I, and genetic testing. Participants were provided a personalized dose of omega-3 supplements based on their baseline O3I. RESULTS: The majority (63%) of participants were 20 year old white males with an average O3I at baseline of 4.6%; the post-supplementation average O3I was 5.6%. The most frequent genetic variants expressed in the full sample for FADS1/2 were GG (50%) and CA/AA (57%). CONCLUSIONS: O3I was significantly increased following omega-3 supplementation. However, it was not possible to conclude whether the two FADS1/2 variants led to differential increases in OI3 or if a personalized dosage of omega-3 supplementation led to an O3I ≥ 8%, due to our study limitations.

Using Molecular Visualisation Techniques to Explain the Molecular Biology of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutations to a General Audience.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2019, the virus responsible for the outbreak-SARS-CoV-2-has continued to evolve. Mutations of the virus' spike protein, the main protein driving infectivity and transmissibility, are especially concerning as they may allow the virus to improve its infectivity, transmissibility, and ability to evade the immune system. Understanding how specific molecular changes can alter the behaviour of a virus is challenging for non-experts, but this information helps us to understand the pandemic we are living through and the public health measures and interventions needed to bring it under control. In response to communication challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, we recently developed an online educational application to explain the molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutations to the general public. We used visualisation techniques such as 3D modelling and animation, which have been shown to be highly effective teaching tools in molecular biology, allowing the viewer to better understand protein structure, function, and dynamics. We also included interactive elements for users to learn actively by engaging with the digital content, and consequently improve information retention.This chapter presents the methodological and technological framework which we used to create this resource, the 'SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutation Explorer' (SSPME). It explains how molecular visualisation and 3D modelling software were used to develop accurate models of relevant proteins; how 3D animation software was used to accurately visualise the dynamic molecular processes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, transmission, and antibody evasion; and how game development software was used to compile the 3D models and animations into a comprehensive, informative interactive application on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutations. This chapter indicates how cutting-edge visualisation techniques and technologies can be used to improve science communication about complex topics in molecular biology and infection biology to the general public, something that is critical to gaining control of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluation and perception of online teaching of molecular biology using DingTalk for international medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the education of international students. The authors taught a molecular biology course using the DingTalk platform for international medical students (IMS) in the autumn semester of 2020. We assessed the effect of this online teaching based on an online questionnaire and by analysis of the final examination scores. Our findings demonstrate that the DingTalk platform is a free, effective and convenient online teaching tool for international students. The students' feedback showed that most of them were satisfied with this live teaching with DingTalk. They considered who viewed that the questions used in the live classroom setting were helpful for their learning. There is nonetheless still scope to improve this online teaching mode for international students, such as providing more pre-recorded teaching videos for offline application and use of a virtual simulation experimental molecular biology course. We hope that our findings regarding the experience of IMS with this teaching mode will be of value to other academic faculty.

Molecular biology for green recovery-A call for action.

Molecular biology holds a vast potential for tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. Yet, it is largely absent from the current strategies. We call for a community-wide action to bring molecular biology to the forefront of climate change solutions.

COVID-19 and Molecular Genetics.

Since early December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society: over 400 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, and there have been nearly 6 million deaths worldwide (1 [...].

The 2022 Nucleic Acids Research database issue and the online molecular biology database collection.

The 2022 Nucleic Acids Research Database Issue contains 185 papers, including 87 papers reporting on new databases and 85 updates from resources previously published in the Issue. Thirteen additional manuscripts provide updates on databases most recently published elsewhere. Seven new databases focus specifically on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, including SCoV2-MD, the first of the Issue's Breakthrough Articles. Major nucleic acid databases reporting updates include MODOMICS, JASPAR and miRTarBase. The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database, described in the second Breakthrough Article, is the stand-out in the protein section, where the Human Proteoform Atlas and GproteinDb are other notable new arrivals. Updates from DisProt, FuzDB and ELM comprehensively cover disordered proteins. Under the metabolism and signalling section Reactome, ConsensusPathDB, HMDB and CAZy are major returning resources. In microbial and viral genomes taxonomy and systematics are well covered by LPSN, TYGS and GTDB. Genomics resources include Ensembl, Ensembl Genomes and UCSC Genome Browser. Major returning pharmacology resource names include the IUPHAR/BPS guide and the Therapeutic Target Database. New plant databases include PlantGSAD for gene lists and qPTMplants for post-translational modifications. The entire Database Issue is freely available online on the Nucleic Acids Research website (https://academic.oup.com/nar). Our latest update to the NAR online Molecular Biology Database Collection brings the total number of entries to 1645. Following last year's major cleanup, we have updated 317 entries, listing 89 new resources and trimming 80 discontinued URLs. The current release is available at http://www.oxfordjournals.org/nar/database/c/.