[Genetic transformation of the moss Ceratodon purpureus by novel polycationic carriers of DNA].

There is a big progress in application of genetic engineering for improving the biological properties of different organisms. Viral and non-viral carriers are used for delivery of genetic material into target cells. Nanoscale polymeric materials of natural and synthetic origin are the most promising gene delivery agents. These polymers have demonstrated high efficiency of DNA delivery into the mammalian cells, although they were not very effective in plant cells. Here, the procedure for genetic transformation of Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. moss protoplasts is described. Method is based on the application of novel surface-active polymeric carriers of the polyDMAEM structure and controlled length and charge. It allows obtaining more transient and stable moss transformants per microgram of plasmid DNA when compared with known protocol based on using polyethyleneglycol. It is easier, more convenient, and cheaper than the "gene gun" method. Perspectives for further improvement of structure and functional characteristics of novel polymeric carriers are considered for delivery of genetic material into plant cells.

[Tyrosine nitration as regulatory post-translational modification of proteins].

Review highlights new pathways of signal transduction from nitric oxide (NO) that is a recognized secondary messenger in regulatory cascades of phylogenetically distant species. Indirect (via Ca2+ and cGMP) and direct (protein S-nitrosylation and tyrosine nitration) pathways of NO signal transduction are presented. S-nitrosyation as new paradigm in signal transduction and protein functions regulations is discussed. The importance of animal and plant protein tyrosine nitration in vivo and the potential regulatory significance of this posttranslational modification are emphasized. Also review describes tree mechanisms of protein tyrosine nitration: via peroxynitrite, peroxydase and haem-peroxidase. Particular attention is paid to cytoskeleton proteins tyrosine nitration, particularly tubulines, because microtubules are involved into modulation of signal transduction from various messengers.