Molekularbiologie: Open Access

Trichomes play a very important role in the process of evolution for plant which are epidermal appendages covering the surface of plants. In this paper, some progress concerning the genes responsible for trichome formation is presented for monocots and dicotyledons plants. Meanwhile, the special structures and physiological functions of trichome are briefly introduced, such as reflectance, energy balance, ultraviolet protection, drought resistance, gas exchange, insect resistance and disease resistance. The review provides a theoretical basis for the further study of other trichome related traits in plants.

Development of microfluidic culture technology combined with tissue engineering catalyzes the progress in study of cell biology. These tools will promote the understanding of physiological and pathological changes. Cancer cells and stem cells are sensitive to their surroundings, thus could be better explored by controllable microfluidic devices. In this review, we describe the ways to control cell microenvironment and explain how the influencing factors influence cellular behaviors, then present microfluidic-chip-based exemplary applications for cancer models and stem cell differentiation.

The self-destruction of cells infected with viruses undergoes the process of apoptosis generally to restrict infection and the spread of viral progeny. To avoid infection host has evolved interconnected complex defence network that comprises innate and acquired immune response. Mitochondria being considered as powerhouse of a cell is not limited to only energy production, but mitochondria perform various other functions in (disease, apoptosis and host innate immune system) which make them absolutely indispensable to the cell. This makes them a target of almost all the invading pathogens including viruses. Therefore being a multifunctional organelle, the viruses choose mitochondria as a favourite organelle as they can easily take control of the whole cell and make it to promote or block apoptosis as per their need.

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involves in diverse cellular functions and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many malignancies in the human population. The pituitary gland is a target of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and it is well known that EGFR plays a role in pituitary tumor as well as other tumors formation and progression.

Methods: In this study, we have screened expression profiles for the whole genome of pituitary genes of both sexes from multiple mouse recombinant inbred strains. In addition, using Network Graph, we have constructed the gene network in combination with the correlation matrix. To determine the chromosomal locations that regulate the expression of Egfr in females and males, the transcriptome mapping was conducted using Gene Network mapping tool. Furthermore, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify genes that have been reported to regulate or functionally connect to Egfr.

Results: Statistical analysis of Egfr expression levels between female and male mice produced a P value of 1.56442E-09. The R value obtained from the correlation analysis is 0.22. A considerable number of genes in the gene network of Egfr showed sex difference. These genes are known important in caner pathways. The eQTLs that regulate the expression levels of Egfr also showed sex difference. Gender difference of the correlations between Egfr expression levels and the T cell growth is also observed.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that sex difference in the expression levels of Egfr may have a significant impact on immunological disorders.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the infections of Polyomaviruses JCV (John Cunningham virus) in renal transplant recipients in Khartoum State in Sudan and to compare the results of the detection of JCV in urine and plasma.

Methodology: A total of 50 Plasma and 50 urine samples were collected randomly from renal transplant recipients attending Sudanese Renal Transplant society during period between January and February 2016. The samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect the viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Results: Among the 50 renal transplant patients the Polyomaviruses nucleic acid was detected in 24 plasma specimens (48%) and only in 14 urine specimens (28%) by using conventional PCR method.

Conclusion: JC Virus is related to clinical manifestations among renal transplant patients. The routine use of PCR on urine and plasma is a useful tool for the rapid and sensitive detection of JC virus in renal transplant recipient.