ISSN 2736-1756
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Interaction of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) nucleocapsid protein with macrophage migration inhibitory factor protein (MIF)
Yang Lin1,2*, Baohua Wang3*, Yijun Liu1, Zhigang Yu1, Manhua Cui2 and Haichun Ma1
1The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun130021, China.
2Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041 China.
3Department of Anesthesia, the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China.
Accepted 11 January, 2019
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a major structural component of virions, which appears to be a multifunctional protein involved in viral RNA replication and translation. However, how N protein interacts with host protein remains largely elusive. To identify cellular proteins that interact with the N protein and to elucidate the possible involvement of N protein in SARS-Cov replication and translation, a human lung cDNA library was screened using a yeast two-hybrid system assay. In this study, we have identified Macrophage migration inhibitory factor protein (MIF) as a novel interaction partner of N protein by yeast two-hybrid system. The direct interaction and co-localization of N protein with MIF were confirmed by immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy analysis, respectively. The mapping studies localized the critical N sequences for this interaction to amino acid 140-210 including SR motif by yeast two -hybrid system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that SARS-N protein interacts with the MIF within host cells, which enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SARS replication.
Key words: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, nucleocapsid protein, Macro|phage migration inhibitory factor protein, yeast two-hybrid.
Zhigang Yu, Yijun Liu, Baohua Wang*, Manhua Cui and Haichun Ma, Yang Lin*
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Pulmonary tuberculosis associated with increased number and percentage of natural killer and B cells in the peripheral blood
Adel Almogren
Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 00-966-1-4671843. Fax: 00-966-1-4671925.
Accepted 12 February, 2019
Abstract
Host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is essentially a cell mediated immune response. The aim of this study is to assess immune abnormalities in the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Flowcytometry data for peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in ten patients (mean age of 27 ± 6 years) with pulmonary tuberculosis were compared with similar data from 25 normal healthy individuals (mean age 24 ± 6 years) retrospectively in Immunology Unit at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh. The absolute numbers (523.7 ± 360.9 vs 177.1 ± 133.7, p = 0.0000) and % (28 ± 12.8% vs 9.9 ± 5.6%, p = 0.0000) of the natural killer cells and B lymphocytes (426.8 ± 452.1 vs 205.7 ± 69 p = 0.0000 and 18.2 ± 8.1% vs 11 ± 2.5%, p = 0.0000, respectively) were significantly higher in patients with PTB than the normal healthy individuals. A marked reduction in the absolute numbers (542.9 ± 350.3 vs 775.7 ± 225.4, p = 0.0250) and the percentage (30.8 ± 10.7% vs 44.01 ± 5.4%, p = 0.0000) of CD4 + cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was also noted. Elevated natural killer and B cells with CD4 + lymphopenia in pulmonary tuberculosis prompt further investigations to gain a better understanding of host defense against M. tuberculosis.
Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, natural killer cells, lymphocyte subsets, pulmonary tuberculosis.
Adel Almogren
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Virulence and characteristics of a new nucleopolyhedrovirus strain of Dendrolimus kikuchii (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)
Miao Miao Yang1,2,6, Meng Lou Li1, Yu Zhu Wang2, Liang Jian Qu2, Ke Yue Huai3, Xue Wen Nie4, Lu Qin Qiao5, Jin Ying Ding6 and Yong An Zhang2*
1Forestry Entomology Laboratory of Academic Forestry, Northwest Agriculture and Forest University, Yangling 712100 China.
2The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091 China.
3Forestry Research Institute of Yunnan, Yunnan 650000 China.
4Forest Protection Station Mile County of Yunnan, Yunnan 652300 China.
5College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018 China.
6Ningxia agricultural school, Yinchuan 750000 China.
Accepted 19 January, 2019
Abstract
In present study, a nucleopolyhedrovirus was isolated from the infected larvae of Dendrolimus kikuchii, which is a serious pest for a variety of conifers in China. Ultrastructural observation revealed that this virus is a multiple-nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (MNPV), which was encapsulated within the envelope of each virion. Based on the morphological characteristics, it was identified as a new virus and named as DkNPV. It exhibited high potential as a biocontrol agent to protect the forest because of the high virulence against the third-instar larvae of D. kikuchii. The virus passage in the host after 4 generations, toxicity and ultrastructural morphology were stable.
Key words: Dendrolimus kikuchii, multiple-nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus, Dendrolimus Kikuchii Matsumura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (DkNPV), virulence, ultrastructure, biological control.
Yu Zhu Wang, Meng Lou Li, Lu Qin Qiao, Liang Jian Qu, Ke Yue Huai, Xue Wen Nie, Miao Miao Yang, Jin Ying Ding and Yong An Zhang*
Short Communication
Genotyping of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in infected patients from Saudi Arabia
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-003, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Genotyping of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in infected patients from Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Ali M. Marie
Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P. O. Box 10219 Riyadh 11433, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +96614696022.
Accepted 15 January, 2019
Abstract
A molecular study was carried to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in HCV infected population of Saudi Arabia. A total of HCV-positive clinical specimens (serum, EDTA plasma) with viral loads above 2,000 IU/ml were collected for genotyping. Genotyping of 358 samples revealed four different genotypes including 1 (1a and 1b), 2a, 3 (3a) and 4. The most prevalent genotype was 4 with rate of 74.2% followed by genotype 3 (11.7%) and 1a (3.9%). The predominance of HCV genotype 4 in our population confirms the predominance of HCV genotype 4 in Saudi Arabia and most of the Arab countries in the Middle East.
Key words: Hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotypes, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
Mohammed Ali M. Marie
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-010, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Medium formulation and impeller design on the biosynthesis of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid by Streptococcus zooepidemicus ATCC 39920
Zee-Wei Lai1, Raha Abdul Rahim1,2, Arbakariya Ariff1,2 and Rosfarizan Mohamad1,2,3*
1Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
2Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
3Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Accepted 11 February, 2019
Abstract
The effects of medium formulation and impeller design (Rushton turbine and helical ribbon) on hyaluronic acid (HA) biosynthesis by Streptococcus zooepidemicus ATCC 39920 were investigated using a 2 L stirred-tank bioreactor. The effect of different glucose concentrations (20, 30, 50 and 60 g/L), nitrogen sources ((NH4)2S2O8, (NH4)2PO 4, yeast extract, and tryptone) and carbon/nitrogen ratios on the growth of the strain and on HA biosynthesis were initially investigated. Organic nitrogen sources (yeast extract and tryptone) were proven to be favourable in media for HA biosynthesis compared to inorganic nitrogen sources. About 2.442 g/L of HA with a high molecular weight (4.36 x 106 Da) was synthesised at an optimal C/N of 2.5:1 (using a mixture of yeast extract and tryptone) in a 2 L stirred-tank bioreactor equipped with a Rushton turbine impeller. When using an optimal medium formulation at equal HA production levels, the helical ribbon impeller resulted in a higher molecular weight of HA (5.20 x 106 Da) compared to the Rushton turbine impeller.
Key words: Streptococcus spp., hyaluronic acid, helical ribbon impeller, carbon/nitrogen.
Raha Abdul Rahim, Zee-Wei Lai, Arbakariya Ariff and Rosfarizan Mohamad*
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
An investigation on the pollen germination and tube growth in some Prunus persica genotypes and cultivars
Yavar Sharafi
Islamic Azad University, Maragheh Branch, Department of Horticultural science, Maragheh, Iran. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +989144200882. Fax: 984213254506.
Accepted 10 January, 2019
Abstract
Peaches and nectarines (Prunus persica) are stone fruit trees which their pistils needed to be pollinated and fertilized to set fruits therefore; pollen characteristics including pollen viability, longevity, morphological homogeneity, germination and pollen tube growth rate are very important component of fertilization and fruit setting. However, study of main pollen traits is one of the most important approaches for growers and breeders. In this research, main pollen characteristics including germination, tube growth and longevity were investigated in some favorable selected genotypes and cultivars of peach and nectarine. Pollen traits of 5 genotypes and 10 cultivars were studied after two month maintenance in - 20°C using the in vitro medium containing 14% sucrose and 1.2% agar. Results shows that in all of the studied characteristics, significant differences were observed among cultivars and genotypes. However, genotypes and cultivars with good quantitative and qualitative pollen traits were selected for peach and nectarine orchard establishment and breeding programs in Iran.
Key words: Peach, nectarine, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, viability, in vitro.
Yavar Sharafi