Somatic hypermutation and switch recombination of immunoglobulin genes require the activity of the activation-induced deaminase, AID. Recent studies of mice deficient for the uracil-DNA glycosylase UNG, which removes U from DNA, suggest that AID catalyses the deamination of dC to dU during antibody diversification.

A new tetracobalt(III) cubane 1, carrying functionalized peripheral ethynyl groups, was prepared. Cubane 1 catalyses photoinduced water oxidation, indicating that the ethynyl groups do not negatively affect the catalytic properties of the Co cubane assembly. In contrast, the quantum yield for water oxidation (0.36) is significantly increased with respect to the prototype, simplest species.

A mononuclear iron(III) complex of a noncyclic tetradentate monoamido ligand, Fe(III)mpaq, catalyses the oxidation of Orange II, guaiacol, ABTS and Amplex Red with H2O2 in aqueous solutions at neutral pH. Under identical conditions, other structurally related nonheme iron complexes showed only negligible activities.

Background: NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) catalyses one-electron reduction of hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAP). Results: Knockout of POR in tumour cells inhibited activation of some HAP (e.g. 5nitroquinoline SN24349) but not others (e.g. PR104A, TH-302). Conclusion: POR at endogenous levels plays a variable role in HAP activation. Significance: POR expression alone is not a suffici...

AsbA catalyses the highly enantioselective desymmetrisation of citric acid via ATP-dependent condensation with spermidine, as well as the condensation of citric acid with several spermidine analogues and the condensation of the citric acid analogue tricarballylic acid with spermidine, suggesting that it may be a useful biocatalyst for asymmetric synthesis.

A new triazolium salt derived N-heterocyclic carbene catalyses an asymmetric cross-benzoin-type reaction of heteroaromatic aldehydes and various trifluoromethyl ketones in good to excellent yields (69-96%) and moderate to good enantioselectivities (ee = 39-85%). Up to 99% ee can be achieved by recrystallisation.

Homologous recombination can be divided into three key steps: strand exchange, branch migration and resolution. The identification of a protein complex that catalyses branch migration and Holliday junction resolution argues that the mechanism of homologous recombination is conserved from bacteria to man.

Purpose This study aims to examine the drivers prompting business leaders support corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The research design selected is a qualitative exploratory multiple-case approach. Data were collected through 16 in-depth interviews with of Brazilian companies. Findings Evidence found that main CSR companies are linked firm pe...