We report cell-cell interaction studies utilizing a microfluidic chip capable of capturing cell pairs of different types into culture microwells and isolating the captured cells for a given amount of time using pneumatic valves. We have quantified the capture efficiency and confirmed cell viability and interaction in the microwells. We successfully distinguished interaction modes in the fabrica...

Many pathogenic and symbiotic Gram-negative bacteria employ type III secretion systems to inject "effector" proteins into eukaryotic host cells. These effectors manipulate signaling pathways to initiate symbiosis or disease. By using time-lapse microscopy, we have imaged delivery of the Salmonella type III effector protein SipA/SspA into animal cells in real time. SipA delivery mostly began 10-...

Oral CDCA and UDCA have different effects on gut pancreatic hormone secretion. A single dose of increased fasting secretion the hormones GLP-1 OXM with an accompanying increase in insulin also reduced postprandial GIP secretion, which was associated insulin. In contrast, did not change or postprandially. could be beneficial to patients obesity diabetes.

background: receptor for advanced glycation end products (rage) plays a causative role in diabetes. garlic (allium sativum) belongs to compounds with anti-glycation activity that can be considered as probable therapeutic approaches in delaying or preventing the onset of diabetes complications. the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of garlic on the rage expression and proinflammato...

purpose: to evaluate and compare tear secretion and tear film instability following laser in situ keratomileusis (lasik) and laser assisted subepithelial keratectomy (lasek). methods: in a randomized clinical trial, 30 eyes of 15 patients underwent lasik and 30 eyes of 15 patients underwent lasek to correct myopia. tear secretion and tear film instability were tested preoperatively, 2 and 6 wee...

The three-dimensional structure of a mutant human lysozyme, C77/95A, in which residues Cys77 and Cys95 were replaced by alanine, was determined at 1.8-A resolution by x-ray crystallography. The properties of this mutant protein have been well characterized with respect to its thermal stability and secretion efficiency in a yeast expression system. The overall three-dimensional structure of C77/...

One of the main limitations experienced while producing proteins in conventional bacterial mesophilic systems is the need to operate at their optimal growth temperature (usually 37 oC) for the production process. Since temperature has a general negative impact on protein folding due to the strong temperature dependence of hydrophobic interactions that mainly drive the aggregation reaction, the ...

The lactating tammar wallaby progressively alters the rate of secretion and composition of its milk to provide appropriate nutrition for the developing offspring, whose needs are signalled by changes in the pattern and efficiency of its sucking. Tammars are also capable of asynchronous concurrent lactation, when the mother provides a dilute milk for a newborn young permanently attached to the t...

Cell pairing is central for many processes, including immune defense, neuronal connection, hyphal fusion, and sexual reproduction. How does a cell orient toward a partner, especially when faced with multiple choices? Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe P and M cells, which respectively express P and M factor pheromones [1, 2], pair during the mating process induced by nitrogen starvation. E...

The hyperthermophilic α-amylase from Thermococcus sp. HJ21 possesses unique traits (Ca(2+)-independent thermostability and optimal temperature of 95°C) that make it a great potential candidate for use in the food industry. However, this Archaea isolated from a deep-sea thermal vent requires strict control of culture conditions and produces only small amounts of α-amylase. To solve these problem...