Current Issues in Molecular Biology

778 KiB

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The Use of Ribozyme Gene Therapy for the Inhibition of HIV Replication and Its Pathogenic Sequelae

by Justin E. Rigden, Julie A. Ely, Janet L. Macpherson, Wayne L. Gerlach, Lun-Quan Sun and Geoff P. Symonds

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2000, 2(2), 61-69; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.002.061 - 01 Apr 2000

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Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus, a separate genus of the Retroviridae which are RNA viruses that integrate as DNA copies into the genomes of host cells and replicate intracellularly through various RNA intermediates. Several of these RNA molecules can be targeted by ribozymes and a number of investigators, including our group, have demonstrated the ability of ribozymes to suppress HIV replication in cultured cells. It is argued that the use of this ribozyme gene therapy approach for the treatment of HIV infection may act as an adjunct to chemotherapeutic drugs and may affect not just viral suppression, but also immune restoration. This approach can be tested in Clinical Trials, several of which are currently under way. Full article

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[URE3] and [PSI] Are Prions of Yeast and Evidence for New Fungal Prions

by Daniel C. Masison, Herman K. Edskes, Marie-Lise Maddelein, Kimberly L. Taylor and Reed B. Wickner

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2000, 2(2), 51-59; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.002.051 - 01 Apr 2000

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Abstract

[URE3] and [PSI] are two non-Mendelian genetic elements discovered over 25 years ago and never assigned to a nucleic acid replicon. Their genetic properties led us to propose that they are prions, altered self-propagating forms of Ure2p and Sup35p, respectively, that cannot properly carry out the normal functions of these proteins. Ure2p is partially protease-resistant in [URE3] strains and Sup35p is aggregated specifically in [PSI] strains supporting this idea. Overexpression of Hsp104 cures [PSI], as does the absence of this protein, suggesting that the prion change of Sup35p in [PSI] strains is aggregation. Strains of [PSI], analogous to those described for scrapie, have now been described as well as an in vitro system for [PSI] propagation. Recently, two new potential prions have been described, one in yeast and the other in the filamentous fungus, Podospora. Full article

622 KiB

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Genetic Modification of Intestinal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria

by Martin J. Kullen and Todd R. Klaenhammer

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2000, 2(2), 41-50; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.002.041 - 01 Apr 2000

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Abstract

Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are important members of the gastrointestinal microflora of man and animals. There is a substantial and growing body of evidence that these microbes provide benefits to the host in which they reside. Understanding the roles of these two groups of bacteria in the intestine continues to be a significant challenge. To this end, genetic characterisation and manipulation of intestinal lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is essential to define their contributions to the intestinal microflora, and to potentially exploit any beneficial or unique properties. This review will describe the tools and strategies currently available for the genetic manipulation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Additionally, the ramifications and opportunities that may arise as a result of the genetic manipulation of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria will be addressed. Full article

572 KiB

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Redasoft Plasmid 1.1: Software for Easy, Efficient Cloning and Map Drawing

by Danny Reda and Alexandra Carmichael Reda

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2000, 2(2), 37-39; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.002.037 - 01 Apr 2000

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Abstract

A computer program is described which creates circular and linear genetic maps with or without sequences, performs restriction analysis, and simulates basic molecular cloning operations. Redasoft Plasmid 1.1 is a user-friendly program for Windows 95/98/NT/2000, designed to generate high quality genetic maps for presentation and publication and to aid the molecular biologist in selecting restriction endonucleases for common molecular cloning experiments. The program incorporates an integrated web browser and can automatically generate complete, labeled maps from sequences on the Internet. Full article

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Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., Volume 2, Issue 2 (April 2000) – 4 articles

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