Current Issues in Molecular Biology

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Exploring Biochemistry and Cellular Biology with Protein Libraries

by Juan E. Diaz, Brett E. Howard, Marc S. Neubauer, Allison Olszewski and Gregory A. Weiss

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2003, 5(4), 129-146; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.005.129 - 01 Oct 2003

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Polypeptide libraries cast a broad net for defining enzyme and binding protein specificities. In addition to uncovering rules for molecular recognition, the binding preferences and functional group tolerances from such libraries can reveal mechanisms underlying biochemical and cellular processes. Ligands obtained from protein libraries can also provide pharmaceutical lead compounds and even reagents to further explore cell biology. Here, we review selected recent examples of protein libraries demonstrating these principles. In particular, we focus on combinatorial libraries composed of randomized peptides or variations of a single protein. The characteristics of various techniques for library constructions and screening are also briefly surveyed. Full article

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An Historical Perspective on Genomic Technologies

by David J. Galas and Stephen J. McCormack

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2003, 5(4), 123-128; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.005.123 - 01 Oct 2003

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Abstract

Genomic technologies are best defined as technologies used to manipulate and analyze genomic information. The evolution of this collective power began in earnest with the invention of DNA cloning in the 1970's and most of the technology derives from the last quarter of the 20th century. The historical impact of these technologies is clearly immense. With the genome sequence becoming available for many organisms, including humans, another new view of biology has recently emerged. This review examines the shape and texture of this recent evolution, with a particular emphasis on new technology: DNA cloning, macromolecular structure analysis (X-ray crystallography and NMR), DNA sequencing, DNA synthesis, amplification by the polymerase chain reaction, and transgenic animals (bacteria through mammals) Full article

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Plasmid-Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella enterica

by Alessandra Carattoli

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2003, 5(4), 113-122; https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.005.113 - 01 Oct 2003

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1028

Abstract

The selective pressure imposed by the use of antimicrobials in both human and veterinary medicine promotes the spread of multiple antimicrobial resistance. The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica strains, causing severe enteritis in human, has been reported worldwide and is largely attributed to conjugative DNA exchange. In the present review, the relevance of plasmids to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in S. enterica is discussed. Recent examples of plasmid-mediated resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins are reported to illustrate the severity of current situation in enteric pathogens. The exchanges between plasmid(s) and the bacterial chromosome and the integration of resistance genes into specialised genetic elements, called integrons, play a major role in acquisition and dissemination of resistance genes. The evolution of a plasmid through the acquisition of integrons is reported, describing novel mechanisms for short-term accumulation of resistance determinants in plasmids circulating in Salmonella. Full article

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Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., Volume 5, Issue 4 (October 2003) – 3 articles

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