Biotechnology Commons^™

Mouse Genome-Wide Association Studies And Systems Genetics Uncover The Genetic Architecture Associated With Hepatic Pharmacokinetic And Pharmacodynamic Properties Of A Constrained Ethyl Antisense Oligonucleotide Targeting Malat1, Elaine Pirie, Shayoni Ray, Calvin Pan, Wuxia Fu, Andrew F. Powers, Danielle Polikoff, Colton M. Miller, Katrina M. Kudrna, Edward N. Harris, Aldons J. Lusis, Rosanne M. Crooke, Richard G. Lee

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have demonstrated variation of efficacy in patient populations. This has prompted our investigation into the contribution of genetic architecture to ASO pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). Genome wide association (GWA) and transcriptomic analysis in a hybrid mouse diversity panel (HMDP) were used to identify and validate novel genes involved in the uptake and efficacy of a single dose of a Malat1 constrained ethyl (cEt) modified ASO. The GWA of the HMDP identified two significant associations on chromosomes 4 and 10 with hepatic Malat1 ASO concentrations. Stabilin 2 (Stab2) and vesicle associated membrane protein 3 ( …

A Review On Bioconversion Of Agro-Industrial Wastes To Industrially Important Enzymes, Rajeev Ravindran, Shady S. Hassan, Gwilym A. Williams, Amit K, Jaiswal

Articles

Agro-industrial waste is highly nutritious in nature and facilitates microbial growth. Most agricultural wastes are lignocellulosic in nature; a large fraction of it is composed of carbohydrates. Agricultural residues can thus be used for the production of various value-added products, such as industrially important enzymes. Agro-industrial wastes, such as sugar cane bagasse, corn cob and rice bran, have been widely investigated via different fermentation strategies for the production of enzymes. Solid-state fermentation holds much potential compared with submerged fermentation methods for the utilization of agro-based wastes for enzyme production. This is because the physical–chemical nature of many lignocellulosic substrates naturally …

Effect Of Heat Stress On Bovine Follicular Development And Epigenetic Changes, Fabian Andres Diaz

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Climate is one of the most important limiting factors in animal production. Cattle under the effect of heat stress have reduced fertility. Negative effects during gamete maturation and embryo development have been observed at the morphological, biochemical, transcriptional and developmental levels. Epigenetic mechanisms play a fundamental role in the regulation of gamete and embryo development. Several genes activated during gamete maturation and early embryo development are controlled by epigenetic mechanisms. There are no studies evaluating the effect of heat-stress on the epigenetic profile of bovine oocytes and embryos. Similarly, there is no information on the effect of heat stress on …

Adapting Cell-Free Protein Synthesis As A Platform Technology For Education, Grace W. Chu, Max Z. Levine, Nicole E. Gregorio, Javin P. Oza

STAR Program Research Presentations

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has emerged as an enabling biotechnology for research and biomanufacturing as it allows for the production of protein without the need for a living cell. Applications of CFPS include the construction of libraries for functional genomics and structural biology, the production of personalized medicine, and the expression of virus-like particles. The absence of a cell wall provides an open platform for direct manipulation of the reaction conditions and biological machinery. This project focuses on adapting the CFPS biotechnology to the classroom, making a hands-on bioengineering approach to learning protein synthesis accessible to students grades K-16 through …

Theobromine And Related Methylxanthines As Inhibitors Of Primary Amine Oxidase, Padraig Shanahan, Jeffrey O’Sullivan, Keith Tipton, Gemma Kinsella, Barry Ryan, Gary Henehan

Articles

Methylxanthines are the most widely consumed drugs in the world and evidence of their health benefits has been growing in recent years. Primary Amine Oxidase (PrAO) has been recognised as a therapeutic target for amelioration of inflammatory, vascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Previous work in our laboratories showed that caffeine inhibited Bovine PrAO with a Ki of 1.0mM using benzylamine as substrate.

This study aimed to extend our previous work and explore the possibility that related methylxanthines might influence PrAO activity. While paraxanthine, theophylline and 7-methylxanthine had little effect on PrAO, theobromine was a noncompetitive inhibitor with a Ki of 276±44µM. …

Consistent And Reproducible Cultures Of Large-Scale 3d Mammary Epithelial Structures Using An Accessible Bioprinting Platform, John A. Reid, Peter M. Mollica, Robert D. Bruno, Patrick C. Sachs

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

Background: Standard three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture techniques, such as those used for mammary epithelial cells, rely on random distribution of cells within hydrogels. Although these systems offer advantages over traditional 2D models, limitations persist owing to the lack of control over cellular placement within the hydrogel. This results in experimental inconsistencies and random organoid morphology. Robust, high-throughput experimentation requires greater standardization of 3D epithelial culture techniques.

Methods: Here, we detail the use of a 3D bioprinting platform as an investigative tool to control the 3D formation of organoids through the "self-assembly" of human mammary epithelial cells. Experimental bioprinting procedures …

Nanoparticles As Multimodal Photon Transducers Of Ionizing Radiation, Edwin C. Pratt, Travis M. Shaffer, Qize Zhang, Charles Michael Drain, Jan Grimm

Publications and Research

In biomedical imaging, nanoparticles combined with radionuclides that generate Cerenkov luminescence are used in diagnostic imaging, photon-induced therapies, and as activatable probes. In these applications, the nanoparticle is often viewed as a carrier inert to ionizing radiation from the radionuclide. However, certain phenomena such as enhanced nanoparticle luminescence and generation of reactive oxygen species cannot be explained by only Cerenkov luminescence interactions with nanoparticles. Herein, we report methods to examine the mechanisms of nanoparticle excitation by radionuclides, including interactions with Cerenkov luminescence, β particles, and γ radiation. We demonstrate that β scintillation contributes appreciably to excitation and reactivity in certain …

Ship-Mediated Marine Bioinvasions: Need For A Comprehensive Global Action Plan, Anil Arga Chandrasekar, Krishnamurthy Venkat

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Concern for marine bioinvasion has drawn international attention. The action plans in place to address this issue and those that are being promulgated are in need of a reassessment. A review of invertebrate invasions across the world indicates inter-linkages between vectors. In this paper an effort is made to illustrate the geographical spread of invasive invertebrate organisms from different bioregions and the possible causes for their success. Shipping, which is the major vector identified for the success of marine bioinvasion, needs to be addressed in tandem with domestic, intra- and inter-regional precautionary measures, as prevention is the only cure.

Marine Macroalgae: Prospective Hitchhikers Of Ship Ballast, Imchen Temjensangba

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Invasive alien species, on successful establishment, can displace native species. The threat of invasive species arises in view of their ability to outcompete and destabilize native biodiversity. Invasive species are found across all taxonomic groups of plants, animals and microorganisms. The green macroalga Ulva flexuosa has a potential to become invasive and this species was investigated for its hitchhiking potential under laboratory conditions. Zoospores of U. flexuosa were maintained at 4°C for nearly 10 months in the dark. Recruitment potential of zoospores after dark stress was tested in a modified Provasoli medium under optimal laboratoryconditions. The success rate of zoospore …

Industrial Seawater Cooling Systems Under Threat From The Invasive Green Mussel Perna Viridis, Venugopalan Vayalam P.

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The green mussel Perna viridis, native to the Asia-Pacific region, has been introduced to other regions such as the Caribbean, Japan and North and South America. It is a large, commercially important species, widely cultivated and harvested in Southeast Asia, but is also considered an invasive species elsewhere, capable of replacing native species. As a fouling organism in intake systems of coastal power plants, it causes flow blockage and loss of cooling efficiency. Mussel colonization during peak settlement season can exceed 35,000 individuals/m2 and biomass can exceed 100 kg/m2. They can withstand wide fluctuations in temperature and salinity. Previous work …

Composition Of Ballast Water From Ships Arriving At Kertih Port, Malaysia With Observations On Port And Offshore Waters, And Notes On Settlement Patterns Of Fouling Organisms, Hing Lee Siang, Bhubalan Kesaven, Tan Peck Ying, Husain Rohaida Mat

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

We investigated plankton composition and water quality of ballast water from seven international ships docked at Kertih Port, Malaysia. Coscinodiscophyceae and cyanobacteria were the dominant phytoplankton found in ballast water samples, whereas copepod nauplii, Oithona sp., Microstella sp. and Paracalanus sp. were the dominant zooplankton. The densities for both phytoplankton and zooplankton in ships’ ballast and port waters were higher than those of offshore samples. All water quality parameters (except Cr) of port samples were within the safety levels prescribed for ports, oil and gas fields (Class 3) by the Malaysia Marine Water Quality Criteria Standard. The study of fouling …

Simulation Of Ballast Water Dispersion In The Gulf Of Tonkin And Offshore Waters Of Hai Phong Port, Vietnam, Le Hoang Mai, Nguyen Cong Minh, Vu Thanh Ca, Tran Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Van Dien, Dang Huy Ram

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Transfer of invasive alien organisms and their negative impacts have been recorded around the world. It is estimated that approximately 7,000 species of marine creatures are silently moved around the world by ballast water every hour. Recently, discharge of ballast water in the coastal area has become a serious concern. The movement of discharged ballast water and accompanying alien organisms largely depends on the preveiling hydrodynamics of the receiving water body. Dynamics simulation models for marine environment provide sound prediction of dispersion of ballast water. The study was undertaken in the seas of the Gulf of Tonkin and in the …

An Inter-Site Study Of Biofouling Recruitment On Static Immersion Panels In Major Ports Of South East Asia And India, Lim Chin Sing, Jolkifli Zuliza Haji, Jair Alina, Karim Noorizan, A. Wahab Ranimah, Desai Dattesh V., Krishnamurthy Venkat, Khandeparker, Mapari Kaushal, Sawant Subhash, Thoha Hikmah, Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Dirhamsyah Dirhamsyah, Dalasane Soukaseum, Chounlamountry Kongneun, Hing Lee Siang, H. Yusof Shahruddin Bin, Khaing Myint Myint, E. Nacorda Hildie M., Austero Nero, Azanza Rhodora V., Pagdilao Cesario, Kajonwattanakul Sumana, Puttapreecha Ratchanee, Poovachiranon Sombat, Le Hoang Mai, Tran Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Van Cu, Tan Koh Siang, Anil Arga Chandrashekar

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Limited knowledge of native marine biodiversity hinders effective biodiversity management to safeguard South and Southeast Asia’s marine coastal environment against the threat of invasive species transfer through shipping. In particular, sessile marine biofouling organisms in South East Asian ports are poorly known. Through the support of the ASEAN-India Cooperation Project on the Extent of Transfer of Alien Invasive Organisms in South/South East Asia Region by Shipping, a coordinated effort to examine diversity of biofouling organisms in major port areas in Southeast Asia and India was made using polyvinylchloride (PVC) panels as recruitment surfaces in a static immersion study for a …

Asean-India Cooperation Project On ‘Extent Of Transfer Of Alien Invasive Organisms In South/Southeast Asia Region By Shipping’, Chandrasekar Anil Arga, Tan Koh Siang

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

A brief background of events leading to the successful implementation of the first ASEAN-India project on marine sciences is provided. Coordinated by India and Singapore, the project, entitled ‘Extent of transfer of alien invasive organisms in South/Southeast Asia region by shipping’ served to develop regional cooperation and networks to address the issue of alien invasive organisms, provide training for ASEAN scientists, as well as obtain baseline information on pest species for port management in the light of IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention. The project was completed with an international workshop held in Chiangmai, Thailand where some 29 presentations were made …

Plate Settlement: Determination Of Fouling Organisms In Brunei, Jolkifli Hjh Zuliza Hj, Wahab Ranimah H.A

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Shipping is considered a primary vector of biological invasion. Hull fouling is recognized as one of the common vectors involved in the translocation of marine pests that may have deleterious impacts to ecology and economy. In an effort to understand the fouling communities within Brunei waters and as an early attempt to obtain baseline data, PVC plates were deployed at a depth of 1 meter, checked for taxa composition and replaced with new plates monthly and quarterly over a period of one year. The Caribbean bivalve Mytilopsis sallei was absent throughout the period of study, and plates were mainly colonized …

Marine Phytoplankton In Port And Ship’S Ballast Water At Tanjung Priok Harbour, North Jakarta, Indonesia, Thoha Hikmah, Rachman Arief

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This research aimed to study the phytoplankton community in ships’ ballast water in comparison with the natural assemblages in the waters of Tanjung Priok Harbour in Jakarta, Indonesia. Phytoplankton samples were collected between November 2011 to October 2012 from four ports of Tanjung Priok Harbour and from discharged ballast water of randomly selected ships in the port. Skeletonema, Thalassiosira, and Chaetoceros were three predominant phytoplankton genera in all samples. Ceratium and Protoperidinium were also commonly found in high densities in most samples. An unusual phytoplankton bloom (> 109 cells m-3) was observed in the ballast water sample taken in March …

Marine Fouling Panel Survey And Assessment Of Marine Alien Invasive Species In Myanmar, Khaing Myint Myint

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

A survey on fouling using PVC panels was carried out for a period of one year in Yangon River. Additional observations on fouling of man-made structures elsewhere in Myanmar were also made in an effort to find marine alien invasive species. The Myanmar ports at Yangon, Sittway and Myeik have a long history of overseas trading with Europe since the 17th century. In addition, though the Yangon port and jetties are located upstream some 12 miles from the mouth of Yangon River, it experiences regular tidal action with seasonal brackish water conditions. Its catchment area is only 100 miles from …

Phytoplankton And Bacterial Communities In South Harbour, Manila Bay, Philippines, Azanza Rhodora V, Austero Nero M, Dungca Jenelle Clarisse R., Caspe Frenchly Joyce O., Khandeparker Lidita

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

In line with the ASEAN-India project “Extent of Transfer of Alien Invasive Organisms in South/Southeast Asia via Shipping”, phytoplankton and bacterial communities in the waters off South Harbour, Manila Bay were investigated. Sampling was done in July and August 2012 and in April and May 2013. A total of 67 phytoplankton species including 29 diatoms and 38 dinoflagellates were identified. Potentially toxic Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were among the diatoms found as well as dinoflagellates Alexandrium spp., and Gymnodinium spp. The diatom Skeletonema costatum appeared to be the dominant species in July and August 2012, whereas Chaetoceros spp. constituted over 85% of …

Ballast Water Control And Management In Brunei Darussalam, Jolkifli Hjh Zuliza Hj, Wahab Ranimah H.A

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The ongoing transfer of non-indigenous organisms through shipping, especially via ballast water transport, is placing marine and coastal resources under increased threat. The transport of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is a critical issue which may cause irreversible consequences to receiving environments and economies needing particular attention. The main objective of this paper is to highlight the importance for implementation of ballast water management measures in Brunei Darussalam. This paper recognised IAS intrusion via ballast water has high probability to have direct effects on the economic value of fisheries sector, thus the need for an effective ballast water management strategy. Management …

Biofouling Community Structure In A Tropical Estuary Of Goa On The West Coast Of India, Desai Dattesh V, Krishnamurthy Venkat, Anil Arga Chandrashekar

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Biofouling community structure was studied in a tropical monsoon-influenced Mandovi estuary in Goa, west coast of India. Monthly, seasonal and yearly observations on biofouling on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) panels immersed at subsurface water level were recorded and photographed from May 2012 to September 2013. The barnacle Balanus amphitrite was the dominant fouling organism followed by calcareous polychaetes. The settlement and recruitment of barnacles took place year-round, with the exception of July 2012 and June 2013 (monsoon months). However, their peak abundance was observed during the later months of monsoon (August and September). Polychaetes were dominant during late post-monsoon and pre-monsoon …