Authors: Z.Y. Zhang, Y. Xuan, X.Y. Jin, X. Tian and R. Wu
The caspase (CASP) gene family is known to be involved in apoptosis, cytokine maturation, cell growth, and differentiation. A large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CASP gene family have been increasingly recognized as important regulators in the development of lung cancer. However, this specific association is still controversial. .. Read More»
Authors: L.S. Gui, Y.M. Huang, J.Y. Hong and L.S. Zan
Previous studies showed that the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene was involved in metabolism and transport of lipids, suggesting that the LPL is a potential candidate gene affecting growth traits in animals. The aim of this study was to identify polymorphism in the bovine LPL gene and analyze its possible association with growth .. Read More»
Authors: H. Zhang, P.F. Jin, L.L. Niu, L. Li, L.J. Wang, Y. Chen, G.J. Zhang, H.P. Zhang and T. Zhong
DIO3 gene encoding type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase is an imprinted gene, located in the DLK1-DIO3 (delta-like 1 homolog-type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase) imprinted domain, and is potentially involved in degrading excessive amounts of thyroid hormone to protect embryogenesis. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of the imprinted DIO3 gene expression.. Read More»
Authors: H.M. Zhuang, G.T. Xu, S.F. Wen, Y.Y. Guo and Q. Huang
The aim of the current study was to examine matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) expression in patients with cervical disc herniation (CDH). A total of 127 specimens from CDH patients undergoing posterior spinal surgery were obtained for the case group, which was divided into .. Read More»
Authors: C.Q. Yi, C.H. Ma, Z.P. Xie, Y. Cao, G.Q. Zhang, X.K. Zhou and Z.Q. Liu
Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are complex diseases. Studies and treatment of RA and OA have mainly focused on individual factors. However, there is still no clear understanding of their causes and adequate treatment alternatives are still being sought. We applied gene set-enrichment analysis to microarray datasets of RA and OA to .. Read More»
Authors: C.D. Santos Jr., A.C.C. Dias, I.M.R. Amaral, A.M. Bonetti and T.A. Campos
Ricinus communis (castor bean) seeds are used to produce an alcohol-soluble oil that is used in more than 400 industrial processes. Despite its economic importance, there has been little research on the endophytic microbiota of castor bean seeds. This microbiota is important for plant metabolic processes and may have considerable biotechnological potentia.. Read More»
Authors: T. Ning, H. Xiao, J. Li, S. Hua and Y.P. Zhang
Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy metabolism through oxidative phosphorylation. Organisms living at high altitudes are potentially influenced by oxygen deficits and cold temperatures. The severe environmental conditions can impact on metabolism and direct selection of mitochondrial DNA. As a wide-ranging animal, the d.. Read More»
Authors: F.A. Brito, D.A.C. Nizio, A.V.C. Silva2 L.E.C. Diniz, A.R.C. Rabbani, M.F. Arrigoni-Blank, S.V. Alvares-Carvalho, G.M. Figueira, I. Montanari J�ºnior and A.F. Blank
Varronia curassavica Jacq. is a medicinal and aromatic plant from Brazil with significant economic importance. Studies on genetic diversity in active germplasm banks (AGB) are essential for conservation and breeding programs. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of V. curassavica accessions of the AGB of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.. Read More»
Authors: T.N.A. Oliveira, P.E.B. Guedes, G.B. Souza, F.S. Carvalho, R.S. Alberto Carlos G.R. Albuquerque, A.D. Munhoz and F.L. Silva
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Two distinct forms are recognized: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In the Americas, the causative agent of VL is L. infantum chagasi, whereas L. braziliensis is principally responsible for CL. Domestic dogs constitute the main .. Read More»
Authors: Y.B. Bao, Q. Wang, X.M. Guo and Z.H. Lin
Hemoglobin (Hb) is the major protein component of erythrocytes in animals with red blood, although it can serve additional functions beyond the transport of oxygen. The blood clam (Tegillarca granosa) is one of the few mollusks that has Hb, although the structure and function of molluskan Hbs remain unclear. We characterized two unique and highly compartm.. Read More»