Latest Articles
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyGenetic Determinants of Virulence between Two Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Isolates Which Caused Outbreaks of Differing SeverityEfforts to understand the universal mechanism of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection may be aided by knowledge of the molecular mechanisms which underlie differences in virulence beyond multiple topotypes and serotypes of FMDV. Here, we demonstrated independent genetic determinants of two FMDV isolates which have different transmissibility in cattle, namely, VP1 and 3D protein. Findings suggested that the selectivity of VP1...
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyField Test and Validation of the Multiplier Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster Multiplexed Assay System in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Using Dried Blood SpotsThe critical evaluation of immunization programs is key to identifying areas of suboptimal vaccination coverage, monitoring activities, and aiding development of public health policy. For evaluation of vaccine effectiveness, direct antibody binding assay methods, including enzyme immunoassay, enzyme-linked fluorescence assays, and indirect immunofluorescence assay, are most commonly used for detection of IgG antibodies. However, despite...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyActivation of the Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factor σP by β-Lactams in Bacillus thuringiensis Requires the Site-2 Protease RasPThe discovery of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections has had a dramatic and positive impact on human health. However, shortly after the introduction of a new antibiotic, bacteria often develop resistance. The bacterial cell envelope is essential for cell viability and is the target of many of the most commonly used antibiotics, including β-lactam antibiotics. Resistance to β-lactams is often dependent upon β-lactamases. In...
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyIntranasal Inoculation of Cryptococcus neoformans in Mice Produces Nasal Infection with Rapid Brain DisseminationCryptococcus neoformans causes an estimated 181, 000 deaths each year, mostly associated with untreated HIV/AIDS. C. neoformans has a ubiquitous worldwide distribution. Humans become infected from exposure to environmental sources, after which the fungus lays dormant within the human body. Upon AIDS...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyTrypanosoma brucei Homologue of Regulator of Ribosome Synthesis 1 (Rrs1) Has Direct Interactions with Essential Trypanosome-Specific ProteinsTrypanosoma brucei is a parasite responsible for human and animal African trypanosomiasis. Current treatments for these diseases have numerous problems, and the development of novel chemotherapeutics can be achieved by identifying targets that are parasite specific and part of essential processes. Ribosome biogenesis is the process of generating translation-competent...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologySAMHD1 Regulates Human Papillomavirus 16-Induced Cell Proliferation and Viral Replication during Differentiation of KeratinocytesHPVs are causative agents in human cancers and are responsible for around of 5% of all cancers. A better understanding of the viral life cycle in keratinocytes will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics to combat HPV-positive cancers. Here, we present a unique keratinocyte model to identify host proteins that specifically interact with HPV16. Using this system, we report that a cellular gene, SAMHD1, is regulated by HPV16 at...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyThe Aspergillus fumigatus Mismatch Repair MSH2 Homolog Is Important for Virulence and Azole ResistanceInvasive aspergillosis (IA) has emerged as one of the most common life-threatening fungal diseases in immunocompromised patients, with mortality rates as high as 90%. Systemic fungal infections such as IA are usually treated with triazoles; however, epidemiological research has shown that the prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates has increased...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyContribution of Cytidine Deaminase to Thymidylate Biosynthesis in Trypanosoma brucei: Intracellular Localization and Properties of the EnzymeCytidine deaminases (CDAs) catalyze the hydrolytic deamination of cytidine and deoxycytidine in the pyrimidine salvage pathway. In kinetoplastids, pyrimidine metabolism has been extensively studied as a source of potential drug targets, given the fact that many of the enzymes of the pathway are essential. Thymidylate (dTMP) synthesis in Trypanosoma brucei exhibits...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyThe Cross Talk between TbTim50 and PIP39, Two Aspartate-Based Protein Phosphatases, Maintains Cellular Homeostasis in Trypanosoma bruceiTrypanosoma brucei, the infectious agent of African trypanosomiasis, must adapt to strikingly different host environments during its digenetic life cycle. Developmental regulation of mitochondrial activities is an essential part of these processes. We have shown previously that mitochondrial inner membrane protein translocase 50 in...
Research Article | Applied and Environmental ScienceDynamics of Bacterial Community and Fermentation Quality during Ensiling of Wilted and Unwilted Moringa oleifera Leaf Silage with or without Lactic Acid Bacterial InoculantsMoringa oleifera leaf is a high-quality feed source for livestock and is increasingly used all over the world. Ensiling might be an effective method for preservation of the leaves. In the practice of silage making, lactic acid bacterial inoculants and wilting are commonly used to improve nutrition preservation. Monitoring the changes in a bacterial community during fermentation gives an insight into understanding and improving...