Aminoglycoside produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It is used as an anthelmintic against swine infections by large roundworms, nodular worms, and whipworms.
Cinnamates are organic compounds that contain a cinnamic acid moiety, widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as esters, with various applications ranging from UV absorbers to local anesthetics and antimicrobial agents.
A class of enzymes that inactivate aminocyclitol-aminoglycoside antibiotics (AMINOGLYCOSIDES) by regiospecific PHOSPHORYLATION of the 3' and/or 5' hydroxyl.
A complex of antibiotic substances produced by Streptomyces tenebrarius.
Change brought about to an organisms genetic composition by unidirectional transfer (TRANSFECTION; TRANSDUCTION, GENETIC; CONJUGATION, GENETIC, etc.) and incorporation of foreign DNA into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells by recombination of part or all of that DNA into the cell's genome.
A genus of RNA protozoan viruses of the family TOTIVIRIDAE. Several different strains of Leishmania are infected by a variety of viral species. The type species is Leishmania RNA virus 1-1.
A group of enzymes that transfers a phosphate group onto an alcohol group acceptor. EC 2.7.1.
A rather large group of enzymes comprising not only those transferring phosphate but also diphosphate, nucleotidyl residues, and others. These have also been subdivided according to the acceptor group. (From Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 2.7.
The ability of microorganisms, especially bacteria, to resist or to become tolerant to chemotherapeutic agents, antimicrobial agents, or antibiotics. This resistance may be acquired through gene mutation or foreign DNA in transmissible plasmids (R FACTORS).
Substances that reduce the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA.
A species of gram-negative, aerobic bacteria isolated from soil and the stems, leafs, and roots of plants. Some biotypes are pathogenic and cause the formation of PLANT TUMORS in a wide variety of higher plants. The species is a major research tool in biotechnology.
A genus of bacteria that form a nonfragmented aerial mycelium. Many species have been identified with some being pathogenic. This genus is responsible for producing a majority of the ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENTS of practical value.
Extrachromosomal, usually CIRCULAR DNA molecules that are self-replicating and transferable from one organism to another. They are found in a variety of bacterial, archaeal, fungal, algal, and plant species. They are used in GENETIC ENGINEERING as CLONING VECTORS.
Glycosylated compounds in which there is an amino substituent on the glycoside. Some of them are clinically important ANTIBIOTICS.
A species of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria (GRAM-NEGATIVE FACULTATIVELY ANAEROBIC RODS) commonly found in the lower part of the intestine of warm-blooded animals. It is usually nonpathogenic, but some strains are known to produce DIARRHEA and pyogenic infections. Pathogenic strains (virotypes) are classified by their specific pathogenic mechanisms such as toxins (ENTEROTOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI), etc.
DNA molecules capable of autonomous replication within a host cell and into which other DNA sequences can be inserted and thus amplified. Many are derived from PLASMIDS; BACTERIOPHAGES; or VIRUSES. They are used for transporting foreign genes into recipient cells. Genetic vectors possess a functional replicator site and contain GENETIC MARKERS to facilitate their selective recognition.

NMD3 encodes an essential cytoplasmic protein required for stable 60S ribosomal subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. (1/244)

A mutation in NMD3 was found to be lethal in the absence of XRN1, which encodes the major cytoplasmic exoribonuclease responsible for mRNA turnover. Molecular genetic analysis of NMD3 revealed that it is an essential gene required for stable 60S ribosomal subunits. Cells bearing a temperature-sensitive allele of NMD3 had decreased levels of 60S subunits at the nonpermissive temperature which resulted in the formation of half-mer polysomes. Pulse-chase analysis of rRNA biogenesis indicated that 25S rRNA was made and processed with kinetics similar to wild-type kinetics. However, the mature RNA was rapidly degraded, with a half-life of 4 min. Nmd3p fractionated as a cytoplasmic protein and sedimented in the position of free 60S subunits in sucrose gradients. These results suggest that Nmd3p is a cytoplasmic factor required for a late cytoplasmic assembly step of the 60S subunit but is not a ribosomal protein. Putative orthologs of Nmd3p exist in Drosophila, in nematodes, and in archaebacteria but not in eubacteria. The Nmd3 protein sequence does not contain readily recognizable motifs of known function. However, these proteins all have an amino-terminal domain containing four repeats of Cx2C, reminiscent of zinc-binding proteins, implicated in nucleic acid binding or protein oligomerization.  (+info)

Recombination between two identical sequences within the same retroviral RNA molecule. (2/244)

As a consequence of being diploid viruses, members of the Retroviridae have a high recombination rate. To measure recombination between two identical sequences within the same RNA molecule per round of retroviral replication cycle, a murine leukemia virus based vector (JZ442 + 3' Hyg) has been constructed. It carries a drug resistance gene, hyg, and a 290-bp repeat sequence of the 3' hyg gene inserted into the 3' untranslated region of the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp). Under fluorescence microscopy, Hygr cells containing the recombinant proviruses were clear, while a green color was observed in the drug-resistant cells carrying the parental proviruses. The rate of recombination was determined by the ratio of the number of clear colonies to the total number of Hygr colonies (green and clear colonies). The rate of recombination was found to be 62% by this method. The intermolecular recombination rate between an infectious virus bearing two copies of the 290-bp segment and a noninfectious chimeric RNA virus containing only a single copy of this sequence was also measured.  (+info)

Transposition of IS117 of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) in Mycobacterium smegmatis. (3/244)

Derivatives of IS117, the Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) 2.6 kb minicircle, transpose efficiently in Mycobacterium smegmatis, targeting chromosomal sites resembling translation start signals. Two IS117 derivatives, pIJ4696 and pIJ4697, containing a Streptomyces hygromycin-resistance gene in opposite orientations were introduced into M. smegmatis by electroporation and found to integrate into one of three specific sites. Integrations at sites A and B were frequent while integration at site C was observed only once. Only one site was occupied in each transformant. Sites A and B had either single or tandem integrations. PFGE analysis located these sites on different genomic Asel fragments. The sequences of the chromosome-IS117 junctions confirmed that integration was via the same IS117 attachment site as in Streptomyces, that there was no target site duplication, and that the orientation of IS117 at each site was fixed. In contrast to the situation in Streptomyces lividans, no deletions were created by the transposition and no circular forms could be detected. Comparison of the three M. smegmatis chromosomal 15117 target sites (attB) with known primary and secondary S. lividans attB sites showed that only a 2 bp 'AG' sequence at the crossover point was conserved. Dividing the attB sites into two groups produced two longer consensus target sites, GtcAAGg and gCCGATAGg. Most of the IS117 target sites resemble translational start sites, and site C resembles strongly the amino-terminal sequence of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis aminopeptidase. The level of hygromycin resistance in the transformants was high and independent of the site of integration, the number of copies integrated, or the orientation of the hyg gene. pIJ4696 at all three sites was stable in M. smegmatis in the absence of selection for at least 60 cell divisions. pIJ4696, pIJ4697 and other IS117 derivatives are promising vectors for the stable, integrative cloning of genes in M. smegmatis.  (+info)

Enhancer-blocking activity within the DNase I hypersensitive site 2 to 6 region between the TCR alpha and Dad1 genes. (4/244)

Although tightly linked, the TCR alpha and delta genes are expressed specifically in T lymphocytes, whereas the Dad1 gene is ubiquitously expressed. Between TCR alpha and Dad1 are eight DNase I hypersensitive sites (HS). HS1 colocalizes with the TCR alpha enhancer (Ealpha) and is T cell-specific; HS2, -3, -4, -5, and -6 map downstream of HS1 and are tissue-nonspecific. The region spanning HS2-6 was reported to display chromatin-opening activity and to confer copy number-dependent and integration site-independent transgene expression in transgenic mice. Here, we demonstrate that HS2-6 also displays enhancer-blocking activity, as it can block an enhancer from activating a promoter when located between the two in a chromatin-integrated context, and can do so without repressing either the enhancer or the promoter. Multiple enhancer-blocking elements are arrayed across HS2-6. We show that HS2-6 by itself does not activate transcription in chromatin context, but can synergize with an enhancer when located upstream of an enhancer and promoter. We propose that HS2-6 primarily functions as an insulator or boundary element that may be critical for the autonomous regulation of the TCR alpha and Dad1 genes.  (+info)

Control of variant surface glycoprotein gene-expression sites in Trypanosoma brucei. (5/244)

Trypanosoma brucei has 20 similar telomeric-expression sites for variant surface glycoprotein genes. Expression sites appear to be controlled at the level of transcription initiation, resulting in only one site being active at any time. Switching between expression sites occurs at a low rate. To analyse the switching mechanism, we used trypanosomes with two expression sites tagged with two different drug-resistance genes and selected these on agarose plates containing both drugs. Double-resistant clones arose at a low frequency of 10(-7) per cell, but these behaved as if they rapidly switched between the two tagged expression sites and lost double resistance in the absence of selection. Using in situ hybridization we found that only 10% of the double-resistant cells had two fluorescent spots corresponding to transcribed expression sites. Our results suggest that: (i) a double expressor is not a stable intermediate in expression site switching; (ii) expression sites are not independently switched on and off; and (iii) expression sites can be in a 'pre-active' silent state from which they can be readily activated.  (+info)

Genetic study of interactions between the cytoskeletal assembly protein sla1 and prion-forming domain of the release factor Sup35 (eRF3) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. (6/244)

Striking similarities between cytoskeletal assembly and the "nucleated polymerization" model of prion propagation suggest that similar or overlapping sets of proteins may assist in both processes. We show that the C-terminal domain of the yeast cytoskeletal assembly protein Sla1 (Sla1C) specifically interacts with the N-terminal prion-forming domain (Sup35N) of the yeast release factor Sup35 (eRF3) in the two-hybrid system. Sla1C and several other Sup35N-interacting proteins also exhibit two-hybrid interactions with the poly-Gln-expanded N-proximal fragment of human huntingtin, which promotes Huntington disease-associated aggregation. The Sup35N-Sla1C interaction is inhibited by Sup35N alterations that make Sup35 unable to propagate the [PSI(+)] state and by the absence of the chaperone protein Hsp104, which is essential for [PSI] propagation. In a Sla1(-) background, [PSI] curing by dimethylsulfoxide or excess Hsp104 is increased, while translational readthrough and de novo [PSI] formation induced by excess Sup35 or Sup35N are decreased. These data show that, in agreement with the proposed function of Sla1 during cytoskeletal formation, Sla1 assists in [PSI] formation and propagation, but is not required for these processes. Sla1(-) strains are sensitive to some translational inhibitors, and some sup35 mutants, obtained in a Sla1(-) background, are sensitive to Sla1, suggesting that the interaction between Sla1 and Sup35 proteins may play a role in the normal function of the translational apparatus. We hypothesize that Sup35N is involved in regulatory interactions with intracellular structural networks, and [PSI] prion may be formed as a by-product of this process.  (+info)

Apoptotic conversion: evidence for exchange of genetic information between prostate cancer cells mediated by apoptosis. (7/244)

Changes in the outer membrane of apoptotic cells can induce neighboring cells to become phagocytic. Using genetically marked prostate cancer cell lines, we explored the possibility that genetic information might be transferred from an apoptotic cell to a phagocytic neighbor. Neomycin-resistant LNCaP cells that overexpress bcl-2 (LNCaP(bcl-2/neo-r)) were cocultured with hygromycin-resistant LNCaP cells (LNCaP(hygr-r)). The cocultures were then transiently exposed to serum starvation to induce apoptosis of LNCaP(hygr-r) cells. Surviving cells were then coselected in medium containing both antibiotics. Whereas monocultures of LNCaP(bcl-2/neo-r) or LNCaP(hygr-r) treated this way yielded no colonies, cocultures yielded dual-antibiotic-resistant clones at a frequency of approximately 1 in 10(5). Pre-exposure to an apoptotic agent was required; cocultures not exposed to serum starvation yielded no dual-selectable colonies. Analysis of DNA extracted from a dual-resistant clone demonstrated that the restriction endonuclease pattern of the neo-r gene was unaltered when compared with the parental LNCaP(bcl-2/neo-r). However the hygr-r gene demonstrated an altered restriction endonuclease pattern in the dual-resistant derivative compared with the parental LNCaP(hygr-r) cell line. This is evidence that genetic information can be transferred from one prostate cancer cell to another through the process of apoptosis, and we term this form of genetic transfer "apoptotic conversion."  (+info)

Molecular analysis of the Candida albicans homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNN9, required for glycosylation of cell wall mannoproteins. (8/244)

The fungal cell wall has generated interest as a potential target for developing antifungal drugs, and the genes encoding glucan and chitin in fungal pathogens have been studied to this end. Mannoproteins, the third major component of the cell wall, contain mannose in either O- or N-glycosidic linkages. Here we describe the molecular analysis of the Candida albicans homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNN9, a gene required for the synthesis of N-linked outer-chain mannan in yeast, and the phenotypes associated with its disruption. CaMNN9 has significant homology with S. cerevisiae MNN9, including a putative N-terminal transmembrane domain, and represents a member of a similar gene family in Candida. CaMNN9 resides on chromosome 3 and is expressed at similar levels in both yeast and hyphal cells. Disruption of both copies of CaMNN9 leads to phenotypic effects characteristic of cell wall defects including poor growth in liquid media and on solid media, formation of aggregates in liquid culture, osmotic sensitivity, aberrant hyphal formation, and increased sensitivity to lysis after treatment with beta-1,3-glucanase. Like all members of the S. cerevisiae MNN9 gene family the Camnn9Delta strain is resistant to sodium orthovanadate and sensitive to hygromycin B. Analysis of cell wall-associated carbohydrates showed the Camnn9Delta strain to contain half the amount of mannan present in cell walls derived from the wild-type parent strain. Reverse transcription-PCR and Northern analysis of the expression of MNN9 gene family members CaVAN1 and CaANP1 in the Camnn9Delta strain showed that transcription of those genes is not affected in the absence of CaMNN9 transcription. Our results suggest that, while the role MNN9 plays in glycosylation in both Candida and Saccharomyces is conserved, loss of MNN9 function in C. albicans leads to phenotypes that are inconsistent with the pathogenicity of the organism and thus identify CaMnn9p as a potential drug target.  (+info)

Hygromycin B is an antibiotic that is primarily used in research and agriculture. It is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus and is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some eukaryotic cells. In medicine, it is not commonly used due to its toxicity to mammalian cells.

In a laboratory setting, Hygromycin B is often used as a selection agent in molecular biology to ensure the growth of only those cells that have been genetically modified to express resistance to the antibiotic. This is typically achieved through the introduction of a gene that confers resistance to Hygromycin B.

In agriculture, it is used to control bacterial and fungal infections in plants. However, its use is restricted in some countries due to concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance and potential harm to non-target organisms.

Cinnamates are organic compounds that are derived from cinnamic acid. They contain a carbon ring with a double bond and a carboxylic acid group, making them aromatic acids. Cinnamates are widely used in the perfume industry due to their pleasant odor, and they also have various applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

In a medical context, cinnamates may be used as topical medications for the treatment of skin conditions such as fungal infections or inflammation. For example, cinnamate esters such as cinoxacin and ciclopirox are commonly used as antifungal agents in creams, lotions, and shampoos. These compounds work by disrupting the cell membranes of fungi, leading to their death.

Cinnamates may also have potential therapeutic benefits for other medical conditions. For instance, some studies suggest that cinnamate derivatives may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making them promising candidates for the development of new drugs to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and determine their safety and efficacy in humans.

Kanamycin Kinase is not a widely recognized medical term, but it is a concept from the field of microbiology. It refers to an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that catalyzes the phosphorylation of kanamycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The phosphorylation of kanamycin inactivates its antibacterial activity, making it less effective against those bacteria that produce this kinase. This is one mechanism by which some bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

I apologize for the confusion, but "Nebramycin" is not a recognized term in medicine or pharmacology. It's possible there may be a spelling error or it could be a less known or obsolete term. If you meant "Neomycin," I can provide the definition:

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, which is used primarily to treat various types of infections caused by bacteria. It functions by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and leading to bacterial cell death. Neomycin is not typically used systemically due to its potential for kidney and ear toxicity. Instead, it's often used topically in the form of creams, ointments, or eye drops, or as an oral medication for intestinal bacteria before certain surgeries.

Genetic transformation is the process by which an organism's genetic material is altered or modified, typically through the introduction of foreign DNA. This can be achieved through various techniques such as:

* Gene transfer using vectors like plasmids, phages, or artificial chromosomes
* Direct uptake of naked DNA using methods like electroporation or chemically-mediated transfection
* Use of genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce precise changes into the organism's genome.

The introduced DNA may come from another individual of the same species (cisgenic), from a different species (transgenic), or even be synthetically designed. The goal of genetic transformation is often to introduce new traits, functions, or characteristics that do not exist naturally in the organism, or to correct genetic defects.

This technique has broad applications in various fields, including molecular biology, biotechnology, and medical research, where it can be used to study gene function, develop genetically modified organisms (GMOs), create cell lines for drug screening, and even potentially treat genetic diseases through gene therapy.

I'm sorry for any confusion, but there seems to be a mistake in your question. "Leishmaniavirus" is not a term used in medical literature or recognized as a medical condition. Leishmania, however, refers to a genus of protozoan parasites that can cause a group of diseases known as leishmaniasis in humans and animals. If you have any questions about Leishmania or leishmaniasis, I would be happy to help clarify those for you.

Phosphotransferases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule. This reaction is essential for various cellular processes, including energy metabolism, signal transduction, and biosynthesis.

The systematic name for this group of enzymes is phosphotransferase, which is derived from the general reaction they catalyze: D-donor + A-acceptor = D-donor minus phosphate + A-phosphate. The donor molecule can be a variety of compounds, such as ATP or a phosphorylated protein, while the acceptor molecule is typically a compound that becomes phosphorylated during the reaction.

Phosphotransferases are classified into several subgroups based on the type of donor and acceptor molecules they act upon. For example, kinases are a subgroup of phosphotransferases that transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a protein or other organic compound. Phosphatases, another subgroup, remove phosphate groups from molecules by transferring them to water.

Overall, phosphotransferases play a critical role in regulating many cellular functions and are important targets for drug development in various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.

Microbial drug resistance is a significant medical issue that refers to the ability of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) to withstand or survive exposure to drugs or medications designed to kill them or limit their growth. This phenomenon has become a major global health concern, particularly in the context of bacterial infections, where it is also known as antibiotic resistance.

Drug resistance arises due to genetic changes in microorganisms that enable them to modify or bypass the effects of antimicrobial agents. These genetic alterations can be caused by mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. The resistant microbes then replicate and multiply, forming populations that are increasingly difficult to eradicate with conventional treatments.

The consequences of drug-resistant infections include increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and the potential for widespread outbreaks. Factors contributing to the emergence and spread of microbial drug resistance include the overuse or misuse of antimicrobials, poor infection control practices, and inadequate surveillance systems.

To address this challenge, it is crucial to promote prudent antibiotic use, strengthen infection prevention and control measures, develop new antimicrobial agents, and invest in research to better understand the mechanisms underlying drug resistance.

Anti-bacterial agents, also known as antibiotics, are a type of medication used to treat infections caused by bacteria. These agents work by either killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth and reproduction. There are several different classes of anti-bacterial agents, including penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and tetracyclines, among others. Each class of antibiotic has a specific mechanism of action and is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections. It's important to note that anti-bacterial agents are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is a significant global health concern.

'Agrobacterium tumefaciens' is a gram-negative, soil-dwelling bacterium that is known for its ability to cause plant tumors or crown galls. It does this through the transfer and integration of a segment of DNA called the Ti (Tumor-inducing) plasmid into the plant's genome. This transferred DNA includes genes that encode enzymes for the production of opines, which serve as a nutrient source for the bacterium, and genes that cause unregulated plant cell growth leading to tumor formation.

This unique ability of 'Agrobacterium tumefaciens' to transfer and integrate foreign DNA into plants has been exploited in genetic engineering to create transgenic plants with desired traits. The Ti plasmid is often used as a vector to introduce new genes into the plant genome, making it an essential tool in plant biotechnology.

Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive, aerobic, saprophytic bacteria that are widely distributed in soil, water, and decaying organic matter. They are known for their complex morphology, forming branching filaments called hyphae that can differentiate into long chains of spores.

Streptomyces species are particularly notable for their ability to produce a wide variety of bioactive secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, antifungals, and other therapeutic compounds. In fact, many important antibiotics such as streptomycin, neomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin are derived from Streptomyces species.

Because of their industrial importance in the production of antibiotics and other bioactive compounds, Streptomyces have been extensively studied and are considered model organisms for the study of bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and ecology.

A plasmid is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is separate from the chromosomal DNA of a bacterium or other organism. Plasmids are typically not essential for the survival of the organism, but they can confer beneficial traits such as antibiotic resistance or the ability to degrade certain types of pollutants.

Plasmids are capable of replicating independently of the chromosomal DNA and can be transferred between bacteria through a process called conjugation. They often contain genes that provide resistance to antibiotics, heavy metals, and other environmental stressors. Plasmids have also been engineered for use in molecular biology as cloning vectors, allowing scientists to replicate and manipulate specific DNA sequences.

Plasmids are important tools in genetic engineering and biotechnology because they can be easily manipulated and transferred between organisms. They have been used to produce vaccines, diagnostic tests, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for various applications, including agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that are derived from bacteria and are used to treat various types of infections caused by gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria. These antibiotics work by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which inhibits protein synthesis and ultimately leads to bacterial cell death.

Some examples of aminoglycosides include gentamicin, tobramycin, neomycin, and streptomycin. These antibiotics are often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat severe infections, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Aminoglycosides can have serious side effects, including kidney damage and hearing loss, so they are typically reserved for use in serious infections that cannot be treated with other antibiotics. They are also used topically to treat skin infections and prevent wound infections after surgery.

It's important to note that aminoglycosides should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as improper use can lead to antibiotic resistance and further health complications.

'Escherichia coli' (E. coli) is a type of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that commonly inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals. It is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae and one of the most well-studied prokaryotic model organisms in molecular biology.

While most E. coli strains are harmless and even beneficial to their hosts, some serotypes can cause various forms of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal illnesses in humans and animals. These pathogenic strains possess virulence factors that enable them to colonize and damage host tissues, leading to diseases such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.

E. coli is a versatile organism with remarkable genetic diversity, which allows it to adapt to various environmental niches. It can be found in water, soil, food, and various man-made environments, making it an essential indicator of fecal contamination and a common cause of foodborne illnesses. The study of E. coli has contributed significantly to our understanding of fundamental biological processes, including DNA replication, gene regulation, and protein synthesis.

A genetic vector is a vehicle, often a plasmid or a virus, that is used to introduce foreign DNA into a host cell as part of genetic engineering or gene therapy techniques. The vector contains the desired gene or genes, along with regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers, which are needed for the expression of the gene in the target cells.

The choice of vector depends on several factors, including the size of the DNA to be inserted, the type of cell to be targeted, and the efficiency of uptake and expression required. Commonly used vectors include plasmids, adenoviruses, retroviruses, and lentiviruses.

Plasmids are small circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently in bacteria. They are often used as cloning vectors to amplify and manipulate DNA fragments. Adenoviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that infect a wide range of host cells, including human cells. They are commonly used as gene therapy vectors because they can efficiently transfer genes into both dividing and non-dividing cells.

Retroviruses and lentiviruses are RNA viruses that integrate their genetic material into the host cell's genome. This allows for stable expression of the transgene over time. Lentiviruses, a subclass of retroviruses, have the advantage of being able to infect non-dividing cells, making them useful for gene therapy applications in post-mitotic tissues such as neurons and muscle cells.

Overall, genetic vectors play a crucial role in modern molecular biology and medicine, enabling researchers to study gene function, develop new therapies, and modify organisms for various purposes.

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