Oral Delivery of Protein Drugs
from Müller, 2011
The pathogenesis of common diseases, such as metabolic diseases, is caused by the complex and individual interplay of many susceptibility genes, which necessitates both personalized diagnosis and therapy. Small-molecule drugs which adequately address the multiple tissue-specific target proteins affected probably will not become available in near future. In contrast, therapeutic proteins, such as growth factors and antibodies, specifically replacing or inactivating the corresponding susceptibility gene products, are currently being identified with increasing efficacy. However, the failure to be administered by the oral route and to reach the cytoplasm of the diseased cells typically prevents their therapeutic use. Recent developments suggest that these limitations may be overcome by encapsulation of therapeutic proteins into nanoparticles or their covalent modification with glycolipid (glycosylphosphatidylinositol, GPI) structures. These act as membrane anchors for so-called GPI-anchored proteins and direct certain attached passenger proteins from lipid raft areas of the plasma membrane via cytoplasmic lipid droplets into small vesicles. These leave the donor cells and transfer the GPI-anchored proteins into the cytoplasm of acceptor cells. This pathway may enable the transport of therapeutic proteins across the intestinal barrier into the circulation and eventually across the plasma membrane of the diseased target cells. For therapy, a number of challenges remains to be tackled, in particular, control of release from the GPI anchor which determines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Together these findings nourish the hope that oral path finding to drug targets by encapsulation and covalent modification of therapeutic proteins may enable personalized therapy of common diseases read more ...
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. (2011) 13: 13-24
The pathogenesis of common diseases, such as metabolic diseases, is caused by the complex and individual interplay of many susceptibility genes, which necessitates both personalized diagnosis and therapy. Small-molecule drugs which adequately address the multiple tissue-specific target proteins affected probably will not become available in near future. In contrast, therapeutic proteins, such as growth factors and antibodies, specifically replacing or inactivating the corresponding susceptibility gene products, are currently being identified with increasing efficacy. However, the failure to be administered by the oral route and to reach the cytoplasm of the diseased cells typically prevents their therapeutic use. Recent developments suggest that these limitations may be overcome by encapsulation of therapeutic proteins into nanoparticles or their covalent modification with glycolipid (glycosylphosphatidylinositol, GPI) structures. These act as membrane anchors for so-called GPI-anchored proteins and direct certain attached passenger proteins from lipid raft areas of the plasma membrane via cytoplasmic lipid droplets into small vesicles. These leave the donor cells and transfer the GPI-anchored proteins into the cytoplasm of acceptor cells. This pathway may enable the transport of therapeutic proteins across the intestinal barrier into the circulation and eventually across the plasma membrane of the diseased target cells. For therapy, a number of challenges remains to be tackled, in particular, control of release from the GPI anchor which determines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Together these findings nourish the hope that oral path finding to drug targets by encapsulation and covalent modification of therapeutic proteins may enable personalized therapy of common diseases read more ...
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. (2011) 13: 13-24
Nucleocapsid of Herpes Simplex Virus
Category: Virology
from James F. Conway and Fred L. Homa writing in Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology:
The herpes simplex virion consists of an external membrane envelope, a proteinaceous layer called the tegument, and an icosahedral capsid containing the double-stranded linear DNA genome. The capsid shell is 125 nm in diameter and consists of 162 capsomers (150 hexons, 11 pentons and a portal) which lie on a T=16 icosahedral lattice. The capsid shell consists of four major structural proteins VP5, VP19C, VP23 and VP26 which are the products of the HSV UL19, UL38, UL18 and UL35 genes. In addition to the four major structural proteins the HSV-1 capsid contains a number of minor capsid proteins. These include the UL6, UL15, UL17, UL25, UL28 and UL33 proteins, all of which (along with the HSV-1 UL32 protein) are required for the processing and packaging of replicated viral DNA into preformed capsid shells. The UL6, UL17, UL25 and UL33 proteins remain associated with DNA containing capsids while UL15 and UL28 do not. A recent review summarizes the present knowledge with respect to how the capsid is assembled, how DNA is packaged and what is known about the role of the seven packaging proteins in this process. In addition, recent advances in our understanding the structure of the four distinct types of capsids that are present in HSV infected cells as determined by three dimensional image reconstructions from cryo¬-electron microscopy (cryoEM) are presented and discussed.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
The herpes simplex virion consists of an external membrane envelope, a proteinaceous layer called the tegument, and an icosahedral capsid containing the double-stranded linear DNA genome. The capsid shell is 125 nm in diameter and consists of 162 capsomers (150 hexons, 11 pentons and a portal) which lie on a T=16 icosahedral lattice. The capsid shell consists of four major structural proteins VP5, VP19C, VP23 and VP26 which are the products of the HSV UL19, UL38, UL18 and UL35 genes. In addition to the four major structural proteins the HSV-1 capsid contains a number of minor capsid proteins. These include the UL6, UL15, UL17, UL25, UL28 and UL33 proteins, all of which (along with the HSV-1 UL32 protein) are required for the processing and packaging of replicated viral DNA into preformed capsid shells. The UL6, UL17, UL25 and UL33 proteins remain associated with DNA containing capsids while UL15 and UL28 do not. A recent review summarizes the present knowledge with respect to how the capsid is assembled, how DNA is packaged and what is known about the role of the seven packaging proteins in this process. In addition, recent advances in our understanding the structure of the four distinct types of capsids that are present in HSV infected cells as determined by three dimensional image reconstructions from cryo¬-electron microscopy (cryoEM) are presented and discussed.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Herpes Simplex Virus Entry
Category: Virology
from Roselyn J. Eisenberg, Ekaterina E. Heldwein, Gary H. Cohen and Claude Krummenacher writing in Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology:
Membrane fusion allows exchange of materials between cellular compartments enclosed by lipid membranes. Similarly, entry of enveloped viruses into cells allows the viral contents to be delivered by fusion of the envelope with a target cell membrane. Fusion requires disruption of both layers of the two membranes. For most enveloped viruses, a single surface glycoprotein undergoes conformational changes that bring the bilayer of the virus in proximity with that of the host cell and fusion ensues. In contrast, herpesvirus entry requires three virion glycoproteins, gB and a gH/gL heterodimer, that function as the core fusion machinery. Some herpesviruses require additional proteins, e.g. alphaherpesviruses (with a few exceptions) initiate fusion by binding of glycoprotein gD to a cell receptor. A conformational change then exposes the normally hidden receptor binding residues of gD. This change and/or the exposed residues trigger gB and gH/gL to effect virus-cell and cell-cell fusion. Because of the multiplicity of proteins involved in HSV entry as opposed to entry of enveloped RNA viruses, it has been difficult to unravel the mechanism of how the four entry glycoproteins function. Some favor formation of a multiprotein fusion complex while others suggest it may be more of a stepwise process. Solution of the structures of all four entry proteins, coupled with existing and new information has solved much of this mystery. We now have a much better idea of the outline of the process, but the challenge for the future will be to fill in important details. It is clear that entry of HSV occurs in an exquisitely regulated stepwise process that begins with binding of gD to a receptor, activation of the regulatory protein gH/gL which in turn up-regulates the fusogenic activity of gB. Thus, in some ways, HSV entry is remarkably similar overall to entry by simpler RNA viruses, such as influenza. A single fusion protein gB carries out fusion. What distinguishes HSV entry is the double regulation of this process.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Membrane fusion allows exchange of materials between cellular compartments enclosed by lipid membranes. Similarly, entry of enveloped viruses into cells allows the viral contents to be delivered by fusion of the envelope with a target cell membrane. Fusion requires disruption of both layers of the two membranes. For most enveloped viruses, a single surface glycoprotein undergoes conformational changes that bring the bilayer of the virus in proximity with that of the host cell and fusion ensues. In contrast, herpesvirus entry requires three virion glycoproteins, gB and a gH/gL heterodimer, that function as the core fusion machinery. Some herpesviruses require additional proteins, e.g. alphaherpesviruses (with a few exceptions) initiate fusion by binding of glycoprotein gD to a cell receptor. A conformational change then exposes the normally hidden receptor binding residues of gD. This change and/or the exposed residues trigger gB and gH/gL to effect virus-cell and cell-cell fusion. Because of the multiplicity of proteins involved in HSV entry as opposed to entry of enveloped RNA viruses, it has been difficult to unravel the mechanism of how the four entry glycoproteins function. Some favor formation of a multiprotein fusion complex while others suggest it may be more of a stepwise process. Solution of the structures of all four entry proteins, coupled with existing and new information has solved much of this mystery. We now have a much better idea of the outline of the process, but the challenge for the future will be to fill in important details. It is clear that entry of HSV occurs in an exquisitely regulated stepwise process that begins with binding of gD to a receptor, activation of the regulatory protein gH/gL which in turn up-regulates the fusogenic activity of gB. Thus, in some ways, HSV entry is remarkably similar overall to entry by simpler RNA viruses, such as influenza. A single fusion protein gB carries out fusion. What distinguishes HSV entry is the double regulation of this process.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Translational Control in Herpes Simplex Virus-infected Cells
Category: Virology | Regulation
from Ian Mohr writing in Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology:
Like all viruses, alpha-herpesviruses are completely reliant upon the protein synthesis machinery resident in their host cells. In particular, viral mRNAs must effectively compete with cellular mRNAs to engage ribosomes. To ensure high-level production of the polypeptides required for their lytic replication, multiple independent gene products expressed by the model α-herpesvirus HSV-1 effectively seize control of critical host cell translational control pathways. Surprisingly, while host protein synthesis is profoundly suppressed by global changes in mRNA metabolism, the assembly of a multi-subunit, cap-binding translation initiation factor complex required to recruit 40S subunits to mRNA is directly stimulated. This involves both inactivation of a cellular translational repressor by viral functions, and direct interaction between specific viral proteins and select cellular translation initiation factors. In addition to their dependence on cellular components required for mRNA translation, virus-encoded functions must preserve its activity by neutralizing potent host responses capable of incapacitating the translation machinery, one of which senses stress within the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and another of which functions as a host innate defense component by sensing double-stranded RNA, a molecular signature of viral infection. A recent review discusses in detail the many virus-host interactions that are presently known to control translation in cells productively infected with HSV-1 and highlights recent developments in this area.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Like all viruses, alpha-herpesviruses are completely reliant upon the protein synthesis machinery resident in their host cells. In particular, viral mRNAs must effectively compete with cellular mRNAs to engage ribosomes. To ensure high-level production of the polypeptides required for their lytic replication, multiple independent gene products expressed by the model α-herpesvirus HSV-1 effectively seize control of critical host cell translational control pathways. Surprisingly, while host protein synthesis is profoundly suppressed by global changes in mRNA metabolism, the assembly of a multi-subunit, cap-binding translation initiation factor complex required to recruit 40S subunits to mRNA is directly stimulated. This involves both inactivation of a cellular translational repressor by viral functions, and direct interaction between specific viral proteins and select cellular translation initiation factors. In addition to their dependence on cellular components required for mRNA translation, virus-encoded functions must preserve its activity by neutralizing potent host responses capable of incapacitating the translation machinery, one of which senses stress within the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and another of which functions as a host innate defense component by sensing double-stranded RNA, a molecular signature of viral infection. A recent review discusses in detail the many virus-host interactions that are presently known to control translation in cells productively infected with HSV-1 and highlights recent developments in this area.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Herpes Simplex Virus Regulatory Protein ICP4
Category: Virology | Regulation
ICP4 is expressed from the HSV genome very early in infection. It is a large structurally complex nuclear phosphoprotein that is essential for viral growth largely due to its requirement for the transcriptional activation of most HSV early and late genes. It also acts a repressor of transcription under certain circumstances. The HSV genome is transcribed by RNA polII, and ICP4 interacts with components of the RNA polII transcription machinery to carry out is functions in transcription. The interactions that are important for its functions can be genetically defined implicating a modular composition of the ICP4 protein. ICP4 also plays a specific role in virus growth in sympathetic neurons implicating a specific function in pathogenesis. A recent review describes what is known about ICP4 from many genetic, biological and biochemical studies, from many laboratories.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Immunity to Varicella Zoster Virus
Category: Virology | Immunology
Of three human alphaherpesviruses, only Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) induces a lifelong immunity that protects against clinical signs of exogenous re-infection and, for most of the population, from any sign of reactivation from the latent state. The importance of VZV specific immunity is exemplified by its absence: severity and morbidity of the primary infection (varicella) and incidence of reactivated disease (zoster) are greatly increased in those with immune compromise, particularly those impaired in the cell mediated immune responses. The protection afforded by VZV specific immunity underlies successful live attenuated vaccines that have greatly impacted the incidence of varicella, and reduce the incidence, severity and complications of zoster. Consequently, the important components of VZV induced immunity and their contribution to the protective state has been well studied and is outlined in a recent review. Less is known of the strategies exploited by VZV to evade the innate and adaptive arms, but their activities are presumed to be critical to extend the life of the infected cell and to enhance viral production and dissemination. Evasion appears to include distinct strategies from those used by Herpes simplex viruses and includes expression of novel immune evasion proteins.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoproteins
Category: Virology
Varicella zoster virus has a smaller genome than herpes simplex virus and therefore encodes fewer glycoproteins. In a recent review nine VZV glycoproteins are profiled, including gE, gI, gC, gH, gL, gB, gK, gM, and gN. Although all VZV glycoproteins have HSV homologs, functions occasionally have greatly shifted. For example, VZV gE is the predominant VZV glycoprotein and exists as a monomer, dimer and trimer, as well as a gE/gI complex. VZV gE is essential, unlike HSV gE. Even though essential, mutations in gE had been detected in wild type VZV strains that exhibit an accelerated cell-spread phenotype. The VZV gC glycoprotein differs from HSV gC in that both transcription and translation of VZV gC are remarkably delayed in cultured cells; often VZV gC protein is difficult to detect altogether. The VZV gH/gL complex resembles the HSV gH/gL complex is that both are critical for virus induced fusion. Fusion is a prominent feature of VZV infected cells. Neutralization antibody to VZV gH dramatically reduces the spread of virus and limits pathogenesis in the skin. The VZV gB glycoprotein is also involved in virus-induced fusion. Of interest, four VZV glycoproteins (gE, gI, gH and gB) have functional endocytosis motifs in their cytoplasmic tail. Thus, all four are internalized from the cell surface in clathrin coated vesicles. This pathway appears critical for the process of virion envelopment in the assembly compartment. Even though abundant amounts of most glycoproteins are produced in cell culture, assembly of fully enveloped and infectious VZV particles rarely occurs. The particle:plaque forming unit ratio remains an extremely high 40,000:1. Likewise, the aberrant assembly process severely limits any assessment of egress mechanisms.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Varicella Zoster Virus Transcriptional Regulation
Category: Virology | Regulation
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) encodes three immediate-early proteins, IE4, IE62, and IE63; however, only IE62 has TAATGARAT-like sequences in its promoter which are present in the promoters of each of the herpes simplex virus immediate-early proteins. The TAATGARAT-like elements on the IE62 promoter bind to VZV ORF10 protein, Oct, and HCF-1. In addition, histone methyltransferases are recruited to the IE62 promoter to modify chromatin to a transcriptionally active form. VZV IE62, the major VZV transactivator binds to VZV IE4 and IE63, and Med25, part of the mediator complex which upregulates gene expression. VZV IE62, IE4, and IE63 are present in the viral tegument where they may help to regulate transcription early in infection. IE63 binds to several cellular proteins including ASF1 and RNA polymerase II. Two hypotheses have been proposed for regulation of VZV gene expression during latency. First, relocalization of HCF-1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of sensory ganglia in response to stimuli associated with reactivation may help to augment transcription of IE62 to reactivate VZV from latency. Second, promoters of latent genes are maintained in a euchromatic state allowing their transcription, while promoters of genes not associated with latency are in a heterochromatic state resulting in repression of transcription.
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Further reading: Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology
Iron Uptake Book Available
The new book on Iron Uptake and Homeostasis in Microorganisms edited by Pierre Cornelis and Simon C. Andrews has been published read more ...
read more ...
 | Edited by: Pierre Cornelis and Simon C. Andrews ISBN: 978-1-904455-65-3 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: June 2010 Cover: hardback |
Bifidobacteria Book Available
The new book on Bifidobacteria: Genomics and Molecular Aspects edited by Baltasar Mayo and Douwe van Sinderen has been published read more ...
read more ...
 | Edited by: Baltasar Mayo and Douwe van Sinderen ISBN: 978-1-904455-68-4 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: August 2010 Cover: hardback |
Biopolymers Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Microbial Production of Biopolymers and Polymer Precursors: Applications and Perspectives:
"The authors of this comprehensive review are internationally accepted specialists in the field of using microorganisms as a cell factory for biopolymers or special precursors of these polymers ... The editor and the authors have produced an excellent up-to date compendium which is extremely useful for all students of biotechnology, engineering and scientists in the biotechnological and microbiological branches and is recommended for all biotechnological and microbial laboratories and enterprises in this field. It should be available in libraries at universities, research institutes and biotechnological companies and is further strongly recommended to all those who are interested in life sciences." from Uta Breuer (Halle, Germany) writing in Clean (2009) 37(6): 414 read more ...
"The authors of this comprehensive review are internationally accepted specialists in the field of using microorganisms as a cell factory for biopolymers or special precursors of these polymers ... The editor and the authors have produced an excellent up-to date compendium which is extremely useful for all students of biotechnology, engineering and scientists in the biotechnological and microbiological branches and is recommended for all biotechnological and microbial laboratories and enterprises in this field. It should be available in libraries at universities, research institutes and biotechnological companies and is further strongly recommended to all those who are interested in life sciences." from Uta Breuer (Halle, Germany) writing in Clean (2009) 37(6): 414 read more ...
 | Edited by: Bernd H. A. Rehm "an excellent up-to date compendium ... strongly recommended" (Clean)ISBN: 978-1-904455-36-3 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2009 Cover: hardback |
ABC Transporters Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of ABC Transporters in Microorganisms:
"a good text book for basic science researchers in the area of multiple drugs resistant (MDR) proteins or microbiology. This book comprehensively discusses various types of ABC transporters and their implications for microorganisms such as bacterial, yeast, fungi, and parasites ... extensive information regarding biological structure, molecular machineries ... and cellular functions ... this book offers valuable resources and may provide insights into the unknown functions and physiological roe of ABC transporters in humans" from Dr YS Loh (University of Sydney, Australia) writing in Aus. J. Med. Sci. (2010) 31(2): 73 read more ...
"a good text book for basic science researchers in the area of multiple drugs resistant (MDR) proteins or microbiology. This book comprehensively discusses various types of ABC transporters and their implications for microorganisms such as bacterial, yeast, fungi, and parasites ... extensive information regarding biological structure, molecular machineries ... and cellular functions ... this book offers valuable resources and may provide insights into the unknown functions and physiological roe of ABC transporters in humans" from Dr YS Loh (University of Sydney, Australia) writing in Aus. J. Med. Sci. (2010) 31(2): 73 read more ...
 | Edited by: Alicia Ponte-Sucre "this book offers valuable resources" (Aus. J. Med. Sci.)ISBN: 978-1-904455-49-3 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: August 2009 Cover: hardback |
Metagenomics Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Metagenomics: Theory, Methods and Applications:
"The book contains expert reviews on the approach, tools and prospects of metagenomics, on detailed methodologies, on a number of translational applications, and one chapter on conceptualization of the approach and its standing in the natural sciences ... All chapters have exciting concluding remarks, outlining challenges and future perspectives - a hallmark of a young and rapidly rising research area. Most references are from the most recent 10 years, reaching far into 2009, also reflecting the recent advent of this research branch. The book identifies a milestone in modern microbiology with vast impact on other disciplines, and is highly recommended to students and practitioners of molecular biology, biochemistry, all branches of microbiology, bioinformatics, and, last but not least, medicine." from Ulrich Desselberger (Cambridge) writing in Microbiology Today (2010) read more ...
"The book contains expert reviews on the approach, tools and prospects of metagenomics, on detailed methodologies, on a number of translational applications, and one chapter on conceptualization of the approach and its standing in the natural sciences ... All chapters have exciting concluding remarks, outlining challenges and future perspectives - a hallmark of a young and rapidly rising research area. Most references are from the most recent 10 years, reaching far into 2009, also reflecting the recent advent of this research branch. The book identifies a milestone in modern microbiology with vast impact on other disciplines, and is highly recommended to students and practitioners of molecular biology, biochemistry, all branches of microbiology, bioinformatics, and, last but not least, medicine." from Ulrich Desselberger (Cambridge) writing in Microbiology Today (2010) read more ...
 | Edited by: Diana Marco "highly recommended" (Microbiol. Today)ISBN: 978-1-904455-54-7 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2010 Cover: hardback |
Borrelia Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Borrelia: Molecular Biology, Host Interaction and Pathogenesis:
"an encyclopaedic account of this riveting story of modern biology, contributed by experts, many of whose career in science has spanned the whole era from discovery through to deep understanding of the pathogen. It is a fabulous resource for those in the field and full of surprises and insights for the outsider." from Charles Penn (University of Birmingham) writing in Microbiology Today (2010) read more ...
"an encyclopaedic account of this riveting story of modern biology, contributed by experts, many of whose career in science has spanned the whole era from discovery through to deep understanding of the pathogen. It is a fabulous resource for those in the field and full of surprises and insights for the outsider." from Charles Penn (University of Birmingham) writing in Microbiology Today (2010) read more ...
 | Edited by: D. Scott Samuels and Justin D. Radolf "a fabulous resource" (Microbiol. Today)ISBN: 978-1-904455-58-5 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: March 2010 Cover: hardback |
Retrovirus Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Retroviruses: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Pathogenesis:
"a succinct, state-of-the-art summary of the biology not only of retroviruses but also other retroelements ... comprehensive, convenient and satisfying reference work" from Charles Bangham (Imperial College London, UK) writing in Microbiology Today (2010) read more ...
"a succinct, state-of-the-art summary of the biology not only of retroviruses but also other retroelements ... comprehensive, convenient and satisfying reference work" from Charles Bangham (Imperial College London, UK) writing in Microbiology Today (2010) read more ...
 | Edited by: Reinhard Kurth and Norbert Bannert "a succinct, state-of-the-art summary" (Microbiol. Today)ISBN: 978-1-904455-55-4 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: January 2010 Cover: hardback |
Another Influenza Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Influenza: Molecular Virology:
"I particularly enjoyed a very thorough account of the influenza A haemagglutinin ... it's a nicely put together book that summarizes recent developments on the structural side of influenza replication. Appropriate audiences for the book would be final-year virology students and influenza researchers." from Paul Digard (University of Cambridge, UK) writing in Microbiol. Today (2010) read more ...
"I particularly enjoyed a very thorough account of the influenza A haemagglutinin ... it's a nicely put together book that summarizes recent developments on the structural side of influenza replication. Appropriate audiences for the book would be final-year virology students and influenza researchers." from Paul Digard (University of Cambridge, UK) writing in Microbiol. Today (2010) read more ...
 | Edited by: Qinghua Wang and Yizhi Jane Tao "a nicely put together book" (Microbiol. Today)ISBN: 978-1-904455-57-8 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: February 2010 Cover: hardback |
Influenza Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Influenza: Molecular Virology:
"a series of excellent and high-powered articles on the molecular virology of influenza ... provides an up-to-date review of the advancements in molecular influenza virology, with additional discussions regarding the use of molecular technology in diagnostic platforms, and statistical modeling to quantify antigenic differences between influenza viruses ... of interest to a range of readers including post-graduate and basic science researchers, virologists and those involved with drug design and development." from Iain Stephenson (Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK) writing in Expert Rev. Vaccines (2010) 9: 719-720. read more ...
"a series of excellent and high-powered articles on the molecular virology of influenza ... provides an up-to-date review of the advancements in molecular influenza virology, with additional discussions regarding the use of molecular technology in diagnostic platforms, and statistical modeling to quantify antigenic differences between influenza viruses ... of interest to a range of readers including post-graduate and basic science researchers, virologists and those involved with drug design and development." from Iain Stephenson (Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK) writing in Expert Rev. Vaccines (2010) 9: 719-720. read more ...
| Edited by: Qinghua Wang and Yizhi Jane Tao "a series of excellent and high-powered articles" (Expert Rev. Vaccines)ISBN: 978-1-904455-57-8 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: February 2010 Cover: hardback |
EBV Book Review
Category: Book Review
I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Epstein-Barr Virus: Latency and Transformation:
"the latest research and information on the mechanisms used by latent EBV to transform host cells ... a comprehensive review of the vast amount of information that is currently available ... a good book for scientists ... packed with valuable information" from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center, USA) writing in Doodys read more ...
"the latest research and information on the mechanisms used by latent EBV to transform host cells ... a comprehensive review of the vast amount of information that is currently available ... a good book for scientists ... packed with valuable information" from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center, USA) writing in Doodys read more ...
 | Edited by: Erle S. Robertson "packed with valuable information" (Doodys)ISBN: 978-1-904455-62-2 (hardback); 978-1-904455-64-6 (paperback). Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: April 2010 Cover: hardback |
Nanotechnology in Water Treatment Applications
Category: Books
The new book on Nanotechnology in Water Treatment Applications edited by T. Eugene Cloete, Michele de Kwaadsteniet, Marelize Botes and J. Manuel López-Romero has been published read more ...
read more ...
 | Edited by: T. Eugene Cloete, Michele de Kwaadsteniet, Marelize Botes and J. Manuel López-Romero ISBN: 978-1-904455-66-0 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: June 2010 Cover: hardback |
Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms
Category: Books
The new book on Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms edited by Aharon Oren and R. Thane Papke has been published read more ...
read more ...
 | Edited by: Aharon Oren and R. Thane Papke ISBN: 978-1-904455-67-7 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Publication Date: July 2010 Cover: hardback |
Respiratory Synctial Virus Symposium
Category: Microbiology Conference | Microbiology Conferences | Microbiology Symposia | Microbiology Symposium | Virology | Virology Conferences
December 2 - 5, 2010 Respiratory Synctial Virus Symposium
Rotterdam, Netherlands Further information
The symposium is the flagship event for leading investigators engaged in RSV research around the world. The objectives of the symposium are to provide a forum to help develop and deliver advancements in RSV research and to provide excellent peer-to-peer networking. The symposium will cover the following topics: Pathogenesis, Structure, Entry, Replication and Cell Biology, Clinical and Diagnostic Aspects, Immunology: Innate and Adaptive, Vaccine Development and Therapeutics: Antiviral and Other Strategies
Suggested reading: Virology Books
Rotterdam, Netherlands Further information
The symposium is the flagship event for leading investigators engaged in RSV research around the world. The objectives of the symposium are to provide a forum to help develop and deliver advancements in RSV research and to provide excellent peer-to-peer networking. The symposium will cover the following topics: Pathogenesis, Structure, Entry, Replication and Cell Biology, Clinical and Diagnostic Aspects, Immunology: Innate and Adaptive, Vaccine Development and Therapeutics: Antiviral and Other Strategies
Suggested reading: Virology Books
Influenza Conference
Category: Virology | Conferences | Microbiology Conference | Microbiology Conferences | Virology Conferences
September 11 - 14, 2010 Fourth ESWI International Conference
Malta Further information
Fourth ESWI International Conference devoted to influenza to be held in Malta.The meeting will provide comprehensive scientific coverage of all disciplines involved in influenza prevention, control and treatment. Top-level scientific sessions with specific attention for new developments are the core of the conference. Additionally, the conference has a clearly delineated programme for public health officials and opinion leaders in health care work. These sessions also cover a broad field of interest and will certainly include an evaluation of the H1N1 influenza pandemic.
Suggested reading: Influenza: Molecular Virology
Malta Further information
Fourth ESWI International Conference devoted to influenza to be held in Malta.The meeting will provide comprehensive scientific coverage of all disciplines involved in influenza prevention, control and treatment. Top-level scientific sessions with specific attention for new developments are the core of the conference. Additionally, the conference has a clearly delineated programme for public health officials and opinion leaders in health care work. These sessions also cover a broad field of interest and will certainly include an evaluation of the H1N1 influenza pandemic.
Suggested reading: Influenza: Molecular Virology
Aquatic Microbiology Conference
September 2 - 4, 2010 Aquatic Microbiology (Status, Challenges, and Opportunities)
Tamilnadu, India Further information
Aquatic microbiology is the science that deals with microscopic living organisms in fresh and salt water systems. Though aquatic microbiology encompasses all microorganisms, including microscopic plants and animals, it refers more commonly to the study of bacteria, actinobacteria, fungi and viruses and their relationships to other organisms in the aquatic environment. Aquatic microbial research embraces a variety of disciplines, ranging from molecular biology and physiology to population dynamics and ecosystem ecology. Aquatic microbes especially in the marine biotopes play a significant role in oceanic processes such as synthesising food, decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients, and effecting climatic conditions. Although microbes constitute over 90% of oceanic biomass, their biodiversity remains largely unexplored. Microbial diversity and its functions will be significantly affected by critical phenomena such as ocean warming and EI Nino oscillation. Microbial biotechnological approaches and molecular techniques continue to provide us with information on microbes potential for various industrial applications, bio-geographical diversity and phylogeny. There is immense scope for bio-prospecting of aquatic microbes for a wide range of applications. Thus, aquatic microbiology remains instrumental for innovations and future discoveries.
Suggested reading: Nanotechnology in Water Treatment Applications
Tamilnadu, India Further information
Aquatic microbiology is the science that deals with microscopic living organisms in fresh and salt water systems. Though aquatic microbiology encompasses all microorganisms, including microscopic plants and animals, it refers more commonly to the study of bacteria, actinobacteria, fungi and viruses and their relationships to other organisms in the aquatic environment. Aquatic microbial research embraces a variety of disciplines, ranging from molecular biology and physiology to population dynamics and ecosystem ecology. Aquatic microbes especially in the marine biotopes play a significant role in oceanic processes such as synthesising food, decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients, and effecting climatic conditions. Although microbes constitute over 90% of oceanic biomass, their biodiversity remains largely unexplored. Microbial diversity and its functions will be significantly affected by critical phenomena such as ocean warming and EI Nino oscillation. Microbial biotechnological approaches and molecular techniques continue to provide us with information on microbes potential for various industrial applications, bio-geographical diversity and phylogeny. There is immense scope for bio-prospecting of aquatic microbes for a wide range of applications. Thus, aquatic microbiology remains instrumental for innovations and future discoveries.
Suggested reading: Nanotechnology in Water Treatment Applications