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Molecular Biology Techniques

Molecular biology is an area of biology concerned with the process of gene transcription to yield RNA, the translation of RNA into proteins and the role those proteins play in cellular function. Since around 1960, molecular biologists have developed methods to identify, isolate, and manipulate molecular components in cells including DNA, RNA, and proteins.

7 Apr 2010

Macrophage Function

A macrophage is a type of phagocyte, which is a cell responsible for detecting, engulfing and destroying pathogens and apoptotic cells. Macrophages are produced through the differentiation of monocytes, which turn into macrophages when they leave the blood. Macrophages also play a role in alerting the immune system to the presence of invaders.

24 Mar 2010

What is a Macrophage?

Macrophages are large, specialized cells in the immune system that recognize, engulf and destroy infecting or damaged cells.

24 Mar 2010

What are Proto-Oncogenes?

There are trillions of living cells in the body that grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. This process is tightly regulated by the genes within a cell’s nucleus. These genes code for proteins that help regulate cell growth. These important genes are called proto-oncogenes. A change in the DNA sequence of the proto-oncogene gives rise to an oncogene, which produces a different protein and interferes with normal cell regulation.

25 Feb 2010

Liposome Research

The scientific research about liposomes and how they can be applied for use has contributed to a breakthrough method for targeted drug delivery systems. Initially discovered in the 1960s, the research following this time has explained more about their properties and how they might be used. Today, they are indicated to help in the targeted administration for a number of highly toxic drugs, as a result of the research in this area.

17 Feb 2010

Liposome Manufacturing

Liposomes can offer a useful method of drug delivery, particularly for the targeted delivery of potentially toxic drugs, and must be manufactured with the appropriate methods to ensure that the liposomes meet the requirements for their intended purpose.

17 Feb 2010

Liposome Uses

Liposomes have useful properties that promote them for the use as a drug delivery system, particularly in the targeted administration for potentially toxic drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.

17 Feb 2010

What is a Liposome?

A liposome is a spherical-shaped vesicle that is composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers, which closely resembles the structure of cell membranes. The ability of liposomes to encapsulate hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs have allowed these vesicles to become useful drug delivery systems.

17 Feb 2010

MicroRNA and Disease

MicroRNAs or miRNAs represent an important class of small regulatory RNAs that are intrinsic to post-transcriptional gene control. They are approximately 22 nucleotides in length and regulate the expression of as much as 30% of all mammalian protein-encoding genes.

3 Feb 2010

MicroRNA Cellular Functions

MicroRNAs (or miRNAs) represent an abundant class of small, conserved, non-coding RNAs (approximately 22 nucleotides in length) that direct post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In complex organisms, miRNAs regulate a wide range of biological processes, including development, differentiation, proliferation, cell metabolism and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

3 Feb 2010

MicroRNA Biogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent an extensive class of small endogenous RNAs which regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by messenger RNA (mRNA) cleavage or translation inhibition. A majority of multi-cellular organisms encode dozens to hundreds of miRNA genes which play important roles in the control of biologic processes.

3 Feb 2010

MicroRNA Nomenclature

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionary conserved small non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by base-pairing to mRNAs. Recent evidence shows that miRNA-mediated gene regulation is pivotal for normal cellular functions, and as much as one-third of human mRNAs may be miRNA targets.

3 Feb 2010

What is MicroRNA?

Gene expression in cells and tissues of every complex organism is precisely controlled and largely dependent on different conditions (such as development, changes in the environment, diseases or drugs). Various cells and organ systems within such organism (including humans) contain different gene expression profiles, thus proper understanding of regulatory mechanisms involved in such expression represents one of the key issues in genomic medicine.

3 Feb 2010

RNA Discovery

The discovery of RNA began with the discovery of nucleic acids by Friedrich Miescher in 1868 who called the material 'nuclein' since it was found in the nucleus.

3 Feb 2010

RNA Synthesis

RNA is usually synthesized from DNA. The synthesis usually requires one or more enzymes like RNA polymerase. The DNA strand is used as a template or guide on which the RNA is formed. Since RNA forms the proteins, this is the way the DNA maintains the blue print for all proteins without leaving the nucleus.

3 Feb 2010

RNA Structure

RNA is a single stranded molecule containing a ribose sugar. It has a distinctive structure and, unlike DNA, there are variations and various types of RNA structures.

3 Feb 2010

Anti-VEGF Therapies

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contributes to several pathological processes and is therefore a popular target in the research and development of therapies for certain illnesses.

3 Feb 2010

VEGF Production

VEGF or vascular endothelial growth factor is a signalling molecule that promotes the formation of new blood vessels.

3 Feb 2010

VEGF Mechanism

VEGF or vascular endothelial growth factor is a signalling protein made by cells that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels. There are several different classes of VEGF that play different roles in the body, both in normal bodily process and pathological processes.

3 Feb 2010

What is VEGF?

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signalling protein that promotes the growth of new blood vessels. VEGF forms part of the mechanism that restores the blood supply to cells and tissues when they are deprived of oxygenated blood due to compromised blood circulation.

3 Feb 2010