We describe the recent burgeoning of prokaryotic laccases, their catalytic properties, structural features and

molecular evolution, vis-a-vis fungal laccases where possible. Special focus is given to the application of laccases to the emerging cellulosic biofuel industry.”
“Various natural and synthetic polymers are being explored to develop biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Although proteins are preferable over carbohydrates and synthetic polymers, biomaterials developed from proteins lack the mechanical learn more properties and/or biocompatibilities required for medical applications. Plant proteins are widely available, have low potential to be immunogenic and

can be made into fibers, films, hydrogels and micro- and nano-particles for medical selleck chemical applications. Studies, mostly with zein, have demonstrated the potential of using plant proteins for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Although other plant proteins such as wheat gluten and soyproteins have also shown biocompatibility using in vitro studies, fabricating biomaterials such as nano-fibers and nano-particles from soy and wheat proteins offers considerable challenges.”
“Mechanisms consistent with long-term depression in the perirhinal cortex(PRh) play a fundamental role in object recognition memory; however, whether AMPA receptor endocytosis is involved in distinct selleck compound phases of recognition memory is not known. To address this question, we used local PRh infusions of the cell membrane-permeable

Tat-GluA2(3Y) interference peptide or a scrambled control to block the endocytosis of AMPA receptors during the encoding, consolidation, or retrieval phase of object recognition memory. Tat-GluA2(3Y) infusion before the encoding and consolidation phases did not alter recognition memory. In contrast, Tat-GluA2(3Y) infusion prior to the retrieval phase disrupted object recognition memory. The present results indicate a distinct role for AMPA receptor endocytosis in the retrieval of visual recognition memory.”
“The safety status of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their capacity to survive the passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) have rendered them excellent candidates for the production of therapeutic proteins and their delivery in situ to the GI tract. During the past two decades, major health benefits of mucosally administered recombinant LAB have been successfully demonstrated, predominantly using animal models. However, the field has recently moved into the era of human clinical trials. In this review, we provide a timely update on the recent important advances made in this field, and outline the potential of recombinant LAB as therapeutic tools for their safe and efficient use in human health.