Hereditary Material Research Articles

Cytogenetic effect of caffeine in the micronucleus test

Relevance. The consumption of caffeine-containing food in the modern world must necessarily be safe for humans, including should not affect the hereditary material of the body. Objective: to determine the possible effect of caffeine at the cytogenetic level by the micronucleus method on erythrocytes. Materials and Methods. The objects for the study were non-linear mice, which were divided into 6 groups - one control group and 5 experimental groups. The first experimental group and the second in the experiment received caffeine in doses of 40 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg.The control group received saline. Caffeine was administered orally. The mutagen (dioxidine) was injected intraperitoneally. On the 5th day of the experimental study, we performed blood sampling for cytogenetic analysis. Results and Discussion. Our study of the caffeine preparation made it possible to determine the following patterns. Firstly, when administered within 5 days, caffeine at a dose of 40 and 100 mg/kg did not cause an increase in the number of micronuclei in erythrocytes in mice. Secondly, the combined use of caffeine (both at a dose of 40mg/kgand at a dose of 100 mg / kg) and dioxidine significantly increased the level of micronuclei in comparison with the control group. Thirdly, caffeine at a dose of 40mg/kgdid not increase the mutagenic activity of dioxidine, but a dose of caffeine of 100mg/kgwhen combined with a mutagen led to a significant increase in the level of cytogenetic damage. Conclusion. According to our data, caffeine in the experimental study was not a mutagen, but at a dose of 100 mg/kg it represented a comutagenic effect.

The study of primary DNA damage in the bone marrow of mice under the combined action of pesticides

Introduction. The study of the potential negative effects of combinations of several pesticide active ingredients is an important and understudied area of toxicological and hygienic research. The initial phase of the genotoxicant action on the genetic structures in cells is the primary DNA damage, the identification of which makes it possible to assess the early stages of the genotoxic effect of xenobiotics and their mixtures. The DNA comet assay is widely used for these purposes. The aim of the research is to assess the primary DNA damage under the combined action of pesticides. Materials and methods. To assess DNA damage the experiments on CD-1 mice of both sexes were performed using alkaline comet analysis. The concentration of active products reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) in the blood serum of white outbred rats was assessed as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Results. It was found that mixtures of 2,4-D-acid + glyphosate and thiram + carbendazim did not cause the formation of breaks and alkali-labile sites in the DNA of mice bone marrow cells. Exposure to the combination of the technical grade active ingredients captan and fludioxonil induced the breaks and alkali-labile sites in the DNA of animal bone marrow cells. The comparison of the genotoxicity assessment results obtained by the comet assay and results of analysis of the TBA-active product concentrations in the rat blood serum suggests that the observed primary DNA damage upon exposure to the captan and fludioxonil combination can be mediated by the induction of lipid peroxidation and subsequent interaction of the resulting products with nucleic acids. Conclusion. The results indicate that some pesticides in combination can damage hereditary material in mammalian cells. Therefore, in order to ensure the safe use of pesticides for public health it is necessary to take into account the data on the genotoxicity not only of individual pesticide technical grade active ingredients but also their combinations.

G4 DNA present at human telomeric DNA contributes toward reduced sensitivity to γ-radiation induced oxidative damage, but not bulky adduct formation

Purpose DNA, the hereditary material of a human cell generally exists as Watson-Crick base paired double-stranded B-DNA. Studies suggest that DNA can also exist in non-B forms, such as four stranded G-quadruplexes (G4 DNA). Recently, our studies revealed that the regions of DNA that can fold into G-quadruplex structures are less sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR) compared to B-DNA. Importantly, we reported that the planar G-quartet of a G4 structure is shielded from radiation induced DNA breaks, while the single- and double-stranded DNA regions remained susceptible. Thus, in the present study, we investigate whether telomeric repeat DNA present at the end of telomere, known to fold into G4 DNA can protect from radiation induced damages including strand breaks, oxidation of purines and bulky adduct formation on DNA. Materials and methods For plasmid irradiation assay, plasmids containing human telomeric repeat DNA sequence TTAGGG (0.8 kb or 1.8 kb) were irradiated with increasing doses of IR along with appropriate control plasmids and products were resolved on 1% agarose gel. Radioprotection was evaluated based on extent of conversion of supercoiled to nicked or linear forms of the DNA following irradiation. Formation of G-quadruplex structure on supercoiled DNA was evaluated based on circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy studies. Cleavage of radiation induced oxidative damage and extent of formation of nicks was further evaluated using base and nucleotide excision repair proteins. Results Results from CD studies showed that the plasmid DNA harboring human telomeric repeats (TTAGGG) can fold into G-quadruplex DNA structures. Further, results showed that human telomeric repeat sequence when present on a plasmid can protect the plasmid DNA against IR induced DNA strand breaks, unlike control plasmids bearing random DNA sequence. Conclusions Human telomeric repeat sequence when present on plasmids can fold into G-quadruplex DNA structures, and can protect the DNA against IR induced DNA strand breaks and oxidative damage. These results in conjunction with our previous studies suggest that telomeric repeat sequence imparts less sensitivity to IR and thus telomeres of chromosomes are protected from radiation.

About some genetic terms, their content and education

Ambiguity of genetic terms usage leads to their misinterpretation and learning difficulties. The content of some concepts is analyzed as well as haziness and mistakes in usage of corresponding terms such as gene, allele, genotype, phenotype, polymorphism, heritability, variability and few others. Limitations of the model dividing separately impact of the environment and genotype in a feature formation are explored. The interaction of the environment and hereditary material is suggested as basic factor of genetic and phonetic variability.

The current status of DNA fingerprinting procedures in criminal and civil investigations – an anthropological perspective

The discovery of DNA (Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid) is considered to be the greatest discovery which revolutionized the whole genetical analysis system straight away. This unique hereditary material is considered as one of the best ways of proofing scientific elements. Therefore, it can be directly utilized to identify victims and perpetrators in crime scene investigations and resolve civil cases. Even though DNA fingerprinting technology is utilized in Sri Lanka, criminal and civil investigations consumed more time and still delaying the results of the investigation procedures. Therefore, this research was conducted to find out the current status of DNA fingerprinting procedures in criminal and civil investigations in Sri Lanka. Secondary analysis and in-depth interview methods were used as a mode of data collection and the Government Analyst’s Department of Sri Lanka was selected as the study site based on the most recent DNA analyses, randomly selected 100 negative and positive DNA records were extracted from five different biological samples which cover up four different crimes and civil cases. Further, 08 scientists of the DNA Section were interviewed through an interview and data was analyzed via Microsoft Excel Application. It was revealed that blood and buccal cells are the most commonly used samples for DNA extractions and the majority of the cases have been matched with suspects and victims with 100% of accuracy in criminal and civil investigations. Contemporary DNA typing and profiling techniques are currently utilized in Sri Lanka and this department is not affected by any outside interferences and work independently. The current DNA fingerprinting technology has improved significantly and has a positive influence on criminal and civil investigations. However, the recommendations suggested by the DNA analysts should be considered and incorporate for the DNA fingerprinting technology to be successful in Sri Lanka. Further, public should be made aware of the benefits and the importance of DNA databases. In an anthropological perspective, a gradual increase in establishing parental and child support litigation can be recognized since DNA fingerprinting technology is the only way to prove such kind of incidents.

Research progress of prophages.

As the most abundant biological entities on earth, bacteriophages (phages) were considered as the antagonists of bacteria. With the rapid development of genomics and molecular biology technologies, a subtle and complex relationship between phages and their host bacteria has been uncovered. Prophage refers to an intracellular form of a bacteriophage, which is usually integrated into the hereditary material of the host. Prophage is ubiquitously distributed in bacterial genomes. It reproduces when the host does and can affect important biological properties of their bacterial hosts, such as virulence, biofilm formation and host immunity. Interestingly, prophages were also involved in regulating the lysogeny-lytic state by "monitoring" the quorum sensing of bacteria. Recently, anti-CRISPR proteins encoded by prophages were found, which attracts a lot of attention. In this review, we summarized the prediction, distribution, classification and functions of prophages to lay a foundation for further studying interactions between phages and bacteria.

Covid 19 Natural Evil / Human Evil: A Philosophical Investigation

This paper sought to find out whether COVID 19 is as a result of natural evil, human evil or both. The researchers adopt an expository method in carrying out this work. Viruses have been around in the world long as life itself. We can confidently say that life as we know it would not exist without viruses. Viruses do leave “fossils” in the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)-the hereditary material in humans and of other organisms, from which their history can be reconstructed. It is as a result of this that the researchers posit that COVID 19 is neither natural evil nor human evil. The researchers conclude that the issue of COVID 19 outbreak ravaging the earth has a sufficient reason. But sometimes our emotions blind us from seeing the reason but solely the event.

Role of deubiquitinating enzymes in DNA double-strand break repair.

DNA is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. It is essential for maintaining accurate transmission of genetic information. In the life cycle, DNA replication, cell division, or genome damage, including that caused by endogenous and exogenous agents, may cause DNA aberrations. Of all forms of DNA damage, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most serious. If the repair function is defective, DNA damage may cause gene mutation, genome instability, and cell chromosome loss, which in turn can even lead to tumorigenesis. DNA damage can be repaired through multiple mechanisms. Homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) are the two main repair mechanisms for DNA DSBs. Increasing amounts of evidence reveal that protein modifications play an essential role in DNA damage repair. Protein deubiquitination is a vital post-translational modification which removes ubiquitin molecules or polyubiquitinated chains from substrates in order to reverse the ubiquitination reaction. This review discusses the role of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) in repairing DNA DSBs. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of DUB regulation in DSB repair will provide new insights to combat human diseases and develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Role of DNA Profiling in Criminal Investigation Based Leading Case Laws

Forensic science has a great contribution in crime prevention and criminal justice by fair investigation. Its applications in crime prevention and investigation is essential to know the best possible and nearest justice to put those criminals behind the bars whose tendency is to destroy all proofs and evidences. DNA Profiling/Typing is one of the techniques of forensic technology which is used to investigate and find justice in most of the trials. The present communication deals with the contribution of DNA-Profiling in criminal investigation in Indian criminal justice, its evidentiary value and also the features of DNA Bill 2017. Material (evidences) collected to process, identify and compare to know evidentiary value of evidences. Under forensic science inter se the linkage between occurrence of crime, the criminals, the victims, the weapons, place and time are established whether it may be absence or presence by forensic science. We can say that there is an urgent and silent need for the application of the forensic science in present indian justice system. Forensic science perform many functions like establishing corpus delicti (Body of crime), determines the modus oprandi of the crime (Method of doing something) identifies the criminal and also identify the victims. DNA is a hereditary material of each living organism’s passes from parents to their offspring through inheritance. In most of the criminal and civil investigations the fair identification of criminals/heirs, parentage and other identification of individuals has been one of the biggest problem. This paper is established on secondary data collected through different online/offline sources and their analysis, which include research papers by different researchers, articles, journals, conference proceedings, periodicals, text books and available digital data analyzed for relevant application of forensic science in law.

Modern methods for identification of sturgeons caviar

Solving the current problems of improving the quality and safety of food fish products is possible only if modern and objective methods of analysis are used. Ensuring the proper quality and safety of wild fish products produced by enterprises is possible through compliance with interstate and national standards and regulatory documents. Currently operating GOST 30812 "Raw materials and food products. The method of identifying sturgeon fish caviar "based on the establishment of morphological features of sturgeon fish caviar is the result of research work carried out by the Kasprybtestcenter and the Russian Academy of Sciences for the period 1997-1998. The morphological features of sturgeon fish caviar specified in the standard depend on various factors, and do not allow to establish belonging to the species. Morphological signs of caviar (grain size, cytogenetic structure) are changing indicators that depend on many factors that affect the physiological state of fish during cultivation. Modern studies conducted by the standardization and rationing group of the Volga-Caspian branch of Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and oceanocraphy together with the laboratory of molecular genetics of Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and oceanocraphy indicate that the more reliable way to identify caviar is to establish molecular genetic features. Genetic features are a stable criterion that reflects the hereditary material of parents. Developed an updated standard "Fish food products. Method for identifying the caviar of fishes of the sturgeon family. " The development of identification methods is based on the use of a complex of visually detectable signs of the macro and microscopic structure of the eggs of sturgeon and paddle-bearing fish species and the molecular genetic method Updated standard "Raw materials and food products. The method of identification of sturgeon fish caviar", supplemented by the modern molecular genetic method of identification of sturgeon fish and oatmeal, will provide a regulatory and technical basis for the functioning of the traceability system from the place of obtaining raw caviar to the store counter, which will significantly reduce the share of illegal, counterfeit and falsified products the functioning of the traceability system from the place of receipt of raw caviar to the store counter, which will significantly reduce the share of illegal, counterfeit and counterfeit products.

Friedrich Miescher's Discovery in the Historiography of Genetics: From Contamination to Confusion, from Nuclein to DNA.

In 1869, Johann Friedrich Miescher discovered a new substance in the nucleus of living cells. The substance, which he called nuclein, is now known as DNA, yet both Miescher's name and his theoretical ideas about nuclein are all but forgotten. This paper traces the trajectory of Miescher's reception in the historiography of genetics. To his critics, Miescher was a "contaminator," whose preparations were impure. Modern historians portrayed him as a "confuser," whose misunderstandings delayed the development of molecular biology. Each of these portrayals reflects the disciplinary context in which Miescher's work was evaluated. Using archival sources to unearth Miescher's unpublished speculations-including an analogy between the hereditary material and language, and a speculation that a series of asymmetric carbon atoms could account for hereditary variation-this paper clarifies the ways in which the past was judged through the lens of contemporary concerns. It also shows how organization, structure, function, and information were already being considered when nuclein was first discovered nearly 150 years ago.

Dalayed Effects of Antitumor Drug Paclitaxel on the Hereditary Material and Hemopoietic System of CBA Mice.

Paclitaxel in a single MTD of 40 mg/kg caused chromosome aberrations and genome changes (polyploidy) in the bone marrow cells of mice early and 3 months after the injection. The quantity of early precursors of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow decreased, as did their proliferative potential irrespective of the animal gender. Injection of paclitaxel in the MTD caused the development of bone marrow hypoplasia during the early period of observation (up to 14 days) and 3 months after injection.

Topologies of N6 -adenosine methylation (m6 A) in land plant mitochondria and their putative effects on organellar gene expression.

Mitochondria serve as major sites of ATP production and play key roles in many other metabolic processes that are critical to the cell. As relicts of an ancient bacterial endosymbiont, mitochondria contain their own hereditary material (i.e. mtDNA, or mitogenome) and a machinery for protein biosynthesis. The expression of the mtDNA in plants is complex, particularly at the post-transcriptional level. Following transcription, the polycistronic pre-RNAs undergo extensive modifications, including trimming, splicing and editing, before being translated by organellar ribosomes. Our study focuses on N6 -methylation of adenosine ribonucleotides (m6 A-RNA) in plant mitochondria. m6 A is a prevalent modification in nuclear-encoded mRNAs. The biological significance of this dynamic modification is under investigation, but it is widely accepted that m6 A mediates structural switches that affect RNA stability and/or activity. Using m6 A-pulldown/RNA-seq (m6 A-RIP-seq) assays of Arabidopsis and cauliflower mitochondria, we provide information on the m6 A-RNA landscapes in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica oleracea mitochondria. The results show that m6 A targets different types of mitochondrial transcripts, including known genes, mtORFs, as well as non-coding (transcribed intergenic) RNA species. While ncRNAs undergo multiple m6 A modifications, N6 -methylation of adenosine residues with mRNAs seem preferably positioned near start codons and may modulate their translatability.

The True Idea of Mendel’s Assumption regarding the Gene Is Rediscovered

The question of whether the “synthetic life” created by J.C. Venter was produced by DNA (the genome) also raises the question of whether the basic ideas behind modern genetics (germplasm = the hereditary material of the germ cells = genes) are true. In theory, however, whether genes can produce cells (including traits) should depend on Mendel’s assumptions regarding genes and not on what people can argue or discuss at will. Consequently, the author studied Mendel’s assumptions again. It turns out, unexpectedly, that the gene refers to a hereditary element controlling the specifications of the individual rather than the producer of the individual. That is to say, the gene is a facilitator, and the acceptor produces the individual by following the specifications set by the gene. This is the most significant genetics-related discovery since Mendel’s death, Scientific facts, including Avery’s experiment, consistently proved that this is true.

Analytical Solution of Non-stationary Waves Propagation in Viscoelastic Layer Problem

Analytical solution of one-dimensional non-stationary waves propagation in linear viscoelastic layer problem using different methods is obtained. For hereditary layer material properties description physical relation of linear viscoelasticity in integral form is used and it is supposed that relaxation kernel has exponential form. Layer displacement calculation results for concrete initial data are represented.

Genomics and informatics The story of a „love marriage”

Abstract The rapid development of molecular biology over the past seventy years led to the molecular understanding of the structure and function of hereditary material in the living world. Through the processing of the gigantic amount of data obtained as a result of technological advances and the exploration of different mechanisms of action, information technology has become an indispensable part of genomic research. This article addresses the background of the genomic and bioinformatics revolution, its application areas, and the perspective of personalized medicine.

Genotyping pathogenic strains of genus <em>Xanthomonas</em> causing bacterioses in a number of plants by DDSL technique

In the genus Xanthomonas, specialists consider a significant number of species and varieties (pathovars) of phytopathogenic bacteria that infect many agricultural and ornamental plants (about 400 species), which leads to serious economic losses. For the timely detection of these pathogens, accurate diagnosis is necessary, allowing correct and prompt identification. Molecular genetic methods are able to identify populations of Xanthomonas strains with a fairly complete characterization of their hereditary material. The proposed method of genotyping — double digest and selective label (DDSL) — is based on the use of two restriction endonucleases for the separation of bacterial genomic DNA. The DNA polymerase (Taq) present in the reaction mixture along with biotinylated deoxycytosine triphosphate (Bio–dCTP) allows for the visualization of DNA fragments. The tag only labels DNA fragments that have 3'-recessed ends formed by the first enzyme (BcuI). The second restriction endonuclease (Eco147I) produces blunt ends that are unable to incorporate the label. As a result, in the DDSL reaction, 20–50 clearly distinguishable DNA fragments are visualized on the filter. The number and distribution of fragments are characteristic for each bacterial strain of the genus Xanthomonas. Genotyping these microorganisms makes it possible to identify the specific profile of each strain, i.e., assign it a sort of “bar code” for individual specification. The strains of bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas, obtained from different species (tomato, radish, sorghum) are genetically separated from each other, showing a specific pattern in terms of the distribution of DNA fragments, despite the common geographical origin. A comparatively rare case of the identity of strains, despite their geographical and temporal unrelatedness and different cultures, has been recorded.

The Significance of Mendel's Work for the Theory of Evolution; Specifically Birth and Development of the Mendelian Paradigm of Genetics: a Review

Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by means of natural selection lacked valid hypotheses on the nature and mechanism of inheritance as well as on the origin and preservation of biological variation. Gregor Mendel complemented Darwin's theory by presenting in his corpuscular theory of inheritance solutions to both problems. In addition to the discovery of the basic rules of the mechanism of heredity, he showed that the hereditary material is constituted of independent and discrete elements which recombine during the gamete formation and fertilization in sexual reproduction of organisms thus creating a huge amount of persistent genetic variation.

Current Challenges in Understanding the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1.

Rare diseases are a heterogeneous group of very different clinical syndromes. Their most common causes are defects in the hereditary material, and they can therefore be passed on to descendants. Rare diseases become manifest in almost all organs and often have a systemic expressivity, i.e., they affect several organs simultaneously. An effective causal therapy is often not available and can only be developed when the underlying causes of the disease are understood. In this review, we focus on Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), which is a rare lipid-storage disorder. Lipids, in particular phospholipids, are a major component of the cell membrane and play important roles in cellular functions, such as extracellular receptor signaling, intracellular second messengers and cellular pressure regulation. An excessive storage of fats, as seen in NPC1, can cause permanent damage to cells and tissues in the brain and peripheral nervous system, but also in other parts of the body. Here, we summarize the impact of NPC1 pathology on several organ systems, as revealed in experimental animal models and humans, and give an overview of current available treatment options.

TFAP2C Safeguards Weismann's Barrier to Preserve Human Germline Identity During Primordial Germ Cell Specification from Lineage Primed Progenitors

The germline is fundamental to reproduction. How germline cell precursors, called primordial germ cells (PGCs), establish and maintain germline identity during peri-implantation development in humans remains elusive. Here, we show using human embryo attachment culture that human primordial germ cell (hPGC) specification begins at day 12 post fertilization. Next, using single cell RNA-sequencing of more than 100,000 cells during differentiation into hPGC-like cells (hPGCLCs), we show that hPGCLC specification in vitro involves first resetting pluripotency towards a new transitional state of pluripotency with shared characteristics between naive and primed, followed by differentiation into lineage primed TFAP2A+ progenitors that serve as a common precursor to amnion gastrulating cells and hPGCLCs. At the point of hPGCLC specification, TFAP2C functions upstream of SOX17 to protect the germline cells from crossing the Weismann’s barrier to adopt somatic cell fates. Keeping cells within Weismann’s barrier ensures the transmission of hereditary material to future generations.