Purposes outside ourselves

Ourselves

Irradiating Ourselves

Background: Efficient incorporation of the cellular cytidine deaminase APOBEC3G (APO3G) into HIV-1 virions is necessary for its antiviral activity. Even though cellular RNAs are known to be nonspecifically incorporated into virus particles, we have previously found that encapsidation of APO3G into HIV-1 virions is specifically enhanced by viral genomic RNA. Intracellularly, APO3G was found to f...

Protect Us from Ourselves

Exposing ourselves to art.

Background: Apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) stands as one of the largest proteins in humans. Its large size of 4536 amino acids hampers the production of X-ray diffraction quality crystals and hinders in-solution NMR analysis, and thus necessitates a domain-based approach for the structural characterization of the multi-domain full-length apo B. Results: The structure of apo B-17 (the N-termin...

A Map of Ourselves

When setting out through unknown territory, it is always wise to take a map. This is also true for explorations in biology, even when we ourselves are the subject. In this Select, we highlight intrepid mapmakers whose efforts to chart new realms of human biology will aid the discovery of new cellular mechanisms and therapies for disease. The human brain is arguably the most distinctive feature ...