Competence for natural genetic transformation is widespread in the genus Streptococcus. The current view is that all streptococcal species possess this property. In addition to the proteins required for DNA uptake and recombination, competent streptococci secrete muralytic enzymes termed fratricins. Since the synthesis and secretion of these cell wall-degrading enzymes are always coupled to com...

Monomeric human pancreatic RNase, devoid of any biological activity other than its RNA degrading ability, was engineered into a dimeric protein with a cytotoxic action on mouse and human tumor cells, but lacking any appreciable toxicity on mouse and human normal cells. This dimeric variant of human pancreas RNase selectively sensitizes to apoptotic death cells derived from a human thyroid tumor...

Improper disposal of lignocellulosic wastes may produce a large quantity greenhouse gases and pollute the environment. Through anaerobic digestion processes, can be recycled to clean renewable biogas. However, lignin in lignocellulose limits its potential as such biomass resource, efficacy biogas production is not satisfactory although recent research efforts have attempted address this issue. ...

Physiological and pathological tissue remodeling needs an orderly degradation of the extracellular matrix. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteases capable of degrading different extracellular matrix components, including collagen and elastin. MMP expression is strongly enhanced in vascular pathologies such as stenosis following balloon dilation, in-stent restenosis, sustained flow change...

1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine is a structural and electronic analogue of benzene which is able to occupy benzene-binding pockets in T4 lysozyme and has been proposed as suitable arene-mimicking group for biological and pharmaceutical applications. Its applicability in a biological context requires it to be able to resist modification by xenobiotic-degrading enzymes like the P450 cytochromes. Quantu...

Abstract Quorum sensing (QS) plays an important role in microbial aggregation control. Recently, the optimization of biological waste treatment systems by QS regulation gained increasing attention. The effects on performances and biofilm were frequently investigated. To understand state art regulation, this review summarizes methods enhancement inhibition systems. Typical include adding exogeno...

This paper is based on qualitative research among people diagnosed with a mental illness who voluntarily attend health center. Such individuals are given degrading “mentally ill” label, which transforms them into “new” person. study showed that—due to their label—research participants often socially marginalized—not only in the public but also private sphere. As members of an “organized deviant...

Human feces contain enzymes produced by enteric bacteria that degrade the A, B, and H blood group antigens of gut mucin glycoproteins. We have studied their production in fecal cultures to determine if such cultures can be a source for enzyme purification and to explore how blood group antigen-degrading enzymes are adapted in individual human colon ecosystems. They were present in fecal culture...