A reduction in the cellular levels of the cyclin kinase inhibitor p27(kip1) is frequently found in many human cancers and correlates directly with patient prognosis. In this work, we identify argyrin A, a cyclical peptide derived from the myxobacterium Archangium gephyra, as a potent antitumoral drug. All antitumoral activities of argyrin A depend on the prevention of p27(kip1) destruction, as ...

Epothilones are a new class of potential antitumor compounds that were isolated from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. Epothilones have effects on the cytoskeleton similar to those of the antineoplastic drug Taxol. Both compounds inhibit cell proliferation by stabilizing microtubuli, and they compete for the same binding site. In addition, Taxol displays endotoxin-like properties in that ...

The desert, which covers around one-third of Earth’s continental surface, is defined as the harshest terrestrial environment and comprises a highly extensive biome ecosystem. Microorganisms are key drivers that maintain integrity desert ecosystems. Over past few decades, desertification has increased owing to changes in rainfall patterns global warming, characterized by land degradation, loss m...

Studies on Toxin Production of Clostridium botulinum Type E. III. Characterization of Toxin Precursor. GENJI SAKAGUCHI AND SUMIKO SAKAGUCHI.......... 1-9 Kanamycin Resistant Staphylococcus Mutant Requiring Heme for Growth. DIRAN YEGIAN, GLORIA GALLO, AND M. WILSON TOLL.............................. 10-12 Serological Types of Escherichia coli in Association with Infantile Gastroenteritis. G. S. ...

The end of 2007 brought us draft genome sequences of two eukaryotic microorganisms, Babesia bovis and Malassezia globosa, as well as complete genomes of the ammonia-oxidizing archaeal chemoautotroph Nitrosopumilus maritimus, and several environmental bacteria (Table 1). In terms of genome size, this list covers both sides of the spectrum: the 245 kb genome of an obligate insect symbiont Sulcia ...