POT1 (protection of telomere 1) is a highly conserved single-stranded telomeric binding protein that is essential for telomere end protection. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of a second member of the mouse POT family. POT1b binds telomeric DNA via conserved DNA binding oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide (OB) folds. Compared to POT1a, POT1b OB-folds possess less sequence specifici...

A new detection method for human parvovirus B19 DNA was established using PCR coupled with a hybridization protection assay. The amplified product was detected using acridinium ester-labeled DNA probes. By this method, a few copies of B19 DNA were detected in human serum albumin.

Purified integrase protein (Int) of the conjugative transposon Tn916 was shown, using nuclease protection experiments, to bind specifically to a site within the origin of conjugal transfer of the transposon, oriT. A sequence similar to the ends of the transposon that are bound by the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of Int was present in the protected region. However, Int binding to oriT required ...

DNA immunization offers a novel means to induce cellular immunity in a population with a heterogeneous genetic background. An immunorecessive cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope in influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP), residues 218 to 226, was identified when mice were immunized with a plasmid DNA encoding a full-length mutant NP in which the anchor residues for the immunodominant NP147-155 epit...

Protamine sulphate/DNA complexes have been shown to protect DNA from DNase digestion in a lipid system for gene transfer. A DNA-based vaccine complexed to protamine sulphate was used to induce an immune response against Schistosoma mansoni anchored-glycosylphosphatidylinositol tegumental antigen in BALB/c mice. The protection elicited ranged from 33 to 44%. The spectrum of the elicited immune r...

INTRODUCTION Skin photoaging is the consequence of solar UV exposure, and DNA damage is an important part of this process. The objective of the current work was to demonstrate that in vitro skin models can be utilized to confirm that DNA damage protection is provided by sunscreens. METHODS Skin equivalents were exposed to full-spectrum UV light administered with a standard research solar simu...

The purpose of the present study was to use direct plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) injection to identify specific antigens that confer protection against congenital transfer of Neospora caninum. Inbred BALB/c mice were vaccinated before pregnancy with a recombinant plasmid containing sequences encoding N. caninum antigen NcGRA7 or NcsHSP33. The mice were challenged with N. caninum tachyzoit...

The use of DNA constructs encoding leptospiral proteins is a promising new approach for vaccination against leptospirosis. In previous work we determined that immunization with hemolysis-associated protein 1 (Hap1) (LipL32) expressed by adenovirus induced significant protection against a virulent Leptospira challenge in gerbils. To avoid the use of the adenovirus vector, we checked for clinical...

A universal technology for the encapsulative protection of unstable anionic species by highly stable layered metal oxide has been developed via the surface modification of a metal oxide nanosheet. The surface anchoring of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) on exfoliated titanate nanosheet yields a novel cationic metal oxide nanosheet, which can be universally used for the hybridization with...