Creative Biomart Blog

Sun, 2015/11/22

Principle and Protocol of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)

Introduction: 1. Applications of ChIP: (1) Histone modifying enzyme antibody as "biomarkers"; (2) Analysis of transcriptional regulation; (3) Drug development research; (4) Analysis of DNA damage and apoptosis. 2. Details: The eukaryotic genomic DNA exists in the form of chromatin. Therefore, the study of interactions between protein and DNA in chromatin environment is the basic way to clarify the mechanism of gene expression in eukaryotes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is currently the only method to study DNA and protein interactions in vivo. Its basic principle is firstly to

Tue, 2015/11/17

Principle and Protocol of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)

Principle The concentration of polyacrylamide gels can be prepared as required in two electrophoresis systems —called "continuous system" and "discontinuous system". The biggest feature of “discontinuous system” lies in its greatly improved sample separation resolution. Main features of this electrophoresis are: (1) Use of two gel systems with different concentrations; (2) Solution composition and pH are different for the preparation of the two gel and are also different from electrophoresis buffer composition and pH in electrophoresis tank. In the experiment, electrophoresis gel is divided i

Fri, 2015/10/30

Month-end Check: Biotech study topics in Nature-October

Gene-editing record smashed in pigs For a long time, scientists are working to create a steady supply of human organs for transplantation by growing them in pigs. But concerns about rejection by the human immune system and infection by viruses embedded in the pig genome have stymied research. In a current research, by modifying more than 60 genes in pig embryos-ten times than have been edited in other animal. Researchers believe they might have produced a suitable non-human organ supplier. Scientists hope to attract millions to 'DNA.LAND' Scientists in the field of genetics have launched a p

Wed, 2015/10/28

Sensing Proteins Prevents Obesity and Diabetes Found

Recently, researchers at the University of Melbourne determined an internal “sensor” which can help fight by indicating cells to burn their fat. This finding might play an important role in the treatment for obesity and metabolic diseases (including type 2 diabetes). In this study, the researchers found that when the increased dietary energy (food) intake triggers cells to become “unstable”, a protein called NLRP1 is opened. Activate this protein can trigger a series of events, indicating cells to use their energy or fat storage to prevent fat accumulation. Conducted by Dr. Seth Masters an

Mon, 2015/10/26

British Can “Smell” out Parkinson's Disease?

A male patient of Parkinson’s Disease led to a new study-his widow found herself could “smell” the disease. This 65-year-old Joy Milne tole the researchers that she noticed changes in the smell of her deceased husband and a few years ago he has begun to have Parkinson’s symptoms. He died because of this disease earlier this year at the age of 65. The disease is a kind of neurological disease with the symptoms of slow movement and constantly shaking. “I always had a knee sense of smell, and I have long found a very subtle change in smell.” said Milne from Perth, Scotland. “It’s hard to descr

Fri, 2015/10/23

How Much Do Biologists Earn Annually in USA?

GenomeWeb recently released the results of an annual salary survey. According to this year’s report, researchers, technical staff in bio-industry earn more than five years ago but less than last year. The survey has shown that the median salary for this industry is $75,000, while last year was $83,000. In last year’s survey, median salary for senior scientists, senior researchers, senior technical staff was $97,200 and this year the group has shrunk to $90,100. Similarly, the median salary for project manager last year was $94,000, while only $80,500 this year. Only a few respondents (4.7%

Wed, 2015/10/21

Cell Reports: Why Can We Feel Thirsty?

Recently, a breakthrough progress achieved by the RI-MUHC and Duke University might help us to understand how our brains perceive and prevent dehydration. They have identified the structure of a key protein located in the brain, that is involved in the body’s hydration and it can control the temperature. Published on Cell Reports on October 6, 2015, this study might have important clinical significance. For the protein might be a target for the treatment and the development of a diagnostic test method of a lot of body fluid imbalance related health problems (common in the emergency room). Dr

Mon, 2015/10/19

New mechanism of pRb Found

A recent study has found new mechanism of pRb-a well know tumor suppressor. The research completed by scientists at University of Illinois in the United States and Spain Pompeu Fabra University, was published in International academic journals Gene & Development. Tumor suppressor is a kind of protein that acts as natural “brake” for cellular proliferation, having the ability to prevent the formation of malignant tumors. Depth understanding of how these proteins play a protective role may be the key factor for the development of targeted cancer therapies. Rb is a tumor inhibitory factor w