1,721,068 research outputs found
DNA-Based Molecular Detection of Toxic Phytoplankton in Water Samples: Different Tools to Get Reliable Information
Full text linkThe quantitative real-time PCR applications in the monitoring of marine harmful algal bloom (HAB) species.
Full text linkIn the last decade, various molecular methods
(e.g., fluorescent hybridization assay, sandwich hybridization
assay, automatized biosensor detection, real-time PCR
assay) have been developed and implemented for accurate
and specific identification and estimation of marine toxic
microalgal species. This review focuses on the recent quantitative
real-time PCR (qrt-PCR) technology developed for
the control and monitoring of the most important taxonomic
phytoplankton groups producing biotoxins with relevant
negative impact on human health, the marine environment,
and related economic activities. The high specificity and
sensitivity of the qrt-PCR methods determined by the adequate
choice of the genomic target gene, nucleic acid purification
protocol, quantification through the standard curve,
and type of chemical detection method make them highly
efficient and therefore applicable to harmful algal bloom
phenomena. Recent development of qrt-PCR-based assays
using the target gene of toxins, such as saxitoxin compounds,
has allowed more precise quantification of toxigenic
species (i.e., Alexandrium catenella) abundance. These
studies focus only on toxin-producing species in the marine
environment. Therefore, qrt-PCR technology seems to offer
the advantages of understanding the ecology of harmful
algal bloom species and facilitating the management of their
outbreaks
APPROCCI MOLECOLARI NELLO STUDIO DI MICRORGANISMI FITOPLANCTONICI POTENZIALMENTE TOSSICI NEL MEDITERRANEO: APPLICAZIONE DI INNOVATIVE TECNICHE NEL MONITORAGGIO E NELLA FILOGENESI
No full textThe use of magnetic nanoparticles in the development of new molecular detection systems
No full textMagnetic nanoparticles have been widely used in biomolecular separation and discrimination which coincidentally also represents the basis for most current day molecular diagnostic procedures. The specificity, affinity, and binding capacity of magnetic nanoparticles depends on their size, form, dispersion, and surface chemistry. In this review, we will briefly analyze how these factors affect biomolecular separations and focus on the use of magnetic nanoparticles in monitoring the microbial biodiversity in the environment. We found that magnetic nanoparticles are especially effective for biomolecular separations in environmental samples collected and preserved with fixatives. This feature, together with the high sample throughput capability and the generic low cost, makes magnetic nanoparticles particularly suitable for environmental microbial monitoring. Furthermore, key features that permit the optimization of magnetic nanoparticles-based separations and that can be useful in the development of new analytical procedures are also discussed
Detection and identification of toxic microalgae by the use of innovative molecular methods
No full textDDIT4 gene expression is switched on by a new HDAC4 function in ataxia telangiectasia
Full text linkAtaxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare, severe, and ineluctably progressive multisystemic neurodegenerative disease. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) nuclear accumulation has been related to neurodegeneration in AT. Since treatment with glucocorticoid analogues has been shown to improve the neurological symptoms that characterize this syndrome, the effects of dexamethasone on HDAC4 were investigated. In this paper, we describe a novel nonepigenetic function of HDAC4 induced by dexamethasone, through which it can directly modulate HIF-1a activity and promote the upregulation of the DDIT4 gene and protein expression. This new HDAC4 transcription regulation mechanism leads to a positive effect on autophagic flux, an AT-compromised biological pathway. This signaling was specifically induced by dexamethasone only in AT cell lines and can contribute in explaining the positive effects of dexamethasone observed in AT-treated patients
Enhancing neutral lipid content in Skeletonema marinoi through multiple phase growth in a bench photobioreactor
Full text linkThe continuing increase in fuel demand, the dramatic situation of climate changes and global warming are bringing worldwide attention to identification of alternative energy source that can replace fossil fuel. Among all the feedstock considered for biodiesel production, microalgae are the most promising. In particular, it has been demonstrated that microalgae enhance their neutral lipids content in stress conditions, such as nutrient starvation. However, this increase in neutral lipids content is often coupled with a strong biomass decrease. In this study, in order to limit this side effect, a novel three-phase growth strategy was tested on the diatom . Skeletonema marinoi. After a first phase directed to biomass production the culture, during a second phase of semi-continuous regimen characterized with reduction of nitrate concentration, achieved a neutral lipids content per cell of 10% of dry weight with slight impact on biomass. After these two phases the cells, gradually acclimatized to low nitrogen concentration, were still able to grow in a third maturation phase performed in batch. During this last phase, the culture further increased neutral lipid content up to the 30 % of dry weight
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