A multiplexable TALE-based binary expression system for in vivo cellular interaction studies

Binary expression systems have revolutionised genetic research by enabling delivery of loss-of-function and gain-of-function transgenes with precise spatial-temporal resolution in vivo. However, at present, each existing platform relies on a defined exogenous transcription activator capable of binding a unique recognition sequence. Consequently, none of these technologies alone can be used to simultaneously target different tissues or cell types in the same organism. Here, we report a modular system based on programmable transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins, which enables parallel expression of multiple transgenes in spatially distinct tissues in vivo. Using endogenous enhancers coupled to TALE drivers, we demonstrate multiplexed orthogonal activation of several transgenes carrying cognate variable activating sequences (VAS) in distinct neighbouring cell types of the Drosophila central nervous system. Since the number of combinatorial TALE-VAS pairs is virtually unlimited, this platform provides an experimental framework for highly complex genetic manipulation studies in vivo

Revised annotation and characterization of novel Aedes albopictus miRNAs and their potential functions in dengue virus infection

The Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, is a highly invasive species that transmits several arboviruses including dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and chikungunya (CHIKV). Although several studies have identified microRNAs (miRNAs) in Ae. albopictus, it is crucial to extend and improve current annotations with both the newly improved genome assembly and the increased number of small RNA-sequencing data. We combined our high-depth sequence data and 26 public datasets to re-annotate Ae. albopictus miRNAs and found a total of 72 novel mature miRNAs. We discovered that the expression of novel miRNAs was lower than known miRNAs. Furthermore, compared to known miRNAs, novel miRNAs are prone to expression in a stage-specific manner. Upon DENV infection, a total of 44 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed, and target prediction analysis revealed that miRNA-target genes were involved in lipid metabolism and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. Taken together, the miRNA annotation profile provided here is the most comprehensive to date. We believed that this would facilitate future research in understanding virus–host interactions, particularly in the role of miRNAs

Withania somnifera showed neuroprotective effect and increase longevity in Drosophila Alzheimer’s disease model

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative disease and is only unique to human. The disease is defined in human brain by the accumulation of amyloid beta in the parenchyma of the brain. Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha is an Indian Ayurvedic medicine that has been used for centuries to treat countless range of human health problem. The active compound of Ashwagandha was shown to be beneficial in treating many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, Drosophila melanogaster AD model was used to study the effect of Ashwagandha on the toxicity of beta amyloid and also the longevity effect of the compound. We found that 20 mg/mL of Ashwagandha was shown to be effective in rescuing the “rough eye phenotype” of AD Drosophila. Furthermore, Ashwagandha also promotes longevity in AD as well as wild type Drosophila. The results above showed that Ashwagandha could potentially be a potent drug to treat AD as well as maintaining the wellbeing of cells

Pathogen genomic surveillance status among lower resource settings in Asia

Asia remains vulnerable to new and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding how to improve next generation sequencing (NGS) use in pathogen surveillance is an urgent priority for regional health security. Here we developed a pathogen genomic surveillance assessment framework to assess capacity in low-resource settings in South and Southeast Asia. Data collected between June 2022 and March 2023 from 42 institutions in 13 countries showed pathogen genomics capacity exists, but use is limited and under-resourced. All countries had NGS capacity and seven countries had strategic plans integrating pathogen genomics into wider surveillance efforts. Several pathogens were prioritized for human surveillance, but NGS application to environmental and human–animal interface surveillance was limited. Barriers to NGS implementation include reliance on external funding, supply chain challenges, trained personnel shortages and limited quality assurance mechanisms. Coordinated efforts are required to support national planning, address capacity gaps, enhance quality assurance and facilitate data sharing for decision making

Rangka kerja realistik penentu kejayaan Bajet 2013

Adakah Bajet 2013 yang dibentangkan Perdana Menteri,Datuk Seri Najib Razak bajet pilihan raya seperti yang dianggap oleh banyak pihak? Itu antara persoalan yang kerap ditimbulkan kerana secara kebetulan pilihan raya umum akan diadakan tidak lama lagi