Spherocytosis-Related L1340P Mutation in Ankyrin Affects Its Interactions with Spectrin

Previously, we reported a new missense mutation in the ANK1 gene that correlated with the hereditary spherocytosis phenotype. This mutation, resulting in L1340P substitution (HGMD CM149731), likely leads to the changes in the conformation of the ankyrin ZZUD domain important for ankyrin binding to spectrin. Here, we report the molecular and physiological effects of this mutation. First, we assessed the binding activity of human β-spectrin to the mutated ZZUDL1340P domain of ankyrin using two different experimental approaches—the study of association and dissociation responses of the spectrin–ankyrin binding domain and a sedimentation assay. In addition, we documented the changes in morphology caused by the overexpressed ankyrin ZZUD domain in human cell models. Our results prove the key role of the L1340 aa residue for the correct alignment of the ZZUD domain of ankyrin, which results in binding the latter with spectrin within the erythrocyte membrane. Replacing L1340 with a proline residue disrupts the spectrin-binding activity of ankyrin

Education policy in England concerning biotechnology education in the context of socio-cultural changes

Celem tej publikacji jest ukazanie, jak ogromny wpływ na wszystkie dziedziny życia ma znajomość, zrozumienie i poznanie podstaw biotechnologicznych w codziennym życiu. Wyzwania nowoczesnych odkryć z dziedziny biotechnologii zmusiły system oświatowy w Anglii do zmian ewaluacyjnych. Edukacja ta ma na celu zdobycie przez młode pokolenie naukowej i technologicznej wiedzy potrzebnej do świadomego wypełniania obowiązków społecznych. Celem nadrzędnym jest, aby młodzi ludzie, mając podstawy teoretyczne, mogli wyjaśniać własne wartości i umieli odpowiedzieć na trudne pytania oraz decydować w kontrowersyjnych kwestiach biotechnologicznych. Jednym z kluczowych elementów jest doskonalenie kadry pedagogicznej. Należy stworzyć rozwojowe i konkurencyjne warunki pracy naukowej dla doktorów i profesorów na uczelniach wyższych, ze szczególnym wsparciem kobiet. W celu rozwoju edukacji w zakresie biotechnologii powołano Grupę Doradztwa ds. Polityki Edukacyjnej. Manipulacje informacjami biotechnologicznymi w mediach, w prasie i w polityce ukazują, jak istotna jest podstawowa wiedza w tym zakresie. Irracjonalne obawy społeczne, stereotypy światopoglądowe w zakresie biotechnologii należy zmieniać poprzez profesjonalną edukację, finansowanie nauki oraz odpowiedzialną politykę. Panele obywatelskie jako element dialogu pomiędzy społeczeństwem a naukowcami okazał się ogromnym sukcesem w zrozumieniu biotechnologii.This publication aims to show the impact of knowledge and understanding of biotechnological processes on all aspects of everyday life. Challenges of modern discoveries in biotechnology have forced the educational system in England to implement evaluation changes. The goal of education is the acquisition of scientific and technological knowledge required for the informed fulfilment of social responsibilities by the younger generation. The priority is for the youth to explain their values, answer difficult questions and make decisions in controversial biotechnological topics. A key element is the development of teaching staff. A developmental and competitive working environment for doctors and professors, with a particular emphasis on supporting women, must be created in higher education. To develop biotechnological education, an advisory group for educational policy was established. The manipulation of biotechnological information in media and politics proves just how important certain basic knowledge is. Irrational social concerns and stereotypes about biotechnology should be altered through professional education, financing education and responsible politics. Citizens’ assemblies as an element of dialogue between the public and scientists have proven successful in understanding of biotechnology

Bioactive Membranes from Cellulose with a Graphene Oxide Admixture

The paper presents the results of microbiological tests of composite membranes made of cellulose (CEL) with graphene oxide (GO) admixture. At the beginning, the antibacterial properties of the GO in aqueous solutions of various concentrations (0.001; 0.01; 0.1% w/w) were studied, and the obtained results allowed to use GO as an additive to cellulose membranes. The solution used to prepare the membranes was a 5% cellulose solution (CEL) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMAc), into which various amounts of graphene oxide (GO) dispersed in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) were added (0.5 ÷ 28.6 % of GO). From this solution, composite membranes were formed using phase inversion method. It was observed that the GO addition influences the process of membrane formation and their physicochemical properties. The obtained membranes were subjected to microbiological tests using the Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcuc aureus) and fungi (Candida albicans). It was observed that the GO addition to the cellulose membrane (GO/CEL) inhibited the growth of bacteria and fungi, and the biological activity as dependent on the type of living organism and the size of GO particles

Challenges and patterns of development in biotechnology education based on the experience of England

Biotechnologia ma coraz większy wpływ na gospodarki narodów oraz decyzje polityczno-społeczne. Edukacja biotechnologiczna w znacznym stopniu kształtuje obecny i przyszły elektorat. Fakt ten jako pierwsza dostrzegła Anglia i na przełomie XX/XXI wieku była liderem w rozwoju edukacji biotechnologicznej. Zmiany polityczne oraz „niedomówienia” dotyczące GMO (genetycznie zmodyfikowanej żywności) w znacznym stopniu zmieniły postrzeganie biotechnologii i negatywnie odniosły się do edukacji biotechnologicznej. Czynniki tłumiące innowacyjność były również zjawiskiem międzynarodowym. Na przełomie ostatnich kilku dekad na błędach edukacyjnych w zakresie biotechnologii, jakie popełniono w Anglii, uczyły się inne kraje, przejmując prym w edukacji biotechnologicznej. Kształcenie w tym zakresie to kwestia długoterminowa. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia kodeks najlepszych praktyk kształcenia biotechnologicznego. Rola rządów i sektora publicznego w wyjaśnianiu zagadnień biotechnologicznych jest priorytetowa. Zrozumienie faktów naukowych, nauczanie przez dobrze przygotowaną kadrę pedagogiczną oraz zrozumienie przez społeczeństwo terminologii i znaczenia biotechnologii jest celem priorytetowym w krajach rozwijających się.Biotechnology has a growing influence on the economies of nations and on socio-political decisions. Biotechnology education influences the present and future electorate in a meaningful way. England was the first to recognise this fact and was a leader in the development of biotechnology education at the turn of the 20th and 21st century. Political changes and “misconceptions” with GM food significantly influenced the perception of biotechnology and negatively affected biotechnological education. The factors hampering innovation were also an international phenomenon. In recent decades, other nations have learned from the mistakes in the teaching of biotechnology in England, taking the lead in biotechnological education. Biotechnology education is a long-term issue. This article presents a code of best practice for biotechnology education. The role of governments and the public sector in explaining biotechnological issues is a priority. Understanding the scientific facts, teaching by well-prepared educators and understanding of the terminology and meaning of biotechnology by the general public is a priority goal in developing countries

Nanocomposite Cellulose Fibres Doped with Graphene Oxide and Their Biocidal Properties

The paper presents a method of obtaining composite cellulose fibres (CEL) doped with graphene oxide (GO) and the influence of GO nanoparticles on the structure and properties of the obtained fibres. Composite fibres (GO/CEL) were prepared using wet method from 5% CEL solutions in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMAc) containing GO (0; 0.21; 0.50; 0.98; 1.97% w/w) dispersion in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The fibres were coagulated in distilled water and methanol. Optical microscopy allowed us to demonstrate a good degree of GO additive dispersion in the CEL matrix. Surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which indicated interactions between the matrix and the additive. Strength tests have shown that GO/CEL fibres are characterised by high values of elongation at break (7.7–19.5%) and tenacity (~133–287 [MPa]). The obtained composite fibres are characterized by good biocidal properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphilococcus aureus), and fungi Candida albicans, and the resistance to microorganisms depends on the surface zeta potential value and the isoelectric point (IEP) of GO/CEL fibres

Spherocytosis-Related L1340P Mutation in Ankyrin Affects Its Interactions with Spectrin

Previously, we reported a new missense mutation in the ANK1 gene that correlated with the hereditary spherocytosis phenotype. This mutation, resulting in L1340P substitution (HGMD CM149731), likely leads to the changes in the conformation of the ankyrin ZZUD domain important for ankyrin binding to spectrin. Here, we report the molecular and physiological effects of this mutation. First, we assessed the binding activity of human β-spectrin to the mutated ZZUDL1340P domain of ankyrin using two different experimental approaches—the study of association and dissociation responses of the spectrin–ankyrin binding domain and a sedimentation assay. In addition, we documented the changes in morphology caused by the overexpressed ankyrin ZZUD domain in human cell models. Our results prove the key role of the L1340 aa residue for the correct alignment of the ZZUD domain of ankyrin, which results in binding the latter with spectrin within the erythrocyte membrane. Replacing L1340 with a proline residue disrupts the spectrin-binding activity of ankyrin

The YJL185C, YLR376C and YJR129C genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are probably involved in regulation of the glyoxylate cycle

The ER24 aci (acidification) mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae excreting protons in the absence of glucose was transformed with a multicopy yeast DNA plasmid library. Three different DNA fragments restored the wild-type phenotype termed Aci- because it does not acidify the complete glucose medium under the tested conditions. Molecular dissection of the transforming DNA fragments identified two multicopy suppressor genes YJL185C, YJR129C and one allelic YLR376C. Disruption of either of the three genes in wild-type yeast strain resulted in acidification of the medium (Aci+ phenotype) similarly to the original ER24 mutant. These data indicate the contribution of the ER24 gene product Ylr376Cp and of the two suppressor gene products Yjl185Cp and Yjr129Cp to a complex regulation of the glyoxylate cycle in yeast