One-step purification of histone-like protein (HU) from Halobacillus litoralis

The histone-like protein (HU) in bacteria is a small, basic, heat-stable protein that is involved in cell division and compression of the bacterial genome into a nucleoid. HU exists as a homodimer in most gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and as a heterodimer in enterobacteria such as Escherichia coli. The structure of HU, similar to other proteins, may change during purification, which may reduce the value of the investigation. Therefore, in this study, HU was purified in one step using an affinity chromatography column CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B matrix without using high-speed centrifugation and salting out methods. It was observed that the molecular weight and immunochemical properties of HU from Halobacillus litoralis were the same as those of HBsu (HU from B. subtilis)

Study of seed protein electrophoretic profiles in some Erodium (Geraniaceae) species native to Iran

Erodium (L.) L’Hér. with 75 species is the third largest genus in Geraniaceae. Erodium is distributed in all continents but it shows a great diversity in the Mediterranean region. In Flora Iranica , Schonbeck-Temesy (1970), 15 species, four subsections and three subspecies have been mentioned for Erodium in Iran. Electrophoretic patterns of seed storage proteins in the genus Erodium has not been studied extensively. In this study for the first time seed protein electrophoretic patterns of seven Erodium species from different regions of Iran have been investigated. Protein extracts of seeds were obtained and protein concentration was determined by the Bradford method and analyzed with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results were evaluated by multivariate analysis methods including cluster analysis and factor analysis. In the electrophoretic pattern of seed storage proteins, generally, 48 specific bands with molecular weight between 13-102 kDa were detected. Electrophoretic data confirmed sub-generic classification of Erodium (to Plumosa and Erodium sections). Species relationships are discussed

Determination of Haptoglobin Genotype in an Iranian Population with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy

Background: Haptoglobin (Hp) is a plasma α2-sialoglycoprotein that contains alpha and beta chains. It displays in three common phenotypes, Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2. Proteins expressed by polymorphic genes have grossly different molecular sizes resulting in different diffusion rates in the brain. Haptoglobin expressed by the Hp2-2 genotype has lower hemoglobin-binding capacity than Hp1-1 or Hp2-1 and is associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Methods: To determine polymorphism in haptoglobin genes in patients with idiopathic generalized tonic-clonic seizures, 42 men, 42 women, and 50 controls were selected for this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and studied by polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Results: The amplified fragments for the Hp1-1 and Hp2-2 genotypes were 1757 and 3481 base pairs (bp) respectively, and the Hp2-1 genotype had both fragments, in addition to a 349-bp fragment. The distribution of the three major Hp phenotypes in epilepsy patients was 28.6 (1-1), 38.1 (2-1), and 33.3% (2-2) in the men, and 31 (1-1), 40.5 (2-1), and 28.6% (2-2) in the women. The distribution of Hp genotypes in controls was 22 (1-1), 40 (2-1), and 38% (2-2). Conclusion: We show that all Hp genotypes participate in idiopathic generalized epilepsy