Characterizing gene family evolution
(June 20/08)
The traditional use of concepts such as monophyly and the dichotomy between homoplasty and homology as applied to gene families are critiqued. The utility of layers of homology and the meaning of homology at the character state level in the context of sequence evolution is questioned.
Cell culture-based analysis of postsynaptic membrane assembly in muscle cells
(May
23/08)
A method for studying postsynaptic membrane assembly using replated cultures of aneural differentiated skeletal muscle cells. This method is validated for biochemical and microscopy studies.
A
method for purification, identification and validation
of DNMT1 mRNA binding proteins
(Mar
28/08)
Different
approaches are discussed to isolate and identify a
RNA binding protein and how to validate its role.
The protein is DNA methyltransferase 1, an enzyme
responsible for the maintenance of DNA methylation
patterns during cell division.
Optimized two-dimensional thin layer chromatography
to monitor the intracellular concentration of acetyl
phosphate and other small phosphorylated molecules
(Mar
3/08)
A
protocol that results in greatly improved reproducibility
and permits precise measurements of the concentrations
of intracellular acetyl-P and other small phosphorylated
molecules.
Identification
of a Calcitriol-Regulated Sp-1 Site in the Promoter
of Human CD14 using a Combined Western Blotting
Electrophoresis Mobility Shift Assay (WEMSA)
(Feb
17/08)
A
technique that does not require oligos that can be
broadly applied to aid in the identification of transcription
factors involved in regulating gene expression.
Quantitative
Evaluation of Signaling Events in Drosophila
S2 Cells (Feb
4/08)
A
simple method for the quantification of c-Jun N-terminal
kinase activation by Western blot analysis or in tissue
culture plates. The In-Cell method described here
is easily extended to quantification of unrelated
signaling events.
Recent
Advances in Freeze-Fracture Electron Microscopy: The
Replica Immunolabeling Technique
(Jan
28/08)
Freeze-fracture
replica immunogold labeling permits the location of
target molecules within the cell membrane to be determined.
Applications of lipid droplet biogenisis and function
are discussed.
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