In their native form nanocarbon materials are insoluble in most common solvents, including water. This has been the biggest limitation in their use. A way has now been found around this problem. This is done by functionalization/ derivatization generating multiple polar carboxylic acid groups on their surface. This renders them water soluble and provides sites for attaching other functional groups and drugs. These functionalized soluble nanocarbon materials are now being tested for diverse applications-for delivering drugs within the body, as sensors and as diagnostic tools.

Transposons are mobile genetic elements and their movement give rise to changes in the genome. These elements were discovered by Barbara McClintock and she was awarded the Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1983. The transposons usually code for enzymes known as transposases which are responsible for the movement of these mobile genetic elements. The activity of the transposase leads to excision of the transposon from its current and integration at another location in the genome.

DNA synthesis by DNA polymerases (dPols) is central to duplication and maintenance of the genome in all living organisms. dPols catalyze the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the incoming deoxynucleoside triphosphate and the terminal primer nucleotide with the release of a pyrophosphate (PPi) group. It is believed that formation of the phosphodiester bond is an endergonic reaction and PPi has to be hydrolyzed by accompanying pyrophosphatase enzymes to ensure that the free energy change of the DNA synthesis reaction is negative and it can proceed in the forward direction.

Tumor suppressor cylindromatosis protein (CYLD), which specifically cleaves lysine 63-linked ubiquitin chain from its substrate molecules, contributes to myriad of important cellular events including cellular differentiation, oncogenesis, DNA repair and cell cycle control. It is a ubiquitously expressed protein, which negatively regulates NF-kB and JNK signaling pathways and mediates caspase dependent apoptosis through RIP1 deubiqutination.

Bacteria often assemble and use hair-like organelles known as pili or fimbriae on their cell surface to quickly and effectively mediate attachment to the host surfaces. This initial attachment is the critical event in bacterial colonization, which may benefit or harm the host depending on nature of their relationship. Dr. Vengadesan Krishnan’s structural microbiology research group has begun structural investigations towards understanding how the beneficial or probiotic bacteria have evolved to utilize pili to adapt the gut environment for survival. As part of their ongoing research, Dr.

Potential target for developing anti-viral drug