抗原变异可使得多种致病微生物易于逃避宿主免疫应答。表达在感染红细胞表面的恶性疟原虫红细胞表面蛋白1（PfPMP1）与感染红细胞、内皮细胞、树突状细胞以及胎盘的单个或多个受体作用，在黏附及免疫逃避中起关键的作用。每个单倍体基因组var基因家族编码约60种成员，通过启动转录不同的var基因变异体为抗原变异提供了分子基础。

疟原虫var基因转换速率变化导致抗原变异[英]／Paul H, Robert P, Christodoulou Z, et al//Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

J. Appl. Cryst.の発刊に際して

The plasma membrane is the interface between cells and their harsh environment. Uptake of nutrients and all communication among cells and between cells and their environment occurs through this interface. 'Endocytosis' encompasses several diverse mechanisms by which cells internalize macromolecules and particles into transport vesicles derived from the plasma membrane. It controls entry into the cell and has a crucial role in development, the immune response, neurotransmission, intercellular communication, signal transduction, and cellular and organismal homeostasis. As the complexity of molecular interactions governing endocytosis are revealed, it has become increasingly clear that it is tightly coordinated and coupled with overall cell physiology and thus, must be viewed in a broader context than simple vesicular trafficking.

Regulated portals of entry into the cell

Rab GTPases control intracellular vesicle traffic by acting as regulatable switches that recruit effector molecules when in their GTP-bound form. The functional coupling between multiple Rab GTPases ensures the spatiotemporally coordinated regulation of vesicle traffic. Membrane trafficking between organelles by vesiculotubular carriers is fundamental to the existence of eukaryotic cells. Central in ensuring that cargoes are delivered to their correct destinations are the Rab GTPases, a large family of small GTPases that control membrane identity and vesicle budding, uncoating, motility and fusion through the recruitment of effector proteins, such as sorting adaptors, tethering factors, kinases, phosphatases and motors. Crosstalk between multiple Rab GTPases through shared effectors, or through effectors that recruit selective Rab activators, ensures the spatiotemporal regulation of vesicle traffic. Functional impairments of Rab pathways are associated with diseases, such as immunodeficiencies, cancer and neurological disorders.

Rab GTPases as coordinators of vesicle traffic.

Endocytic mechanisms control the lipid and protein composition of the plasma membrane, thereby regulating how cells interact with their environments. Here, we review what is known about mammalian endocytic mechanisms, with focus on the cellular proteins that control these events. We discuss the well-studied clathrin-mediated endocytic mechanisms and dissect endocytic pathways that proceed independently of clathrin. These clathrin-independent pathways include the CLIC/GEEC endocytic pathway, arf6-dependent endocytosis, flotillin-dependent endocytosis, macropinocytosis, circular doral ruffles, phagocytosis, and trans-endocytosis. We also critically review the role of caveolae and caveolin1 in endocytosis. We highlight the roles of lipids, membrane curvature-modulating proteins, small G proteins, actin, and dynamin in endocytic pathways. We discuss the functional relevance of distinct endocytic pathways and emphasize the importance of studying these pathways to understand human disease processes.

Mechanisms of Endocytosis

A method of genome analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method of comprises: a) contacting a genomic sample comprising a double-stranded DNA with a site-specific nicking endonuclease to provide a nicked double-stranded DNA comprising a plurality of nick sites, in which the nicking endonuclease nicks a site adjacent to a variable nucleotide; b) contacting the nicked double-stranded DNA with a polymerase in the presence of a nucleotide composition comprising a first labeled nucleotide comprising a first label, thereby producing a labeled double-stranded DNA that is not labeled at every nick site; c) stretching out the labeled double-stranded DNA to provide a stretched, labeled double-stranded DNA; and d) imaging the stretched, labeled double-stranded DNA to identify a labeling pattern on the stretched labeled double-stranded DNA.

Genome analysis using a nicking endonuclease

A method of genome analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: labeling the test genome using a first site-specific methyltransferase to produce a labeled test genome comprising a label; and analyzing the labeled test genome to determine if the test genome comprises a sequence alteration relative to a reference sequence. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: evaluating binding of the labeled test genome to an array of probes, or observing a pattern of labeling along the labeled test genome.

Genome analysis using a methyltransferase

Introduction While the United States has long been the most important destination for western Canada's forest products, markets in Asia have also played an important role in the development of western Canada's forest industry. Japan has been an especially significant market, although demand for western Canada's exports in Japan has fallen in recent years. Western Canada's reliance on U.S. demand has increased as a result, and a strong economy and a widespread construction boom in the United States have provided a further pull toward this market. However, U.S. demand has recently weakened, creating risks to the sustainability of an industry that plays a critical role in western Canada's economy. At the same time, the economic landscape in Asia is shifting, creating both opportunities and threats for western Canada's forest sector. This article will discuss several topics related to the role of East Asia's markets in western Canada's forest industry. First, the history of western Canada's forest industry and export trends will be reviewed. The current state of forest product markets in Asia will then be examined. Some specific trends that may affect future demand for forest products in Asia will be identified, and overall economic trends in some key markets will be summarized. Examples of initiatives to improve Canada's forest product trade with Asia will be outlined. Finally, advantages that western Canada's forest product exporters have and some of the challenges they face in the region will be discussed. The Early Development of Western Canada's Forest Industry The first recorded export of forest products from western Canada took place in 1788, when a ship set sail from Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound carrying planks and spars to be sold in China (Mackay 1982). While the value of western Canada's forests was recognized by early explorers and settlers, shipments such as this were incidental through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and most timber was harvested for local use. Indeed, western Canada's Aboriginal people have harvested timber and other forest products for local use for thousands of years. Aboriginal communities historically used timber for constructing houses, canoes, totem poles, and boxes, and made items such as baskets, hats, mats, rope, and clothing from yellow and red cedar. They also used timber and other vegetation for fuel, food, medicines, and a variety of other domestic uses (Turner and Cocksedge 2001). However, by the early 1860s, some of the newly arriving settlers on Canada's west coast had established sawmills on southern Vancouver Island and the mainland (around what is now the City of Vancouver), and shipments to a variety of destinations in the Pacific Rim began to occur. Lumber and spars were shipped to markets in the United States, Mexico, Hawaii, China, Australia, Peru, and Chile (Lawrence 1957). Beams made of prime British Columbia timber were shipped to China for use in the Imperial Palace in Beijing (Mackay 1982). The early industry struggled: many sawmills operated for only a year or two before going out of business or changing hands. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railroad in 1886 "swept the industry out of its pioneer stage and into growth and change" (Mackay 1982, 16). The timber needs of the railroad itself were a source of demand, and once in operation, the railroad provided a ready means for transporting products outside the region. The railroad also helped financial and human capital flow into western Canada, facilitating the region's economic growth (Lawrence 1957). However, the arrival of the railroad also shifted the focus of western Canada's forest industry toward supplying markets in the east, especially in the rapidly growing prairie region, rather than overseas. By the end of the First World War, markets in the east had declined, and lumber manufacturers on Canada's west coast once again looked across the Pacific for opportunities. …

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Markets for Western Canada's Forest Products in East Asia

Described herein, among other things, is an adapter comprising a population of first oligonucleotides, a second oligonucleotide and a third oligonucleotide, wherein the first oligonucleotides, the second oligonucleotide and the third oligonucleotide are hybridized together to produce a complex that comprises: (i) a first end comprising a transposase recognition sequence, (ii) a central single- stranded region of variable sequence and (iii) a second end comprising sequences that are non-complementary A method, as well as a kit for practicing the method, are also provided

Use of transposase and y adapters to fragment and tag dna

A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: a) contacting a surface-tethered oligonucleotide with a sample comprising a barcode oligonucleotide to produce an oligonucleotide duplex comprising a double-stranded surface-proximal region and a single-stranded surface-distal overhang; b) extending the barcode oligonucleotide using the overhang as a template to produce an extended duplex; c) subjecting the extended duplex to a wash that separates the oligonucleotide duplex but does not separate said extended duplex; and d) detecting the extended duplex.

Brian J. Peter

Papers

Genome analysis using a nicking endonuclease

Genome analysis using a methyltransferase

Markets for Western Canada's Forest Products in East Asia

Use of transposase and y adapters to fragment and tag dna

Method for detection of nucleic acid barcodes