Project description:Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a fast and convenient method to amplify and identify the transcripts of a targeted pathogen. We combined bioinformatic and experimental analyses to improve the RT-LAMP assay performance for COVID-19 diagnosis. First, we developed an improved algorithm to design LAMP primers targeting the nucleocapsid (N), membrane (M), and spike (S) genes of SARS-CoV-2. Next, we rigorously validated these new assays for their efficacy and specificity. Further, we demonstrated that multiplexed RT-LAMP assays could directly detect as low as a few copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva, without the need of RNA isolation. Importantly, further testing using saliva samples from COVID-19 patients indicated that the new RT-LAMP assays were in total agreement in sensitivity and specificity with standard RT-qPCR. In summary, our new LAMP primer design algorithm along with the validated assays provide a fast and reliable method for the diagnosis of COVID-19 cases.
Project description:Light spectrum quality is an important signal for plant growth and development. We aimed to analyze the effects of different light spectra on in vitro shoot development and proteomic and polyamine (PA) profiles in shoots of Cedrela fissilis. Cotyledonary and apical nodal segments were grown under different light emitting diode (LED) lamps and a fluorescent lamp. Shoots from cotyledonary nodal segments cultured with 6-benzyladenine (BA) grown under WmBdR LED increased their length, fresh and dry matter compared to shoots grown under fluorescent light. A non-redundant protein databank generated by transcriptome sequencing and de novo assembly of C. fissilis improved, and almost doubled, protein identification compared to a Citrus sinensis databank. Using the C. fissilis protein databank, a total of 616 proteins were identified, with 23 up- and 103 downaccumulated in shoots under WmBdR LED compared to fluorescent lamp. Differential accumulation of argininosuccinate synthase protein was associated with an increase in free-Put contents and, consequently, with higher shoot elongation under WmBdR LED. Furthermore, the proteins S-adenosylmethionine synthase, which is related to PA and ethylene biosynthesis, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase, related to ethylene biosynthesis, were unique in shoots grown under fluorescent lamp, showing lower elongation of shoots, possibly due to ethylene production. The downaccumulation of calreticulin, heat shock proteins, plastid-lipid-associated protein, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, and ultraviolet-B receptor UVR8 isoform X1 could be related to better shoot length under LED. This work provides important data related to the effects of light spectrum quality on in vitro morphogenesis via modulation of specific proteins and free-Put biosynthesis.
Project description:Background and study aims
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, often developing from growths called polyps.
The LAMP technique, or Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, is a molecular biology method that allows scientists to rapidly and accurately amplify specific DNA sequences under constant temperature conditions. This technique has applications in various fields, including medical diagnostics, research, and disease detection. In the present study, our focus is on improving the LAMP technique by introducing a new method to analyze various samples. We plan to use colors and a substance called phenol red to make this possible, and we'll refer to it as Quantitative LAMP (QLAMP-phenol red).
The QLAMP-phenol red method aims to provide a precise way of measuring small things in biology, particularly beneficial for places with limited resources. It's designed to be straightforward, fast, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective. Additionally, the visual interpretation of color changes, observable with the naked eye, adds to its practicality.
In our research, we aim to identify a gene called fadA that could serve as a marker for detecting a specific bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum, associated with colorectal cancer. By designing specialized tools (akin to magnifying glasses) using the LAMP technique, we hope to enable early cancer detection in patients. Furthermore, we intend to enhance the LAMP technique's capabilities by integrating phenol red to ensure more precise measurements.
Who can participate?
Patients aged 18 - 80 years with colorectal cancer.
What does the study involve?
An administration of a Probiotic for 4 weeks. Stool sampling at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks.