Project description:Bridging systems biology and pharmacokinetics–pharmacodynamics has resulted in models that are highly complex and complicated. They usually contain large numbers of states and parameters and describe multiple input–output relationships. Based on any given data set relating to a specific input–output process, it is possible that some states of the system are either less important or have no influence at all. In this study, we explore a simplification of a systems pharmacology model of the coagulation network for use in describing the time course of fibrinogen recovery after a brown snake bite. The technique of proper lumping is used to simplify the 62-state systems model to a 5-state model that describes the brown snake venom–fibrinogen relationship while maintaining an appropriate mechanistic relationship. The simplified 5-state model explains the observed decline and recovery in fibrinogen concentrations well. The techniques used in this study can be applied to other multiscale models.
Project description:Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) (RV), a category I medically important snake as well as a member of the “Big Four”, is responsible for a heavy toll of snake bite mortality and morbidity in Indian sub-continent. Epidemiological studies suggest highest incidence of RV envenomation in eastern India (EI). In this study the RV venom proteomes from Burdwan and Nadia, the two districts of West Bengal, eastern India was deciphered for the first time using tandem mass spectrometry analysis.
Project description:We used gene expression accompanied by physical characteristics and gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity to analyze physiological differences associated with two life history variations of juvenile fall Chinook Salmon in the Snake River basin. Subyearlings originating in the Snake River typically migrate seaward as subyearlings, whereas many subyearlings from the Clearwater River delay seaward migration during summer and complete seaward migration the following spring as yearlings. We examined gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity and gene expression of subyearlings at different times during rearing and seaward emigration. Natural-origin Snake River subyearlings rearing under an increasing photoperiod and seasonally increasing temperatures showed a typical increasing pattern of parr to smolt gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity development, which then declined into autumn. In contrast, Clearwater River subyearlings that had experienced cooler temperatures showed no pattern of increasing gill Na+/K+-ATPase activities and were not different from parr. Liver transcription of genes involved in DNA repair and binding, the cell cycle, metabolism (steroid, fatty acid and other metabolic pathways) iron homeostasis, heme and oxygen binding, the immune response, and male sexual development were enriched amongst genes differentially expressed between Snake River parr versus smolts. Gene expression results confirmed that Clearwater River subyearlings were parr-like in their physiological status. By autumn, subyearlings had low gill Na+/K+-ATPase activities despite their large size and external smolt characteristics. We suggest that environmental factors like temperature and photoperiod influence subyearling physiological status in each river that ultimately dictates juvenile life history pathways. Non-migrating and migrating natural subyearling fall Chinook salmon were collected from the Snake River. Non-migrating natural subyearling fall Chinook salmon were collected from the Clearwater River. Twelve fish were collected at each of four different time points for a total of 48 fish. Total RNA was extracted from the liver of each fish. Equal amounts of RNA from three fish were pooled to create four pools of RNA per time point. Each RNA pool was hybridized to an array for a total of 16 arrays with four arrays per time point.
Project description:Our genomic, bulk and single-cell transcriptomic, functional, and developmental characterization of the Terrazzo corn snake color morph and the extensive comparison with wild-type snakes puts forward the dual role of PMEL in snake skin coloration, both in the differentiation of chromatophores during embryogenesis and the melanogenesis in melanophores.
Project description:Our genomic, bulk and single-cell transcriptomic, functional, and developmental characterization of the Terrazzo corn snake color morph and the extensive comparison with wild-type snakes puts forward the dual role of PMEL in snake skin coloration, both in the differentiation of chromatophores during embryogenesis and the melanogenesis in melanophores.