Canada & USA: Pathogenesis of Phytophthora sojae on soybean

Canada & USA: Pathogenesis of Phytophthora sojae on soybean

Gene expression of the pathogenic genes in Phytophthora sojae were studied to further understand the gene-for-gene interaction between the pathogen and resistant soybean genes. In this study, a RT-qPCR was performed on the MIC and found that genomic signatures can predict phenotype compatibility between these genes.

Poland: Plant miRNAs in human breast milk

Poland: Plant miRNAs in human breast milk

RT-qPCR experiments were performed on the MIC to identify the presence of five plant food-derived miRNAs that are present in human breast milk. Two of these miRNAs were found to be in exosomes and may influence crucial biological pathways in infants.

Switzerland: Metabolic regulation in Lactobacillus paracasei FAM18149

Switzerland: Metabolic regulation in Lactobacillus paracasei FAM18149

Next-generation sequencing and RT-qPCR performed on the MIC were utilized in this study to understand the metabolic pathway of sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine, in Lactobacillus paracasei.

Switzerland: Effector molecules of pathogens prevent disease resistance in plants

Switzerland: Effector molecules of pathogens prevent disease resistance in plants

In this study, the expression levels of the effecter molecule, RxLR24, present in Phytopthora pathogens were quantitated on the MIC. It was found that expression occurred early in the interaction between the pathogen and the plant and inhibits disease resistance in plants.

USA: Conserved epitopes between FIV and HIV

USA: Conserved epitopes between FIV and HIV

Identifying protective feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) peptides that are evolutionarily conserved with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is useful in identifying protective HIV peptides that are required for successful HIV vaccines in humans.

Argentina: Drug resistance in breast cancer

Argentina: Drug resistance in breast cancer

In this study, a RT-qPCR on the MIC was used to analyse the expression of Acyl-CoA synthetase-4 (ACSL4), an enzyme involved in therapy resistance, and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which detect and eject anti-cancer drugs from cells. It was concluded that ACSL4 can be used as a regulator of ABC transporters and increase the success of drug therapies in breast cancer.

Korea: Falcarindoil disrupts neural stem cell homeostasis

Korea: Falcarindoil disrupts neural stem cell homeostasis

mRNA expression levels of neural stem cells (NSC) with FAD treatment was studied using RT-qPCR performed on the MIC. It was found that FAD suppresses the notch pathway of NSC, allowing excessive proliferation and differentiation.

USA & Brazil: Pyrethroid resistance in southern cattle fever ticks

USA & Brazil: Pyrethroid resistance in southern cattle fever ticks

An HRM assay, developed using the MIC, was successful in detecting mutations present in the para-sodium channel gene that is associated with pyrethroid resistance in southern cattle fever ticks.

New Zealand: Wobbly possum disease virus

New Zealand: Wobbly possum disease virus

The viral RNA loads of wobbly possum disease virus in experimentally infected possums were studied using RT-qPCR on the MIC. The study found high levels of RNA in lymph nodes, spleens and livers as well as moderate levels in serum and saliva of the infected possums.

USA: Sexual transmission of Zika virus

USA: Sexual transmission of Zika virus

This study detected Zika virus in all components of the male reproductive tract by quantitative RT-PCR performed on the MIC. All components of the male reproductive tract were capable of sexually transmitting the Zika virus to naïve females.