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Valdivieso-Rivera F, Almeida JR, Proaño-Bolaños C. An experimental protocol for molecular biology lab at an Amazonian University. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 50:326-333. [PMID: 35263036 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory-based practical classes are an essential component in teaching molecular biology for undergraduate students. Universidad Regional Amazonica Ikiam is a higher education institution located in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, a high biodiversity place, including amphibians. Based on this, we have established a practical molecular biology program with eight sessions that contextualize the biodiverse surroundings of the University. This program stimulates synchronization of information between theory and practice and improves research skills. During these sessions, students are motivated to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions, using molecular biology techniques and biochemistry and microbiology knowledge. This practical course was held twice with a total of 56 students from the fifth semester of the biotechnology engineering. The evaluation of the practical program was carried out through a questionnaire applied to students using the Likert scale. Overall, this form of teaching had high receptivity and presented benefits for student learning. Interestingly, 80% of respondents strongly agreed that this course provided tools and knowledge for the development of their undergraduate dissertation. Therefore, practical courses tailored to the student's context can stimulate student learning and interest. Additionally, this experimental methodology is interdisciplinary and can be applied to other research fields and subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Rafael Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
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Gokalp S, Horton W, Jónsdóttir-Lewis EB, Foster M, Török M. Laboratory exercise for studying the morphology of heat-denatured and amyloid aggregates of lysozyme by atomic force microscopy. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 46:162-171. [PMID: 29219231 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
To facilitate learning advanced instrumental techniques, essential tools for visualizing biomaterials, a simple and versatile laboratory exercise demonstrating the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in biomedical applications was developed. In this experiment, the morphology of heat-denatured and amyloid-type aggregates formed from a low-cost and well-characterized model protein, hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), are compared. Structural differences between the amorphous and ordered particles are quantified using ImageJ for the analysis of AFM images as a postlaboratory assignment. The laboratory exercise allows the direct observation of changes in the protein structure and helps students to understand the operation of AFM, as well as protein folding and misfolding related to many physiological and pathological processes. The described protocol stands alone, but also fits well into a larger module on protein structure and function or microscopic techniques as it can be linked easily to existing laboratory exercises on these topics. It can be easily adapted to the upper level undergraduate laboratory courses with limited lab hours as well as graduate level courses to improve students' research skills. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(2):162-171, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeyra Gokalp
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125
| | - William Horton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125
| | | | - Michelle Foster
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125
| | - Marianna Török
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125
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dos Anjos LC, Gomes FMM, do Couto LL, Mourão CA, Moreira KG, Silva LP, Mortari MR. Anxiolytic activity and evaluation of potentially adverse effects of a bradykinin-related peptide isolated from a social wasp venom. Life Sci 2016; 149:153-9. [PMID: 26898126 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are major health problems in terms of costs stemming from sick leave, disabilities, healthcare and premature mortality. Despite the availability of classic anxiolytics, some anxiety disorders are still resistant to treatment, with higher rates of adverse effects. In this respect, several toxins isolated from arthropod venoms are useful in identifying new compounds to treat neurological disorders, particularly pathological anxiety. Thus, the aims of this study were to identify and characterize an anxiolytic peptide isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. The peptide was identified as Polisteskinin R, with nominal molecular mass [M+H](+)=1301Da and primary structure consisting of Ala-Arg-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Thr-Pro-Phe-Arg-OH. The anxiolytic effect was tested using the elevated plus maze test. Moreover, adverse effects on the spontaneous behavior and motor coordination of animals were assessed using the open field and rotarod tests. Polisteskinin R induced a dose-dependent anxiolytic effect. Animals treated with the peptide and diazepam spent significantly more time into the open arms when compared to the groups treated with the vehicle and pentylenetetrazole. No significant differences in spontaneous behavior or motor coordination were observed between the groups, showing that the peptide was well tolerated. The interaction by agonists in both known BK receptors induces a variability of physiological effects; Polisteskinin R can act on these receptors, inducing modulatory activity and thus, attenuating anxiety behaviors. The results of this study demonstrated that the compound Polisteskinin R exerted potent anxiolytic effects and its analogues are promising candidates for experimental pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Carneiro dos Anjos
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Flávia Maria Medeiros Gomes
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Lucianna Lopes do Couto
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Cecília Alves Mourão
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Luciano Paulino Silva
- Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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