Modern optical approaches in redox biology: Genetically encoded sensors and Raman spectroscopy

The objective of the current review is to summarize the current state of optical methods in redox biology. It consists of two parts, the first is dedicated to genetically encoded fluorescent indicators and the second to Raman spectroscopy. In the first part, we provide a detailed classification of the currently available redox biosensors based on their target analytes. We thoroughly discuss the main architecture types of these proteins, the underlying engineering strategies for their development, the biochemical properties of existing tools and their advantages and disadvantages from a practical point of view. Particular attention is paid to fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy as a possible readout technique, since it is less prone to certain artifacts than traditional intensiometric measurements. In the second part, the characteristic Raman peaks of the most important redox intermediates are listed, and examples of how this knowledge can be implemented in biological studies are given. This part covers such fields as estimation of the redox states and concentrations of Fe-S clusters, cytochromes, other heme-containing proteins, oxidative derivatives of thiols, lipids, and nucleotides. Finally, we touch on the issue of multiparameter imaging, in which biosensors are combined with other visualization methods for simultaneous assessment of several cellular parameters.

Study of the Association of Ouib and Nom with Heterochromatin in Drosophila melanogaster

In Drosophila, a large group of actively transcribed genes is located in pericentromeric heterochromatin. It is assumed that heterochromatic proteins recruit transcription factors to gene promoters. Two proteins, Ouib and Nom, were previously shown to bind to the promoters of the heterochromatic genes nvd and spok. Interestingly, Ouib and Nom are paralogs of the M1BP protein, which binds to the promoters of euchromatic genes. We have shown that, like M1BP, the Quib and Nom proteins bind to CP190, which is involved in the recruitment of transcription complexes to promoters. Unlike heterochromatic proteins, Ouib and Nom do not interact with the major heterochromatic protein HP1a and bind to euchromatic promoters on polytene chromosomes from the larval salivary glands. The results suggest a new mechanism for the recruitment of transcription factors into the heterochromatic compartment of the nucleus.

Study of the in Vivo Functional Role of Mutations in the BTB Domain of the CP190 Protein of Drosophila melanogaster

The Drosophila transcription factor СР190 is one of the key proteins that determine the activity of housekeeping gene promoters and insulators. CP190 has an N-terminal BTB domain that allows for dimerization. Many of known Drosophila architectural proteins interact with the hydrophobic peptide-binding groove in the BTB domain, which is presumably a mechanisms for recruiting CP190 to regulatory elements. To study the role of the BTB domain in the interaction with architectural proteins, we obtained transgenic flies expressing CP190 variants with mutations in the peptide-binding groove, which disrupts their interaction with architectural proteins. As a result of the studies, it was found that mutations in the BTB domain do not affect binding of the CP190 protein to polytene chromosomes. Thus, our studies confirm the previously obtained data that CP190 is recruited to regulatory elements by several transcription factors interacting, in addition to BTB, with other CP190 domains.

[The principle of the three-dimensional visual environment of the operating field in rhinosurgery]

RELEVANCE

Traditional endoscopes that create a two-dimensional image cannot provide stereoscopic imagining of the operating field, which does not allow simultaneous synchronization of visual perception with the surgeon's handwork. The operator still achieves in-depth perception through tactile and visual cues, such as the interaction of instruments or the continuous movement of the endoscope.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the three-dimensional visual environment for the operating field in endoscopic rhinosinus surgery based on the stereopsis phenomenon.

RESULTS

Thanks to multi-spiral computed tomography, we have examined the functional structure features of ram's synonasal region, and described the system of the accessory nasal cavities. We practiced, and compared the techniques of endoscopic rhinosinus surgery using traditional methods versus a three-dimensional visual environment. As a result, we found the advantages of the live surgery in a virtual reality helmet, confirmed by the NASA Task Load Index questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

The use of a virtual reality helmet in rhinosurgery allows the operator to work in a three-dimensional visual environment based on the phenomenon of stereopsis, as a qualitatively improved method of surgical wound videoscopy.

[A simple method for determining antiepileptic preparations in biological fluids by using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)]

The authors suggest a simple HPLC method with ultraviolet detection at 200 nm for finding barbiturates, diphenine, etosuccimide, and carbamazepin in plasma and saline using an original technology of liquid-liquid extraction. It allows clear chromatograms with a minimal amount of interfering compounds, a high extraction percentage (90-100%) and sufficient sensitivity to be obtained. A method has also been worked out for detecting clonazepam on the basis of solid-phase extraction (cartridge "Diapak-C16") precolumn concentration, and ultraviolet detection at 200 and 215 nm. The suggested extraction technologies also make possible successful monitoring of antiepileptics in the saline, for which the plasma/saline coefficients are calculated and the dependence between the degree of phenobarbital extraction into the saline and its pH is demonstrated.