The Michaelis-Menten rate equation can be found in most general biochemistry textbooks as the Michaelis-Menten kinetics can easily provide almost 100-year-old alternative of data transformation, graphical visualization, and data analysis of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. However, the enzyme-catalyzed reaction rarely obey Michaelis-Menten behaviour, and they frequently show either substrate activation or inhibition which can be mathematically described with the Webb rate equation as in the case of cholinesterases. The use of the Webb equation is limited only to the rate versus substrate-concentration analysis but fundamental concepts of enzyme kinetics can be difficult to understand fully, or can even be misunderstood, when based only on the differential form of the equation. Consequently, enzyme kinetics can be confusing if an analytical solution of the equation is not available and the practical use of direct solution is limited for most life-science researchers/students. Thus, the purpose of this article is to provide analytical approximations to the equation for modeling Webb kinetics by the application of standard mathematical software. The elementary and explicit nature of these approximations can provide researchers/students with direct and simple estimations of kinetic parameters from raw experimental time-course data. Hence, the content of the paper presented here could gradually become an important component of the modern enzymology curriculum in the 21st century..
F.23 Development of new system-wide, normative and programme solutions, and methods
COBISS.SI-ID: 30847449Paraoxonase-1 has been widely described as potential biomarker in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases for the last ten years. However, phenylacetate and paraoxonases enzame activities and ELISA assay only are currently in use for its quantity-determination. The development of other diagnostic assays demands the study of catalytic mechanism this calcium-dependent enzyme and binding/inhibition of adequate ligands (e.g. transition-state analogs) into its active site. The latter could be good starting point for the development of lanthanide-based luminescence time-resolved assays which would enable the enzyme-concentration quantification in samples. Our study present the basis for further progress of novel diagnostic procedures.
F.21 Development of new health/diagnostic methods/procedures
COBISS.SI-ID: 31520729The genomes of four Aureobasidium pullulans varieties were publicated. The paper was focused on the presence and characteristics of genes involved in stress tolerance, especially to high salt concentrations that are well tolerated by Aureobasidium species. We also centered our research on the presence of biotechnologically important genes and we described varieties as new species, based on the differences between the genomes. The article was published in a scientific journal of the corresponding research field and attracted substantial attention (also due to the important role of Aureobasidium spp. in biotechnology, agriculture and medicine).
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 3173711Endometriosis affects 10% of premenopausal women and 35%50% of women with infertility, pelvic pain, or both. At present, endometriosis can only be diagnosed with surgery, where laparoscopy is considered a gold standard. Noninvasive biomarkers are thus urgently needed. In 2010, the peripheral biomarkers of endometriosis were systematically reviewed by May et al. However, with the introduction of -omics technologies, we have witnessed immense progress in biomarker discovery, which now calls for an overview of recent studies. This report looks at potential blood and urine biomarkers of endometriosis published in the last 3 years. The current status of noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers of endometriosis is discussed, with the limitations of these studies identified and recommendations for future biomarker discovery provided.
F.21 Development of new health/diagnostic methods/procedures
COBISS.SI-ID: 31203545The Genomic Medicine Alliance is a global academic research network that aims to establish and strengthen collaborative ties between the various genomic medicine stakeholders. Its focus lies on the translation of scientific research findings into clinical practice. It brings together experts from disciplines including genome informatics, pharmacogenomics, public health genomics, ethics in genomics and health economics, and it is supervised by a 14-member International Scientific Advisory Committee comprising internationally renowned scientists. The Alliance's official journal, Public Health Genomics, offers members a highly respected publication forum for their original research findings. In the short-to-medium term, the Genomic Medicine Alliance hopes to harmonize research activities between developed and developing countries and to organize educational activities in the field of genomic medicine.
D.03 Membership in foreign/international boards/committees
COBISS.SI-ID: 31771097