Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to G R Ivanitsky.
This work is focused on the processes underlying the dynamics of spatially inhomogeneous plankton communities. We demonstrate that reaction-diffusion mathematical models are an appropriate tool for searching and understanding basic mechanisms of complex spatio-temporal plankton dynamics and fractal properties ofplanktivorous fish school walks
The effective gene delivery to target cells is a basic challenge of gene therapy. In this review attention is focused on liposomal vehicles. They represent not only an alternative, but also an extension to the other methods of transfection where both biological and synthetic materials are utilized. The structural and phase transformations of lipids are generally inherent to nature and can be applied in practice. The liposomes could serve as a specific matrix for materials composed of proteins, polysaccharides, and various synthetic polymers. The investigation of structural polymorphism of lipids and DNA--lipid complexes is important for designing of effective carriers of genes and drugs.
Freeze-fracture study of ultrastructure of DNA--calcium--dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) complex was carried out at different temperatures. For high-speed cryofixation from controllable initial temperatures, a special thermostatic chamber was designed. The fracture surface of the complex was found to be considerably different from the initial DPPC liposomes: 1) the period of ripple phase was 25 nm in contrast to 15 nm for control samples; 2) the ripple phase was observed at temperatures ranging from 6 degreesC to lipid melting temperature; 3) at temperature above the lipid melting unordered worm-like folds were formed on the fracture surface. Their length was correlated with the length of DNA fragments used in the experiment. We suppose that DNA molecules adsorbed on the membrane surface were segregated to clusters, resulting in formation of a new phase with specific structure and properties.
The inverted micellar phase, obtained by treating lecithin and Ca(2+)-DNA complex with chloroform, was used as an intermediate step in the preparation of DNA-Ca(2+)-lecithin complex. DSC analysis demonstrated the involvement of a large fraction of lipid in the interaction with DNA. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed (i) rod-like structures on the hydrophobic fracture surface of membranes and (ii) regular bundles of fibrils with a repeat distance of about 6 nm, which were located free in solution. Similar regular bundles of fibrils were also revealed by staining the samples with uranyl acetate. According to the suggested model, the observed structures are hexagonally packed inverted lipid tubes, with DNA located in their central cores. The possible biological relevance of the capability of Ca(2+)-DNA to initiate polymorphic phase transitions of lecithin is discussed.
Structural changes in the envelope of Escherichia coli cells accompanying their lysis from without by bacteriophage T4 have been studied. The hypothesis concerning the role of collapse of membrane potential and formation of periplasmic vesicles in the process of lysis from without has been advanced.
Many motile chemotactic bacteria (for instance, Escherichia coli) inoculated at some point in a semisolid nutrient medium can form circular expanding population waves. The formation of these motile structures is due to chemotaxis. The circular waves originate from an expanding bacterial lawn (a parent population). The regular shape of these waves results from the isotropic distribution of freely diffusible nutrient molecules which are also attractants. In this paper we show that the regular shape of the bacterial population waves can be spontaneously disturbed. As this takes place arc-shaped population waves ('bursts') are formed. It was found that initially the mean length of the cells forming the bursts was greater than that of the parent cell population. But then it decreased resulting in a value characteristic of the parent population.
The structural organization of the baseplate distal part of bacteriophage T4 has been studied. The investigations resulted in revealing the functional role of gene products '11' and '12' in the course of baseplate reorganization and DNA injection. A new model of 'arrangement' of gp12 in the intact particle is suggested. A functional interrelationship between long fibers of the phage and the protein complex of baseplate distal part has been established.
A method of pH distribution measurements in agar nutrient media containing expanding bacterial populations is described. It is based on measuring pH microsamples taken at different points of the media. The sample volume was 10 microliters. A pH sensitive field effect transistor was used as a measuring electrode. Acidification was found to occur in glucose media, while alkalization occurred in the media containing peptone.
By means of high-precision acoustic measurements and by methods of fluorescent and electron microscopy, investigations have been performed of thermoinduced conformational changes in T4 bacteriophage and its thermolabile mutants altered in baseplate proteins (gene products 7, 8, 10). A relationship was found between the conformational changes in T4 bacteriophage structure in the temperature range of 33-45 degrees C and the efficiency of bacteriophage adsorption and the changes in the orientation of long tail fibers. The possibility of heat regulation of 'recognition' of 'host' cells by bacterial viruses is suggested.
Many motile bacteria (for instance, Escherichia coli) inoculated at some point in a semisolid nutrient medium can form population waves: bands or rings. The formation of these motile structures is due to chemotaxis. The population waves when they are drawn together can form two types of non-motile structures. Firstly, the population waves can collide. Secondly, in certain conditions, the waves can slow down and stop without coming into contact directly with each other. In this way demarcation zones are formed. The mechanism of the occurrence of the demarcation zones has been unknown. In this paper we show that formation of these zones is due to lack of nutrients (which at the same time act as attractants) within the narrow gap between individual bacterial populations.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.