1.
Practical macromolecular cryocrystallography.
Pflugrath, JW
Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology communications. 2015;(Pt 6):622-42
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Abstract
Cryocrystallography is an indispensable technique that is routinely used for single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collection at temperatures near 100 K, where radiation damage is mitigated. Modern procedures and tools to cryoprotect and rapidly cool macromolecular crystals with a significant solvent fraction to below the glass-transition phase of water are reviewed. Reagents and methods to help prevent the stresses that damage crystals when flash-cooling are described. A method of using isopentane to assess whether cryogenic temperatures have been preserved when dismounting screened crystals is also presented.
2.
Priorities in the discovery of the implications of water channels in epilepsy and duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Benga, I
Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France). 2006;(7):46-50
Abstract
In addition to the priority in the discovery of the first water channel protein in the red blood cell membrane the group of Gheorghe Benga in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, also has a world priority in the discovery of the implications of water channel proteins in epilepsy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This priority is briefly presented here. In 1977 Benga and Morariu reported a decreased water permeability of red blood cells in children with idiopathic epilepsy (cases selected by Ileana Benga). This investigation was performed as part of a program of research of hydroelectrolytic alterations in child epilepsy. On the other hand the group of Gheorghe Benga has reported a decreased water permeability of RBC in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These findings were interpreted as an expression of generalized membrane defects affecting water permeability in epilepsy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In recent years this idea was confirmed by reports indicating aquaporin abnormalities in the brain of epileptic patients and in the muscle of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.
3.
The first water channel protein (later called aquaporin 1) was first discovered in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Benga, G
Romanian journal of physiology : physiological sciences. 2004;(1-2):3-20
Abstract
This invited review briefly outlines the importance of membrane water permeability, highlights the landmarks leading to the discovery of water channels. After a decade of systematic studies on water channels in human RBC Benga's group discovered in 1985 the presence and location of the water channel protein among the polypeptides migrating in the region of 35-60 kDa on the electrophoretogram of RBC membrane proteins. The work was extended and reviewed in several articles. In 1988, Agre and coworkers isolated a new protein from the RBC membrane, nick-named CHIP28 (channel-forming integral membrane protein of 28 kDa). However, in addition to the 28 kDa component, this protein had a 35-60 kDa glycosylated component, the one detected by the Benga's group. Only in 1992 Agre's group suggested that "it is likely that CHIP28 is a functional unit of membrane water channels". Half of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Peter Agre (Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA) "for the discovery of water channels", actually the first water channel protein from the human red blood cell (RBC) membrane, known today as aquaporin 1 (AQP1). The seminal contributions from 1986 of the Benga's group were grossly overlooked by Peter Agre and by the Nobel Prize Committee. Thousands of science-related professionals from hundreds of academic and research units, as well as participants in several international scientific events, have signed as supporters of Benga; his priority is also mentioned in several comments on the 2003 Nobel Prize.
4.
Photosynthetic water oxidation: the role of tyrosine radicals.
Nugent, JH, Ball, RJ, Evans, MC
Biochimica et biophysica acta. 2004;(1-3):217-21
Abstract
This mini-review outlines the involvement of the tyrosine electron carriers, Y(D) and Y(Z), in the mechanism of electron transfer from water to P680. We discuss our data and put forward our ideas on the role of Y(D) and Y(Z).