YAP1 (yes-associated protein 1), also known as YAP or YAP65, is a protein that acts as a transcription coregulator that promotes transcription of genes involved in cellular proliferation and suppressing apoptotic genes. YAP1 is a component in the hippo signaling pathway which regulates organ size, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. YAP1 was first identified by virtue of its ability to associate with the SH3 domain of Yes and Src protein tyrosineContinue Reading

Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase IB subunit alpha is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PAFAH1B1gene.[5][6][7] The protein is often referred to as Lis1 and plays an important role in regulating the motor protein Dynein.[8] Function PAFAH1B1 was identified as encoding a gene that when mutated or lost caused the lissencephaly associated with Miller–Dieker syndrome. PAFAH1B1 encodes theContinue Reading

Neuronal migration protein doublecortin, also known as doublin or lissencephalin-X is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DCXgene.[5] Doublecortin (DCX) is a microtubule-associated protein expressed by neuronal precursor cells and immature neurons in embryonic and adult cortical structures. Neuronal precursor cells begin to express DCX while actively dividing, and their neuronal daughter cells continue to express DCXContinue Reading

Syncytin-2 also known as endogenous retrovirus group FRD member 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ERVFRD-1 gene.[5] This protein plays a key role in the implantation of human embryos in the womb.[6] This gene is conserved among all primates, with an estimated age of 45 million years. The receptor forContinue Reading

Syncytin-1 also known as enverin is a protein found in humans and other primates that is encoded by the ERVW-1 gene (endogenous retrovirus group W envelope member 1). Syncytin-1 is a cell-cell fusion protein whose function is best characterized in placental development.[3][4] The placenta in turn aids in embryo attachment to the uterus and establishment of a nutrient supply. The gene encoding this protein is an endogenousContinue Reading

HLA-B (major histocompatibility complex, class I, B) is a human gene that provides instructions for making a protein that plays a critical role in the immune system. HLA-B is part of a family of genes called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex. The HLA complex helps the immune system distinguish the body’s own proteins from proteins made by foreignContinue Reading

Further information: Human leukocyte antigen and History and naming of human leukocyte antigens HLA-A is a group of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) that are encoded by the HLA-A locus, which is located at human chromosome 6p21.3.[1] HLA is a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen specific to humans. HLA-A is one of three major types of human MHC class I transmembrane proteins. TheContinue Reading

Syncytiotrophoblast (from the Greek ‘syn’- “together”; ‘cytio’- “of cells”; ‘tropho’- “nutrition”; ‘blast’- “bud”) is the epithelial covering of the highly vascular embryonic placental villi, which invades the wall of the uterus to establish nutrient circulation between the embryo and the mother. It is a multi-nucleate, terminally differentiated syncytium, extending to 13 cm. It is the outer layer of the trophoblasts and actively invades the uterine wall, during implantation, rupturing maternal capillaries andContinue Reading

“Cytotrophoblast” is the name given to both the inner layer of the trophoblast (also called layer of Langhans) or the cells that live there. It is interior to the syncytiotrophoblast and external to the wall of the blastocyst in a developing embryo. The cytotrophoblast is considered to be the trophoblastic stem cell because the layer surrounding the blastocyst remains whileContinue Reading

Helmut Ringsdorf, a luminary in polymer chemistry and the father of modern drug delivery systems, was not directly connected to the WHO Task Force on Vaccines for Fertility Regulation—but let’s imagine if he had been. Known for his groundbreaking work in designing polymers that could carry drugs to specific targetsContinue Reading

Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is an infusion of horse or rabbit-derived antibodies against human T cells and their precursors (thymocytes), which is used in the prevention and treatment of acute rejection in organ transplantation and therapy of aplastic anemia due to bone marrow insufficiency. Uses Two antithymocyte globulin (ATG) agents licensed for clinical use in the United States are ThymoglobulinContinue Reading

Anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG) is an infusion of animal- antibodies against human T cells which is used in the treatment of acute rejection in organ transplantation. Its use was first reported by Thomas Starzl in 1966.[1] Its use in transplant was supplanted by thymoglobulin between 1984 and 1999.[2] It has also been used in the treatment of aplastic anemia.[3][4][5] It is less commonly used than the similar anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG),Continue Reading