(C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Over the past 40 years the Australian contribution to the

field of skin science has been led by Michael Roberts. One of his earliest papers on membrane permeation was published in Nature, setting the scene for his huge contribution to both the fundamental understanding of skin permeability and the application of that knowledge to improved clinical outcomes, new delivery technologies and minimizing toxicological risk. His work has been characterized by a mechanistic, mathematical approach to defining skin permeation. He defined the parameters important to skin permeation, established structure-penetration relationships and demonstrated the importance of maximum flux from a clinical and toxicological viewpoint. Through his systematic approach, Mike showed a parabolic relationship CH5424802 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor between maximum flux and lipophilicity, and established that this is driven mainly by variations in solubility of the solute in the stratum corneum. One of the significant strengths of Mike’s work is the ability to express biological concepts in mathematical terms. He has developed mathematical models that enhance our understanding of epidermal,

dermal, deep tissue permeation and follicular transport. Throughout his career Mike has been involved in pioneering new technologies both for analysing the skin barrier and influencing permeation across it. ACY-1215 in vitro His fundamental work in the area of iontophoresis provided models that defined the parameters influencing its permeation enhancement. Mike’s research has been translated into improved clinical outcomes, reduced toxicological risk and changes to the regulation of skin products. This article provides an insight into Mike Roberts and the Australian contribution

to skin science. (c) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“To elucidate the mechanism of formation of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) particles, RNA-2-encoded precursor proteins were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Processing of the 105K and 95K polyproteins in trans to give the mature Large (L) and Small (S) coat proteins required both the 32K proteinase cofactor and the 24K proteinase itself, while processing of VP60, consisting of the fused L-S protein, required see more only the 24K proteinase. Release of the L and S proteins resulted in the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs), showing that VP60 can act as a precursor of virus capsids. Processing of VP60 expressed in plants also led to efficient production of VLPs. Analysis of the VLPs produced by the action of the 24K proteinase on precursors showed that they were empty (RNA-free). This has important implications for the use of CPMV VLPs in biotechnology and nanotechnology as it will permit the use of noninfectious particles. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.