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The development of drug delivery systems using nanoparticles as carriers for small and large therapeutic molecules remains a rapidly growing area of research. The advantages of using proteins to prepare nanoparticles for drug delivery applications include their abundance in natural sources, biocompatibility, biodegradability, easy synthesis process, and cost-effectiveness. In contrast to several particulate systems like nanoparticles from metallic and inorganic/synthetic sources, the protein nanoparticles do not have limitations such as potential toxicity, large size, accumulation, or rapid clearance from the body. In addition, protein-based nanoparticles offer the opportunity for surface modification by conjugation of other protein and carbohydrate ligands. This enables targeted delivery to the desired tissue and organ, which further reduces systemic toxicity. The use of protein nanoparticles for such applications could therefore prove to be a better alternative to maneuver and improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the various types of drug molecules. In this review, while focusing on the properties of a few proteins such as the silk protein fibroin, we attempt to provide an overview of the existing protein-based nanoparticles. We discuss various methods for the synthesis of this class of nanoparticles. The review brings forth some of the factors that are important for the design of this class of nanoparticles and highlights the applications of the nanoparticles obtained from these proteins.

Background:The causal relationship between tubulin acetylation and microtubule stability has remained poorly understood. Results: Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 increased HDAC6 binding to microtubules, enhanced microtubule stability, and suppressed dynamics. Conclusion: Increased binding of HDAC6, rather than acetylation per se, causes microtubule stability. Significance: The study indicates a MAP-like function of HDAC6 that extends beyond its tubulin deacetylase function.

Haematospermia (or haemospermia) is a distressing symptom in sexually active men. In most cases, it is caused by non-specific inflammation of the prostate and seminal vesicles. In a small percentage of men, however, it may be a manifestation of genito-urinary or systemic malignancy, in particular prostate cancer. The purpose of this review is to explain the causes and management of patients with haematospermia.

The widespread problem of bacterial resistance towards existing drugs and the paucity of effective drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections have prompted the scientific community to think about novel strategies for discovering new classes of antibacterial drugs. Target-based screening of inhibitory molecules has emerged as an important alternative for the development of potent antibacterials. FtsZ is a prokaryotic cytoskeleton protein, which plays an important role in bacterial cell division. It forms a highly dynamic Z-ring at the centre of the cell and recruits other accessory proteins, which are involved in bacterial cytokinesis. Here, we discuss the assembly dynamics of FtsZ and the key features that place it among the novel antibacterial drug targets. The recent progress in finding the inhibitors of functional properties of FtsZ and its interactions with other proteins, which has been enabled by advanced screening methods and structure-based design, are presented herein. Although there are significant challenges in the development of this new class of antibacterial drugs, nonetheless the therapeutic potential of FtsZ as a drug target is motivating researchers to find lead molecules with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity.

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