Light-dependent expression of two catalase subunits in leaves of barley seedlings

In young barley seedlings high levels of a 57 kDa catalase subunit were found in the dark, while increased levels of a 53 kDa subunit were detected in the leaves after growth in the light. A catalase-deficient mutant fails to upregulate expression of the 53 kDa subunit after transfer to a high light intensity.     

An essential role of the autophagy activating kinase ULK1 in snRNP biogenesis

The biogenesis of small uridine-rich nuclear ribonucleoproteins (UsnRNPs) depends on the methylation of Sm proteins catalyzed by the methylosome and the subsequent action of the SMN complex, which assembles the heptameric Sm protein ring onto small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). In this sophisticated process, the methylosome subunit pICln (chloride conductance regulatory protein) is attributed to an exceptional key position as an ‘assembly chaperone’ by building up a stable precursor Sm protein ring structure. Here, we show that—apart from its autophagic role—the Ser/Thr kinase ULK1 (Uncoordinated [unc-51] Like Kinase 1) functions as a novel key regulator in UsnRNP biogenesis by phosphorylation of the C-terminus of pICln. As a consequence, phosphorylated pICln is no longer capable to hold up the precursor Sm ring structure. Consequently, inhibition of ULK1 results in a reduction of efficient UsnRNP core assembly. Thus ULK1, depending on its complex formation, exerts different functions in autophagy or snRNP biosynthesis.     

Effects of osmomolarity,calcium and magnesium ions on the structuredness of cytoplasmic matrix (SCM)

Summary The involvement of intracellular water content, calcium and magnesium ions in changes of the structuredness of cytoplasmic matrix (SCM) in human lymphocytes was investigated with the technique of fluorescence polarization.     

Structuredness of the cytoplasmic matrix and Michaelis-Menten constants for the hydrolysis of FDA during the cell cycle in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Summary Changes in the structuredness of cytoplasmic matrix at different stages of the cell cycle in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells were investigated. The concomitant variations in the Michaelis-Menten constant for the enzymatic hydrolysis of fluoresceindiacetate were found to be related to variations in the structuredness of cytoplasmic matrix. The results corroborate the hypothesis that the structuredness of cytoplasmic matrix participates in the control and regulation of rates of enzyme reactionsin vivo.     

Stress-induced transcriptional memory accelerates promoter-proximal pause release and decelerates termination over mitotic divisions

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An Update to Returning Genetic Research Results to Individuals: Perspectives of the Industry Pharmacogenomics Working Group

The ease with which genotyping technologies generate tremendous amounts of data on research participants has been well chronicled, a feat that continues to become both faster and cheaper to perform. In parallel to these advances come additional ethical considerations and debates, one of which centers on providing individual research results and incidental findings back to research participants taking part in genetic research efforts. In 2006 the Industry Pharmacogenomics Working Group (I‐PWG) offered some ‘Points‐to‐Consider’ on this topic within the context of the drug development process from those who are affiliated to pharmaceutical companies. Today many of these points remain applicable to the discussion but will be expanded upon in this updated viewpoint from the I‐PWG. The exploratory nature of pharmacogenomic work in the pharmaceutical industry is discussed to provide context for why these results typically are not best suited for return. Operational challenges unique to this industry which cause barriers to returning this information are also explained.