Polymorphic core promoter GA-repeats alter gene expression of the early embryonic developmental genes

Protein complexes that bind to ‘GAGA’ DNA elements are necessary to replace nucleosomes to create a local chromatin environment that facilitates a variety of site-specific regulatory responses. Three to four elements are required for the disruption of a preassembled nucleosome. We have previously identified human protein-coding gene core promoters that are composed of exceptionally long GA-repeats. The functional implication of those GA-repeats is beginning to emerge in the core promoter of the human SOX5 gene, which is involved in multiple developmental processes. In the current study, we analyze the functional implication of GA-repeats in the core promoter of two additional genes, MECOM and GABRA3, whose expression is largely limited to embryogenesis. We report a significant difference in gene expression as a result of different alleles across those core promoters in the HEK-293 cell line. Across-species homology check for the GABRA3 GA-repeats revealed that those repeats are evolutionary conserved in mouse and primates (p < 1 × 10^− 8). The MECOM core promoter GA-repeats are also conserved in numerous species, of which human has the longest repeat and complexity. We propose a novel role for GA-repeat core promoters to regulate gene expression in the genes involved in development and evolution.     

Tips for improving the quality and quantity of the extracted DNA from exhaled breath condensate samples

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the tracking of genetic and epigenetic alterations in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples. The effects of different procedures on the quality and quantity of DNA in EBC were studied. The results demonstrated that sodium acetate precipitation and oligo (dT) improved the quality of the extracted DNA significantly (p?<?0.01). Also, sodium acetate precipitation, using oligo (dT), incubation at 70?°C and SDS treatment increased the quantity of DNA significantly (p?<?0.01). These results showed the advantages of the chemical and physical manipulations for improving the quality and quantity of the extracted DNA from EBC samples.     

Aerobic exercise modulates noncoding RNA network upstream of FNDC5 in the Gastrocnemius muscle of high-fat-diet-induced obese mice

Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry - The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of aerobic exercise with a fat-rich diet on ncRNAs expression associated with FNDC5 in the...