scholarly journals Meiosis initiation: a story of two sexes in all creatures great and small

2021 ◽  
Vol 478 (20) ◽  
pp. 3791-3805
Author(s):  
Ieng Fong Sou ◽  
Rebecca M. Pryce ◽  
Wee-Wei Tee ◽  
Urszula Lucja McClurg
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Relative Timing ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
A Current

Meiosis facilitates diversity across individuals and serves as a major driver of evolution. However, understanding how meiosis begins is complicated by fundamental differences that exist between sexes and species. Fundamental meiotic research is further hampered by a current lack of human meiotic cells lines. Consequently, much of what we know relies on data from model organisms. However, contextualising findings from yeast, worms, flies and mice can be challenging, due to marked differences in both nomenclature and the relative timing of meiosis. In this review, we set out to combine current knowledge of signalling and transcriptional pathways that control meiosis initiation across the sexes in a variety of organisms. Furthermore, we highlight the emerging links between meiosis initiation and oncogenesis, which might explain the frequent re-expression of normally silent meiotic genes in a variety of human cancers.

The glycomes of Caenorhabditis elegans and other model organisms

2002 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
pp. 117-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart M. Haslam ◽  
David Gems ◽  
Howard R. Morris ◽  
Anne Dell
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Entire Genome ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
The Face ◽  
Area Of Concern ◽  
Nematode Worm

There is no doubt that the immense amount of information that is being generated by the initial sequencing and secondary interrogation of various genomes will change the face of glycobiological research. However, a major area of concern is that detailed structural knowledge of the ultimate products of genes that are identified as being involved in glycoconjugate biosynthesis is still limited. This is illustrated clearly by the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, which was the first multicellular organism to have its entire genome sequenced. To date, only limited structural data on the glycosylated molecules of this organism have been reported. Our laboratory is addressing this problem by performing detailed MS structural characterization of the N-linked glycans of C. elegans; high-mannose structures dominate, with only minor amounts of complex-type structures. Novel, highly fucosylated truncated structures are also present which are difucosylated on the proximal N-acetylglucosamine of the chitobiose core as well as containing unusual Fucα1–2Gal1–2Man as peripheral structures. The implications of these results in terms of the identification of ligands for genomically predicted lectins and potential glycosyltransferases are discussed in this chapter. Current knowledge on the glycomes of other model organisms such as Dictyostelium discoideum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster is also discussed briefly.

scholarly journals Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy—History and Current Knowledge for Clinical Practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2457
Author(s):  
Birgit J. Gerecke ◽  
Rolf Engberding
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Clinical Patient ◽  
Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Morphological Variants ◽  
A Current ◽  
Healthy Persons

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) has gained increasing attention over the past twenty years, but in daily clinical practice NCCM is still rarely considered. So far, there are no generally accepted diagnostic criteria and some groups even refuse to acknowledge it as a distinct cardiomyopathy, and grade it as a variant of dilated cardiomyopathy or a morphological trait of different conditions. A wide range of morphological variants have been observed even in healthy persons, suggesting that pathologic remodeling and physiologic adaptation have to be differentiated in cases where this spongy myocardial pattern is encountered. Recent studies have uncovered numerous new pathogenetic and pathophysiologic aspects of this elusive cardiomyopathy, but a current summary and evaluation of clinical patient management are still lacking, especially to avoid mis- and overdiagnosis. Addressing this issue, this article provides an up to date overview of the current knowledge in classification, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnostic evaluation, including genetic testing, treatment and prognosis of NCCM.

scholarly journals Research on Plants for the Understanding of Diseases of Nuclear and Mitochondrial Origin

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia P. Spampinato ◽  
Diego F. Gomez-Casati
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Model System ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Human Cell Lines ◽  
Molecular Defects ◽  
Human Genes ◽  
Clinical Disorders ◽  
Mitochondrial Origin ◽  
Experimental Findings

Different model organisms, such asEscherichia coli,Saccharomyces cerevisiae,Caenorhabditis elegans,Drosophila melanogaster, mouse, cultured human cell lines, among others, were used to study the mechanisms of several human diseases. Since human genes and proteins have been structurally and functionally conserved in plant organisms, the use of plants, especiallyArabidopsis thaliana, as a model system to relate molecular defects to clinical disorders has recently increased. Here, we briefly review our current knowledge of human diseases of nuclear and mitochondrial origin and summarize the experimental findings of plant homologs implicated in each process.

scholarly journals Activated Rho GTPases in Cancer—The Beginning of a New Paradigm

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 3949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pontus Aspenström
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Cell Morphogenesis ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Direct Involvement ◽  
Cell Locomotion ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Involvement of Rho GTPases in cancer has been a matter of debate since the identification of the first members of this branch of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. The Rho GTPases were ascribed important roles in the cell, although these were restricted to regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, cell morphogenesis, and cell locomotion, with initially no clear indications of direct involvement in cancer progression. This paradigm has been challenged by numerous observations that Rho-regulated pathways are often dysregulated in cancers. More recently, identification of point mutants in the Rho GTPases Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42 in human tumors has finally given rise to a new paradigm, and we can now state with confidence that Rho GTPases serve as oncogenes in several human cancers. This article provides an exposé of current knowledge of the roles of activated Rho GTPases in cancers.

scholarly journals Local Secretory Trafficking Pathways in Neurons and the Role of Dendritic Golgi Outposts in Different Cell Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingqi Wang ◽  
Lou Fourriere ◽  
Paul A. Gleeson
Keyword(s):  
Cell Body ◽  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Neuronal Structure ◽  
Anterograde Transport ◽  
Transport Pathways ◽  
Human Neurons

A fundamental characteristic of neurons is the relationship between the architecture of the polarized neuron and synaptic transmission between neurons. Intracellular membrane trafficking is paramount to establish and maintain neuronal structure; perturbation in trafficking results in defects in neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. Given the physical distance from the cell body to the distal sites of the axon and dendrites, transport of newly synthesized membrane proteins from the central cell body to their functional destination at remote, distal sites represents a conundrum. With the identification of secretory organelles in dendrites, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi outposts (GOs), recent studies have proposed local protein synthesis and trafficking distinct from the conventional anterograde transport pathways of the cell body. A variety of different model organisms, including Drosophila, zebrafish, and rodents, have been used to probe the organization and function of the local neuronal secretory network. Here, we review the evidence for local secretory trafficking pathways in dendrites in a variety of cell-based neuronal systems and discuss both the similarities and differences in the organization and role of the local secretory organelles, especially the GOs. In addition, we identify the gaps in the current knowledge and the potential advances using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in defining local membrane protein trafficking in human neurons and in understanding the molecular basis of neurological diseases.

scholarly journals Females who sexually offend

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 296-300
Author(s):  
Carol Ireland ◽  
Rebecca Ozanne ◽  
Jane Ireland
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
A Current

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the current knowledge in regard to females who engage in sexually harmful behaviour (HSB). Design/methodology/approach This is a brief paper, reviewing current literature. Findings This paper argues the continual limitations in fully understanding this population. However, it suggests the importance of progressing to discuss patterns of offending as opposed to typologies. Practical implications This argues the importance of effective formulation and consideration of patterns when understanding HSB in females. Originality/value This is a current brief review of the literature, summarising key thinking in this area, and some suggested ways forward for further progression.

scholarly journals In control of biology: of mice, men and Foxes

2006 ◽  
Vol 397 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. E. C. Wijchers ◽  
J. Peter H. Burbach ◽  
Marten P. Smidt
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Functional Protein ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Developmental Defects ◽  
Forkhead Transcription Factors ◽  
Human Pathology ◽  
Forkhead Gene

Forkhead proteins comprise a highly conserved family of transcription factors, named after the original forkhead gene in Drosophila. To date, over 100 forkhead genes have been identified in a large variety of species, all sharing the evolutionary conserved ‘forkhead’ DNA-binding domain, and the cloning and characterization of forkhead genes have continued in recent years. Forkhead transcription factors regulate the expression of countless genes downstream of important signalling pathways in most, if not all, tissues and cell types. Recent work has provided novel insights into the mechanisms that contribute to their functional diversity, including functional protein domains and interactions of forkheads with other transcription factors. Studies using loss- and gain-of-function models have elucidated the role of forkhead factors in developmental biology and cellular functions such as metabolism, cell division and cell survival. The importance of forkhead transcription factors is underlined by the developmental defects observed in mutant model organisms, and multiple human disorders and cancers which can be attributed to mutations within members of the forkhead gene family. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on forkhead transcription factors, from structural organization and regulatory mechanisms to cellular and developmental functions in mice and humans. Finally, we will discuss how novel insights gained from involvement of ‘Foxes’ in the mechanisms underlying human pathology may create new opportunities for treatment strategies.

scholarly journals CDK12: A Potent Target and Biomarker for Human Cancer Therapy

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shujing Liang ◽  
Lifang Hu ◽  
Zixiang Wu ◽  
Zhihao Chen ◽  
Shuyu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Potential Target ◽  
Human Cancers

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a group of serine/threonine protein kinases and play crucial roles in various cellular processes by regulating cell cycle and gene transcription. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is an important transcription-associated CDK. It shows versatile roles in regulating gene transcription, RNA splicing, translation, DNA damage response (DDR), cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrates the important role of CDK12 in various human cancers, illustrating it as both a biomarker of cancer and a potential target for cancer therapy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of CDK12, and review the research advances of CDK12′s biological functions, especially its role in human cancers and as a potential target and biomarker for cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Dysregulation of Rho GTPases in Human Cancers

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyoung Jung ◽  
Suk Ran Yoon ◽  
Jeewon Lim ◽  
Hee Jun Cho ◽  
Hee Gu Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Rho GTPases play central roles in numerous cellular processes, including cell motility, cell polarity, and cell cycle progression, by regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion. Dysregulation of Rho GTPase signaling is observed in a broad range of human cancers, and is associated with cancer development and malignant phenotypes, including metastasis and chemoresistance. Rho GTPase activity is precisely controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, GTPase-activating proteins, and guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors. Recent evidence demonstrates that it is also regulated by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of Rho GTPases, and the precise mechanisms controlling their activity in the regulation of cancer progression. In addition, we discuss targeting strategies for the development of new drugs to improve cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Managing the Oocyte Meiotic Arrest—Lessons from Frogs and Jellyfish

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Jessus ◽  
Catriona Munro ◽  
Evelyn Houliston
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Polar Body ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Oocyte Growth ◽  
M Phase ◽  
History Of ◽  
Enormous Variation ◽  
Polar Body Formation ◽  
Reliable Mechanism

During oocyte development, meiosis arrests in prophase of the first division for a remarkably prolonged period firstly during oocyte growth, and then when awaiting the appropriate hormonal signals for egg release. This prophase arrest is finally unlocked when locally produced maturation initiation hormones (MIHs) trigger entry into M-phase. Here, we assess the current knowledge of the successive cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for keeping meiotic progression on hold. We focus on two model organisms, the amphibian Xenopus laevis, and the hydrozoan jellyfish Clytia hemisphaerica. Conserved mechanisms govern the initial meiotic programme of the oocyte prior to oocyte growth and also, much later, the onset of mitotic divisions, via activation of two key kinase systems: Cdk1-Cyclin B/Gwl (MPF) for M-phase activation and Mos-MAPkinase to orchestrate polar body formation and cytostatic (CSF) arrest. In contrast, maintenance of the prophase state of the fully-grown oocyte is assured by highly specific mechanisms, reflecting enormous variation between species in MIHs, MIH receptors and their immediate downstream signalling response. Convergence of multiple signalling pathway components to promote MPF activation in some oocytes, including Xenopus, is likely a heritage of the complex evolutionary history of spawning regulation, but also helps ensure a robust and reliable mechanism for gamete production.

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