Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin Bloh, Natalia Rivera-Torres
Summary: The mechanism of ssODN-directed gene editing has been a topic of discussion within the field of CRISPR gene editing. The ExACT pathway, based on oligo-driven DNA repair, provides a comprehensive understanding of the different ways DNA repair can occur in the presence of a repair oligonucleotide after CRISPR cleavage, by comparing and challenging other similar DNA repair pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Judit Jimenez-Sainz, Adam Krysztofiak, Jennifer Garbarino, Faye Rogers, Ryan B. Jensen
Summary: This study reveals that the BRCA2 R3052W variant impairs the DNA damage response function of BRCA2 and leads to genome instability and defective DNA repair.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yang Fang, Fengchao Zhang, Yunhui Zhan, Meina Lu, Di Xu, Jiajia Wang, Qiujun Li, Long Zhao, Ying Su
Summary: Studies have shown that RpS3, a ribosomal protein in Drosophila melanogaster, is highly expressed in the reproductive organs of adult flies and its depletion in male germline cells leads to severe defects in sperm production and male fertility. Knockdown of RpS3 disrupts spermatid elongation and individualization processes, resulting in abnormal morphology and activity of mitochondrial derivatives in elongating spermatids. Additionally, RpS3 knockdown inhibits the formation of the individualization complex and leads to excessive apoptotic cells in the testes.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brett M. Sansbury, Eric B. Kmiec
Summary: The expectations for selectively modifying the human genome have never been higher in the last five years. The development of site-specific nucleases is centerstage in effective molecular therapies, with a focus on correcting genetic mutations that cause cancer and inherited diseases. Homology directed repair, a process for reversing mutations and restoring normal protein function, is a key technique that is being researched for human gene editing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pedro B. Pinto, Katrin Domsch, Xuefan Gao, Michaela Woelk, Julie Carnesecchi, Ingrid Lohmann
Summary: Hox proteins have similar binding specificities in vitro but control different morphologies in vivo. This paradox has been partially resolved with the discovery of low-affinity binding sites. The specificity of anterior Hox proteins, which are more promiscuous than posterior Hox proteins, is achieved through a precise balance of transcription factors and binding site affinities. Small variations in affinity change the enhancer's sensitivity to different Hox levels, resulting in perturbed gene expression and morphogenesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Agostini, Luigi Bubacco, Sasanka Chakrabarti, Marco Bisaglia
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and accumulation of alpha-synuclein. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of iron-dependent cell death pathway, ferroptosis, in the pathogenesis of PD. This study using a Drosophila melanogaster model of PD demonstrated that over-expression of alpha-synuclein leads to protein aggregate accumulation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration, which are worsened by decreased glutathione levels or increased iron concentrations.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Eric Le Bourg
Summary: By selecting and imposing restrictions on fruit flies, it was found that adult flies had longer lifespans when their viability was lower, indicating selection for the fittest individuals. However, observing a wild-type strain under different conditions showed that increasing viability did not significantly increase lifespan, suggesting a lack of clear correlation between development and lifespan.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Bakopoulos, James C. Whisstock, Coral G. Warr, Travis K. Johnson
Summary: Macrophages are an ancient blood cell lineage critical for homeostasis and defence against pathogens. The PDGF- and VEGF-receptor related (Pvr) pathway plays a key role in regulating macrophage self-renewal, with Pvf2 and Pvf3 acting via distinct mechanisms and at different time points. This study provides insights into the dynamic transcriptional control of Pvf2 and its regulation of macrophage self-renewal rates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yoo Kyung Kang, Juhee Lee, San Hae Im, Joo Hoon Lee, Juhee Jeong, Duk Ki Kim, Seung Yun Yang, Keehoon Jung, Sang-Gyu Kim, Hyun Jung Chung
Summary: A Cas9 conjugate complex system was developed to induce efficient HDR editing with minimal carrier material. The Cas9-LP complexes showed lower cytotoxicity compared to conventional lipofectamine formulations and achieved efficient base correction of the RFP gene in HEK293T cells.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Karl M. Glastad, Julian Roessler, Janko Gospocic, Roberto Bonasio, Shelley L. Berger
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigate the role of heat shock responses mediated by hsalHSF2 in extending the longevity and survival of reproductive gamergate ants. They show that the increased heat stress resilience and life span benefits observed in gamergates can be transferred to fruit flies through the expression of hsalHSF2. The study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the extended life span of gamergates, highlighting the significance of hsalHSF2 in ant longevity. It also underscores the importance of proteostasis in health and aging, as well as the potential for facultative life span extension in ants.
GENES & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adriana S. Trujillo, Karen H. Hsu, Meera C. Viswanathan, Anthony Cammarato, Sanford I. Bernstein
Summary: The residue R369 of myosin heavy chain plays a critical role in the function of skeletal muscles. Substituting this residue with a histidine mutation reduces actin binding ability and impairs flight and jump abilities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiaoli Ping, Jeremy M. Stark
Summary: This study reveals that disruption of O-GlcNAcylation reduces repair pathways involving homology, while not affecting chromosomal break end joining and increasing homology-directed gene targeting. It also decreases clonogenic survival, modifies cell cycle profiles, particularly increasing G1-phase cells. Furthermore, the influence of O-GlcNAcylation on HDR and homology-directed gene targeting is dependent on RAD52.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guoling Li, Xiaohui Yang, Xinxin Luo, Zhenfang Wu, Huaqiang Yang
Summary: The use of small molecules to synchronize the cell cycle in S and G2/M phases enhances the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) in animal cells and embryos. The study reveals the common molecular mechanisms that connect cell cycle progression and HDR activity.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eda Gunes, Erhan Sensoy
Summary: This study evaluated the antioxidant role of Turkish coffee (TK) against oxidative stress induced by Cadmium acetate (CdA) in the fat tissues of Drosophila melanogaster. It was found that coffee treatment reduced lipid droplets but did not significantly alter oxidative stress.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adrian B. C. Lee, Meng-How Tan, Christina L. L. Chai
Summary: Using small molecules to increase the efficiency of HDR and decrease NHEJ to improve the efficiency of precise knock-in genome editing.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)