The transcription of the main gene associated with Treacher-Collins syndrome (TCOF1) is regulated by G-quadruplexes and cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP).

Treacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1 (TCOF1) is responsible for about 80% of mandibular dysostosis (MD) cases. We have formerly identified a correlation between TCOF1 and CNBP (CCHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid binding protein) expression in human mesenchymal cells. Given the established role of CNBP in gene regulation during rostral development, we explored the potential for CNBP to modulate TCOF1 transcription.

G-Quadruplexes Regulate miRNA Biogenesis in Live Zebrafish Embryos.

RNA guanine quadruplexes (G4s) regulate RNA functions, metabolism, and processing. G4s formed within precursors of microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) may impair pre-miRNAs maturation by Dicer, thus repressing mature miRNA biogenesis. As miRNAs are essential for proper embryonic development, we studied the role of G4s on miRNA biogenesis in vivo during zebrafish embryogenesis.

CNBP controls transcription by unfolding DNA G-quadruplex structures.

Guanine-rich DNA strands can fold into non-canonical four-stranded secondary structures named G-quadruplexes (G4). Experimental evidences suggest that G4-DNA surrounding transcription start sites act as cis-regulatory elements by either stimulating or inhibiting gene transcription. Therefore, proteins able to target and regulate specific G4 formation/unfolding are crucial for G4-mediated transcriptional control.

Zebrafish Got Spicy: V Course and Symposium of the Latin American Zebrafish Network.

The V Latin American Zebrafish Network Course and Symposium was held from May 4 to 12, 2018 at the Institute of Biotechnology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. A group of 19 students from eight different countries were selected and trained during a week in a variety of topics and techniques using zebrafish as a model, followed by a 2-day symposium. In this article, we want to point out not only the outstanding activities carried out during the course but also highlight the great experience, the knowledge, and the fantastic relationships we gained from those days.

G-quadruplexes as novel cis-elements controlling transcription during embryonic development.

G-quadruplexes are dynamic structures folded in G-rich single-stranded DNA regions. These structures have been recognized as a potential nucleic acid based mechanism for regulating multiple cellular processes such as replication, transcription and genomic maintenance. So far, their transcriptional role in vivo during vertebrate embryonic development has not yet been addressed.