Publications by authors named "C Blengini"

The Aurora Kinases (AURKs) are a family of serine-threonine protein kinases critical for cell division. Somatic cells express only AURKA and AURKB. However, mammalian germ cells and some cancer cells express all three isoforms.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study explores the significant differences between chromosome segregation in somatic mitosis and germline meiosis, highlighting the variations in kinetochore function and regulatory controls needed for cell division.
  • It identifies a unique mRNA splice isoform of the kinetochore component DSN1 found in germ cells, which allows for its centromere localization without the usual phosphorylation requirement.
  • The research links this germline-specific DSN1 isoform to successful oocyte maturation and fertility in mice, pointing towards the critical role of alternative splicing in regulating cell division across different cell types.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Meiotic spindles are critical to ensure chromosome segregation during gamete formation. Oocytes lack centrosomes and use alternative microtubule-nucleation mechanisms for spindle building. How these mechanisms are regulated is still unknown.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The human genome contains 24 -like capsid genes derived from deactivated retrotransposons conserved among eutherians. Although some of their encoded proteins retain the ability to form capsids and even transfer cargo, their fitness benefit has remained elusive. Here we show that the -like genes and support reproductive capacity during aging.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The human genome contains 24 -like capsid genes derived from deactivated retrotransposons conserved among eutherians. Although some of their encoded proteins retain the ability to form capsids and even transfer cargo, their fitness benefit has remained elusive. Here we show that the -like genes and support reproductive capacity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF