Sex and the basal mRNA synthesis machinery.

Evolution and change generated an incredible diversity of organisms on this earth. Yet, some processes are so central to life that change is strongly selected against. Synthesis of the eukaryotic messenger RNA is one example.

Genetic background influences the impact of KLOTHO deficiency.

Genetic background is a key but sometimes overlooked factor that profoundly impacts disease susceptibility and presentation in both humans and disease models. Here we show that deficiency of KLOTHO protein, an important renal regulator of mineral homeostasis and a cofactor for FGF23, causes different phenotypes in 129S1/SvlmJ (129) and C57BL/6J (B6) mouse strains. The 129 strain is more severely affected, with decreased longevity, decreased body weight, and increased amounts of kidney calcification compared with B6 mice.

Bone morphogenetic protein-focused strategies to induce cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells.

Background: High bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 expression in lung carcinoma correlates with poor patient prognosis. The present study explored strategies to repress BMP signaling.

Materials And Methods: The cytotoxicity of BMP2-knockdown, dorsomorphin derivatives, and microRNAs was tested in transformed and non-transformed lung cells.

An autonomous BMP2 regulatory element in mesenchymal cells.

BMP2 is a morphogen that controls mesenchymal cell differentiation and behavior. For example, BMP2 concentration controls the differentiation of mesenchymal precursors into myocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. Sequences within the 3'untranslated region (UTR) of the Bmp2 mRNA mediate a post-transcriptional block of protein synthesis.