Polymorphisms in genes of interleukin 12 and its receptors and their association with protection against severe malarial anaemia in children in western Kenya.

Background: Malarial anaemia is characterized by destruction of malaria infected red blood cells and suppression of erythropoiesis. Interleukin 12 (IL12) significantly boosts erythropoietic responses in murine models of malarial anaemia and decreased IL12 levels are associated with severe malarial anaemia (SMA) in children. Based on the biological relevance of IL12 in malaria anaemia, the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of IL12 and its receptors and SMA was examined.

Identification and characterization of Elf1, a conserved transcription elongation factor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In order to identify previously unknown transcription elongation factors, a genetic screen was carried out to identify mutations that cause lethality when combined with mutations in the genes encoding the elongation factors TFIIS and Spt6. This screen identified a mutation in YKL160W, hereafter named ELF1 (elongation factor 1). Further analysis identified synthetic lethality between an elf1Delta mutation and mutations in genes encoding several known elongation factors, including Spt4, Spt5, Spt6, and members of the Paf1 complex.

Evidence that the elongation factor TFIIS plays a role in transcription initiation at GAL1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

TFIIS is a transcription elongation factor that has been extensively studied biochemically. Although the in vitro mechanisms by which TFIIS stimulates RNA transcript cleavage and polymerase read-through have been well characterized, its in vivo roles remain unclear. To better understand TFIIS function in vivo, we have examined its role during Gal4-mediated activation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL1 gene.