Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults, exhibiting highly heterogenous clinical behavior and complex molecular background. In addition to the genetic complexity, different DLBCL subsets exhibit phenotypic features independent of the genetic background. For example, a subset of DLBCLs is distinguished by increased oxidative phosphorylation and unique transcriptional features, including overexpression of certain mitochondrial genes and a molecular chaperone, heat shock protein HSP90α (termed "OxPhos" DLBCLs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe family of PIM serine/threonine kinases includes three highly conserved oncogenes, and , which regulate multiple prosurvival pathways and cooperate with other oncogenes such as . Recent genomic CRISPR-Cas9 screens further highlighted oncogenic functions of PIMs in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells, justifying the development of small-molecule PIM inhibitors and therapeutic targeting of PIM kinases in lymphomas. However, detailed consequences of PIM inhibition in DLBCL remain undefined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: With the discovery that more than half of human cancers harbor mutations in chromatin proteins, deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been recognized a hallmark of malignant transformation. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins, as main components of epigenetic regulatory machinery, are also broadly accepted as therapeutic target. Current "epigenetic" therapies target predominantly writers, erasers and readers of histone acetylation and (to a lesser extent) methylation, leaving other types of PTMs largely unexplored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTwo-hybrid systems allow for the identification of proteins that physically interact in the context of biological processes. In the cases where these proteins interact with DNA it is essential to define their binding properties with specific regions of the genome to shed light on the intricate gene regulatory networks that modulate the biological response of interest. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) protocol described here provides a powerful means to identify the DNA-binding sites of transcription factors, proteins involved in chromatin remodeling processes, or histone marks that modulate gene expression in eukaryotes and specifically in plants like the model species Arabidopsis thaliana.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Plant Physiol
September 2016
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) catalyse reversible interconversion of CO and water into bicarbonate and protons and regulate concentration of CO around photosynthetic enzymes. In higher plants the CAs are divided into three distinct classes α, β and γ, with members off each of them being involved in CO uptake, fixation or recycling. The most abundant group is βCAs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn January 2016, the first Epigenetic and Chromatin Regulation of Plant Traits conference was held in Strasbourg, France. An all-star lineup of speakers, a packed audience of 130 participants from over 20 countries, and a friendly scientific atmosphere contributed to make this conference a meeting to remember. In this article we summarize some of the new insights into chromatin, epigenetics, and epigenomics research and highlight nascent ideas and emerging concepts in this exciting area of research.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntricate gene regulatory networks orchestrate biological processes and developmental transitions in plants. Selective transcriptional activation and silencing of genes mediate the response of plants to environmental signals and developmental cues. Therefore, insights into the mechanisms that control plant gene expression are essential to gain a deep understanding of how biological processes are regulated in plants.
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