G-Quadruplex Structures as Epigenetic Regulatory Elements in Priming of Defense Genes upon Short-Term Inoculation in Maize.

Symbiosis establishment between and plant roots triggers the priming of defense responses, among other effects. Currently, there is no clear evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms that allow the plant to remain alert to future stimulus, either by pathogen attack or any other abiotic stress. Epigenetic modifications have emerged as a strategy to explain the increased defense response of plants in a priming state conferred by .

Treatment of cryopreserved bovine sperm with calcium ionophore A23187 increases in vitro embryo production.

After ejaculation, mammalian sperm undergo a series of molecular events conducive to the acquisition of fertilizing competence. These events are collectively known as capacitation and involve acrosomal responsiveness and a vigorous sperm motility called hyperactivation. When mimicked in the laboratory, capacitating bovine sperm medium contains bicarbonate, calcium, albumin and heparin, among other components.

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.

Genetic variations in G-quadruplex forming sequences affect the transcription of human disease-related genes.

Guanine-rich DNA strands can fold into non-canonical four-stranded secondary structures named G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s folded in proximal promoter regions (PPR) are associated either with positive or negative transcriptional regulation. Given that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) affecting G4 folding (G4-Vars) may alter gene transcription, and that SNVs are associated with the human diseases' onset, we undertook a novel comprehensive study of the G4-Vars genome-wide (G4-variome) to find disease-associated G4-Vars located into PPRs.