Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activates serum response factor transcription activity by its dissociation from histone deacetylase, HDAC4. Implications in cardiac muscle gene regulation during hypertrophy.

Serum response factor (SRF) plays a pivotal role in cardiac myocyte development, muscle gene transcription, and hypertrophy. Previously, elevation of intracellular levels of Ca2+ was shown to activate SRF function without involving the Ets family of tertiary complex factors through an unknown regulatory mechanism. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the chromatin remodeling enzymes of class II histone deacetylases (HDAC4) regulate SRF activity in a Ca2+-sensitive manner.

The relationship of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage with reproductive failure.

Objective: To investigate the reproductive performance of non-pregnant women with recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) and the association between RSM and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive failure.

Subjects And Methods: Fifty non-pregnant women with 3 or more consecutive RSM attending our RSM clinic were evaluated prospectively. Detailed history and physical examination were completed.

Increased expression of alternatively spliced dominant-negative isoform of SRF in human failing hearts.

Serum response factor (SRF) has been shown to play a key role in cardiac cell growth and muscle gene regulation. To understand the role of SRF in heart failure, we compared its expression pattern between control and failing human heart samples. Western blot analysis of control samples showed expression of four different isoforms of SRF, with ~67-kDa full-length SRF being the predominant isoform.

Estrogen replacement therapy induces telomerase RNA expression in the macaque endometrium.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of hormonal therapies on the expression of telomerase RNA (TRNA) in the endometrium of ovariectomized female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

Design: Randomized long-term experimental trial.

Setting: Animal study at an academic research institution.