[Epigenetic reprogramming, germline and genomic imprinting].

The memory of cellular identity is crucial for the correct development of an individual and is maintained throughout life by the epigenome. Chromatin marks, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, ensure the stability of gene expression programmes over time and through cell division. Loss of these marks can lead to severe pathologies, including cancer and developmental syndromes.

The RasGAP-associated endoribonuclease G3BP mediates stress granule assembly.

Stress granules (SGs) are formed in the cytoplasm in response to various toxic agents and are believed to play a critical role in the regulation of mRNA metabolism during stress. In SGs, mRNAs are stored in an abortive translation initiation complex that can be routed to either translation initiation or degradation. Here, we show that G3BP, a phosphorylation-dependent endoribonuclease that interacts with RasGAP, is recruited to SGs in cells exposed to arsenite.

Cyclin A2 maintains colon homeostasis and is a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.

To clarify the function of cyclin A2 in colon homeostasis and colorectal cancer (CRC), we generated mice deficient for cyclin A2 in colonic epithelial cells (CECs). Colons of these mice displayed architectural changes in the mucosa and signs of inflammation, as well as increased proliferation of CECs associated with the appearance of low- and high-grade dysplasias. The main initial events triggering those alterations in cyclin A2-deficient CECs appeared to be abnormal mitoses and DNA damage.

The health status alters the pituitary function and reproduction of mice in a -dependent manner.

Microbiota and chronic infections can affect not only immune status, but also the overall physiology of animals. Here, we report that chronic infections dramatically modify the phenotype of KO mice, impairing in particular, their reproduction ability. We show that exposure of KO females to multiple types of chronic infections prevents their ability to cycle, reduces the development of the mammary gland and alters the morphology of the uterus due to an impairment of ovary function.