Publications by authors named "Karen Pereira de Castro"
Article Synopsis
- Recognition of the intron branchpoint in spliceosome assembly is crucial for mRNA structure and quantity, involving a branchpoint sequence motif that varies across eukaryotic genomes.
- SF1 and QKI proteins compete for recognition of a specific intron branchpoint sequence (ACUAA), where SF1 promotes exon inclusion while QKI represses it, affecting splicing outcomes.
- The findings suggest that QKI acts as a splicing repressor by blocking SF1 binding at dual branchpoints, indicating a co-evolution of branchpoint sequences for precise regulation of gene expression in diverse organisms.
Micrurus surinamensis is a semi-aquatic coral snake found in primary forest region and can cause relevant human accidents. In this work we investigated the toxic and antigenic activities of the Peruvian Micrurus surinamensis venom (MsV). We found that MsV show hyaluronidase activity but lack LAAO and PLA enzymatic activities.
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- - The study investigates the role of alternative splicing in the development of the three embryonic germ layers using RNA-Seq on human embryonic stem cells and their derived lineages, identifying distinct splicing programs for each lineage.
- - Significant differences in splicing were found primarily between definitive endoderm and cardiac mesoderm, with an integrative analysis revealing RNA binding proteins that regulate these splicing events, particularly highlighting Quaking (QKI) in cardiac mesoderm specification.
- - QKI knockout led to disruptions in the cardiac mesoderm splicing program and the formation of myocytes by reducing splice variants of the BIN1 gene, emphasizing QKI's role in managing this process through specific RNA interactions and chromatin
Article Synopsis
- Decades of research have revealed the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) plays a key role in both the toxicity of certain environmental pollutants and various normal bodily functions.
- * The main focus has been on a traditional signaling pathway to understand how AhR mediates different health effects from exposure to these pollutants.
- * Recent findings have identified alternative (non-canonical) signaling pathways, including a new interaction between AhR and the Krüppel-like Factor 6 protein, which could lead to significant changes in gene expression through epigenetic modifications.
Acinar cells represent the primary target in necroinflammatory diseases of the pancreas, including pancreatitis. The signaling pathways guiding acinar cell repair and regeneration following injury remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor/MET signaling as an intrinsic repair mechanism for acinar cells following acute damage and chronic alcohol-associated injury.
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