Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked mitochondrial defect characterised by dilated cardiomyopathy, neutropaenia and 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (3-MGCA). We report on two affected brothers with c.646G > A (p.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHerpesviridae is a large family of DNA viruses divided into three subfamilies: Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaherpesvirinae. The process of herpesvirus transmission is mediated by a range of proteins, one of which is glycoprotein L (gL). Based on our analysis of the solved structures of HSV2 and EBV gH/gL complexes, we propose that Alphaherpesvirinae and Gammaherpesvirinae glycoprotein L and Betaherpesvirinae UL130 originate from chemokines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Transcription Factor IID is a large macromolecular complex composed of the TATA-box binding protein (TBP) and a group of 13-14 conserved TBP-associated factors (TAFs). TAFs are known to regulate transcription at various levels - mediating transcription via interaction with activators, histone modifications; recognition and binding to promoters; acting as a platform for other Transcription Factors and RNA polymerase II. Despite numerous previous studies of the TFIID complex, the knowledge concerning the structure of its components, and thus the exact mechanism of its function, remains undetermined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Apoptosis is a highly ordered and orchestrated multiphase process controlled by the numerous cellular and extra-cellular signals, which executes the programmed cell death via release of cytochrome c alterations in calcium signaling, caspase-dependent limited proteolysis and DNA fragmentation. Besides the general modifiers of apoptosis, several tissue-specific regulators of this process were identified including HAX1 (HS-1 associated protein X-1) - an anti-apoptotic factor active in myeloid cells. Although HAX1 was the subject of various experimental studies, the mechanisms of its action and a functional link connected with the regulation of apoptosis still remains highly speculative.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) represent a heterogeneous group of tumours of mesenchymal origin characterized by gain-of-function mutations in KIT or PDGFRA of the type III receptor tyrosine kinase family. Although mutations in either receptor are thought to drive an early oncogenic event through similar pathways, two previous studies reported the mutation-specific gene expression profiles. However, their further conclusions were rather discordant.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFColorectal cancer, one of the most challenging malignancies, still has a limited number of recognized prognostic and predictive markers indicating appropriate treatment. MACC1 (metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1), a novel regulator of tumor growth and metastasis has recently been identified as an important prognostic factor of metastatic disease in colorectal cancer. The mechanism of MACC1 activity remains undetermined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe CP2 transcription factor (TFCP2) is a critical regulator of erythroid gene expression. Apart from the involvement in the transcriptional switch of globin gene promoters it activates an array of cellular and viral gene promoters. A number of homologous proteins was identified in genomes of Metazoa, with additional five homologues encoded by the human genome (TFCP2L1, UBP1, GRHL1, GRHL2, GRHL3).
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