Publications by authors named "M A Belew"

In , the chromosome compaction factors topoisomerase 2 (TOP-2) and condensin II have been shown to globally repress transcription in multiple contexts. Our group has previously reported that TOP-2 and condensin II repress transcription in the germline during larval starvation, oocyte maturation, and in germline progenitor cells of the early embryo. Here, we assess the transcriptome of early embryos treated with RNAi against TOP-2 and the condensin II subunit CAPG-2.

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Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) regulates cell cycle and transcription, which are central for cancer progression. CDK7 inhibitors exhibit substantial anticancer activities in preclinical studies and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. CDK7 is widely expressed in the body.

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In C. elegans, the germline is specified via a preformation mechanism that relies on the PIE-1 protein's ability to globally silence mRNA transcription in germline precursor cells, also known as the P lineage. Recent work from our group has identified additional genome silencing events in C.

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Background: For the past several decades, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health has worked to decrease the maternal mortality ratio (MMR)-the number of pregnant women dying per 100,000 live births. However, with the most recently reported MMR of 267, Ethiopia still ranks high in the MMR globally and needs additional interventions to lower the MMR to achieve the sustainable development goal of 70. One factor contributing to the current MMR is the frequent stockouts of critical medications and supplies needed to treat obstetric emergencies.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a serious inherited condition caused by a mutation in the β-hemoglobin gene, and increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels can help reduce complications.
  • - Researchers discovered two small molecules, dWIZ-1 and dWIZ-2, that act as molecular glue degraders to induce HbF by targeting a previously unrecognized repressor, the WIZ transcription factor.
  • - These compounds effectively triggered HbF production in animal models, suggesting that targeting WIZ for degradation offers a promising and accessible new treatment approach for SCD.
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