CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase targets MeCP2 for degradation to prevent DNA hypermethylation and ensure normal transcription in growing oocytes.

The DNA methylation is gradually acquired during oogenesis, a process sustained by successful follicle development. However, the functional roles of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), an epigenetic regulator displaying specifical binding with methylated DNA, remains unknown in oogenesis. In this study, we found MeCP2 protein was highly expressed in primordial and primary follicle, but was almost undetectable in secondary follicles.

Ovulatory signal-triggered chromatin remodeling in ovarian granulosa cells by HDAC2 phosphorylation activation-mediated histone deacetylation.

Background: Epigenetic reprogramming is involved in luteinizing hormone (LH)-induced ovulation; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.

Results: We here observed a rapid histone deacetylation process between two waves of active transcription mediated by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the LH congener human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), respectively. Analysis of the genome-wide H3K27Ac distribution in hCG-treated granulosa cells revealed that a rapid wave of genome-wide histone deacetylation remodels the chromatin, followed by the establishment of specific histone acetylation for ovulation.

Tanshinone I inhibited growth of human chronic myeloid leukemia cells via JNK/ERK mediated apoptotic pathways.

Tanshinone I (Tan I) is one of the main bioactive ingredients derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, which has exhibited antitumor activities toward various human cancer cells. However, its effects and underlying mechanisms on human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells still require further investigation. This study determined the effects and mechanisms of anti-proliferative and apoptosis induction activity induced by Tan I against K562 cells.

Saikosaponin D Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis Through Activation of MKK4-JNK Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies and has few treatment options. Saikosaponin D (SSD), a major bioactive triterpene saponin isolated from , has been reported to exert cytotoxicity properties toward many cancer cells. However, the effects of SSD on pancreatic cancer have been little scrutinized.

[Morphological characteristics identification and molecular DNA barcoding analysis of Hippocampus spinosissimus].

The combination of morphological characteristics and DNA barcodes was used to a systematic study of Hippocampus spinosissimus,laying the foundation for rapid and accurate identification for the medical seahorse species. According to the reported literature and observation on seahorse samples,the typical characteristics of the H. spinosissimus include highly developed spiny,much short nose,single or double cheeks and strongly developed spines bordering pouch.

Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of the Gray's pipefish Kaup 1856.

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of was determined and annotated. The circular mitogenome is 16,959 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region. Most of the PCGs start with ATG, but begins with a GTG start codon.

[Current status and future prospect of pharmacotherapy for pancreatic cancer].

Pancreatic cancer is the most common digestive tract tumor with an increasing incidence in recent years. The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer is mainly because of the inability of detecting tumor at an early stage,its high potential for early dissemination,and its relatively poor sensitivity to chemotherapy. Most patients have lost the opportunity for surgery when they are diagnosed,which resulted in an urgent need for the development of more effective and safe therapies for pancreatic cancer.