The ATPase activity of yeast chromosome axis protein Hop1 affects the frequency of meiotic crossovers.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae meiosis-specific Hop1, a structural constituent of the synaptonemal complex, also facilitates the formation of programmed DNA double-strand breaks and the pairing of homologous chromosomes. Here, we reveal a serendipitous discovery that Hop1 possesses robust DNA-independent ATPase activity, although it lacks recognizable sequence motifs required for ATP binding and hydrolysis. By leveraging molecular docking combined with molecular dynamics simulations and biochemical assays, we identified an ensemble of five amino acid residues in Hop1 that could potentially participate in ATP-binding and hydrolysis.

The complexity of kodo millet: genomic analysis and implications in crop improvement.

This article explores possible future initiatives, such as the development of targeted breeding and integrated omics approach to boost kodo millet production, nutritional value, and environmental adaptation. Kodo millet is grouped under the genus Paspalum and family Gramineae. It is a tropical African crop that was initially domesticated in India approximately 3000 years ago.

Vgll2 as an integrative regulator of mitochondrial function and contractility specific to skeletal muscle.

During skeletal muscle adaptation to physiological or pathophysiological signals, contractile apparatus and mitochondrial function are coordinated to alter muscle fiber type. Although recent studies have identified various factors involved in modifying contractile proteins and mitochondrial function, the molecular mechanisms coordinating contractile and metabolic functions during muscle fiber transition are not fully understood. Using a gene-deficient mouse approach, our previous studies uncovered that vestigial-like family member 2 (Vgll2), a skeletal muscle-specific transcription cofactor activated by exercise, is essential for fast-to-slow adaptation of skeletal muscle.

Improvement of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) using novel omics platform and genetic resource integration.

This article explores possible future initiatives, such as the development of targeted breeding and integrated omics approach to boost little millet production, nutritional value, and environmental adaptation. Little millet (P. sumatrense) is a staple grain in many parts of Asia and Africa owing to its abundance in vitamins and minerals and its ability to withstand harsh agro-ecological conditions.

Heterozygosity alters Msh5 binding to meiotic chromosomes in the baker's yeast.

Meiotic crossovers are initiated from programmed DNA double-strand breaks. The Msh4-Msh5 heterodimer is an evolutionarily conserved mismatch repair-related protein complex that promotes meiotic crossovers by stabilizing strand invasion intermediates and joint molecule structures such as Holliday junctions. In vivo studies using homozygous strains of the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SK1) show that the Msh4-Msh5 complex associates with double-strand break hotspots, chromosome axes, and centromeres.

MYC/Glutamine Dependency Is a Therapeutic Vulnerability in Pancreatic Cancer with Deoxycytidine Kinase Inactivation-Induced Gemcitabine Resistance.

Unlabelled: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most life-threatening malignancies. Although the deoxycytidine analog gemcitabine has been used as the first-line treatment for PDAC, the primary clinical challenge arises because of an eventual acquisition of resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the mechanisms underlying gemcitabine resistance to improve treatment efficacy.

Ascorbate sensitizes human osteosarcoma cells to the cytostatic effects of cisplatin.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adolescents. Current standard treatments for OS are a combination of preoperative chemotherapy, surgical resection, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Cisplatin is used as the standard chemotherapeutic for OS treatment, but it induces various adverse effects, limiting its clinical application.