1,721,178 research outputs found
From X-inactivation to neurodevelopment: CHD8-transcription factors (TFs) competitive binding at regulatory regions of CHD8 target genes can contribute to correct neuronal differentiation
The chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) is a chromatin remodeler whose mutation is associated, with high penetrance, with autism. Individuals with CHD8 mutations share common symptoms such as autistic behaviour, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia comorbidity, and phenotypic features such as macrocephaly and facial defects. Chd8-deficient mouse models recapitulate most of the phenotypes seen in the brain and other organs of humans. It is known that CHD8 regulates - directly and indirectly - neuronal, autism spectrum disorder (ASDs)-associated genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) genes, which, in turn, regulate fundamental aspects of neuronal differentiation and brain development and function. A major characteristic of CHD8 regulation of gene expression is its non-linear and dosage-sensitive nature. CHD8 mutations appear to affect males predominantly, although the reasons for this observed sex bias remain- unknown. We have recently reported that CHD8 directly regulates X chromosome inactivation (XCI) through the transcriptional control of the Xist long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), the master regulator of mammalian XCI. We identified a role for CHD8 in regulating accessibility at the Xist promoter through competitive binding with transcription factors (TFs) at Xist regulatory regions. We speculate here that CHD8 might also regulate accessibility at neuronal/ASD targets through a similar competitive binding mechanism during neurogenesis and brain development. However, whilst such a model can reconcile the phenotypic differences observed in Chd8 knock-down (KD) vs knock-out (KO) mouse models, explaining the observed CHD8 non-linear dosage-dependent activity, it cannot on its own explain the observed disease sex bias
Function by structure: Spotlights on xist long non-coding RNA
Recent experimental evidence indicates that lncRNAs can act as regulatory molecules in the context of development and disease. Xist, the master regulator of X chromosome inactivation, is a classic example of how lncRNAs can exert multi-layered and fine-tuned regulatory functions, by acting as a molecular scaffold for recruitment of distinct protein factors. In this review, we discuss the methodologies employed to define Xist RNA structures and the tight interplay between structural clues and functionality of lncRNAs. This model of modular function dictated by structure, can be also generalized to other lncRNAs, beyond the field of X chromosome inactivation, to explain common features of similarly folded RNAs
Long non-coding rna (Lncrna) roles in cell biology, neurodevelopment and neurological disorders
Development is a complex process regulated both by genetic and epigenetic and environmental clues. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in several tissues including the brain. Altered expression of lncRNAs has been linked to several neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. The identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are deregulated or mutated in neurodevelopmental and mental health diseases are fundamental to understanding the complex transcriptional processes in brain function. Crucially, lncRNAs can be exploited as a novel target for treating neurological disorders. In our review, we first summarize the recent advances in our understanding of lncRNA functions in the context of cell biology and then discussing their association with selected neuronal development and neurological disorders
Building up the inactive X chromosome
The compensation of the different level of transcripts of X-linked genes in male and female mammals is achieved through X chromosome inactivation, a complex process that differentially regulates the sex chromosomes of female cells. This mechanism has been dissected at evolutionary, genetic and molecular levels: here, we discuss some of the latest examples that illustrate better these intricate connections, focusing particularly on the emerging role of spatial and three-dimensional chromatin arrangements in the building of this special chromosome, the inactive X chromosome
X Inactivation Lessons from Differentiating Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the dosage compensation mechanism that evolved in female mammals to correct the genetic imbalance of X-linked genes between sexes. X chromosome inactivation occurs in early development when one of the two X chromosomes of females is nearly-completely silenced. Differentiating Embryonic Stem cells (ESC) are regarded as a useful tool to study XCI, since they recapitulate many events occurring during early development. In this review we aim to summarise the advances in the field and to discuss the close connection between cell differentiation and X chromosome inactivation, with a particular focus on mouse ESCs
Oltre la discriminazione. manuale operativo di comunicazione sociale su immigrazione e tratta di persone
Il manuale si struttura intorno a "cinque lezioni" su temi fondamentali per il contrasto alla discriminazione dei migranti e delle vittime di tratta, emersi dalle esperienze progettuali Equal: stereotipi, linguaggi, strategie, networking, mainstreaming.The manual is structured around "five lessons" on fundamental issues to fight against discrimination of migrants and victims of trafficking, emerged from the experiences of “Equal” UE program: stereotypes, language, strategies, networking, mainstreaming
Letter by Cerase et al Regarding Article, "temporary Emergency Guidance to US Stroke Centers during the COVID-19 Pandemic"
Neuroradiology: Differential Diagnosis, Follow-Up, and Reporting
Cavernous cerebral malformations (CCMs) can show typical and characteristic findings at neuroradiology, above all at magnetic resonance imaging, but differential diagnosis with other lesions of similar appearance can be challenging and should be taken into consideration. Management of CCMs can be conservative in most cases, and thus appropriate follow-up timing and modality is required. Growing input from neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and patients recommend to offer a standard neuroradiological report, to enhance interpretation and comparability in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this chapter is to present differential diagnosis, follow-up, and reporting of CCMs by neuroradiology
- …
