The control of trunk Hox specificity and activity by Extradenticle

Article Abstract:

A 37-bp element (fkh(250)) that comes from the fork head fkh (ital) gene has been characterized. The fork head gene is a natural target for the Hox gene Sex combs reduced (Scr) (ital). Scr cooperatively binds in vitro to the DNA with the Hox cofactor Extradenticle (Exd) Scr (ital) and exd (ital) are necessary to activation in vivo of the enhancer. Exd seems to be a specificity cofactor for the trunk Hox genes. Control of Exd localization within the cell seems to be a means of regulating Hox activity in development. Exd and Scr are able to activate the fkh(250) element only in the early stages of embryogenesis. By stage 11 Scr negatively regulates the homothorax (hth) gene required for Exd nuclear localization.

Genetic aspects, Developmental biology, Drosophila, DNA binding proteins

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Linking asymmetric division to cell fate: teaching an old microbe new tricks

Article Abstract:

Linking asymmetric division to cell fate is very challenging in developmental biology. It is, however, clear that the SpoIIE phosphatase and the SpoIIAA anti-anti-sigma factor are essential in the cell-specific activation of sigma-super-F. One research group has created a series of strains that lack the gene for SpoIIE or for SpoIIAA. They are capable, however, of producing spores. The gene for a hypothetical inhibitor of the SpoIIE phosphatase may be in the origin-distal part of the chromosome.

Cell division

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Wnt-induced dephosphorylation of Axin releases beta-catenin from the Axin complex

Article Abstract:

Wnt-induced dephosphorylation of Axin, which releases beta-catenin from the Axin complex, is discussed. Dephosphorylated Axin binds beta-catenin, stabilization of which is key in tumorigenesis and cell fate changes, less efficiently than phosphorylated Axin, so Wnt signaling lowers Axin affinity for beta-catenin, leading to beta catenin's being disconnected from the degradation mechanism, based on recent research.

Physiological aspects, Phosphorylation, Carcinogenesis

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