Genetic complementation reveals a novel regulatory role for 3' untranslated regions in growth and differentiation

Article Abstract:

A genetic complementation experiment to characterize the regulators of mammalian growth and differntiation is presented. The study protocol involved the isolation of cDNAs which activated muscle-specific promoters after the introduction of a cDNA expression library into a differentiation-deficient myoblast mutant. The results showed that the muscle structural genes troponin 1, tropomyosin and alpha-cardiac actin complemented differentiation, and their activity was traced to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of their RNAs. These results indicate a role for 3' UTRs in a feedback loop that inhibits proliferation and initiates differentiation.

Metabolic regulation, Growth, Growth (Physiology), Growth regulators, Messenger RNA, Feedback control systems

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Reiterative use of the EGF receptor triggers differentiation of all cell types in the Drosophila eye

Article Abstract:

A dominant-negative form of the Drosophila epidermal growth factor receptor (DER) was used to demonstrate that this receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is required for the differentiation of all these cell types in the Drosophila eye. DER is also shown to be sufficient to trigger their development. It is also required in the R7 photoreceptor, where it can be a substitute for another RTK, Sevenless. These indicate that reiterative use of DER is important in engendering the differentiation of all cell types.

Genetic aspects, Eye, Drosophila, Epidermal growth factor, Epidermal growth factors

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Neuronal differentiation factors/cytokines and synaptic plasticity

Article Abstract:

The roles played by cytokines in the regulation of neuronal gene expression, differentiation and synaptic plasticity are reviewed. Evidence is presented to confirm that cytokines can act as neuronal differentiation factors in both retrograde and anterograde directions. Numerous parallels between the nervous and hematopoietic system are cited, in addition to similarities between the roles played by cytokines in the immune response and the response of the nervous system to injury.

Genetic regulation, Cytokines, Neuroplasticity

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