Molecular prophets of death in the fly
Article Abstract:
In the fly, the H99 genomic region is required for embryonic apoptosis. Without it, eventually a vast excess of cells accumulates, especially in the central nervous system. Damage-induced apoptosis is very defective in H 99 homozygotes, so it seems there are some common elements in normal cell death and the pathological kind. Three cell-death genes are in the H99 interval, and they have a common motif at the N-terminus. Programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis serves various purposes. Much evidence now is clarifying the importance of PCD in human disease and during normal development.
Publication Name: American Journal of Human Genetics
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0002-9297
Year: 1998
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The promoters of the survival motor neuron gene (SMN)(ital) and its copy (SMNc)(ital) share common regulatory elements
Article Abstract:
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disorder characterized by degeneration of spinal cord motor neurons. It is transmitted in an autosomal recessive neuromuscular fashion. Promoters of the survival motor neuron gene (SMN) and its copy (SMNc) share common regulatory elements. The transcription initiation site has been defined and the region containing promoter activity has been limited. The promoter sequence and activity of the two genes are quasi identical. Identifying transcription factors for regulation of SMNc gene expression might lead to good strategies for SMA therapy.
Publication Name: American Journal of Human Genetics
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0002-9297
Year: 1999
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