Current Genomics - Volume 2, Issue 4, 2001

Helicases are enzymes that unwind DNA-DNA and RNA-DNA duplexes play important roles in many DNA metabolic activities like replication, transcription, recombination and repair. The molecular link between helicases and genomic stability has become stronger by recent studies indicating that the genes responsible for certain human degenerative disorders such as Werner syndrome (WS), Bloom syndrome (BS) a Read More

Comparative genomic in situ hybridization (CGH) studies have marked regions of unbalanced genomic alterations in a variety of human solid and hematological malignancies. Subsequent molecular analysis helped to pinpoint genes contributing to tumorigenic development and progression. CGH has since become a routine tool in molecular diagnostics and cancer research. Since mice and rats represent major model systems Read More

The function and the organization of eukaryotic cells require directional transport of vesicles between compartments. This sort of membrane flow relies on the presence of docking and fusion machinery. The core of this machinery is a protein complex composed of syntaxin, SNAP-25 and VAMP, collectively termed SNAREs. A correct interaction among SNARE prototypes is essential for fruitful docking and fusion. Analysis of large-s Read More

Free radicals and their sequelae figure prominently in cellular and organismal aging. Generated primarily in mitochondria as unwanted products of oxidative phosphorylation, free radicals induce a wide variety of damage that compromises molecular, cellular and organismal integrity. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been employed widely to explore the genetics of aging. One extremely successful approach Read More

Turner syndrome is a well defined sex chromosomal disorder characterized by short stature, characteristic somatic stigmata, and gonadal dysgenesis. In this review, I summarize recent progress in the clarification of genetic mechanisms involved in the development of clinical features. The essence is as follows: (1) Short stature is primarily ascribed to loss of SHOX cloned from the short arm pseudoautosomal region and Read More

The pituitary gland is a complex endocrine organ secreting hormones that regulate a wide array of vertebrate physiological processes, including growth, lactation, metabolic homeostasis, reproduction, water balance, and the stress response. In the mature organ, specialized cells that have a common origin in the early ectoderm release their characteristic products into the bloodstream. Together, the embryological processes Read More

This report provides an overview of the development and applications of DNA-based microarrays and biochip technology in genomics. DNA microarrays and biochip technologies are having a significant impact on a wide variety of areas in genomic research. Many fields, including gene discovery, drug discovery, toxicological research, and medical diagnostics, will benefit from the use of DNA micro array and biochip tech Read More