The RNA-binding protein RBP33 dampens non-productive transcription in trypanosomes

In-depth analysis of the transcriptomes of several model organisms has revealed that genomes are pervasively transcribed, giving rise to an abundance of non-canonical and mainly antisense RNA polymerase II-derived transcripts that are produced from almost any genomic context. Pervasive RNAs are degraded by surveillance mechanisms, but the repertoire of proteins that control the fate of these non-productive transcripts is still incomplete. Trypanosomes are single-celled eukaryotes that show constitutive RNA polymerase II transcription and in which initiation and termination of transcription occur at a limited number of sites per chromosome. It is not known whether pervasive transcription exists in organisms with unregulated RNA polymerase II activity, and which factors could be involved in the process. We show here that depletion of RBP33 results in overexpression of similar to 40% of all annotated genes in the genome, with a marked accumulation of sense and antisense transcripts derived from silenced regions. RBP33 loss does not result in a significant increase in chromatin accessibility. Finally, we have found that transcripts that increase in abundance upon RBP33 knockdown are significantly more stable in RBP33-depleted trypanosomes, and that the exosome complex is responsible for their degradation. Our results provide strong evidence that RBP33 dampens non-productive transcription in trypanosomes

La secuencia litoestratigráfica del Neoproterozoico-Cámbrico Inferior

Depto. de Mineralogía y PetrologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEpu

Encouraging female entrepreneurship in Jordan: environmental factors, obstacles and challenges

The number of female entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economy is steadily rising. Yet research suggests that female entrepreneurs face more challenges and barriers than their male counterparts. This is expected to be even more prevalent in Islamic contexts, which are characterised by conservative and patriarchal societies. In this research, 254 female business students from a private and a public university responded to a questionnaire that gauges their perceptions about potential barriers to entrepreneurship in Jordan and whether the business education they are receiving helps to prepare them for future entrepreneurial activity. Our results help to form a basis on which a deeper understanding of the phenomena can be achieved through more in depth future research. Among the main environmental factors that worry potential female entrepreneurs are the weakness of Jordanian economy, lack of finance, fear of risk, gender inequality and inability to maintain a work and private life balance. Our results also show that students are really not aware of the opportunities available to them and are unable to make a proper assessment. We call on both universities and the Jordanian government to put more emphasis on practical entrepreneurial education and encouraging women to play a much more active role within the workforce

U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons from the ophiolitic eclogites of the Mulhacén Complex (Betic Cordillera)

Eclogites formed during the eoalpine HP metamorphic event are common within the Ophiolitic Unit of the Mulhacén Complex. A detailed cathodoluminescence study and U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons from eclogites of the locality of Lugros, has revealed two types of domains (igneous and metamorphic) in these zircons with different age. Igneous domains, with idiomorphic zoning, gave a Jurassic age, while the age of the metamorphic domains cluster around the Upper Cretaceous - Palaeocen

U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons from the ophiolitic eclogites of the Mulhacén Complex (Betic Cordillera)

Eclogites formed during the eoalpine HP metamorphic event are common within the Ophiolitic Unit of the Mulhacén Complex. A detailed cathodoluminescence study and U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircons from eclogites of the locality of Lugros, has revealed two types of domains (igneous and metamorphic) in these zircons with different age. Igneous domains, with idiomorphic zoning, gave a Jurassic age, while the age of the metamorphic domains cluster around the Upper Cretaceous - Palaeocen