Inhibition of the Pim1 oncogene results in diminished visual function

Our objective was to profile genetic pathways whose differential expression correlates with maturation of visual function in zebrafish. Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic data revealed Jak-Stat signalling as the pathway most enriched in the eye, as visual function develops. Real-time PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization data confirm that multiple Jak-Stat pathway genes are up-regulated in the zebrafish eye between 3-5 days post-fertilisation, times associated with significant maturation of vision. One of the most up-regulated Jak-Stat genes is the proto-oncogene Pim1 kinase, previously associated with haematological malignancies and cancer. Loss of function experiments using Pim1 morpholinos or Pim1 inhibitors result in significant diminishment of visual behaviour and function. In summary, we have identified that enhanced expression of Jak-Stat pathway genes correlates with maturation of visual function and that the Pim1 oncogene is required for normal visual function.Jun Yin, Lisa Shine, Francis Raycroft, Sudhakar Deeti, Alison Reynolds, Kristin M. Ackerman, Antonino Glaviano, Sean O'Farrell, Olivia O'Leary, Claire Kilty, Ciaran Kennedy, Sarah McLoughlin, Megan Rice, Eileen Russell, Desmond G. Higgins, David R. Hyde, Breandan N. Kenned

Targeting cancer cell death with a bcl-x S adenovirus

Transformation is a complex cellular process that requires several genetic abnormalities. In many cases, one of these abnormalities is an inhibition of PCD, which provides a selective advantage for tumor cells. This has been recently shown in an in vivo model, where overexpression of Bcl-x L is a crucial step in the progression from hyperplasia to neoplasia and is accompanied by a significant decrease in tumor apoptosis [56].Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46936/1/281_2004_Article_BF00787225.pd

Movable genetic elements and antibiotic resistance in enterococci

The enterococci possess genetic elements able to move from one strain to another via conjugation. Certain enterococcal plasmids exhibit a broad host range among gram-positive bacteria, but only when matings are performed on solid surfaces. Other plasmids are more specific to enterococci, transfer efficiently in broth, and encode a response to recipient-produced sex phermones. Transmissible non-plasmid elements, the conjugative transposons, are widespread among the enterococci and determine their own fertility properties. Drug resistance, hemolysin, and bacteriocin determinants are commonly found on the various transmissible enterococcal elements. Examples of the different systems are discussed in this review.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47900/1/10096_2005_Article_BF01963632.pd