Chromatin structure contribution to the synaptonemal complex formation

Meiosis is a key cellular and molecular process for sexual reproduction contributing to the genetic variability of organisms. This process takes place after DNA replication and consists in a double cellular division, giving rise to four haploid daughter cells or gametes. Meiotic recombination between homologous chromosomes, in the meiotic prophase I, is mediated by a tripartite structure named Synaptonemal Complex (SC). The SC is a peptidic scaffold in which the chromatin of homologous chromosomes is organized during the pachytene stage, holding chromosomes together until the meiotic recombination and genetic exchange have taken place. The role of chromatin structure in formation of the SC and the meiotic recombination at meiotic prophase I remain largely unknown. In this review we address the epigenome contribution to the SC formation at meiotic prophase I, with particular attention on the chromatin structure modifications occurring during the sub-stages of meiotic prophase I. Received 18 September 2008; received after revision 10 October 2008; accepted 24 October 2008     

Homologous recombination in fission yeast: Absence of crossover interference and synaptonemal complex

The study of homologous recombination in the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombe has recently been extended to the cytological analysis of meiotic prophase. Unlike in most eukaryotes no tripartite SC structure is detectable, but linear elements resembling axial cores of other eukaryotes are retained. They may be indispensable for meiotic recombination and proper chromosome segregation in meiosis I. In addition fission yeast shows interesting features of chromosome organization in vegetative and meiotic cells: Centromeres and telomeres cluster and associate with the spindle pole body. The special properties of fission yeast meiosis correlate with the absence of crossover interference in meiotic recombination. These findings are discussed. In addition homologous recombination in fission yeast is reviewed briefly.This article is dedicated to Urs Leupold, the founder of fission yeast genetics.     

Origin of the differences of superficial potentials in Rana esculenta]

The spatial distributions of superficial D.C. potentials on the skin of Rana esculenta have been compared to those of the intensity of short-circuit current (S.C.C.) expressing the transcutaneous active transport of sodium ions. It has been observed that the sites of maximum D.C. potentials coincide with the localisations of maximum S.C.C. values. Moreover, superficial D.C. potentials and S.C.C. are similarly modified by the depression of metabolic activity due to lowered temperature or poisoning by dinitrophenol (DNP). It is thus proposed that the spatial distribution of the transcutaneous active transport system for sodium ions is the origin of the electric generator of superficial D.C. potentials.     

Mitotic regulation of the anaphase-promoting complex

Orderly progression through mitosis is regulated by the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a large multiprotein E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets key mitotic regulators for destruction by the proteasome. APC/C has two activating subunits, Cdc20 and Cdh1. The well-established view is that Cdc20 activates APC/C from the onset of mitosis through the metaphase-anaphase transition, and that Cdh1 does so from anaphase through G1. Recent work, however, indicates that Cdh1 also activates APC/C in early mitosis and that this APC/C pool targets the anaphase inhibitor securin. To prevent premature degradation of securin, the nuclear transport factors Nup98 and Rae1 associate with APC/C^Cdh1-securin complexes. In late metaphase, when all kinetochores are attached to spindle microtubules and the spindle assembly checkpoint is satisfied, Nup98 and Rae1 are released from these complexes, thereby allowing for prompt ubiquitination of securin by APC/C^Cdh1. This, and other mechanisms by which the catalytic activity of APC/C is tightly regulated to ensure proper timing of degradation of each of its mitotic substrates, are highlighted. Received 8 October 2006; received after revision 24 November 2006; accepted 8 January 2007     

Origin of organic molecules and biomolecular homochirality

Theories about the origin of biomolecular homochirality, which seems to be a prerequisite for the creation of life, are discussed. First, possible terrestrial and extraterrestrial sources of organic molecules are outlined. Then, mechanisms for the formation of enantiomerically enriched compounds and for the amplification of their chirality are described.     

Origin of ovarian follicle cells in birds

Summary In the embryonic Japanese quail ovary, transplanted on chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), follicle cells are derived from somatic cells of the ovarian surface epithelium. No evidence was found for a contribution of other cell groups of the quail ovary in the formation of follicle cells. This may be demonstrated on PAS stained sections, by following the transfer of carbon particles, initially applied on the surface epithelium.The author is very grateful to Prof.L. Vakaet, R.U.C.A. Antwerp, for his valuables suggestions, and to MissC. van Hoecke for her technical assistance.     

Investigations on the ACTH-protamine complex

Zusammenfassung Der Mechanismus der Verhinderung des ACTH-Effektes durch Protaminsulfat wurde untersucht. Papierchromatographisch konnte festgestellt werden, dass beide Substanzen einen Komplex bilden und infolgedessen ACTH seine Aktivität verliert. Während die proteinartigen ACTH-Präparate starke komplexibldende Eigenschaft besitzen, vermögen die peptidartigen Präparate nur in geringem Masse Komplexe zu bilden. Dies konnte auch durchin-vivo-Verhinderungsversuche (Sayers test) mit beiden Präparaten bestätigt werden.