Functional genomic analysis of cell division in C. elegans using RNAi of genes on chromosome III

Genome sequencing projects generate a wealth of information; however, the ultimate goal of such projects is to accelerate the identification of the biological function of genes. This creates a need for comprehensive studies to fill the gap between sequence and function. Here we report the results of a functional genomic screen to identify genes required for cell division in Caenorhabditis elegans. We inhibited the expression of approximately 96% of the approximately 2,300 predicted open reading frames on chromosome III using RNA-mediated interference (RNAi). By using an in vivo time-lapse differential interference contrast microscopy assay, we identified 133 genes (approximately 6%) necessary for distinct cellular processes in early embryos. Our results indicate that these genes represent most of the genes on chromosome III that are required for proper cell division in C. elegans embryos. The complete data set, including sample time-lapse recordings, has been deposited in an open access database. We found that approximately 47% of the genes associated with a differential interference contrast phenotype have clear orthologues in other eukaryotes, indicating that this screen provides putative gene functions for other species as well.     

Identification of the familial cylindromatosis tumour-suppressor gene

Familial cylindromatosis is an autosomal dominant genetic predisposition to multiple tumours of the skin appendages. The susceptibility gene (CYLD) has previously been localized to chromosome 16q and has the genetic attributes of a tumour-suppressor gene (recessive oncogene). Here we have identified CYLD by detecting germline mutations in 21 cylindromatosis families and somatic mutations in 1 sporadic and 5 familial cylindromas. All mutations predict truncation or absence of the encoded protein. CYLD encodes three cytoskeletal-associated-protein-glycine-conserved (CAP-GLY) domains, which are found in proteins that coordinate the attachment of organelles to microtubules. CYLD also has sequence homology to the catalytic domain of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolases (UCH).     

A subfossil chironomid-total phosphorus inference model for lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River

Quantitative environmental reconstruction using subfossil chironomid has attracted much attention in recent years[1]. Consisting of about 400 genera, chi- ronomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) are found in nearly all freshwater bodies[2]. They are holometabolo…     

Alkylating esters VII. The metabolism of iso-propyl methanesulphonate and iso-propyl iodide in the rat

Zusammenfassung Nachweis, dass die im Rattenharn auftretenden Metaboliten Isopropyljodid und Isopropylmethansulfonat für einen unterschiedlichen Wirkungsmechanismus der Substanzen in vivo sprechen. Aus Isopropylmethansulfonat entsteht durch einen monomolekularen Prozess das äusserst reactive Dimethylcarboniumion, während Isopropyljodid aufgrund einer bimolekularen Reaktion haupsächlich durch Hydrolyse entgiftet wird.