{gamma}D-Crystallin–Associated Protein Aggregation and Lens Fiber Cell Denucleation

merry submitted, created time 1 year 4 months (www.iovs.org)

"Mutant {gamma}D-V76D reduces protein solubility in the lens and forms substantial intranuclear aggregates that disrupt the denucleation process of inner lens fiber cells. Sustained fiber cell nuclei and nuclear remnants scatter light, whereas other downstream events, such as decreased connexins, presumably disrupt gap junction communication and lens homeostasis, further contributing to the cataract phenotype in mutant lenses. This work also suggests that {gamma}D-crystallin is one of the crucial components for the formation of cold cataracts in vivo."

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Chemotherapy Thwarted by Cancer-Killing Gene

badboy submitted, created time 1 year 7 months (www.sciam.com)

"A study of ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy determined that individuals with a mutant, nonfunctional version of the tumor-suppressing gene p53 had a survival rate more than twice as high as counterparts with a properly functioning gene. This, despite the fact that the gene in question is, under normal circumstances, essential for preventing cancer in the first place. "

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β-Oxidation in fatty acid degradation and beyond

badboy submitted, created time 1 year 7 months (www.sciencedirect.com)

"The degradation of fatty acids in plants occurs primarily in the peroxisomes through the β-oxidation cycle. Enzymes that are involved in various aspects of β-oxidation have been identified recently and shown to act biochemically on a diversity of fatty acids and derivatives. Analysis of several mutants has revealed essential roles for β-oxidation in the breakdown of reserve triacylglycerols, seed development, seed germination and post-germinative growth before the establishment of photosynthesis

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