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ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling complexes are well-known regulators of transcriptional processes. Interestingly, the INO80 and SWR1 complexes also participate in a range of pathways that are involved in genome maintenance, such as DNA repair, checkpoint regulation, DNA replication, chromosome segregation and telomere stabilization.
The ubiquitin–26S proteasome system is one of the most pervasive pathways of intracellular protein regulation in plants. It controls hormone signalling, chromatin structure and transcription, tailoring morphogenesis, responses to environmental challenges, self-recognition and the battle between pathogens and their plant hosts.
Ubiquitylation targets proteins for degradation or other cellular fates. The HECT enzymes are E3 ubiquitin ligases, which dictate the specificity of ubiquitylation. HECTs regulate trafficking of many receptors, channels, transporters and viral proteins. Their role in metazoans is becoming clearer fromin vivostudies.
Synthetic biology combines the investigative nature of biology with the constructive nature of engineering. A 'first wave' in the field has led to the creation of genetic devices and small modules that are constructed from these devices. Now, a 'second wave' is required to develop effective strategies for assembling devices and modules into intricate customizable larger scale systems.
Guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins are regulated by GTPase-activating proteins and guanine nucleotide-exchange factors. Another class of G proteins is emerging that are regulated by homodimerization. The authors propose that juxtaposition of the G domains of two monomers across the GTP-binding sites activates the biological function of these proteins and the GTPase reaction.
Compositionally and functionally distinct RNA granules are found in the cytoplasm of somatic and germ cells. The components of most RNA granules are in a dynamic equilibrium, thereby allowing rapid shifts between the translation, storage and decay of RNAs.
