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- Volume 38, 2004
Annual Review of Genetics - Volume 38, 2004
Volume 38, 2004
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Prion Genetics: New Rules for a New Kind of Gene1
Vol. 38 (2004), pp. 681–707More Less▪ AbstractJust as nucleic acids can carry out enzymatic reactions, proteins can be genes. These heritable infectious proteins (prions) follow unique genetic rules that enable their identification: reversible curing, inducible “spontaneous generation,” and phenotype surprises. Most prions are based on self-propagating amyloids, depend heavily on chaperones, show strain phenomena and, like other infectious elements, show species barriers to transmission. A recently identified prion is based on obligatory self-activation of an enzyme in trans. Although prions can be detrimental, they may also be beneficial to their hosts.
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Proteolysis as a Regulatory Mechanism
Vol. 38 (2004), pp. 709–724More Less▪ AbstractProteases can play key roles in regulation by controlling the levels of critical components of, for example, signal transduction pathways. Proteolytic processing can remove regulatory proteins when they are not needed, while transforming others from the dormant into the biologically active state. The latter mechanism often involves a subsequent change of cellular localization such as the movement from the membrane to the nucleus. The investigation of these processes has revealed a new type of proteolytic activity, regulated intramembrane proteolysis, and a reversible switch in activity occurring in the HtrA family of serine proteases. The bacterial RseA and the human amyloid precursor processing pathways are used as models to review these novel principles that are evolutionarily conserved and have wide biological implications.
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Principles of MAP Kinase Signaling Specificity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Vol. 38 (2004), pp. 725–748More Less▪ AbstractCells respond to a plethora of signals using a limited set of intracellular signal transduction components. Surprisingly, pathways that transduce distinct signals can share protein components, yet avoid erroneous cross-talk. A highly tractable model system in which to study this paradox is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which harbors three mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction cascades that share multiple signaling components. In this review we first describe potential mechanisms by which specificity could be achieved by signaling pathways that share components. Second, we summarize key features and components of the yeast MAPK pathways that control the mating pheromone response, filamentous growth, and the response to high osmolarity. Finally, we review biochemical analyses in yeast of mutations that cause cross-talk between these three MAPK pathways and their implications for the mechanistic bases for signaling specificity. Although much remains to be learned, current data indicate that scaffolding and cross pathway inhibition play key roles in the maintenance of fidelity.
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rRNA Transcription in Escherichia coli
Vol. 38 (2004), pp. 749–770More Less▪ AbstractRibosomal RNA transcription is the rate-limiting step in ribosome synthesis in bacteria and has been investigated intensely for over half a century. Multiple mechanisms ensure that rRNA synthesis rates are appropriate for the cell's particular growth condition. Recently, important advances have been made in our understanding of rRNA transcription initiation in Escherichia coli. These include (a) a model at the atomic level of the network of protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions that recruit RNA polymerase to rRNA promoters, accounting for their extraordinary strength; (b) discovery of the nonredundant roles of two small molecule effectors, ppGpp and the initiating NTP, in regulation of rRNA transcription initiation; and (c) identification of a new component of the transcription machinery, DksA, that is absolutely required for regulation of rRNA promoter activity. Together, these advances provide clues important for our molecular understanding not only of rRNA transcription, but also of transcription in general.
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Comparative Genomic Structure of Prokaryotes
Vol. 38 (2004), pp. 771–791More Less▪ AbstractRecent advances in DNA-sequencing technologies have made available an enormous resource of data for the study of bacterial genomes. The broad sample of complete genomes currently available allows us to look at variation in the gross features and characteristics of genomes while the detail of the sequences reveal some of the mechanisms by which these genomes evolve. This review aims to describe bacterial genome structures according to current knowledge and proposed hypotheses. We also describe examples where mechanisms of genome evolution have acted in the adaptation of bacterial species to particular niches.
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Species Specificity in Pollen-Pistil Interactions
Vol. 38 (2004), pp. 793–818More Less▪ AbstractFor pollination to succeed, pollen must carry sperm through a variety of different floral tissues to access the ovules within the pistil. The pistil provides everything the pollen requires for success in this endeavor including distinct guidance cues and essential nutrients that allow the pollen tube to traverse enormous distances along a complex path to the unfertilized ovule. Although the pistil is a great facilitator of pollen function, it can also be viewed as an elaborate barrier that shields ovules from access from inappropriate pollen, such as pollen from other species. Each discrete step taken by pollen tubes en route to the ovules is a potential barrier point to ovule access and waste by inappropriate mates. In this review, we survey the current molecular understanding of how pollination proceeds, and ask to what extent is each step important for mate discrimination. As this field progresses, this synthesis of functional biology and evolutionary studies will provide insight into the molecular basis of the species barriers that maintain the enormous diversity seen in flowering plants.
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Integration of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) and Recombinant AAV Vectors
Vol. 38 (2004), pp. 819–845More Less▪ AbstractThe driving interest in adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been its potential as a gene delivery vector. The early observation that AAV can establish a latent infection by integrating into the host chromosome has been central to this interest. However, chromosomal integration is a two-edged sword, imparting on one hand the ability to maintain the therapeutic gene in progeny cells, and on the other hand, the risk of mutations that are deleterious to the host. A clearer understanding of the mechanism and efficiency of AAV integration, in terms of contributing viral and host-cell factors and circumstances, will provide a context in which to evaluate these potential benefits and risks. Research to date suggests that AAV integration in any context is inefficient, and that the persistence of AAV gene delivery vectors in tissues is largely attributable to episomal genomes.
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Previous Volumes
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Volume 58 (2024)
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Volume 57 (2023)
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Volume 56 (2022)
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Volume 55 (2021)
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Volume 54 (2020)
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Volume 53 (2019)
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Volume 52 (2018)
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Volume 51 (2017)
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Volume 50 (2016)
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Volume 49 (2015)
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Volume 48 (2014)
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Volume 47 (2013)
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Volume 46 (2012)
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Volume 45 (2011)
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Volume 44 (2010)
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Volume 43 (2009)
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Volume 42 (2008)
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Volume 41 (2007)
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Volume 40 (2006)
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Volume 39 (2005)
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Volume 38 (2004)
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Volume 37 (2003)
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Volume 36 (2002)
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Volume 35 (2001)
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Volume 34 (2000)
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Volume 33 (1999)
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Volume 32 (1998)
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Volume 31 (1997)
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Volume 30 (1996)
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Volume 29 (1995)
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Volume 28 (1994)
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Volume 27 (1993)
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Volume 26 (1992)
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Volume 25 (1991)
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Volume 24 (1990)
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Volume 23 (1989)
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Volume 22 (1988)
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Volume 21 (1987)
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Volume 20 (1986)
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Volume 19 (1985)
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Volume 18 (1984)
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Volume 17 (1983)
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Volume 16 (1982)
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Volume 15 (1981)
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Volume 14 (1980)
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Volume 13 (1979)
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Volume 12 (1978)
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Volume 11 (1977)
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Volume 10 (1976)
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Volume 9 (1975)
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Volume 8 (1974)
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Volume 7 (1973)
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Volume 6 (1972)
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Volume 5 (1971)
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Volume 4 (1970)
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Volume 3 (1969)
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Volume 2 (1968)
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Volume 1 (1967)
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Volume 0 (1932)