Apoptosis is a highly coordinated, multistep process that is often deregulated in diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. It is associated with chromosomal fragmentation by deoxyribonucleases (DNases). Although many DNases have been characterized, Nakagawa et al. have discovered that Dicer, a highly conserved ribonuclease (RNase) that is known to produce small gene-silencing RNAs, also functions in chromosomal fragmentation. Researchers demonstrated that Dicer (dcr-1) gene inactivation in C. elegans blocks chromosomal fragmentation. The apoptosis executioner enzyme CED-3 caspase cleaves DCR-1 to generate a DCR-1 fragment with DNase activity that destroys its RNase function. Overexpression of the DCR1 DNase fragment induces DNA fragmentation. This discovery shows the conversion potential of an RNase to a DNase, and elucidates an important regulatory mechanism in apoptosis, which is relevant to many human diseases.
DMM Journal Meeting 2023: Infectious Diseases Through an Evolutionary Lens
The abstract submission deadline for our 2023 Journal Meeting ‘Infectious Diseases Through an Evolutionary Lens’ is 14 July 2023. Find out more and register here.
The Forest of Biologists
The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative created by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. For every Research and Review article published in Disease Models & Mechanisms a native tree is planted in a UK forest. In addition to this we are protecting and restoring ancient woodland and are dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. Visit our virtual forest to learn more.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025
Do you have an idea for a Workshop? If so, click here. We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South country to host an event overseas.
At a Glance - in vitro cardiac models
In our recent At a Glance feature Lika Drakhlis and Robert Zweigerdt provide an overview of in vitro cardiac models, their advantages and limitations and their applications for disease modelling and therapeutic development.
Perspective - Designer pigs for xenogeneic heart transplantation and beyond
Xenotransplantation of porcine hearts is a potential option for patients who cannot receive human organs. Eckhard Wolf and colleagues elaborate on how genetically engineered pigs can provide a powerful platform for restoration of cardiac function.
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