Project description:We profile the transcriptional landscapes associated with acquisition of [ESI+], a prion scaffolded by Snt1, a core component of the Set3C histone deacetylase. We find that acquisition of [ESI+] leads to expression of otherwise silent, heterochromatic loci, proposing a new molecular means by which silent transcriptional states might be reversed.
Project description:UPLC-ESI-pos-HRMS/MS analysis of incubation extracts of Vibrio furnissii. Metabolic analysis for dereplication of secondary microbial metabolites.
Project description:Agar-like zona pellucida (ZP) is a type of ZP abnormality that adversely affects oocyte maturation, fertilization, and developmental potential. However, the mechanisms underlying its formation and its detrimental effects on oocytes remain elusive. Through comprehensive analyses including whole-exome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, Q-PCR, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, our study found that the c.2785G>C mutation in ATRX may represent a genetic factor contributing to the agar-like ZP formation. Moreover, while mutations in ZP1-4 genes were not essential for agar-like ZP formation per se, an increased proportion of ZP1 protein among the four ZP proteins contributed to this phenomenon. Additionally, up-regulation of PMP22 may also be implicated in agar-like ZP formation and exert deleterious effects on oocyte development. Our findings enhance our understanding of agar-like ZP and provide a theoretical foundation for its treatment in assisted reproduction. Furthermore, our study demonstrates potential applications in contraception as the agar-like ZP effectively inhibits conventional fertilization of oocytes.
Project description:To characterize the taxonomic and functional diversity of biofilms on plastics in marine environments, plastic pellets (PE and PS, ø 3mm) and wooden pellets (as organic control) were incubated at three stations: at the Baltic Sea coast in Heiligendamm (coast), in a dead branch of the river Warnow in Warnemünde (inlet), and in the Warnow estuary (estuary). After two weeks of incubation, all pellets were frozen for subsequent metagenome sequencing and metaproteomic analysis. Biofilm communities in the samples were compared on multiple levels: a) between the two plastic materials, b) between the individual incubation sites, and c) between the plastic materials and the wooden control. Using a semiquantitative approach, we established metaproteome profiles, which reflect the dominant taxonomic groups as well as abundant metabolic functions in the respective samples.