Catching a Gli-mpse of Hedgehog

Article Abstract:

New findings suggest that Hedgehog signaling is mediated and interpreted by transcription factors of the Gli family that regulate cell type differentiation and pattern formation. Competition for binding sites by opposing forms or activities of Gli proteins may serve as a molecular basis for the interpretation of the graded effects of Hedgehog/Sonic Hedgehog signaling. However, there may be more complexities in Gli target gene regulation.

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REST: a mammalian silencer protein that restricts sodium channel gene expression to neurons

Article Abstract:

The transcription factor REST binds to the DNA silencer element to prevent sodium channel gene expression. In neurons, however, REST is absent, allowing expression of the type II voltage-dependent sodium channel gene. Experiments with a recombinant REST protein in neurons silenced the gene expression, whereas a dominant negative form of REST in nonneuronal cells disrupted the normal silencing mechanism.

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A palmitoylation switch mechanism in the regulation of the visual cycle

Article Abstract:

The new roles for palmitoylated proteins as molecular switches and lecithin retinol acyl transferase (LRAT) as a palmitoyl transferase whose role is to catalyze the mPRE65 to sRPE65 are presented. It is shown that mRPE65 is a palmitoyl donor, revealing a new acyl carrier protein role for palmitoylated proteins.

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