Global nuclear reorganization during heterochromatin replication in the giant-genome plant Nigella damascena L.

Among flowering plants, genome size varies remarkably, by >2200-fold, and this variation depends on the loss and gain of noncoding DNA sequences that form distinct heterochromatin complexes during interphase. In plants with giant genomes, most chromatin remains condensed during interphase, forming a dense network of heterochromatin threads called interphase chromonemata. Using super-resolution light and electron microscopy, we studied the ultrastructure of chromonemata during and after replication in root meristem nuclei of Nigella damascena L.

An environmentally benign way to synthesize 2-thiocyano-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with high antifungal activity: a key role of solvent.

The introduction of thiocyano groups into organic molecules is important for the preparation of many active ingredients and synthetic intermediates. A commonly used and attractive strategy is the nucleophilic substitution of halogens with the SCN anion or oxidative thiocyanation using an excess amount of external oxidants. A sustainable alternative to stoichiometric reagents is electrochemistry based on anodic oxidation of the SCN anion and other intermediates.

Electrochemical thiocyanation of barbituric acids.

The electrochemical thiocyanation of barbituric acids with NHSCN was disclosed in an undivided cell under constant current conditions. The electrosynthesis is the most efficient at a record high current density ( ≈50-70 mA cm). NHSCN has a dual role as the source of the SCN group and as the electrolyte.

Histone acetylation determines transcription of atypical protein kinases in rat neurons.

It is widely accepted that memory consolidation requires de-novo transcription of memory-related genes. Epigenetic modifications, particularly histone acetylation, may facilitate gene transcription, but their potential molecular targets are poorly characterized. In the current study, we addressed the question of epigenetic control of atypical protein kinases (aPKC) that are critically involved in memory consolidation and maintenance.

Visualization of chromosome condensation in plants with large chromosomes.

Background: Most data concerning chromosome organization have been acquired from studies of a small number of model organisms, the majority of which are mammals. In plants with large genomes, the chromosomes are significantly larger than the animal chromosomes that have been studied to date, and it is possible that chromosome condensation in such plants was modified during evolution. Here, we analyzed chromosome condensation and decondensation processes in order to find structural mechanisms that allowed for an increase in chromosome size.

Chromatin fibers: from classical descriptions to modern interpretation.

The first description of intrachromosomal fibers was made by Baranetzky in 1880. Since that time, a plethora of fibrillar substructures have been described inside the mitotic chromosomes, and published data indicate that chromosomes may be formed as a result of the hierarchical folding of chromatin fibers. In this review, we examine the evolution and the current state of research on the morphological organization of mitotic chromosomes.