0000000000780343
AUTHOR
D. Catalano
Identification of a putative regulator of early-histone gene expression of Paracentrotus lividus
Drosophila GAGA factor (GAF) is a nuclear protein, conserved along evolution, with multiple roles in gene regulation, chromatin remodelling, Polycomb-dependent silencing, and insulator functions (1). GAF recognizes and specifically binds GAGAG consensus DNA motif by its C2H2-type zinc-finger domain, and interacts with other regulatory factors by its BTB/POZ domain. We have identified plGaga, a cDNA coding for a putative GAF of the sea urchin P. lividus, which showed significant sequence similarity with Drosophila and vertebrate GAFs. Real time RT-PCR revealed that the plGaga RNA is always present during embryo development decreasing rapidly in abundance at the larval pluteus stage. We raise…
Origin and distribution of suspended organic matter as inferred from carbon isotope composition in a Mediterranean semi-enclosed marine system
The origin and distribution of suspended organic matter, the trophic features and the stable carbon isotopic composition of particulate organic carbon (POC) were studied monthly in a Western Mediterranean semi-enclosed basin. Sampling stations were selected as a function of wind-exposure and the degree of vegetation cover and then compared with an adjacent unvegetated site. The predominant vegetation was seagrass (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) and Caulerpa prolifera. Water samples were analyzed for total suspended matter (inorganic and organic fractions), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments), dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and their isot…
Platelet and Plasmatic Lipidic Profile as Potential Marker of Bipolar Disorders: Preliminary Findings
IntroductionAlthough the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is currently based on clinical criteria, preliminary studies showed that palmitic and arachidonic acid levels are able to discriminate adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) from those with bipolar disorder (BD).ObjectivesTo replicate and to expand previous findings by investigating the relation between mood disorders and platelet and plasmatic fatty levels.AimsTo compare the lipidic profile of individuals with different mood disorder (MDD vs. BD) and to investigate the relation with specific clinical features (duration of illness, attempted suicide, psychotic symptoms).MethodsPotential participants were recruited from the …