Control of cell division by a retinoblastoma protein homolog in Chlamydomonas

Article Abstract:

Loss of Mar3p/RB in the one-celled green flagellate Chlamydomonas reinhardtii brings on defects in two size-dependent cell cycle decisions. A stable deletion allele of mat3 was isolated and it was complemented by transformation. Sequencing showed mat3 encodes the Chramydomonas homolog of the retinoblastoma protein (RB). It seems the RB pathway in this organism has a different role from that in animals.

Algae, Cell cycle, Cellular control mechanisms, Cell regulation, Cell division, Plant cytogenetics, Retinoblastoma

Lsh, a member of the SNF2 family, is required for genome-wide methylation

Article Abstract:

Lsh, lymphoid specific helicase, a member of the SNF2 family, has been found to be necessary for genomewide methylation. Methylation patterns of the mammalian genome are considered crucial for development. Alteration of chromatin seems to affect global methylation patterns in mice and mice lacking Lsh have significant methylation loss in the total genome.

Chromatin, Mammals

Chloroplast DNA methylation and inheritance in Chlamydomonas

Article Abstract:

Chloroplast DNA methylation and inheritance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were studied using a potent, specific methylation inhibitor to test the methylation-restriction model. Destruction of hypomethylate mt(super.+) cpDNA does not occur in zygotes as the methylation-restriction model would predict.

Chloroplasts