The two sides of histone modifications regulate CFTR expression

Cystic fibrosis (CF), also known as mucoviscidosis, is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects most critically the lungs, and also the pancreas, liver, and intestine. It is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across an epithelium, leading to thick, viscous secretions. Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene encodes a chloride channel that is responsible for anion transport across the apical membrane of epithelial cells.

The regulation of Cftrtranscription is complex: the promoter mainly accounts for basal and the AMPc-induced transcription, whereas multiple long-distance cis-regulatory sequences contribute to temporal and spatial regulation.

Most of the factors that either activate or repress CFTR transcription are associated with HATs (Histone acetyltransferases) and HDACs (Histone deacetylases).

This word demonstrates that the promoter of CFTR was associated with bivalent chromatin in human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Data from fetal and adult tissues and showed that, in digestive and lung tissues, which expressed CFTR, H3K4me3 was maintained in the promoter. Histone acetylation was high in the promoter and in two intronic enhancers, especially in fetal tissues.

In a word, this work shows that a balance between activating and repressive histone modifications in the promoter and intronic enhancers results in the fine regulation of CFTR expression during development, thus ensuring tissue specificity.

On April 2, 2013, President Obama launched the Brain Initiative to "accelerate the development and application of new technologies that will enable researchers to produce dynamic pictures of the brain that show how individual brain cells and complex neural circuits interact at the speed of thought." Just like the Apollo plan many years ago, we start again. Now all that remains is to unlock the mysteries of the most complex object in the known Universe.

The focus is not on technology per se, but on the development and use of tools for acquiring fundamental insight about how the nervous system functions in health and disease. All human brains share basic anatomical circuits and synaptic interactions, but the precise pattern of connections and interactions are highly variable from person to person—and therein lies the source of the remarkable variation we see in human behavior.

The NIH last year put together a working group to draw up a complex 146-page plan outlining priorities and milestones for BRAIN until 2025. Among a lot of priority, we listed the most wanted research areas. That is, generation of a census of cell types, creation structural maps of the brain and tools for circuit manipulation.

We stand on the verge of a great journey into the unknown. The BRAIN project may give us the ultimate answer to our human beings.

Numerologist Warda is hooked on OG-L002 fishing, collecting. And lastly her encouragement comes from socializing along with her companions.