derivation-of-stem-cell-lines-from-mouse-preimplantation-embryos

Derivation of Stem Cell Lines from Mouse Preimplantation Embryos

Mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) derivation is the process by which pluripotent cell lines are established from preimplantation embryos. These lines ...

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Telomeres are ribonucleoprotein structures at the end of chromosomes composed of telomeric DNA, specific-binding proteins, and noncoding RNA (TERRA). Despite their importance in preventing chromosome instability, little is known about the cross talk between these three elements during the formation of the germ line. Here, we provide evidence that both TERRA and the telomerase enzymatic subunit (TERT) are components of telomeres in mammalian germ cells. We found that TERRA colocalizes with telomeres during mammalian meiosis and that its expression progressively increases during spermatogenesis until the beginning of spermiogenesis. While both TERRA levels and distribution would be regulated in a gender-specific manner, telomere-TERT colocalization appears to be regulated based on species-specific characteristics of the telomeric structure. Moreover, we found that TERT localization at telomeres is maintained throughout spermatogenesis as a structural component without affecting telomere elongation. Our results represent the first evidence of colocalization between telomerase and telomeres during mammalian gametogenesis.

Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) and telomerase are components of telomeres during mammalian gametogenesis.

To study whether the telomere structure of germ cells from idiopathic infertile men is altered and if this impairment is influenced by meiotic recombination and telomere length.

Telomere homeostasis is compromised in spermatocytes from patients with idiopathic infertility.

Fascioliasis and paragonimiasis are widespread foodborne trematode diseases, affecting millions of people in more than 75 countries. The treatment of choice for these parasitic diseases is based on triclabendazole, a benzimidazole derivative which has been suggested as a promising drug to treat pregnant women and children. However, at the moment, this drug is not approved for human use in most countries. Its potential adverse effects on embryonic development have been scarcely studied, and it has not been assigned a pregnancy category by the FDA. Thus, to help in the process of risk-benefit decision making upon triclabendazole treatment during pregnancy, a better characterization of its risks during gestation is needed.

Article	Year
Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) and telomerase are components of telomeres during mammalian gametogenesis. Biology of reproduction\| PubMed ID: 24719256	2014
Telomere homeostasis is compromised in spermatocytes from patients with idiopathic infertility. Fertility and sterility\| PubMed ID: 24996497	2014
Triclabendazole sulfoxide causes stage-dependent embryolethality in zebrafish and mouse in vitro. PloS one\| PubMed ID: 25793498	2015

Marta Vila-Cejudo

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