It is well known that some forms of muscular dystrophies are caused by mutations in the genes coding for dystrophin and dysferlin – two proteins which both have important roles in the correct functioning of skeletal muscle. The dystrophin protein is located in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle, and is an integral part of… Read more »
Mark Jobling, a welcome trust senior research fellow, and professor of genetics at Leicester University, presents a series of short commentaries published in Investigative Genetics every two months. His column provides a thoughtful discussion of the world of genetics, across a varied range of topics- reflecting the wide scope of the journal. In this month’s… Read more »
Cytasters (or cytoplasmic asters) can be found in the cortical cytoplasm of the bilaterian egg and zygote; they are centriole-based nucleation centers of microtubule polymerization. Cytasters play an important role in development, and are thought to be responsible for the organization of the ectoplasmic domain where networks of connected cytasters form the cortical microtubule cytoskeleton… Read more »
HIV infection, the cause of AIDS, has resulted in the death of more than 25 million people worldwide in the last 30 years and, according to WHO, approximately 34 million people are living with HIV. World AIDS Day aims to raise global awareness of the disease. Leading BioMed Central journals publish articles on all aspects… Read more »