Maternal genetic variants that compromise intrauterine availability of folate derivatives could alter fetal cell trajectories and disrupt normal neurodevelopment. In this investigation, the frequency

of common functional polymorphisms in the folate pathway was investigated in a large population-based sample of autism case-parent triads. In case-control analysis, a significant increase in the reduced folate carrier (RFC1) G allele GDC 941 frequency was found among case mothers, but not among fathers or affected children. Subsequent log linear analysis of the RFC1 A80G genotype within family trios revealed that the maternal G allele was associated with a significant increase in risk of autism whereas the inherited genotype of the child was not. Further, maternal DNA from the autism mothers was found to be significantly hypomethylated relative to reference control DNA. Metabolic profiling indicated that plasma homocysteine, adenosine, and S-adenosylhomocyteine were significantly elevated among autism mothers consistent with reduced methylation capacity and DNA hypomethylation. Together, these results suggest that the maternal genetics/epigenetics may influence fetal predisposition to autism. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, GSK2879552 manufacturer Inc.”
“Somatic embryogenesis

involves complex molecular signaling pathways. Deregulation of these signaling pathways can transform the emblyogenic callus to non-embryogenic callus. To investigate the miRNA regulation underlying this detrimental transformation in Japanese Larch (Larix leptolepis), we compared miRNA expression profiles between

embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus at day 3 and day 14 after sub-culture. Four miRNA families dominated the 165 differentially expressed miRNAs between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus. Of the four, miR171 was up-regulated, and miR159, miR169, and miR172 were down-regulated in the embryogenic callus. These four families are all abiotic stress-induced miRNAs, and all target transcription factors that regulate a group of genes important for cell differentiation and development, including scarecrow-like CBL0137 nmr (SCL) transcription factor (miR171), apetala2 (miR172), MYB transcription factors (miR159), and NF-YA transcription factor (miR169). Three down-regulated miRNA families in the embryogenic callus are also regulated by ABA, which further shed light into the potential mechanisms underlying the transformation of the embryogenic competence in L. leptolepis. This study represents the first report on the miRNA regulation of the embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus in plant, and thus these four miRNA families provide important clues for further functional investigation. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“In this study we explored the possibility of using a dichoptic global motion technique to measure interocular suppression in children with amblyopia.