Gerton Lab determines the composition of centromeric chromatin
The Stowers Institute's Gerton Lab has provided new evidence to clarify the structure of nucleosomes containing Cse4, a centromere-specific histone protein required for proper kinetochore function, which plays a critical role in the process of mitosis. The work, conducted in yeast cells, was published in the most recent issue of Molecular Cell. view more (2009-09-29)
Researchers identify protein-telomere interactions that could be key in treating cancer
A team of researchers from The Wistar Institute have shown that a large non-coding RNA in mammals and yeast plays a central role in helping maintain telomeres, the tips of chromosomes that contain important genetic information and help regulate cell division. view more (2009-09-01)
Protein plays unexpected role protecting chromosome tips
A protein specialist that opens the genomic door for DNA repair and gene expression also turns out to be a multi-tasking workhorse that protects the tips of chromosomes and dabbles in a protein-destruction complex, a team lead by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reports in the Aug. 13 edition of Molecular Cell. view more (2009-08-14)
Raising the alarm when DNA goes bad
Our genome is constantly under attack from things like UV light and toxins, which can damage or even break DNA strands and ultimately lead to cancer and other diseases. view more (2009-08-14)
Conaway Lab uncovers function of potential cancer-causing gene product
The Stowers Institute's Conaway Lab has uncovered a previously unknown function of a gene product called Amplified in Liver Cancer 1 (Alc1), which may play a role in the onset of cancer. view more (2009-08-10)
LincRNAs serve as genetic air-traffic controllers
Earlier this year, a scientific team from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and the Broad Institute identified a class of RNA genes known as large intervening non-coding RNAs or "lincRNAs," a discovery that has pushed the field forward in understanding the roles of these molecules in many biological processes, including stem... view more... (2009-07-15)
BRIT1 allows DNA repair teams access to damaged sites
Like a mechanic popping the hood of a car to get at a faulty engine, a tumor-suppressing protein allows cellular repair mechanisms to pounce on damaged DNA by overcoming a barrier to DNA access. view more (2009-06-22)
Novel DNA vaccine leads to kidney damage prevention in systemic lupus erythematosus models
DNA vaccination using lupus autoantigens and interleukin-10 (IL-10, a cytokine that plays an important role in regulating the immune system) has potential as a novel therapy to induce antigen specific tolerance and may help to prevent kidney damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). view more (2009-06-12)
USC researchers identify DNA mutation that occurs at beginning point of T-cell lymphoma
Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) have identified a key mechanism that causes chromosomes within blood cells to break-an occurrence that marks the first step in the development of human lymphoma. view more (2009-06-12)
Cocaine-linked genes enhance behavioral effects of addiction
New research sheds light on how cocaine regulates gene expression in a crucial reward region of the brain to elicit long-lasting changes in behavior. view more (2009-05-14)
Farnesoid X receptor regulates cystathionase
The expression and activity of Cystathionase is reduced in rodent models of liver injury, leading to hyper-homocysteinemia and impaired generation of hydrogen sulphide, two factors that contribute to endothelial dysfunction and increased intrahepatic resistance. view more (2009-05-13)
MIT-led team IDs gene key to Alzheimer's-like reversal
A team led by researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory has now pinpointed the exact gene responsible for a 2007 breakthrough in which mice with symptoms of Alzheimer's disease regained long-term memories and the ability to learn. view more (2009-05-07)
SUMO protein guides chromatin remodeler to suppress genes
In an in vitro study, led by Grace Gill, PhD, Tufts University School of Medicine, researchers discovered how a protein called SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier) guides an enzyme complex that alters the structure of chromatin to regulate expression of genes. view more (2009-04-28)
Gladstone scientists identify key factors in heart cell creation
Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease have identified for the first time key genetic factors that drive the process of generating new heart cells. view more (2009-04-27)
When every photon counts
The eyes of nocturnal mammals have very large numbers of highly-sensitive rod photoreceptors (the cell type responsible for night vision). They have to perceive light which is less than a millionth of the intensity of daylight. view more (2009-04-17)
CSHL researchers explain process by which cells 'hide' potentially dangerous DNA segments
The DNA in the 23 pairs of chromosomes in each of the billions of cells of the human body is so tightly packed that it would measure six feet in length if stretched end to end. A genome of this size can squeeze into a cell's tiny nucleus because it is compressed into highly condensed chromatin fibers by proteins called histones. view more (2009-04-10)
Can periodontal disease act as a risk factor for HIV-1?
Today, during the 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, convening at the Miami Beach Convention Center, a group of scientists from Nihon University (Tokyo, Japan) will present findings suggesting that periodontal disease could act as a risk factor for reactivating latent HIV-1 in affected individuals. view more (2009-04-03)
Ali Shilatifard and Colleagues Aim to Clarify the Definition of "Epigenetics"
Ali Shilatifard, Ph.D., Investigator, has joined with a team of colleagues to propose an operational definition of "Epigenetics" - a rapidly growing research field that investigates heritable alterations in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA sequence. view more (2009-04-02)
Getting down to cancer basics
Researchers have identified a new cancer gene - one that is common to many cancers and affects the most basic regulation of our genes. The new example - a gene on the X chromosome called UTX - is found in 10% of cases of multiple myeloma and 8% of esophageal cancers. view more (2009-03-30)
Proteasome inhibition affects epigenetic mechanisms
Alcohol consumption causes alteration in several cellular mechanisms, and leads to inflammation, apoptosis, immunoresponse defect, and fibrosis. view more (2009-02-19)
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