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How sperm remember

A new study at McGill University identifies a non-DNA based means by which sperm remember a father's environment and transmit that information to the embryo, affecting gene expression and leading to birth defects. The discovery opens new avenues for studying disease transmission and prevention.

SourceMcGill University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 16, 2021

New CRISPR tech targets human genome's complex code

Researchers have developed a new genome editing tool that targets histone proteins in the nucleus, regulating DNA expression. The programmable CRISPR/Cas9-based kinase offers insights into controlling regulatory histone proteins and has potential applications in treating cancer and other diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2021

Anti-convulsant drug can modify DNA conformation and interact with chromosome proteins

Researchers from UNICAMP found that valproic acid can modify DNA conformation and interact with chromosome proteins. The compound causes changes in the conformation of histones H1 and H3, as well as DNA superstructure and molecular order. This discovery paves the way for novel pharmaceutical research.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateSep 28, 2020

New protein complex gets chromosomes sorted

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified a novel protein complex, NWC, involved in regulating Aurora B localization to ensure correct chromosome separation. The study found that NWC functions in mitotic chromosome stability by allowing Aurora B to accumulate at centromeres.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 26, 2020

How do plants forget?

Researchers found a phenomenon called 'epigenetic resetting' in plant sperm that erases histone modifications, allowing seeds to forget their environment. This mechanism is similar to data erasure on hard drives and is essential for plants to adapt to changing conditions.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 15, 2020

New roles for DNA-packaging proteins

Researchers found that linker histone H1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the nucleus, forming droplets with densely packed DNA and enriching with protein HP1α. This process segregates heterochromatin from euchromatin, revealing a new function of histones in gene regulation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020

Programming synthetic molecular codes to turn genes 'on'

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a synthetic molecular code that can script gene activation, targeting histones and emulating the natural histone acetylation process. The code, called Bi-PIP, successfully activated a specific gene associated with central nervous system disorders in living cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018

How turning down the heat makes a baby turtle male

Researchers at Duke University and Zhejiang Wanli University identified a key gene called Kdm6b that affects how genes are expressed in turtles, determining their sex. The study found that cooler egg incubation temperatures activate the Kdm6b gene, leading to testes development and producing males.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2018