Articles tagged with Histones
Researchers found that Cul4 modifies histone proteins to weaken their interaction with chaperones, leading to genomic instability and tumor formation. The study suggests that cancer cells may have evolved mechanisms to disrupt proper nucleosome assembly, affecting genome stability.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that replication-dependent histone isoforms have distinct cellular functions and play a role in cancer development. The study showed that changes in expression of these isoforms can influence cell proliferation and tumor growth.
The study reveals that the protein complex Mll2 is responsible for implementing activating histone marks on 'poised' genes, but its loss has little effect on developmental gene activation during differentiation. This suggests a more complex understanding of histone modification patterns in embryonic and cancer cells.
A study published in PNAS reveals that the human herpes virus uses histone proteins to package and store its genetic material, allowing it to remain dormant. Researchers identified a viral protein called IE1 as a potential target for new therapies to control the virus's activity.
Researchers discover histone H1 protein's role in neurodegenerative disease and stroke; protein can trigger immune response and drive brain cell death. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.
Researchers have developed a new technology that can quickly turn genes on and off by shining light, enabling precise control over gene expression. This innovation has potential applications in understanding learning and memory, as well as studying epigenetic modifications.
Autophagy, a process where cells consume parts of themselves to clean up damaged organelles and proteins, is controlled by a molecular switch in the cell nucleus. The study found that histone H4 acetylation regulates autophagy-related genes, offering new avenues for disease treatment.
Researchers from NYU-Poly and NYU have received a grant to study histone modification, a key process in gene regulation. The study aims to understand the precise mechanisms of histone acetyltransferases (HATs), which are associated with diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered a mechanism that allows chromosomal DNA to be locally displaced from nucleosomes for transcription. The FACT complex interacts with histone subunits and detaches stretches of packaged DNA from the nucleosome core, releasing it from its tight wrapping.
Mutated histone H3 causes aberrant gene silencing in childhood brain cancer DIPG, leading to tumor growth. Researchers identify potential tool for inhibiting enzymes, developing pharmaceuticals targeting specific SET-domain methyltransferases.
A new genetic sequence has been identified as crucial for coordinating the synthesis of DNA-packaging proteins in cells. This process is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing birth defects and cancers. The discovery provides insights into how cells regulate histone protein production, a critical step in chromatin a...
A team of researchers from the University of North Carolina and Columbia University discovered how two key proteins in messenger RNA communicate via a molecular twist to regulate histone production. This complex interaction helps maintain the balance of histones and DNA, ensuring proper cell growth and division.
A study published in Cell Reports found that the position of a gene within chromatin affects its expression, contradicting the concept of a singular 'histone code'. The researchers inserted the same gene into 90 different locations in yeast chromosome and discovered significant differences in gene activity.
UCI researchers found that histone proteins stored in lipid droplets can target and kill bacterial infections, providing a novel approach to fighting bacterial growth. This discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with bad bacterial infections.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies can develop and be fertile in the absence of histone H3.3, challenging established models of gene regulation. Additionally, they found that histone modification is not essential for activating genes, but rather plays a role in regulating their expression.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in nuclear reprogramming by identifying histone H3.3 as a key player in reverting nuclei to a pluripotent state, capable of becoming any cell type. This discovery has significant implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
A new study at the University of Rochester has discovered that lipid droplets store histones, making them available for chromosome assembly. The findings suggest that binding to lipid droplets protects histones from being toxic to cells. This research challenges existing theories on histone balance and its mechanism.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics have identified two novel enzymes, Prdm3 and Prdm16, that attach methyl groups to packaging proteins, maintaining heterochromatin structure. Additionally, transcription factors Pax3 and Pax9 are essential for intact heterochromatin, with random binding sites in contra...
A study reveals that repressor proteins like Set2 recruit de-acetylases and chromatin remodelers Isw1 to block histone exchange and prevent erroneous transcription. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining accurate gene expression, which is often disrupted in diseases such as cancer.
A Thomas Jefferson University team found that histone-modifying proteins, such as TrxG and PcG, remain attached to DNA after replication, rather than histones. This challenges the longstanding paradigm of epigenetic marks and has significant implications for understanding gene expression and disease mechanisms.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveal that histone exchange occurs over a large proportion of genes, controlling gene expression. They also find that the Set2 protein plays a complex role in regulating transcription, preventing cryptic RNA transcripts and maintaining chromosomal stability.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center show how PKM2 contributes to brain tumor formation and growth by influencing histone proteins. Higher levels of PKM2 expression and H3 phosphorylation are correlated with shorter survival and higher grade tumors.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered a mechanism by which cancer cells hijack histone regulation to promote growth and survival. Lower levels of histone protein H2B aid in suppressing core histone gene transcription, leading to unchecked cell growth.
Researchers found that Chd1 protein regulates histone occupancy, enabling gene expression. In yeast cells, Chd1's absence impairs nucleosome reassembly and transcription.
Researchers at IMIM discover LOXL2 protein plays a crucial role in gene silencing, leading to tumor growth. The study opens new avenues for developing treatments that block LOXL2's activity.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that the influenza A virus's NS1 protein hijacks key regulators of antiviral gene function by mimicking a core component of gene regulating machinery. This finding suggests a possible target for new antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs.
A defect in the transport system of red blood cells leads to DNA chaos due to a lack of regulation by the Codanin-1 protein. This affects the development of red blood cells and highlights the importance of histone structure and gene regulation.
Scientists at German Cancer Research Center have discovered that histone proteins actively open access to genetic information by detaching short DNA segments. This mechanism allows genes to be read and may be disrupted in cancer cells.
Mayo Clinic researchers have gained insights into the function of a histone chaperone called Rtt106 using NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The study reveals two novel domains in Rtt106 that enable it to interact with modified histones, promoting proper chromatin assembly and disassembly.
Researchers identified genetic alterations affecting proteins known as histones in 48 pediatric glioblastomas, with 36% of cases featuring histone mutations. These mutations, which occur rarely in adult glioblastoma, may hold key to developing new treatments for the most malignant type of brain tumor.
Researchers found that DNA stays too tightly wound in certain brain cells of schizophrenic subjects, pointing to new therapies. The study suggests treatment might be most effective early on for minimizing or reversing symptoms.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research confirm the molecular mechanics of a key regulatory complex implicated in human leukemia are conserved from yeast to humans. They also identify the common molecular shape at the center of the complex, which regulates gene expression through histone methylation.
Repeated cocaine use increases depressive-like responses in a mouse model of depression, linking substance abuse with increased stress-related illnesses. Histone modifications play a key role in this process, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for mood disorders associated with substance abuse.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism for epigenetic memory in plants, which affects the timing of flowering based on environmental conditions. The study reveals that histone modifications can be passed on to offspring, providing a new understanding of how organisms 'remember' their environment.
The kinetochore complex assembles preferentially at the ends of chromosomes, particularly in the telomeres, due to low chromatin turnover and absence of typical heterochromatin and euchromatin proteins. This suggests that epigenetic histone marks play a crucial role in determining kinetochore formation.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a laboratory procedure that allows scientists to assemble and study the structure of entire chromosomes. The process reveals the construction of chromatin, a super-compressed marvel of molecular packaging that contains all an organism's DNA and associated proteins.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have described the complete atomic structure formed by a yeast HAT and one of its associated proteins, revealing how a particular histone acetylation event works. This finding provides a crucial step towards understanding epigenetics and its related processes.
UCSF researchers developed a new approach to examine how cells convert DNA into RNA, bridging a gap in understanding gene expression. The technique enables direct observation of the transcription process at unprecedented resolution, providing insights into gene regulation and function.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina found that widely used histone antibodies may not always recognize their intended targets, but instead bind to other sites. The researchers used a new approach to generate modified histone proteins and tested commercial antibodies, which often showed off-target binding issues.
A UNC-led research team developed a searchable database of more than 200 commonly used antibodies to help genetic scientists precisely test DNA. The database addresses the issue of specificity in antibody tests, which can affect gene regulation and human diseases.
Researchers develop test system to investigate histone modification function and its influence on gene expression and cellular division. The study reveals a complex interplay between histone modifications and the genetic code.
As human cells age, their telomeres shorten, triggering massive changes in the way DNA is packaged, known as chromatin. This leads to epigenetic changes that affect gene expression and contribute to aging. Researchers have identified histone proteins as key players in this process.
This article features protocols for investigating histone demethylase activity, including methods for detecting cytosine methylation in RNA using bisulfite sequencing. These methods enable researchers to measure histone demethylase activity in tissues and cell lysates, identify novel enzymes, and screen for inhibitors.
A study by Dr. Klaus Hansen's group at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, reveals that external stressors can activate genes responsible for cellular development and function.
Using yeast as a model organism, researchers at Penn identified novel histone modifications key to gamete formation and potential biomarkers of human male infertility. The study reveals the importance of epigenetic processes in sperm formation, which may lead to fertility problems.
A Texas A&M graduate contributed to a study linking protein malfunction to mental retardation, with early detection potentially leading to treatment. Researchers tested zebrafish and found that PHF8 enzyme mutations cause XLMR.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new epigenetic player that affects gene activity in boys with X-linked mental retardation and facial birth defects. The study reveals an enzyme, PHF8, works to maintain active gene transcription.
The study found that histone H1 phosphorylation is associated with changes in gene activity, particularly in active genes during interphase. H1 phosphorylation also controls ribosomal RNA gene transcription in the nucleolus, a novel discovery that could lead to new treatments for diseases.
Researchers propose that MeCP2 affects the entire genome in neurons, leading to increased histone acetylation and spurious transcription of 'junk DNA'. This discovery challenges the previous view of MeCP2 as a target-specific transcription factor.
Researchers discovered how plants sense temperature changes by unwrapping their DNA; this discovery could lead to more resilient crops and help explain plant responses to climate change. The study used Arabidopsis thaliana and found that H2A.Z histones play a crucial role in temperature sensing.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have determined the structures of two enzymes that customize histones, revealing insights into how DNA's packaging is crucial for gene regulation. The discovery may help doctors better understand or prevent inherited mental retardation.
Researchers have developed a cutting-edge approach to understand the 'histone code,' determining why genes function differently in various cells. The new method offers unprecedented insight into stem cells, cancer, and other fundamental biological processes.
Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have made a groundbreaking discovery that could help treat traumatic injuries and severe diseases. They found an antibody that can counteract histones' deadly effects on blood vessels, potentially preventing uncontrolled bleeding and fluid buildup.
Researchers from UNC Health Care have discovered a crucial link between the synthesis of histone messenger RNA and apoptosis, a normal biochemical response to cell damage. The study identifies FLASH protein as essential for producing histone proteins, which regulate gene expression.
A Florida State University researcher has discovered two pools of histones: one stable for long-term DNA packaging and another rapidly degraded to ensure protein regulation. This finding may lead to new ways to fight cancer and other diseases by manipulating protein regulation.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered a new protein, Brdt, that directs tight re-packaging of sperm DNA, enabling the development of more streamlined sperm. This discovery sheds light on potential problems in sperm development and human male infertility.
The Gerton Lab has determined the composition of centromeric chromatin in yeast cells, revealing an octameric structure composed of Cse4-containing nucleosomes. This discovery sheds light on mechanisms of centromere propagation and chromosome transmission, which are crucial for maintaining human health.
Researchers found that HDAC8 deletion causes cranial NCC deficiency, leading to skull dysmorphism and perinatal death. HDAC8 represses homeobox transcription factors that pattern the frontal skull, highlighting its crucial role in epigenetic control of vertebrate skull development.
The Shilatifard Lab has provided new insight into H3K4 methylation, a crucial activity associated with MLL protein and chromosomal translocations. The study sheds light on how this process contributes to the development of aggressive infant acute leukemias.
A Iowa State University researcher has figured out a mechanism involved in marking where DNA instructions are located in cells. The Gcn5 protein plays a crucial role in recognizing chemically modified histones, facilitating efficient gene reading and shedding light on diseases like cancer.