Cell Division
Articles tagged with Cell Division
How a cell doubles its DNA matters more than we thought
Researchers examined two mechanisms of whole genome duplication in cells, finding that cytokinesis failure leads to more stable and viable cells, while mitotic slippage results in uneven chromosome distribution and reduced viability. The study suggests targeting chromosome separation could help limit survival of abnormal cells.
Alzheimer’s-linked protein tau play a role in cell division
A new study by POSTECH researchers found that the protein tau interacts with DNA during cell division, forming condensates that capture microtubules. This interaction affects chromosome alignment and can lead to cellular abnormalities even in healthy cells.
Microtubules discovered to play an active role in correctly distributing chromosomes during cell division
Microtubules are regulators of enzymatic reactions through reshaping geometry of enzyme's substrate proteins attached to them. The discovery sheds new light on one-way chromosome attachments and quality-control system that helps prevent chromosome-segregation errors, a hallmark of many cancers.
Plants pause, play and fast forward growth depending on types of climate stress
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified genes and pathways responsible for plant recovery from environmental stress, including cold snaps and flooding. This discovery could lead to the creation of climate-resilient crops that can recover faster and more efficiently after climate events.
Plant cell structure could hold key to cancer therapies and improved crops
Researchers mapped out the structure of a key player, augmin, in exhaustive detail, revealing its role in plant cell division and shape regulation. The study's findings could lead to new medical treatments and strategies for breeding higher-quality rice and cotton crops.
Uncovering evolution at the center of cell division
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology have discovered the genetic origin of the tiny and precise centromeres in brewer's yeast. They found that these centromeres evolved from a likely intermediate stage and were shaped by retrotransposons, providing a concrete genetic explanation for their unique structure.
The machinery that helps divide your cells self-organizes like an active liquid crystal
Researchers at the Flatiron Institute and their collaborators applied an active liquid crystal theory to understand how chromosomes are separated during cell division. The study found that the theory largely succeeds in predicting how spindles self-organize, using a combination of light microscopy and electron microscopy data.
How rice plants tell head from toe during early growth
A team of scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University discovered how fertilized rice seeds begin to divide and establish their body axis. They found that the process involves radical steps different from Arabidopsis, with cells acting collectively to allow axis development despite apparent randomness.
A protein thought to play a supporting role in DNA replication actually facilitates the whole process
A protein called Replication Factor C has been found to remain bound to a DNA sliding clamp even after loading it onto DNA, facilitating the copying process. This discovery challenges decades of textbook knowledge in basic biology and could inform research into cancer and neurological disorders.
New perspectives on how physical instabilities drive embryonic development: A Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life study
Researchers discovered that cytoplasmic compartmentalization was inherently unstable in large vertebrate embryos, but found strategies to overcome this instability. The timing of cell divisions was precisely matched with the timescale of instability, allowing for robust embryonic organization.
Searching for the centromere: diversity in pathways key for cell division
A research team at The University of Osaka has identified a parallel pathway involving CENP-C for centromere specification and function. This process is vital for ensuring chromosomes are structured and genes are expressed appropriately.
Nature study identifies a molecular switch that controls transitions between single-celled and multicellular forms
Researchers identified genes controlling the switch between unicellular and multicellular life forms in marine yeast, revealing a molecular mechanism for clonal multicellularity. The study provides insights into how multicellular life may have evolved from single-celled ancestors.
Cancer loses its sense of time to avoid stress responses
Researchers at OIST have discovered that certain cancers can 'lose their sense of time' to avoid cellular stress responses. The study highlights the role of USP28 in stabilizing p53, a known tumor suppressor, and how mutations in this protein can disrupt its function.
Scientists develop rapid and scalable platform for in planta directed evolution
Researchers have created a new system, GRAPE, that enables rapid and scalable directed evolution of genes directly in plant cells. This allows for the efficient generation of genetic variants with new properties, such as disease resistance, to enhance crop sustainability.
How key enzyme shapes nucleus formation in cell division
A new study reveals how Aurora A ensures smooth dissolution of spindle poles during cell division, allowing the genome to be properly encased in new nuclei. The team identified specific regions and amino acids in NuMA that drive its shift between dynamic and solid states.
Two routes, one goal – How the crown of cell division is manufactured
The corona is a crucial structure in the kinetochore that ensures correct chromosome alignment and regulation of segregation. Scientists have discovered a dual-pathway assembly mechanism that drives corona formation from just two initial proteins.
Exploring the dynamic partnership between FtsZ and ZapA protein
The study reveals that four units of ZapA protein form an asymmetric ladder-like structure with FtsZ protofilaments, impacting the alignment of the Z-ring. The interaction between ZapA and FtsZ is dynamic, with cooperative binding and structural alterations, enabling the maintenance of FtsZ mobility.
Packing DNA on time for cell division
A study by a trans-European research team reveals how DNA condensation during the cell cycle is regulated by a unique molecular switch. When cell division begins, the key enzyme CDK1 phosphorylates microcephalin and M18BP1, allowing condensin II to pack the DNA into sausage-shaped chromosomes.
Hidden architecture: Identifying a new molecular structure at the center of chromosomes
Researchers discovered a specialized histone arrangement, called the CENP-A–H4 octasome, in centromeric regions. This unique structure likely contributes to proper kinetochore formation and mitosis.
An artificial protein that moves like something found in nature
Researchers at UCSF have successfully engineered a shapeshifting protein that can change shape in response to signals, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental applications. This achievement marks the first step towards creating stable yet dynamic proteins using AI-augmented protein engineering.
Min proteins for max efficiency during cell division
Researchers engineered E. coli cells to control Min protein expression levels, demonstrating stable oscillations across a wide range of concentrations. The study reveals the potential of integrating quantitative cell physiology and biophysical modelling to understand cellular organization.
Revealing new clues to curb DNA damage
Researchers at University of Seville have discovered patulin and xestoquinol as inhibitors of DNA topoisomerase 1, a key enzyme in DNA metabolism. These natural compounds may provide a new class of anticancer drugs by preventing DNA cuts from being ligated.
Cutting off parasite’s energy supply could help fight malaria
A new study at Stellenbosch University found that blocking the enzymes involved in glycolysis could cut off the malaria parasite's primary energy source and kill it. This approach has shown promise for developing new malaria drugs, particularly against resistant parasites.
Study: Experimental bird flu vaccine excels in animal models
A new vaccine platform developed at the University at Buffalo has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of bird flu. The vaccine, which combines key proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, shows promise as a versatile and easy-to-produce vaccine that could be effective against evolving bird flu strains.
Breakthrough molecular movie reveals DNA’s unzipping mechanism with implications for viral and cancer treatments
Scientists have captured the first detailed molecular movie of DNA being unzipped at the atomic level, revealing how cells copy their genetic material. The discovery has significant implications for understanding viral and cancer replication.
Shaping the future of diabetes treatment with 3D biorinting technology
A team of scientists has successfully developed a novel platform for diabetes treatment utilizing bioink derived from pancreatic tissue and 3D bioprinting technology. The HICA-V platform replicates the structure and function of the human endocrine pancreas, supporting islet maturation and functional enhancement.
Hibernating lemurs can turn back the clock on cellular aging
Researchers found that hibernating lemurs' telomeres got longer, contrary to the usual decrease with age, suggesting a potential way to reverse cellular aging. This study, conducted at Duke University and the University of California, San Francisco, provides insights into the mechanisms behind lemur's remarkable survival strategy.
Unveiling the mechanism of maintenance of replication and transcription in mitochondria
A study by Juntendo University researchers found that TEFM is crucial for mtDNA replication regulation, particularly at the heavy-strand origin. The team's genome-edited TEFM knockout revealed a notable reduction in mtDNA copy number and strand-asynchronous replication intermediates.
Cold sore discovery IDs unknown trigger for those annoying flare-ups
Scientists have identified a new target to prevent cold sores by understanding how the herpes virus triggers its own immune response. The discovery has important implications for genital herpes caused by the same virus, with potential treatments in development.
Identifying venom genes of parasitoid wasps: Successful parasitism without immediate host death
Researchers identified two venom genes in parasitoid wasps that degrade adult tissue precursors in host fly larvae, ensuring successful parasitism. The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms behind the sophisticated survival strategy of these wasps.
Self-assembling cerebral blood vessels: A breakthrough in Alzheimer’s treatment
A team of researchers has developed a novel model of the Blood-Brain Barrier, which mimics the complex structure of cerebral blood vessels. This breakthrough enables scientists to study neuroinflammation and develop new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers in Brazil discover a gene that may afford protection against COVID-19
A study on six serodiscordant couples found that women who were immune to SARS-CoV-2 had elevated expression of the gene IFIT3 compared to their male partners. This suggests that overexpression of IFIT3 may offer protection against COVID-19 by inhibiting viral replication and preventing cell invasion.
Seeing the unseen: New method reveals ’hyperaccessible’ window in freshly replicated DNA
Scientists from Gladstone Institutes developed a new method called RASAM, which made a surprising discovery that large sections of newly formed DNA are hyperaccessible for many hours. This finding holds important implications for basic understanding of biology and the development of new medicines.
Revealing a key mechanism of rapid centromere evolution
A joint research group clarifies a key mechanism of how retrotransposons preferentially insert in the centromere. The findings reveal strong integration biases for certain genetic elements, shedding light on rapid genome evolution.
Virus that threatened humanity opens the future
Researchers developed AI-driven therapeutic platform mimicking viral structures to deliver therapeutic genes to target cells. The innovative approach achieved precise symmetrical structures and effectively delivered payloads, paving the way for breakthroughs in gene therapies and next-generation vaccines.
WVU engineer protects mining equipment operators from fatal accidents with high-tech training headsets that visualize blind spots
A WVU researcher creates an augmented reality training program to enhance miners' awareness of blind spots and ability to identify hazards. The training technology uses visualizations to project blind spots directly onto the trainee operator's surroundings, reducing fatalities and injuries in the mining industry.
New understanding of a cancer relevant protein reveals opportunities for drug discovery
Researchers found effective peptidomimetics that can bind to and inhibit Aurora-A's interaction with TACC3 without inhibiting its enzymatic function. This inhibition also showed promise in targeting a different protein-protein interaction between N-Myc and Aurora-A, which is crucial in childhood brain cancers.
A molecular switch reshapes a dividing cell in minutes
Researchers have developed a laboratory system that can precisely control and study cell division mechanisms in real-time. By manipulating the phosphorylation state of the protein PRC1, they discovered that large-scale transitions in cytoskeleton organization can be induced in just a few minutes.
A fresh spin on nuclear centering
Researchers used two specialized microscopes to measure the forces that keep the nucleus centered within a living cell, providing new clues about cellular cytoplasm and organelle motion. The study found that the force required to move the nucleus in C. elegans was approximately 1/6th less than that measured in sea urchin eggs.
Researchers offer alternative to hydroxyurea in study of DNA replication process
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified an alternate method to study changes during the DNA replication process in lab settings using genetically modified yeast. This new approach provides a less toxic and quickly reversible alternative to hydroxyurea, allowing for better insight into cell cycle arrest mechanisms.
Protein involved in balancing DNA replication and restarting found
A team of researchers has identified the USP50 protein's role in regulating DNA replication by deciding which enzymes to use during critical processes. The study found that USP50 helps cells balance nuclease and helicase activity, preventing replication defects when it is absent.
Claustrophobic cells slow their own growth, forming beautiful patterns of concentric circles
Researchers discovered that dividing bacterial cells adapt to crowded environments by slowing their growth, forming a pattern of concentric circles. This process can inform strategies for controlling the spread of harmful microorganisms, such as in infections or manufacturing.
Variability in when and how cells divide promotes healthy development in embryos
Researchers have found that variability in when and how cells divide during embryo development leads to more optimal arrangements of cells, promoting robust tissue formation. This study challenges traditional views on the role of cell division variability in embryonic development.
From chaos to structure
A team of scientists has created a comprehensive atlas of early mammalian morphogenesis, revealing that individual events such as cell divisions and movements are highly chaotic. However, the embryos as a whole end up looking very similar to one another, with physical laws driving them to form a specific morphology shared among mammals.
Glioblastoma: A mechanism that helps tumor cells multiply discovered
Research discovered that chloride ion channels play a role in glioblastoma cell division and proliferation. By blocking these channels, replication can be stopped, pointing to ion currents as a potential target for therapeutic approaches.
How cells maintain their central processing unit for cell division
Researchers at MPI unveiled PLK1's crucial role in replenishing CENP-A proteins per centromere, a process critical for cell division. PLK1 initiates a cascade of events by binding to specific machinery components and inducing phosphorylation changes.
Scientists take a major step in understanding how to stop the transmission of malaria
Researchers at the University of Nottingham uncover key regulators of malaria parasites' cell division, revealing NEK1 as a potential drug target. The study aims to find new therapeutic targets for controlling malaria transmission.
Elucidating the mechanism of cell division during plant self-healing
Researchers found that At2-MMP is essential for suppressing abnormal cell division and preventing excessive proliferation in wounded Arabidopsis stems. Overexpression of At2-MMP restored normal wound healing processes.
The mystery of human wrinkles: what do the cells say?
A research team has successfully recreated wrinkle structures in biological tissue in vitro, revealing the mechanisms behind their formation. The study found that compressive forces and dehydration play a crucial role in wrinkle formation, mirroring aging skin effects.
How aging affects stem cells: A fly's tale
Scientists identified key changes in chromosome structure and gene expression that affect stem cell function during aging. Blocking a specific gene, ced-6, triggered stem cell exhaustion at any age, indicating a general process that maintains balance when proliferation is too high.
Open Wide: Human Mouth Bacteria Reproduce through Rare Form of Cell Division
Researchers discovered Corynebacterium matruchotii's unique cell division mechanism, enabling dense networks within dental plaque biofilms. This process allows the bacteria to explore their environment and form beneficial interactions.
Dine on DNA: Compounds from nucleic acids in food show anticancer effects
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found compounds in nucleic acids from salmon DNA and torula yeast RNA inhibit cancer cell growth. These compounds may prevent cancer by stopping cell replication.
New insights on how bird flu crosses the species barrier
A new study from the Cusack group sheds light on how avian influenza virus can mutate to replicate in mammalian cells. The key enzyme polymerase must adapt to overcome two main barriers: entering and replicating within host cells, as well as acquiring human transmission capabilities.
Align or die
Researchers at ISTA discovered that misaligned protein filaments 'die' and re-assemble to form a well-aligned ring structure essential for bacterial cell division. This mechanism could lead to the development of synthetic self-healing materials.
Combination of drugs produces promising results in combating cancer and will be clinically trialed in Europe
Researchers developed a new approach to combat cancer by hyperactivating tumor cells, making them stressed and vulnerable to specific drugs. The combination strategy showed promising results in colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma models, paving the way for potential treatment options.
ERC Advanced Grant for Helle Ulrich for research on DNA repair and genome stability
Professor Helle Ulrich will investigate how a small regulatory protein called ubiquitin contributes to DNA replication and repair, and decipher how cells direct different pathways. The ERC Advanced Grant aims to gain a deeper mechanistic understanding of ubiquitin's function in preventing mutations that can cause ageing and cancer.
Study on fruit flies could benefit eggs of older women
Researchers at Dartmouth College found that fruit fly oocytes can renew chromosome-linking proteins, potentially helping older women reduce pregnancy complications. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for enhancing protein rejuvenation in human eggs.
Age is just a number: Immune cell ‘epigenetic clock’ ticks independently of organism lifespan
Researchers discovered that T-cell aging is not limited by organismal age, and healthy T cells can proliferate indefinitely. The epigenetic clock of T cells shows that death is not the end, and these cells do not plateau with age, defying traditional notions of cellular aging.
How the cell cycle orchestra plays an unexpected new tune
Scientists discover that multiciliated cells use cell division to control hair-like projections called cilia. This adaptation breaks the cancer-preventing rule of making only four centrioles per cell, producing hundreds instead.