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Going global

A genome-wide analysis of genes that drive cell division in a multicellular organism has been conducted, revealing over 300 genes differentially expressed during the G1 and G2 phases. The study provides a searchable resource for scientists and citizens to explore gene expression in wing discs and cultured cells.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 2, 2014

What makes cell division accurate?

A team led by Yixian Zheng identified a protein that regulates interactions between kinetochores and microtubules, improving our understanding of chromosome alignment. The study suggests expanding the scope of research to include other cellular components for a deeper understanding of mitosis.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 23, 2014

Protein clumps as memory

ETH Zurich researchers discovered a mechanism that enables yeast cells to memorise 'bad experiences' during reproduction by forming protein aggregates. These aggregates make future mating attempts more difficult, conserving energy and preventing unproductive reproduction. The system appears to be universal and relatively old in evolution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2013

Cell memory mechanism discovered

A team of scientists has identified a potential mechanism for cellular memory, which allows cells to recall the order of transcription factor binding. This discovery sheds light on how cells maintain gene regulation and may have implications for understanding diseases such as cancer.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateAug 15, 2013

Protein changes are discovered that control whether a gene functions

A Penn State-led research team found that histone protein changes can control whether a gene functions, with the potential to maintain genetic expression and prevent disease. The study's findings have significant implications for the study of diseases like cancer and understanding cellular behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2013

A check on tension

Researchers Arshad Desai and Christopher Campbell found that Aurora B kinase congregates on microtubules instead of the centromere, ensuring required tension is achieved on chromosomes. This discovery challenges prevailing model for how dividing cells monitor chromosome distribution.

New form of cell division found

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered a new form of cell division called klerokinesis, which helps prevent faulty cell division leading to cancer. In experiments with human cells, they observed that cells with extra chromosomes could recover normal sets through klerokinesis, potentially lowering cancer incidence.

New type of cell division discovered

Researchers have discovered a new type of cell division called klerokinesis, which appears to be an evolutionary failsafe mechanism that could rescue cell functions during embryonic development. By analyzing human retinal pigment epithelial cells, the team found that klerokinesis can help maintain genomic integrity and potentially prev...

Lymph node roundabout

An international team of scientists found that asymmetric division of antibody-producing B cells speeds up the body's immune defenses by creating optimized antibodies. This process, called the 'recycling hypothesis,' allows the immune system to produce highly effective antibodies against specific pathogens.

Making copies at the right time

Researchers at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia have uncovered a molecular mechanism that enables cells to accurately inherit non-genetic information, such as protein structures. This epigenetic memory is crucial for maintaining genome organization and preventing errors in cell division, which can lead to cancer.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 12, 2011

Plants feel the force

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified seven genes encoding mechanosensitive channels in Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant related to mustard and cabbage. These channels are believed to play a crucial role in plant movement and response to physical stimuli.

Study shows how bookmarking genes pre-cell division hastens their subsequent reactivation

A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology has discovered that bookmarking genes before cell division accelerates their reactivation afterwards. By analyzing the kinetics of gene activation, researchers found that a histone molecule undergoes chemical modification and is preserved during mitosis, allowing for rapid reactivation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 9, 2011

The breathtaking dance of plants

Scientists at Norwich BioScience Institutes discovered that plant pores, essential for life and carbon cycles, are evenly spaced due to a specific protein called SPEECHLESS. This protein's activity helps create an even spatial pattern during plant growth, allowing plants to breathe efficiently in different environments.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateSep 8, 2011

New light shed on cell division

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the assembly of centromeres in human cells, revealing an essential division of labor among specific proteins. By visualizing these proteins in living cells, they discovered that certain proteins like CENP-A play a crucial role in carrying genetic information to the centromere.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 14, 2011