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A new mechanism discovered that helps cells prevent errors during DNA replication

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that helps cells protect genetic information during DNA replication, preventing errors and preserving genome integrity. This discovery could have implications for precision oncology and our understanding of the molecular machinery responsible for copying DNA.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2026

Researchers uncover the inside story on plant organ growth

A study by John Innes Centre researchers reveals that inner tissues play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, contradicting the widespread assumption that external layers control growth. By analyzing cell division orientation and gene editing techniques, they discovered genes affecting stem thickness in Arabidopsis.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

New technology reveals hidden DNA scaffolding built before life ‘switches on’

Researchers have discovered a sophisticated 3D scaffold of DNA being built before the genome fully awakens, controlling gene expression and preventing developmental defects. The breakthrough technology, Pico-C, enables high-resolution mapping of the genome's shape, shedding light on its role in human health.

Bipolar disorder heterogeneity decoded: transforming global psychiatric treatment approaches

A renowned geneticist, Dr. Martin Alda, has made a groundbreaking discovery that bipolar disorder is composed of multiple genetically distinct disorders, transforming treatment approaches worldwide. His research also highlights the importance of combining basic research with clinical observations to advance psychiatric care.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateOct 7, 2025

ORC2 regulation of human gene expression shows unexpected breadth and scale

A recent study reveals that ORC2 subunit regulates epigenetics and gene expression by compacting chromatin and attracting repressive histone marks at some sites, but activating gene expression at others. This regulation also prevents CTCF binding at certain sites, leading to changes in chromatin structure and gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2025

Interdisciplinary collaboration uses machine learning to uncover unknown patterns in genome organization

University of Toronto researchers developed a new computational method to study genome organization, uncovering previously unknown patterns in human chromosomes. The method uses machine learning to analyze high-throughput chromosome conformation capture data and sheds light on chromosomal re-organization leading to disease development.

New insights into DNA organization during embryonic development

Researchers from the Kind Group have gained new insights into the mechanism behind the spatial organization of DNA within cells of early embryos. They found that DNA regions near the nuclear edge are repelled by a specific protein modification, leading to an unusual organization that enables cells to differentiate into various types.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

No IKAROS, no antibodies

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Massachusetts General Hospital mapped the genome to understand how IKAROS controls healthy B cell development. They found that IKAROS solves a big problem in B cell development by bringing together far-away genes through looping, leading to proper expression and antibody production.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

CNIO researchers help to understand the functioning of the protein that makes DNA loops in the human genome

Researchers at the CNIO have elucidated a key point about how cohesin attaches to DNA and forms loops. The study suggests that NIPBL is not necessary for cohesin to bind to DNA, but only for it to move and form DNA loops. This finding may be important in understanding Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

The Three-dimensional structure of the mammalian genome, more diverse than ever seen before

A study by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona reveals the three-dimensional structure of mammalian genomes is more diverse than previously seen, with different patterns of chromosome folding identified in various species. The research provides new interpretative hypotheses about the plasticity of the genome and its role in evolution.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2022

Stresses and hydrodynamics -- Scientists uncover new organizing principles of the genome

Researchers have discovered physical forces and hydrodynamic flows that ensure proper functioning of life's blueprint. The study provides insights into the genome's organization and function, shedding light on its biophysical origins. This knowledge is crucial for understanding genetic disorders and human diseases.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Revealing the genome of the common ancestor of all mammals

Researchers reconstructed the genome organization of the earliest common ancestor of all mammals using high-quality genome sequences from 32 living species. The study reveals that the mammal ancestor had 19 autosomal chromosomes and conserved gene blocks across modern mammalian genomes.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

Mathematics enable scientists to understand organization within a cell’s nucleus

Researchers developed a new mathematical technique to analyze cell nucleus organization, revealing self-sustaining transcription clusters that play a key role in maintaining cell identity. This understanding may expose vulnerabilities for targeting cancer cells and reprogramming them to stop uncontrollable cell division.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

How genome organization influences cell fate

A team of researchers at UC Riverside has discovered that a protein complex called CAF-1 controls genome organization to maintain lineage fidelity in blood stem cells. The study found that CAF-1 keeps specific genomic sites compacted and inaccessible to transcription factors, ensuring the expression of lineage-specific genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Study uncovers new features of genome organization

Researchers identified two classes of DNA elements: tethering and insulators, which work together to regulate gene expression. Tethering elements facilitate timely activation by bringing enhancers close to target genes, while insulators prevent interference between neighboring genetic loci.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

The role of cohesin in genome 3D structure helps for a better understanding of tumor cells

Scientists discovered that altered cohesin SA2 variant influences gene expression and favours loss of differentiation in tumour cells. The two cohesin variants have distinct functions, with SA1 involved in topological domains and SA2 regulating gene expression through local chromatin loops.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 4, 2018

Genome architecture caught in motion

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered how the genome's three-dimensional architecture changes during the cell cycle. The study found that condensation and de-condensation occur gradually, with larger domains forming during mitosis.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 9, 2017