The study reveals two molecular pathways controlling the organization of the nucleolus, a critical organelle that manufactures ribosomes, and heterochromatin, which mediates gene silencing. These findings have implications for understanding genome stability and its relation to human disorders like birth defects and cancer.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 10, 2006
Researchers have discovered a cullin-dependent E3 ligase as a crucial component of the Clr4 methyltransferase complex, controlling histone methylation and heterochromatin assembly. The study suggests that polyubiquitylation of regulatory proteins may play a key role in regulating these processes.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2005
Scientists have discovered that heterochromatin is dynamically wrapping and unwrapping around DNA, regulating gene expression. This revelation could help understand diseases linked to inappropriate 'switching', such as cancer and inherited disorders.
SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2003