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Controlling protein diversity

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate protein production in cells by recruiting coactivators that enhance RNA production and alter splicing. This controlled process results in different proteins being made, leading to diverse protein diversity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 3, 2005

Fleshing out the genome

A new method assigns biological functions to unknown genes, enabling genome comparison, by integrating experimental and computational analyses. This approach identifies functional proteins in 97% of hypothetical genes and provides a framework for ranking their precision and confidence.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2005

Cells don festive holiday colors

Scientists have developed a range of new fluorescent proteins with unique colors, allowing them to track the effects of multiple genetic alterations in a single cell. These monomeric proteins retain fluorescent properties while being less toxic than their multimeric counterparts, enabling precise cellular analysis.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 22, 2004

Scientists align billion-year-old protein with embryonic heart defects

Researchers found that a critical protein called Serum Response Factor (SRF) is essential for the development of heart cells, and its absence can lead to improper heart function. The study provides new insights into how genetic mutations may disrupt heart function and potentially cause adult cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2004

Clues to the puzzle of 'talking' root cells

Duke University researchers discovered that the Short-Root protein moves from one cell to another through an active process that recognizes signals, not just random diffusion. This finding provides a promising pathway for understanding how complex tissues develop from individual cells in both plants and animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

To understand innate immunity, silence the genome

Researchers Edan Foley and Patrick O'Farrell silenced over 7,000 Drosophila genes to investigate the Immune deficiency pathway, revealing new molecules involved in signaling. Their findings provide insight into complex molecular interactions underlying innate immunity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2004

New method is first to mimic subtle genetic changes

Researchers developed a new method to alter gene expression levels without disrupting essential control elements. This technique uses the 3' untranslated region (UTR) to influence protein production, allowing for predictable and controlled changes in gene expression.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 12, 2004

Yeast genomes reveal new sites of gene control

Researchers identified 79 new regulatory sites in yeast genomes, revising the estimated number of genes from 6,331 to 5,773. These sites play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and development, with implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 29, 2003

GenoMyc binding

Researchers have identified Myc binding sites using different experimental approaches in Drosophila and human cells. The findings suggest that Myc regulates a large portion of both the fly and human genome, altering previous views on its activity and interactions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 29, 2003

The magic behind merlin

Researchers have identified a key function of merlin in maintaining adherens junctions, which are essential for suppressing cancer development and progression. The study reveals that loss of merlin results in destabilization of these junctions, leading to unchecked cell proliferation and tumor formation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 18, 2003