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Rethinking 'The Code'

The study reveals that the protein complex Mll2 is responsible for implementing activating histone marks on 'poised' genes, but its loss has little effect on developmental gene activation during differentiation. This suggests a more complex understanding of histone modification patterns in embryonic and cancer cells.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 11, 2013

Wired for change

A study of gene expression in five closely related mouse species reveals the first steps of evolution in gene regulation. The research found that transcription-factor binding variation is an important indicator of gene-regulation activity.

Newly found CLAMP protein regulates genes

The newly found CLAMP protein plays a crucial role in regulating the X chromosome in male fruit flies, enabling them to develop and survive. By working together with the MSL complex, CLAMP creates a self-reinforcing feedback loop that enhances gene expression, providing a model for understanding how proteins govern gene transcription.

SourceBrown University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 18, 2013

Scientists decode mystery sequences involved in gene regulation

A team of researchers has created the first-ever compendium of RNA-binding sequences, which will become a valuable resource for researchers studying human genetics. The study reveals similarities between humans and fruit flies in terms of binding sequences, suggesting that many proteins bind to similar sequences across species.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2013

Biomedical research revealing secrets of cell behavior

Researchers at Arizona State University have made significant progress in understanding cell fate determination, a process that governs how cells develop and transition. By using mathematical modeling and synthetic biology techniques, they created artificial gene networks and observed the behavior of cells as they approached their tipp...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Expressly unfit for the laboratory

Berkeley Lab researchers found that most bacterial genes are regulated by signals unrelated to their function, leading to maladaptive regulation in laboratory settings. Only a small percentage of genes showed adaptive regulation, suggesting that natural responses may not fit the classical all-benefit-and-no-cost model.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJun 19, 2013

JCI early table of contents for June 10, 2013

Researchers found that HDAC3 is essential for DNA replication in hematopoietic progenitor cells and plays a critical role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis by binding to the cellular protein FCγRIIb, which activates cell stress and death pathways. The study also identified a link between FCγRIIb and memory impairment in AD patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 10, 2013

The developmental genetics of space and time

Researchers identified a case of spatial and temporal conflict in regulating the ventral neurons defective gene, which must be precisely regulated for proper nervous system specification. The study shows that an additional input from a complementary gradient of the Dpp morphogen solves conflicting temporal and spatial responses.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateMay 15, 2013

Mapping the embryonic epigenome

A large research team elucidated how precise chemical modifications across the genome turn genes on and off during early human development. The study found that master genes governing development are silenced by histone methylation, while genes orchestrating cellular differentiation are primarily silenced by DNA methylation.

The way of science

A groundbreaking study by Mügen Terzioglu and colleagues challenges long-held ideas about the protein MTERF1's importance in mitochondrial transcription and translation. The findings, published in Cell Metabolism, demonstrate that MTERF1 is not as crucial to mitochondrial function as previously thought.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 2, 2013

Misregulated genes may have big autism role

Two genes associated with rare autism-related disorders are also jointly linked to more general forms of autism, according to a new study published in Molecular Psychiatry. The findings suggest a new genetic pathway to investigate in general autism research.

SourceBrown University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 21, 2013

Recreating natural complex gene regulation

Researchers developed a system to artificially simulate natural complex interactions between proteins that regulate genes, allowing for precise control over gene activation. This breakthrough enables scientists to better understand human gene regulation and develop new gene-based therapies.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 3, 2013

Bullying by childhood peers leaves a trace that can change the expression of a gene linked to mood

A study by Isabelle Ouellet-Morin found that bullying by peers alters the structure surrounding a gene involved in mood regulation, making victims more vulnerable to mental health problems. The research suggests that victimization experiences in childhood can change not only stress response but also gene functioning related to mood.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateDec 17, 2012

Gene switch important in cancer discovered

Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2012

The genetics of white finger disease

A study published in Clinical Epigenetics found that individuals with a specific genetic variation in SIRT1 are more likely to develop vibration-induced white finger disease. The research suggests that testing for this variant before starting work with vibrating machinery could prevent years of pain and disability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalClinical Epigenetics·DateSep 30, 2012

Loop the loop, DNA style

Researchers at EMBL and Oxford University found that gene loops can turn bi-directional promoters into one-way systems, controlling transcription direction. This discovery enables bidirectional regulation of genes, allowing cells to adjust the spread of regulation throughout the genome.

Probing matters of the heart

A new study has outlined how interactions between genes, proteins and molecules direct the development of stem cells into mature heart cells. The research could help scientists better understand how genetic mutations lead to congenital heart defects and assist efforts to engineer artificial heart tissue.

Uncovering the genome's regulatory code

A team of researchers developed an automated system to map protein-DNA interactions, uncovering a hierarchical structure for the regulatory code. They found that regulatory factors can be classified into three levels, with each tier governing cell type, sub-identity and specialized gene expression.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateSep 9, 2012

Major advances in understanding the regulation and organization of the human genome

The ENCODE project has unveiled that over 80% of the human genome is associated with biological function, while proteins switch genes on and off regularly. The study provides insights into genetic information control and expression in specific cell types, shedding light on disease susceptibility.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 5, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers and colleagues identify PHF20, a regulator of gene P53

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified PHF20 as a novel transcriptional factor that regulates gene P53, a crucial gene for normal cell growth and tumor suppression. The study found that PHF20 directly interacts with p53 and stabilizes it, allowing for its activation in response to DNA damage.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 24, 2012

New insights into salt transport in the kidney

The study discovered that the claudin-10 gene plays a crucial role in reabsorbing sodium chloride in the kidney. In its absence, mice exhibit elevated magnesium levels and excess calcium deposition in the kidneys, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining salt balance.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2012

Planting the seeds of defense

Scientists discovered that exposure to pathogens causes significant changes in a plant's epigenetic code, which helps the plant develop resistance. These epigenetic changes are linked to genes responsible for coordinating stress responses, suggesting the epigenome plays a role in disease resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2012