Articles tagged with Nucleosomes
A new study reveals that linker histone H1 initially flits around inside a cell without a clear aim, until a chaperone protein escorts it to its target, the nucleosome. This finding sheds light on how H1 regulates gene expression and compacts DNA, and could lead to new therapies for diseases.
A new 3D-structure study reveals BRD4's unexpected ability to bind to chromosomes without a molecular signal, shedding light on its role in cancer and potential treatments. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of BRD4's function and its interaction with other proteins.
A new blood-based approach developed by Kumamoto University researchers detects breast cancer recurrence by analyzing nucleosome structure in circulating DNA. The study identified genomic regions associated with treatment resistance and recurrence, promising a low-invasive monitoring method for patients.
Researchers used a new AI-powered computational method to discover that most nucleosomes contain sections of DNA that are partially accessible to the cell. The study found that more than 85% of nucleosomes showed some degree of distortion, with 14 distinct structural states associated with different levels of gene activity.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that inflexible DNA within nucleosomes regulates the positioning of INO80, a chromatin remodeling complex. This unique mechanism allows INO80 to position itself on the surface of nucleosomes at the right location.
Researchers analyzed centromeres in onion, garlic, and Welsh onion using CENH3-targeted antibody to map centromere regions. They found significant variations in size and position/mobility between species, challenging the static view of centromeres.
Scientists have found that nucleosomes act as gatekeepers for p53's molecular partners, controlling its access to the genetic code. This discovery reveals a new layer of regulation over p53's activity and opens possibilities for developing cancer therapies that restore or control p53 function.
Researchers discovered a specialized histone arrangement, called the CENP-A–H4 octasome, in centromeric regions. This unique structure likely contributes to proper kinetochore formation and mitosis.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that native nucleosomes contain a physical code governing their role in genome architecture. This insight could lead to new understanding of the maintenance of cellular function and the development of diseases like autoimmunity and cancer.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the dynamic motion of a human chromatin remodeler in action, capturing 13 distinct structures that reveal the full picture of nucleosome sliding. This comprehensive view sheds light on how chromatin remodeling affects gene access and expression.
A team of scientists developed an advanced computational technique to predict gene architecture through nucleosome position, combining experimental approaches with machine learning techniques. The study demonstrates that nucleosomal architecture is greatly influenced by DNA sequence information and physical signals.
Researchers employed AI to analyze epigenetic impact of chromatin and transcriptional changes during winter dormancy in axillary apple buds. The study revealed genes related to cellular response to hypoxia, defense response to ABA, and circadian rhythm were activated during bud dormancy.
Scientists have clarified how the DDM1 protein prevents 'jumping gene' transcription by making it accessible to suppressing chemical marks. This discovery has implications for understanding genetic conditions and developing new treatments for humans.
A team of LMU researchers has deciphered the mechanism by which a tiny chromatin modifying enzyme called ISWI remains mobile in the cell nucleus. The study reveals that ISWI consumes ATP to navigate through densely packed chromatin and prevent it from becoming too rigid.
A new technique employing a retrotransposon from birds may provide a safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing by inserting genes into a designated 'safe harbor' in the genome. This approach could complement CRISPR technology and enable efficient gene supplementation for hereditary diseases.
Gladstone scientists have created an intricate map of how the immune system functions, examining the detailed molecular structures governing human T cells. This study will accelerate the development of new and better therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
A recent study by the Eustermann group at EMBL Heidelberg reveals that DNA packaging into hexasomes impacts the function of enzymes involved in gene regulation. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the molecular processes of how this packaging regulates genome expression and maintenance.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that the epigenetic landscape plays a crucial role in regulating pioneer transcription factor binding. By understanding this process, scientists can develop new therapeutics to combat cancer and other diseases. The study reveals how epigenetic modifications affect transcri...
Researchers from Penn State and Ohio State University used structural biology, biophysics, and cell biology to understand how pioneer factors interact with nucleosomes. They found that a specific region of the protein helps it access DNA, making it accessible for proteins involved in gene expression.
Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to visualize a sirtuin enzyme bound to a nucleosome, clarifying how it accesses DNA and histone proteins to modulate gene expression. The study provides insight into the function of SIRT6 in humans and other animals.
Researchers have discovered the critical role of linker histone protein H1 in plant immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections. The study found that mutant plants with knocked-out H1 isoforms exhibited higher defense gene expression and resistance to infection, but lacked priming ability.
Researchers at Osaka University used cryogenic electron microscopy to study the structural change of the centromere during cell division. The study revealed a complex interaction between proteins involved in cell division, providing new insights into the correct division of chromosomes.
Researchers developed a computational analysis method to detect and identify somatic SVs in leukemia patients, gaining insights into molecular consequences and potential therapies. The approach enables understanding of individual somatic mutations and may lead to targeted treatments.
A new genome imaging technique captures the structure of the human genome at unprecedented resolution, revealing how individual genes fold and work. This technique, called Modeling immuno-OligoSTORM (MiOS), combines high-resolution microscopy and advanced computational modeling to provide a detailed picture of gene shape and function.
Researchers developed a multiparameter approach for diagnosing cancer using a small blood sample, finding distinct patterns of epigenetic marking and protein segments between healthy individuals and cancer patients. The technology has shown high precision, with 92% accuracy, and could lead to a non-invasive and cost-effective blood test.
Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.
A team of researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan has elucidated the mechanism behind the liquid-solid phase transition of FUS protein that leads to ALS. They discovered a new therapeutic target, arginine, which suppresses FUS aggregation and could delay ALS progression.
A new protein called NDF has been discovered to enhance gene activation and may be involved in diseases like cancer. Found in all human tissues, NDF works by stimulating RNA polymerase elongation, a key step in gene expression.
Computational simulations reveal that DNA sequence and histone tail dynamics play crucial roles in nucleosome breathing. The study provides unprecedented insights into gene expression mechanisms and may contribute to understanding diseases and optimizing therapeutical cell type conversions.
Computer simulations reveal that DNA sequence and histone tails play crucial roles in nucleosome breathing, a motion essential for gene expression regulation. The findings provide unprecedented insights into the mechanisms that control chromatin dynamics.
The Hi-CO technology provides high-resolution genome structural analyses combined with large-scale simulations, showing the arrangements of the genome's spool-like structures affect gene expression. Nucleosome folding influences the inner workings of genes, impacting accessibility of molecules to DNA.
The study reveals that mutations in histones can disrupt nucleosome remodeling, contributing to the development or progression of various human cancers. Researchers identified key sites and mutations affecting chromatin structure and stability, which may play a role in cancer progression.
A new study reveals that pioneer transcription factors help unspool tightly wound coils of DNA, allowing genetic blueprints to be read and proteins to be made. The researchers found that one pioneer factor can interact with two different remodelers to regulate transcription, a process deeply conserved across species.
A team of UNC-Chapel Hill scientists has determined the high-resolution structure of cGAS bound to the nucleosome, a critical unit of DNA packaging inside cell nuclei. This study reveals how nucleosomes block cGAS from triggering the immune response to own DNA.
A new image of the LSD1 enzyme reveals its role in regulating genes and interacting with the nucleosome. The discovery sheds light on how cancer cells disrupt normal development and highlights potential therapeutic targets.
Computer simulations visualize the molecular processes involved in converting adult cells into stem cells. The study reveals that a pioneer transcription factor called Oct4 plays a crucial role in opening chromatin to allow gene expression.
Researchers uncover the first steps in chromatin-opening process, revealing pioneer transcription factor Rap1's role in regulating gene expression. The study provides a biological model for other pioneer transcription factors and tools for investigating them at the single-molecule level.
New study confirms that mechanisms preserving cell identity are based on how DNA is packaged, with histone modifications playing a key role. Chemical changes to histones determine whether chromatin regions are open or compacted, influencing gene expression and cell behavior.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a new method for modifying cysteines on peptides and proteins using ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs), allowing for dual attachment points for new chemical groups. This enables the study of biological processes without interfering with them.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have unraveled how the DNA machinery fits together, revealing a paradigm shift in understanding genetic illness. The discovery of how nucleosomes change shape to bind with an enzyme could unveil new treatment opportunities for childhood leukemia.
Researchers found that active genes restrict DNA movement by organizing it into a network of interconnected domains. Chromatin becomes more mobile when gene transcription is inhibited or cells enter quiescence.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have confirmed a surprising structure of chromosome DNA using cryo-electron microscopy. The study shows that chromatin forms multilaminar plates in mitotic chromosomes, providing insight into the compact and protected structure of genomic DNA during cell division.
A study published in Aging Cell found age- and health-related differences in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) packaging, which could be used to determine biological age. The researchers detected well-spaced nucleosomes in younger individuals but less regular patterns in older groups.
Researchers uncovered a crucial quality-control mechanism inside cells that fails when contributing to major diseases including cancers. The discovery found an enzyme called casein kinase II adds molecular tags onto Spt6, a key protein in transcription, preventing inappropriate transcription.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel protein called Phaser that neatly arranges nucleosomes in the fruit fly genome. This finding sheds new light on how gene regulation is controlled, and could have important implications for our understanding of human disease.
Scientists have discovered that DNA damage and repair processes can generate sequence periodicity in the genomes of eukaryotes, favouring a certain composition with a periodic nature. This explanation offers an alternative to natural selection, which has been accepted by the scientific community to date.
Researchers found that nucleosomes inhibit Cas9 binding and target DNA cleavage in yeast cells, but not zinc finger nucleases. Nucleosome position maps may improve genome-editing efficiency for certain applications.
A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals that the Arp8 module of the INO80 complex serves as a linker DNA sensor driving chromatin remodelling. This process enables gene expression adaptations by stimulating nucleosome repositioning, which has implications for cancer therapy.
Researchers used single-molecule magnetic tweezers to study FACT's function in gene transcription. They found that FACT not only destabilizes nucleosome structure but also enhances reversibility of nucleosome formation, revealing its dual role.
Researchers developed a high-throughput method to screen and categorize transcription factors based on their ability to displace nucleosomes. The study identified both new and previously known nucleosome-displacing factors, which tend to be highly abundant in the nucleus and bind tightly to DNA.
Researchers found that the yeast protein Nhp6 helps unfold nucleosomes in humans, similar to its function in yeast. The study suggests that humans may possess a homologue of Nhp6 that assists the FACT complex in regulating gene transcription and detecting damaged chromatin.
A team of scientists discovered a key factor that unravels nucleosomes, allowing genes to activate. This finding provides new insights into the regulation of genes and has implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer.
Researchers have gained insight into the structure and regulation of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), a gene regulator that controls cell differentiation and cancer development. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies for cancer by targeting PRC2 dysfunction.
The study observes actual chromatin motions using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy approaches, revealing the internal structure and rapid dynamics of chromatin fibers. The researchers found that nucleosomes form short stacks that quickly fall apart and reform within milliseconds.
Researchers develop a model explaining how DNA sequences affect nucleosome accessibility for gene expression, bridging the gap between mechanical and chemical information in DNA molecules. The study reveals specific base pair sequences that enable packaged DNA to unwind and 'breathe', allowing genes to be read.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called RSF1 that plays a vital role in gene silencing during normal embryo development. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation and its potential application in cancer treatment.
Researchers from Princeton University discovered that ISWI chromatin remodelers use the 'acidic patch' to remodel chromatin. The study reveals that this feature is a general requirement for chromatin remodeling to occur, and certain chemical modifications can enhance or inhibit ISWI remodeling activity.
Studies of microbe DNA structure reveal surprising similarities to human DNA folding, suggesting an early common ancestor. The discovery hints at the evolutionary origins of genome folding in eukaryotes.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic have made significant progress in understanding the DNA damage response proteins and their role in repairing double-strand breaks. The study reveals how these proteins work together to fix damaged DNA, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
A research group at Waseda University has determined the three-dimensional structure of an overlapping dinucleosome, a newly discovered chromatin structural unit. This discovery may explain how nucleosome repositioning occurs and provide valuable information for developing drugs to treat genetic diseases and cancers.