Transcriptional Activity
Articles tagged with Transcriptional Activity
The way our cells respond to oestrogen, the main female sex hormone, depends on how DNA is ‘supercoiled’
New research reveals that DNA's physical property of supercoiling is crucial for cells to respond to oestrogens. The study found that enzymes called topoisomerases regulate DNA coiling and activate target genes.
New method developed for mapping protein binding to DNA
A new method called DynaTag has been developed for mapping protein binding to DNA, providing high-resolution results. This innovation enables the analysis of single cells across various tissues and enhances understanding of developmental biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Novel truncated RNAs from jumping DNA encode reverse transcriptases in aging human brain
Researchers identified novel truncated RNAs from jumping genes that encode reverse transcriptases in the aging human brain, particularly in neurons. This discovery may provide new insights into Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Can electrical signatures help diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
A global team, including Lehigh University researcher Xuanhong Cheng, is exploring molecular- and cellular-level changes in muscle tissue that could lead to better diagnostic tools and therapeutic options for CFS and long COVID. The team aims to develop noninvasive diagnostic tools using electrical signatures.
Research provides new insights into role of mechanical forces in gene expression
For the first time, researchers have demonstrated how mechanical forces affect gene expression by showing that RNAP polymerase remains on the DNA template and can be pulled to start a subsequent cycle of transcription. This force-directed recycling mechanism can change the relative abundance of adjacent genes.
Mitophagy and cancer: BNIP3/BNIP3L’s role in stemness, ATP production, proliferation, and cell migration
Researchers have developed a model to enrich sub-populations of cancer cells with high basal levels of mitophagy, promoting CSC features such as self-renewal, proliferation, and drug-resistance. This study highlights the importance of BNIP3/BNIP3L in maintaining cancer stem cell properties.
Moffitt researchers characterize the tumor suppressor activity of the PTEN protein in melanoma
In a new study published in Cancer Research, Moffitt researchers reveal how the antitumor activity of PTEN suppresses cancer-promoting activity through the AKT signaling pathway. PTEN's lipid phosphatase activity inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth.
Scientists tame chaotic protein fueling 75% of cancers
Researchers have found a way to control MYC's hyperactivity using a peptide compound with sub-micro-molar affinity. This breakthrough offers hope for more effective treatments for cancer patients.
Senescence and senotherapies in biliary atresia and biliary cirrhosis
Researchers investigated premature senescence in biliary atresia and assessed senotherapies. They found that human allogenic liver-derived progenitor cells reduced early markers of senescence and improved liver disease in a preclinical model, providing encouraging results for pediatric biliary cirrhosis treatment.
An epigenetic approach to modulating aging with nutrition and exercise
Researchers from the ALFA Score Consortium explore how nutrition and physical exercise can positively impact the aging process by modifying epigenetic changes. They find that healthy aging is associated with more tightly condensed chromatin, fewer histone post-translational modifications, and greater regulation by non-coding RNAs.
Brain diseases are better classified using analysis of gene activity
Researchers at McGill University found that analyzing gene activity can classify brain diseases into five primary groups, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study identified previously unknown relationships among diseases, such as language development disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which share common genes and cell types.
Oncotarget | Unveiling the non-canonical functions of EZH2 in prostate cancer
Researchers from Northwestern University discuss the multifaceted tumorigenic functions of EZH2, including its role in regulating translation and coactivating transcription. This new understanding may provide novel insights into advancing EZH2-targeting strategies for prostate cancer patients.
Early life experiences can have long-lasting impact on genes
A new study found that early-life experiences can alter gene expression in fruit flies, leading to improved health and extended lifespan. The researchers discovered that changes in chromatin packaging persisted across the lifespan, counteracting normal aging processes.
Aging | The deubiquitylase USP7 is a novel cyclin F-interacting protein and regulates cyclin F protein stability
Researchers identified USP7 as a novel cyclin F-interacting protein that stabilizes cyclin F protein. The study also found that USP7 regulates cyclin F mRNA, with pharmacological inhibition resulting in downregulation of cyclin F mRNA.
Cryptic drug-binding sites discovered in the dance
Scientists at KAUST have identified dynamic regions, called cryptic binding sites, that can be targeted by drugs to treat cancer. The study reveals how molecular motion influences ligand binding to BTB domains, a critical part of many proteins involved in disease.
Aging | Age-associated changes in microglia activation and Sirtuin-1- chromatin binding patterns
Researchers found drastic differences in microglia marker Iba1 and factors influencing Sirt1 levels and activity between elder groups. Preserving microglia and Sirt1 functional efficiency is crucial for longevity.
Researchers reveal largest catalogue of gene activators
A team of researchers has identified over 250 gene activators in human cells, expanding our understanding of transcriptional regulation and its role in cancer. The study also reveals new insights into how proteins interact with each other to regulate gene expression, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.
Caught on Camera: Live Imaging of Transcription Using Active RNA Polymerase II-Specific Probes
Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a genetically encoded probe to visualize active transcription sites in living cells. The probe successfully identified phosphorylated Ser2 in RNA polymerase II, allowing for the localization of elongation phase transcription sites in real-time.
FoxO-KLF15 regulates macronutrient metabolism in response to insulin signaling
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that the FoxO-KLF15 axis regulates macronutrient metabolism in the liver in response to changes in insulin levels. This pathway promotes the conversion of protein to carbohydrate and prevents the conversion of carbohydrate to fat during fasting, but shuts down during feeding.
Media alert: New articles in The CRISPR Journal
The CRISPR Journal has published new articles on the development of a novel transcriptional activator system, CRISPR-Cas classification, patent appeals, anti-CRISPR proteins, and CRISPR-based art. Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding the complexities of CRISPR biology.
A new way to do metabolic engineering
Researchers developed a novel method called CRISPR-AID that combines genetic manipulations to improve metabolic engineering efficiency. By exploring different combinations of gene modifications, scientists can discover optimal solutions for specific goals.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 dependent nuclear entry of factor inhibiting HIF-1
Research reveals that FIH-1 nuclear entry is dependent on HIF-1α translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and is also regulated by the presence of copper. Gene silencing of HIF-1α decreased its nuclear location, while reducing intracellular copper levels suppressed nuclear entry of FIH-1.
Engineers devise genetic 'on' switch made exclusively of RNA
Researchers developed a new genetic control mechanism using synthetic RNAs that can turn genes on and off. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of RNA-only genetic circuits with diagnostic capabilities.
A link between DNA transcription and disease-causing expansions
Researchers at Tufts University found that active transcription promotes DNA repeat expansions, leading to human diseases like Freidreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease. The study used baker's yeast to monitor the effects of transcription on repeat expansions.
Guillermina 'Gigi' Lozano, Ph.D., awarded AACR Charlotte Friend Memorial Lectureship
Guillermina Lozano, Ph.D., has been recognized by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) with the Charlotte Friend Memorial Lectureship. Her pioneering work on the p53 tumor suppressor pathway has led to significant discoveries in cancer research.
Small molecules mimic natural gene regulators
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed small molecules that mimic the behavior and function of a natural regulator of gene expression, binding to a key protein and promoting gene activity. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for treating diseases caused by errors in gene regulation.
Junk DNA yields new kind of gene
Researchers found a new regulatory gene, SRG1, which blocks the expression of adjacent genes by physically preventing transcription factors from binding. This discovery provides evidence that junk DNA may have hidden functions and could be a common mechanism for regulating gene expression.