Q&A with a chromosome cartographer
La Jolla Institute for Immunology Associate Professor Ferhat Ay, Ph.D., is building some of the world's smallest maps. Dr. Ay harnesses computers to transform DNA genomic sequences into 3D maps. These maps can reveal how genes interact and how the bo.....»»
Research reveals clever dosage control mechanism of biallelic genes
Have you ever wondered why we carry two copies of each chromosome in all of our cells? During reproduction, we receive one from each of our parents. This means that we also receive two copies, or alleles, of each gene—one allele per chromosome or p.....»»
Physicists model chromosome folding, reveal how loops affect spatial organization of the genome
Human chromosomes are long polymer chains that store genetic information. The nucleus of each cell contains the entire human genome (DNA) encoded on 46 chromosomes with a total length of about 2 meters. To fit into the microscopic cell nucleus and at.....»»
Scientists report completion of chromosome XI, a major step towards creating the world"s first synthetic yeast
A UK-based team of Scientists, led by experts from the University of Nottingham and Imperial College London, have completed construction of a synthetic chromosome as part of a major international project to build the world's first synthetic yeast gen.....»»
New insights into the genetics of the common octopus: Genome at the chromosome level decoded
Octopuses are fascinating animals—and serve as important model organisms in neuroscience, cognition research and developmental biology......»»
How male mosquitoes compensate for having only one X chromosome
The research group of Dr. Claudia Keller Valsecchi (Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany) and their collaborators have discovered the master regulator responsible for balancing the expression of X chromosome genes between males and females.....»»
Chromosome-scale genome sequence of Suaeda glauca sheds light on salt stress tolerance in halophytes
A research paper titled "Chromosome-scale genome sequence of Suaeda glauca sheds light on salt stress tolerance in halophytes," by Professor Qin Yuan's team from the Center for Genomics, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology (Future Technology C.....»»
The "weird" male Y chromosome has finally been fully sequenced. Can we now understand how it works, how it evolved?
The Y chromosome is a never-ending source of fascination (particularly to men) because it bears genes that determine maleness and make sperm. It's also small and seriously weird; it carries few genes and is full of junk DNA that makes it horrendous t.....»»
Researchers describe a "POT-hole" that protects our chromosome ends
Researchers have determined a new feature of how the natural ends of our chromosomes are protected from harmful outcomes......»»
Peculiarities of the germline-restricted chromosome of songbirds
In multicellular organisms, all cells of an individual normally contain the same genetic information and cell differentiation is achieved through regulation of gene expression. There are exceptions, however, where, instead of silencing, certain seque.....»»
Scientists create high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of Chelidonichthys spinosus
Chelidonichthys spinosus, commonly known as the spiny red gurnard in the order Scorpaeniformes, is a typical migratory fish that undertakes offshore overwintering migrations in late autumn and early winter, and returns to nearshore areas for spawning.....»»
Researchers provide first chromosome-level genome assembly in Murraya plants
Murraya paniculata, commonly known as orange jessamine in the family Rutaceae, is an important ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions that is famous for its strong fragrance. As an ornamental plant with strong flower aroma, the floral v.....»»
Snake genome reveals burrowing past and re-adaptation to surface life
Chromosome-level assembly of 14 snakes in a study led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, has created a high-resolution genomic reference for the study of snake evolution. In a paper, "Large-scale snake genome analyses provide insights into ve.....»»
Pulling its weight: Team identifies protein key to chromosome movement during cell division
During cell division, chromosomes, i.e., molecules containing our genetic material, must be properly replicated and segregated so that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate set. Now, in an article published in Molecular Cell, a team led.....»»
White-bellied pangolins have second-highest number of chromosomes among mammals
There's a lot scientists don't know about the pangolin—a peculiar, scaly mammal that looks like a cross between an aardvark and an armadillo. Now, a new paper published in the journal Chromosome Research reveals what UCLA researcher Jen Tinsman cal.....»»
Pseudo-chromosome–length genome assembly for the deep-sea eel Ilyophis brunneus sheds light on deep-sea adaptation
Recently, the research team led by Dr. Shunping He from the Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, published their research findings in the online version of Science China Life Sciences......»»
Mitotic chromosome condensation contributes to the homeostatic control of gene expression regulation
In a collaborative paper in published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Yves Barral with Jorrit Enserink and the Pierre Chymkowitch group in Norway show that the effects on transcription of chromosome condensation during mitosis.....»»
The not so inactive X chromosome
Nearly every cell in our body contains pairs of each of our chromosomes, and these pairs are identical in all but one case: that of our sex chromosomes. Males typically have one X and one Y sex chromosome, while females typically have two X chromosom.....»»
Breakthroughs made as scientists sequence the genomes of endangered sharks
The first chromosome level genome sequences for great hammerhead and shortfin mako sharks have shown that both species have experienced major population declines over a 250,000-year history. Low genetic diversity and signs of inbreeding are concernin.....»»
Mitochondria have a waste disposal mechanism to get rid of mutated mtDNA
Scientists at the University of Cologne have discovered how cells can eliminate mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Due to their evolutionary descent from bacteria, mitochondria still have genetic material packaged in chromosome-like structures (nucle.....»»
Q&A with a chromosome cartographer
La Jolla Institute for Immunology Associate Professor Ferhat Ay, Ph.D., is building some of the world's smallest maps. Dr. Ay harnesses computers to transform DNA genomic sequences into 3D maps. These maps can reveal how genes interact and how the bo.....»»