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.....»»
Chromosome-scale genome of a gentle giant enables insights into the genetic health of a threatened population
The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of only two giant tortoise species left in the world, and it is currently on the threatened list. Conservation efforts are underway, but more and better tools to improve the chance of long-term success are greatly ne.....»»
Viruses knowledge unlocked by new metagenomics technologies
Metagenomic sequencing techniques allows the study of microbiomes from all sorts of habitats, and using this to explore phages (bacteriophage genomes integrated into the circular bacterial chromosome) has expanded knowledge of viruses that integrate.....»»
Plant breeding: Using "invisible" chromosomes to pass on packages of positive traits
The ideal crop plant is tasty and high-yielding while also being resistant to diseases and pests. But if the relevant genes are far apart on a chromosome, some of these positive traits can be lost during breeding. To ensure that positive traits can b.....»»
Researchers engineer first sustainable chromosome changes in mice
Evolutionary chromosomal changes may take a million years in nature, but researchers are now reporting a novel technique enabling programmable chromosome fusion that has successfully produced mice with genetic changes that occur on a million-year evo.....»»
Speeding up evolution at the genome level by alternative chromosome configuration
A research team led by André Marques at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany, has uncovered the profound effects of an atypical mode of chromosome arrangement on genome organization and evolution. Their findings a.....»»
Novel chromosome engineering materials provide resistance to Ug99 for wheat breeders
In a recent study published online in Theoretical and Applied Genetics, Dr. Han Fangpu's group from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has reported the establishment of new wheat-rye addition lines.....»»
DNA evolves at different rates, depending on chromosome structure
The structure of how DNA is stored in archaea makes a significant difference to how quickly it evolves, according to a new study by Indiana University researchers......»»
New research reveals unexpected function for basic DNA-based processes during chromosome folding
New findings reveal an advanced, unexpected two-way communication between the function and organization of chromosomes in the cell nucleus. Previous research shows that the organization of chromosomal DNA into loops regulate gene reading (transcripti.....»»
Turning X chromosome "off and on again" critical for oocyte development
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona have identified a potential new diagnostic marker that predicts the successful and efficient development of mammalian egg cells. The findings could pave the way for generating artifi.....»»
Crowning a quest into a very well-guarded secret: Structure of the kinetochore corona finally revealed
During cell division in a mother cell, the 23 chromosomes that carry the human genome must be first copied and later delivered to two newly forming daughter cells. At least in healthy cells, the result is astonishingly flawless, and no chromosome is.....»»
Studying the active role of the maize B chromosome in the modulation of gene expression
A team of University of Missouri biologists has made a new discovery that provides novel insights into the function and properties of the maize B chromosome. The study was led by Dr. Xiaowen Shi and Dr. Hua Yang, postdoctoral fellows in the Birchler.....»»
First chromosome-scale genome assembly for holly reported
Ilex (Aquifoliaceae), the hollies, is one of the largest and most characteristic woody dioecious genera in tropical and subtropical southwest China. Many species throughout the range of the genus have been used as sources of beverages and medicines,.....»»
Exogenous artificial DNA forms chromatin structure with active transcription in yeast
Previously, researchers from Tianjin University designed and created a 254 kb digital data carrying artificial chromosome in yeast. This work "is a key proof-of-concept that demonstrated how artificial chromosomes can be used for data storage in a wa.....»»
Researchers identify key RNA "gatekeeper" in gene expression, pointing to possible new drug targets
Researchers have identified the first non-coding RNA that controls formation of chromosome loops, which govern gene expression. Jpx RNA was previously thought to be involved only in X chromosome inactivation, a necessary step in development of female.....»»
Researchers identify key RNA "gatekeeper" in gene expression, pointing to possible new drug targets
An important player in the healthy development of female embryos turns out also to play a key role in regulating the behavior of chromosome loops and gene expression in both sexes, according to a new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hosp.....»»
Xist marks the spot: How an RNA molecule silences the X chromosome
In one of the mysteries of mammalian development, every cell in the early female embryo shuts down one of its two copies of the X chromosome, leaving just one functional. For years, the mechanics behind this X chromosome inactivation have been murky,.....»»
"Useless Specks of Dust" Turn Out To Be Building Blocks of All Vertebrate Genomes
An anonymous reader quotes a report from ScienceAlert: Originally, they were thought to be just specks of dust on a microscope slide. Now, a new study suggests that microchromosomes -- a type of tiny chromosome found in birds and reptiles -- have a l.....»»
Biologists" artificial chromosomes study sheds light on gene therapies
A research team led by Dr. Karen Wing Yee Yuen, Associate Professor from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), revealed the mechanism of artificial chromosome (AC) formation in the embryos of the model organism Caeno.....»»
Supercomputers reveal how X chromosomes fold, deactivate
Using supercomputer-driven dynamic modeling based on experimental data, researchers can now probe the process that turns off one X chromosome in female mammal embryos. This new capability is helping biologists understand the role of RNA and the chrom.....»»
When a chromosome is lost: How do human cells react to monosomy?
Human cells are usually diploid—they contain two sets of chromosome. Cells in which one chromosome is missing from the duplicated chromosome set are generally not viable. For a long time, the mechanisms responsible for the loss of viability were un.....»»