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.....»»
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.....»»
All is quiet among newly studied Centaurs
Often, the squeaky wheel, or at least the shiniest object, seems to get all the attention. In a new study led by PSI Research Scientist Eva Lilly, it is the inactive Centaurs that take center stage and illuminate why other Centaurs may be so flashy......»»
Protein complex SMC shown to ensures the dynamics of holocentromeres
Monocentromeres are typical for the chromosomes of most animals and plants. The centromere is necessary for the transport of the chromosomes and represents the connection point between the chromatids. This is how the classic X-shape of the chromosome.....»»
Chromosome positioning during sperm differentiation described
Chromosomes occupy specific regions of the cell nucleus called chromosome territories. In somatic cells, scientists have observed that there is a correlation between this positioning and genome regulation. In fact, alterations in chromosome distribut.....»»
Newly discovered role for CTP in ensuring faithful cell division in bacteria
To grow and multiply efficiently, bacteria must coordinate cell division with chromosome segregation. Crucial to this process in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis (commonly found in soil and the guts of humans and ruminants) is a protein called Nucleoi.....»»
Scientists explain the crucial role of motor proteins in cell division
Proper chromosome segregation into two future daughter cells requires the mitotic spindle to elongate in anaphase. However, although some candidate proteins are implicated in this process, the molecular mechanism that drives spindle elongation in hum.....»»
Meiosis: Mind the gap
Scientists from the lab of Franz Klein from the Department of Chromosome Biology at the Max Perutz Labs, a joint venture of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, have now discovered that cells sometimes liberate DNA fragments.....»»
Men with sensory loss are more likely to be obese
Men who suffer sensory loss, particularly hearing loss, are more likely to be physically inactive and obese than women, according to a new study......»»
Researchers report reference genome for maize B chromosome
Three groups recently reported a reference sequence for the supernumerary B chromosome in maize in a study published online in PNAS. Dr. James Birchler's group from University of Missouri, Dr. Jan Barto's group from Institute of Experimental Botany o.....»»
A tripartite-chromosome E. coli strain allows the chromosome isolation and implantation
The issue of concern was that the Escherichia coli (E. coli) genome, consisting of 4.6 million base pairs of a single circular DNA, is too large to manipulate following the extraction and transfer to other bacteria......»»
New genetic copycatchers detect efficient and precise CRISPR editing in a living organism
Scientists have developed a novel genetic sensor called a 'CopyCatcher,' which capitalizes on CRISPR-based gene drive technology, to detect instances in which a genetic element is copied precisely from one chromosome to another throughout cells in th.....»»
Inactive oil wells could be big source of methane emissions
Uncapped, idle oil wells could be leaking millions of kilograms of methane each year into the atmosphere and surface water, according to a study by the University of Cincinnati......»»
A minty-fresh solution: Using a menthol-like compound to activate plant immune mechanisms
Although plants may look fairly inactive to casual observers, research into plant biology has shown that plants can send each other signals concerning threats in their local environments. These signals take the form of airborne chemicals, called vola.....»»
Toxic masculinity: Y chromosome contributes to a shorter lifespan in male flies
Males may have shorter lifespans than females due to repetitive sections of the Y chromosome that create toxic effects as males get older. These new findings appear in a study by Doris Bachtrog of the University of California, Berkeley published Apri.....»»
L.A."s legacy of oil drilling impacts lung function in residents living near active and inactive wells
A new USC study links living near urban oil wells with wheezing and reduced lung function, symptoms disproportionately borne by people of color in Los Angeles......»»
Complete chromosome 8 sequence reveals novel genes and disease risks
The full assembly of human chromosome 8 is reported this week in Nature. While on the outside this chromosome looks typical, being neither short nor long or distinctive, its DNA content and arrangement are of interest in primate and human evolution,.....»»
RNA editing protein ADAR1 protects telomeres and supports proliferation in cancer cells
Scientists identified a new function of ADAR1, a protein responsible for RNA editing, discovering that the ADAR1p110 isoform regulates genome stability at chromosome ends and is required for continued proliferation of cancer cells......»»
Study reveals new clues about the architecture of X chromosomes
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have uncovered new clues that add to the growing understanding of how female mammals, including humans, 'silence' one X chromosome. Their new study, published in Molecular Cell, demonstrates how cer.....»»
A new map of protein binding locations in yeast advances understanding of gene regulation
A massive effort to map the precise binding locations of over 400 different kinds of proteins on the yeast genome has produced the most thorough and high-resolution map of chromosome architecture and gene regulation to date. The study reveals two dis.....»»
X marks the spot: How genes on the sex chromosomes are controlled
Because human females have two X chromosomes and males have one X and one Y, somatic cells have special mechanisms that keep expression levels of genes on the X chromosome the same between both sexes. This process is called dosage compensation and ha.....»»