Putting The Squeeze On Sperm DNA: Streamlined Sperm Offer New Way To Read Histone Code Oct 2, 2009
Histones are marked with different chemical tags, often several per histone, that act as a code to direct changes in chromatin structure. Different proteins bind to the tags, the combination of which deciphers the code. (Science Daily)
Remodeling of the chromatin structure of the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) locus and upregulation of FSHD-related gene 1 (FRG1) expression during human myogenic differentiation Jul 16, 2009
A number of candidate FSHD genes, adenine nucleotide translocator 1 gene (ANT1), FSHD-related gene 1 (FRG1), FRG2 and DUX4c, upstream of the D4Z4 array (FSHD locus), and double homeobox chromosome 4 (DUX4) within the repeat itself, are upregulated in some patients, thus suggesting an underlying perturbation of the chromatin structure ... In the context of myogenic differentiation, we compared the chromatin structure and tridimensional interaction of the D4Z4 array and FRG1 gene promoter, and... (BioMed Central)
Molecular characterization of a rice mutator-phenotype derived from an incompatible cross-pollination reveals transgenerational mobilization of multiple transposable elements and extensive epigenetic instability May 29, 2009
Heritably perturbed homeostatic expression-state of genes involved in maintenance of chromatin structure is likely an underlying cause for the alien pollination-induced transgenerational epigenetic/genetic instability, and which occurred apparently without entailing genome merger or genetic introgression. The complete article is available as a. (BioMed Central)
Knowledge Of Epigenetics Helps Scientists Develop Tool To Study Deadly Parasite’s Histone Code May 25, 2009
When histones become unstable, they are ejected from the chromatin structure and the chromatin collapses. So all that DNA that is wound tightly around the histones loosens up, becoming more accessible to factors that initiate transcription. (Science Daily)
Cocaine-linked Genes Enhance Behavioral Effects Of Addiction May 16, 2009
Dr. Nestler and colleagues combined sophisticated and highly sensitive genetic isolation and screening techniques to study regulation of gene transcription in the mouse NAc, including regulation of chromatin structure, after repeated administration of cocaine. The results of this novel analysis significantly refined the understanding of cocaine-regulated gene transcription in general, and advanced knowledge of the specific role of two transcription factors known to play a prominent role in... (Science Daily)
SUMO protein guides chromatin remodeler to suppress genes Apr 28, 2009
The researchers found that SUMO interacts with an enzyme complex (LSD1/CoREST/HDAC) that alters chromatin structure to regulate genes within cells. The researchers found that the interaction between SUMO and this enzyme complex is responsible for preventing aberrant expression. (EurekAlert!)
Protein function and chromatin structure methods featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols Mar 4, 2009
Public release date: 3-Mar-2009. Contact: David Crotty. (EurekAlert!)
