New discovery reveals twisting action of molecular motors in the DNA

 Scientists from the Kavli Institute of Delft University of Technology and the IMP Vienna Biocenter discovered a new property of the molecular motors that shape our chromosomes. While six years ago they found that these so-called SMC motor proteins make long loops in our DNA, they now discovered that these motors also put significant twists into the loops that they form. These findings help us better understand the structure and function of our chromosomes. They also provide insight into how disruption of twisted DNA looping can affect health-;for instance, in developmental diseases like 'cohesinopathies'. The scientists published their findings in Science Advances.

The struggle of our cells

Imagine trying to fit two meters of rope into a space much smaller than the tip of a needle-;that's the challenge every cell in your body faces when packing its DNA into its tiny nucleus. To achieve this, nature employs ingenious strategies, like twisting the DNA into coils of coils, so-called 'supercoils' (see pictures for a visualisation) and wrapping it around special proteins for compact storage.


Small DNA loops regulate chromosome functions

However, compaction isn't enough. Cells also need to regulate the chromosome structure to enable its function. For example, when genetic information needs to be accessed, the DNA is locally read off. In particular when it's time for a cell to divide, the DNA must first unpack, duplicate, and then properly separate into two new cells. Specialised protein machines called SMC complexes (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) play a critical role in these processes. Just a few years ago, scientists at Delft and other places discovered that these SMC proteins are molecular motors that make long loops in our DNA, and that these loops are the key regulators of chromosome function.

Essential clues

These new findings will provide essential clues for resolving the molecular mechanism of this new type of motor. Additionally, they make clear that DNA looping also affects the supercoiling state of our chromosomes, which directly affects processes like gene expression. Finally, these SMC proteins are related to various diseases such as Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, and a better understanding of these processes is vital for tracking down the molecular origins of these serious illnesses.

Website Link: molecularbiologist.org/

Contact Mail ID : contact@molecularbiologist.org

Nomination Link  : https://molecularbiologist.org/award-nomination/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee


Follow On:

Twitterhttps://x.com/Camilla532645                                                                   

Blogger https://molecularconference.blogspot.com/ 

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCehrwFGWKbQa0mKDDNJCwvA                  

Pinterest https://in.pinterest.com/molecularbiologistawards/                   

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=onboarding-landing               

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/molecularawards

#DNA #MolecularMotors #GeneticResearch #DNAReplication #MolecularBiology #Genetics #DNAHelix #ScienceDiscovery #MolecularMechanics #Biophysics #DNAResearch #CellBiology #GenomicScience #Helicase #TwistingDNA #DNAFunction #ScienceNews #BiologyBreakthrough #DNAInnovation #LifeSciences #MolecularDynamics #Biotech #ScienceDaily #DNAInnovation #MolecularScience #GenomeResearch #MolecularTwist #BiotechNews #DNAReplicationMechanism #MolecularMachines #ScientificDiscovery #MolecularBiologyBreakthrough #GeneticMechanisms #BiologicalResearch #CellMechanics #GenomeScience #TwistInDNA #Biochemistry #DNAEnzymes #NatureScience #DNAFunctionality #LifeScienceResearch #MolecularGenetics #InnovativeScience

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Hybrid Cell Discovery Shakes Up Neuroscience

Image
Neuroscientists have unveiled a new hybrid cell, straddling the line between the well-known neurons and glial cells in the brain.Previously, glial cells, especially astrocytes, were believed to merely support neuron functions. However, recent research highlights the ability of these cells to release neurotransmitters and directly influence neural circuits.This groundbreaking discovery challenges traditional beliefs about brain cell functionality and paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies. Key Facts: A new hybrid cell type, located between neurons and astrocytes, has been identified that can release neurotransmitters. Modern molecular biology techniques confirmed that astrocytes possess machinery necessary for the rapid secretion of glutamate. Disruption of these hybrid cells’ functionality impacts memory, has links with epilepsy, and offers therapeutic insights for Parkinson’s disease. Source: University of Lausanne Neuroscience is in great upheaval. The two major families of c...
Read more

Why Vitamin D Deficiency Can Raise Autoimmune Disease Risk

Image
  The body can naturally produce vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight, but this process declines significantly in winter. There also aren't many food sources of vitamin D. But vitamin D is very important to the body. The  vitamin D receptor  can be found in many different tissues, and while the vitamin's roles in bone health and calcium level maintenance are  well known , less is understood about its other functions, such as how it relates to immunity. Several immune cells have vitamin D receptors and gene activity in those cells can be affected by the vitamin. Low levels of vitamin D have also been associated with a variety of autoimmune disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis vulgaris, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes. Studies  have also shown  that vitamin D supplements can help lower the risk of autoimmune disease. A new study  reported in  Science Advances  has provided new insights in...
Read more

Small brain-penetrating molecule offers hope for treating aggressive brain tumors

Image
  The study found that gliadin acts on specific cellular pathways to selectively kill glioblastoma cells without harming normal cells. Moreover, the compound can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which highlights its potential as a treatment option for glioblastoma. Background Glioblastoma is one of the most lethal forms of brain cancer and is known for its resistance to standard therapies. Despite significant advances in cancer therapies , currently used immunotherapies and targeted therapies have had minimal success in improving survival rates in glioblastoma. This resistance is believed to stem from several challenges unique to glioblastoma, such as its complex cellular heterogeneity and immune-evasive characteristics. Additionally, crossing the blood-brain barrier to reach tumor cells remains a significant obstacle. Researchers are exploring novel metabolic pathways as potential therapeutic targets. Unlike typical cancer drugs that inhibit cell division, some emergi...
Read more