Chromosome News and Research

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In the nucleus of each cell, the DNA molecule is packaged into thread-like structures called chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its structure.

Chromosomes are not visible in the cell’s nucleus—not even under a microscope—when the cell is not dividing. However, the DNA that makes up chromosomes becomes more tightly packed during cell division and is then visible under a microscope. Most of what researchers know about chromosomes was learned by observing chromosomes during cell division.

Each chromosome has a constriction point called the centromere, which divides the chromosome into two sections, or “arms.” The short arm of the chromosome is labeled the “p arm.” The long arm of the chromosome is labeled the “q arm.” The location of the centromere on each chromosome gives the chromosome its characteristic shape, and can be used to help describe the location of specific genes.

Single-molecule analysis to study how tetraploid cells replicate DNA from diploid cells

Human cells have two sets of chromosomes (diploid). It is possible, however, that cells have a tetraploid (quadruple) set.

11 Apr 2022

Researchers discover how an “accordion effect” is vital for switching off genes

In a study that changes the fundamentals of what researchers know about gene silencing, WEHI researchers demonstrated how an “accordion effect” is key to switching off genes.

From Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) 7 Apr 2022

Researchers discover 15 genetic 'hotspots' that speed up or slow down brain aging

Researchers from a USC-led consortium have discovered 15 "hotspots" in the genome that either speed up brain aging or slow it down -; a finding that could provide new drug targets to resist Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain disorders, as well as developmental delays.

6 Apr 2022

Biologists unravel the mystery behind nuclear anomaly in blood cancer cells

The mystery is being unraveled of why the control centers, or nuclei, of certain blood cancer cells have a distinctly odd shape.

5 Apr 2022

Scientists produce the first complete, gapless sequence of a human genome

Two decades after the Human Genome Project delivered the first preliminary human genome sequence, researchers have published the first full, gapless sequence of a human genome.

From National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) 4 Apr 2022

RNA targeted by small molecule drugs, likely to create new pathways for disease treatment

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is involved in many aspects of human health, and a new study published in the journal Nature provides compelling evidence that RNA could be a promising pharmacological target.

1 Apr 2022

Researchers show how proteins form DNA-repair mechanism in living bacteria

Two recent research have shown a completely new perspective of how bacterial cells repair broken parts of their DNA (lesions).

From New York University (NYU) 1 Apr 2022

Study explores that extra dosages of genes may lead to surplus X chromosomes

One out of every 500 to 1,000 boys is born with one or more extra X chromosomes, which can cause a variety of symptoms as the extra chromosomes to including infertility, larger breasts, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiac problems, intellectual incapacity, and cancer.

1 Apr 2022

Researchers discover abnormal gene mutations that lead to cancer development

The reason why the control centers, or nuclei, of certain blood cancer cells, have a peculiar structure is still a mystery.

1 Apr 2022

Genetic rat model shows robust Down syndrome features

In pursuit of better ways to test new therapies and further explore the impacts of the unique genetics associated with Down syndrome, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Tottori University in Japan have genetically engineered and characterized what is believed to be the first rat model of Down syndrome.

15 Mar 2022

Researchers combine ancient art and genetics to reveal origin of saffron

Saffron is the costliest spice in the world and is extracted from the flowers of saffron crocus—Crocus sativus.

9 Mar 2022

Researchers decode complex potato genomes to accelerate the breeding of robust varieties

Scientists have decoded the highly complicated genome of the potato for the first time after over 20 years since the first release of the human genome.

From The Max Planck Institute 7 Mar 2022

Risk variant of COVID-19 decreases risk of contracting HIV by 27%

Human’s inherent genetic variants can increase or decrease the risk of getting sick with COVID-19.

From The Max Planck Institute 24 Feb 2022

Key regulator of cell differentiation discovered

Embryonic stem cells and other pluripotent cells divide rapidly and have the capacity to become nearly any cell type in the body.

22 Feb 2022

Study shows how 3D scaffolding of chromosomes is related across carnivore species

Studies comparing animal genomes generally focus on the DNA sequence itself. A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis shows how the three-dimensional scaffolding of chromosomes is related across several species of carnivores, offering a new approach of "comparative scaffotyping" that could be used to identify related genes across species and place them in context.

From The University of California, Davis 22 Feb 2022