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.

RNA editing repair technique shows promise for treating neurological disorders

Researchers have effectively edited RNA in a living creature such that the repaired RNA subsequently rectified a mutation in a protein that leads to Rett syndrome—a debilitating neurological disorder that affects people.

15 Jul 2020

Supergenes may have a massive role in evolutionary adaption

Massive blocks of genes--inherited together 'plug and play' style--may play a larger role in evolutionary adaption than previously thought, according to new research in Nature.

9 Jul 2020

Protein PRC1 acts as a 'viscous glue' during cell division, research shows

An over-abundance of the protein PRC1, which is essential to cell division, is a telltale sign in many cancer types, including prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer.

8 Jul 2020

Glitches in DNA replication can lead to genetic diseases

Researchers have discovered that a living cell’s system meant for avoiding genetic damage can fail so much that it would be better off without it.

1 Jul 2020

Researchers identify osmotic stress as stimulator of cellular waste disposal

Cellular waste disposal, where autophagy and lysosomes interact, performs elementary functions, such as degrading damaged protein molecules, which impair cellular function, and reintroducing the resulting building blocks such as amino acids into the metabolic system.

29 Jun 2020

Researchers identify novel protein complex that regulates chromosome segregation

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified a novel protein complex that regulates Aurora B localization to ensure that chromosomes are correctly separated during cell division.

26 Jun 2020

A metabolic enzyme could be a potential drug target for B cell lymphomas

Scientists at the Sloan Kettering Institute have found that increased activity of a normal metabolic enzyme can lead to cancer.

25 Jun 2020

New mechanism shows promise for treating certain congenital disorders

Scientists have discovered a major mechanism in the inactivation of X chromosomes, an event that may hold clues to develop treatments for congenital disorders.

16 Jun 2020

Study reveals the relationship between genome folding and cellular functions

According to a study, the 3D structure of the human genome is fundamental to provide a quick and strong inflammatory response.

9 Jun 2020

Study investigates how cancer adapts its metabolism to overcome treatment

Knowing what cancer will do next could lessen the likelihood of it becoming resistant to treatment. A new Canadian study investigates how cancer adapts its metabolism to potentially overcome therapies still in development.

From University of Toronto 9 Jun 2020

Genome rewiring could help explain evolution of multi-cellular organisms

InsideOutBio expert Dr Alan Herbert has explained a pioneering research in a paper recently published online by the Royal Society Open Science journal.

9 Jun 2020

New image of LSD1 enzyme in action could provide insight into gene regulation

New images of an enzyme in action as it interacts with the chromosome could provide important insight into how cells--including cancer cells--regulate their genes.

5 Jun 2020

Review reveals exceptions to the purported rules of sex chromosome evolution theory

For nearly a century, biologists have modeled the evolution of sex chromosomes--the genetic instructions that primarily determine whether an individual will develop into a male or female (or a certain mating type)--resulting in an impressive theoretical framework.

4 Jun 2020