Studying epigenetic regulation at the single-molecule level

If one imagines the genome as an instruction manual for the functioning of a cell, every page of this manual is covered with annotations, highlights, and bookmarks. The role of some of these marks remains mysterious—do ...

Key regulator of cell growth deciphered

The mTOR protein plays a central role in cell growth, proliferation and survival. Its activity varies according to the availability of nutrients and some growth factors, including hormones. This protein is implicated in several ...

Barcodes to identify gene regulators

The same DNA is present in every cell of an organism, but only some genes are expressed in a given cell. These genes are activated by proteins called transcription factors, in response to various biological signals. Transcription ...

FIC proteins send bacteria into hibernation

Bacteria do not cease to amaze us with their survival strategies. A research team from the University of Basel's Biozentrum has now discovered how bacteria enter a sleep mode using a so-called FIC toxin. In the current issue ...

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