News tagged with histone protein

Genetic packing: Successful stem cell differentiation requires DNA compaction, study finds

(Phys.org) -- New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created May 11, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Control of gene expression: Histone occupancy in your genome

When stretched out, the genome of a single human cell can reach six feet. To package it all into a tiny nucleus, the DNA strand is tightly wrapped around a core of histone proteins in repeating units—each ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Apr 30, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Packaging process for genes discovered

Scientists at Penn State University have achieved a major milestone in the attempt to assemble, in a test tube, entire chromosomes from their component parts. The achievement reveals the process a cell uses ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created May 19, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

A foot in the door to genetic information

In the cell nucleus, DNA wraps around what are called histone proteins, forming regularly spaced spherical bodies called nucleosomes. Thus, large portions of the genetic material are inaccessible to the gene reading machinery. ...

Chemistry / Biochemistry

created Mar 07, 2012 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Biologists' discovery may force revision of biology textbooks

Basic biology textbooks may need a bit of revising now that biologists at UC San Diego have discovered a never-before-noticed component of our basic genetic material.

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Aug 18, 2011 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (23) | comments 2 | with audio podcast

Chromosome centromeres are inherited epigenetically

Centromeres are specialised regions of the genome, which can be identified under the microscope as the primary constriction in X-shaped chromosomes. The cell skeleton, which distributes the chromosomes to ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Nov 03, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Scientists discover secret life of chromatin

Chromatin - the intertwined histone proteins and DNA that make up chromosomes – constantly receives messages that pour in from a cell’s intricate signaling networks: Turn that gene on. Stifle that one.

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Sep 01, 2011 | popularity 4 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Kinetochores prefer the 'silent' DNA sections of the chromosome

The protein complex responsible for the distribution of chromosomes during cell division is assembled in the transition regions between heterochromatin and euchromatin.

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Jul 05, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Ticking of cellular clock promotes seismic changes in the chromatin landscape associated with aging

Like cats, human cells have a finite number of lives-once they divide a certain number of times (thankfully, more than nine) they change shape, slow their pace, and eventually stop dividing, a phenomenon called ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Oct 03, 2010 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (19) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Predicting the fate of personalized cells next step toward new therapies

Discovering the step-by-step details of the path embryonic cells take to develop into their final tissue type is the clinical goal of many stem cell biologists. To that end, Kenneth S. Zaret, PhD, professor ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created May 19, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1 | with audio podcast

At the crossroads of chromosomes: Study reveals structure of cell division's key molecule

(PhysOrg.com) -- On average, one hundred billion cells in the human body divide over the course of a day. Most of the time the body gets it right but sometimes, problems in cell replication ...

Chemistry / Biochemistry

created Sep 16, 2010 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

NETs catch platelets and induce clots, linking inflammation with thrombosis

(PhysOrg.com) -- Neutrophils are the innate immune system's 'first responders,' fighting infection in several distinct ways. These white blood cells can engulf foreign particles via phagocytosis, or they may release antimicrobial ...

Medicine & Health / Medical research

created Aug 25, 2010 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Scientists track variant of gene-regulating protein in embryonic stem cells

(PhysOrg.com) -- The path to fully developed cells from embryonic stem cells requires that the right genes are turned on and off at the right times. New research from Rockefeller University shows that tiny ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Mar 10, 2010 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Plant clock gene also works in human cells

A gene that controls part of the 'tick tock' in a plant's circadian clock has been identified by UC Davis researchers. And not only is the plant gene very similar to one in humans, but the human gene can work in plant cells ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Dec 01, 2010 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Defect in transport system causes DNA chaos in red blood cells

Within all our cells lies two meters of DNA, highly ordered in a structure of less than 10 micro meters in diameter. Special proteins called histones act as small building bricks, organising our DNA in this structure. Preservation ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Mar 12, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0