Gene regulation tagged posts

This study shows that metabolism, acetyl‐CoA levels and histone acetylation are increased during midlife in Drosophila, which correlates with changes in the transcriptome. Depleting the enzymes that link metabolism and histone acetylation reduces midlife acetyl‐CoA levels, transcriptome changes and increases life span.

A collaborative study by 2 research groups at LMU’s Biomedical Center has shown in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster that age-dependent changes are already detectable in middle age. Genetic investigation of the signal pathways involved in mediating this effect identified a common process – the modification of proteins by the attachment of so-called acetyl groups (CH3COO−) to proteins – that links the age-related changes at the metabolic and genetic levels.

As we age...

In this schematic of a chromosome’s 3D structure, the DNA loops (black) are anchored by CTCF proteins (purple) at their bases. Regulatory elements, called enhancers (red) only affect the genes (black arrows) that reside in the loops with them. The protein cohesin (blue rings) forms the looped structures. Credit: Courtesy of Cell Press

A map has been created of the DNA loops that comprise 3D structure of the human genome and contribute to gene regulation in human embryonic stem cells. The location of genes and regulatory elements within this chromosomal framework will help scientists better navigate their genomic research, establishing relationships between mutations and disease development.

This is transformational,” says Whitehead Member Richard Young...