By Stefan Kubicek | March 1, 2011
Epigenetic events regulate the activities of genes without changing the DNA sequence. Different genes are expressed depending on the methyl-marks attached to DNA itself and by changes in the structure and/or composition of chromatin. The main components of chromatin are histones (in bundles of eight units) around which 146 base-pairs of DNA are wound like a thread around a spool, forming a structure called the nucleosome. There are various epigenetic mechanisms that can affect the nucleosome: chemical modification (via molecular additions to histone tails or DNA), a change its positioning on DNA (via chromatin remodeling proteins), or a variation in histone subtypes.
By Megan Scudellari
A growth factor isolated from human stem cells shows promising results in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
By Megan Scudellari
Researchers design the first rewritable biological data storage system.
By Cristina Luiggi
Exposure to an environmental toxin can affect future generations’ ability to handle stressful conditions.
