US EditionNew Studies Reveal How DNA Motion and Cell Mechanics Drive Cancer
- Researchers at Kyoto University and the Salk Institute have identified hidden layers within DNA that regulate gene expression, revealing previously unknown mechanisms controlling protein synthesis and genome structure.
- Kyoto scientists found that synonymous codons—sequences previously thought interchangeable—actually influence mRNA stability, showing cells actively distinguish between these codons to control protein production efficiency.
- Identifying the mechanism, the team found the RNA-binding protein DHX29 flags "sluggish" mRNA; Masanori Yoshinaga, co-author of the study, noted "These findings reveal a direct molecular link between synonymous codon choice and the control of gene expression in human cells."
- Separately, Salk researchers discovered DNA constantly unfolds and refolds to maintain cell identity, with Jesse Dixon, senior author of the study, explaining this dynamic organization is critical for cellular function.
- Future research may target these dysfunctions, as findings suggest errors in codon regulation or genome folding may contribute to cancers and developmental disorders, potentially opening new treatment pathways.
7 Articles
7 Articles
OHSU study uncovers internal cell ‘trade winds’ that drive movement and repair
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have uncovered a previously unknown system of internal “trade winds” that help cells rapidly move essential proteins to the front of the cell, reshaping how researchers understand cell migration, cancer spread and wound healing. The discovery, published today in Nature Communications, reshapes what researchers thought they knew about how cells direct proteins to the right place at…
Your DNA is constantly moving—and it may explain cancer
Scientists have uncovered a surprising secret about our DNA: it’s not a static blueprint, but a constantly shifting, folding structure that helps control how genes turn on and off. Researchers at the Salk Institute found that different parts of the genome loop and unloop at different speeds, with more active regions constantly reshaping themselves to support gene activity.
Does the motion of our DNA influence its activity? - Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Highlights The genome’s dynamic 3D shape influences the expression of very specific genes The protein NIPBL is a key facilitator of genome structures that inform cell identity Findings may inform new therapeutics for disorders related to dysfunctional genome folding, including some cancers and developmental disorders such as autism-related disorders LA JOLLA—How does our DNA store the massive amount of information needed to build a human being? …
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