How signals shape DNA via gene regulation
Chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins within the nucleus, plays a central role in gene expression and cellular function. However, studying chromatin-bound proteins has been challenging due to their intricate interactions with DNA.
To address this, researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Heidelberg University developed an advanced chromatin isolation technique that preserves protein–DNA interactions. They then applied mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis to examine how signaling pathways alter the chromatin-bound proteome. They published their work in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics.
The researchers found that different signaling cues, such as stress or growth factors, significantly alter chromatin composition by affecting transcription factors, chromatin remodelers and DNA repair proteins. These changes influence gene expression and cellular responses.
The findings emphasize how external signals regulate DNA-bound proteins, offering new insights into diseases driven by dysregulated signaling, such as cancer. This work opens new possibilities for developing therapies that target specific protein–DNA interactions.
This chromatin profiling technique offers a valuable tool for investigating gene regulation and has the potential to inform precision medicine strategies.
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Science
Science highlights or most popular articles
Revealing the glycoproteome of a cancer subtype
Researchers mapped the glycoproteome of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and compared it to intrahepatic tumors. Differences in sugar modifications and immune cell content suggest new biomarkers and guide development of targeted immunotherapies.
Uncovering the mechanisms of a glycosylation disorder
Mutations in OGT, an enzyme that adds sugars to proteins, cause a rare neurological disorder. Using proteomics, researchers reveal how OGT interactions with TET proteins may trigger epigenetic changes and early neural defects.
Heat shock proteins as a promising breast cancer therapeutic
Researchers unveiled isoform-specific targets on heat shock protein 90 which may be beneficial in therapeutic development.
Optimized proteomic analysis of preserved biological tissue samples
Researchers have developed an optimized workflow for analyzing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. This workflow provides an enhanced collection of unique proteins and phosphorylation sites for more detailed analysis of biological samples.
Blood proteomics reveals fungal infection signatures for faster diagnosis
Whole-blood proteomics identifies more than 3,000 host and 160 fungal proteins during cryptococcal infection, offering potential biomarkers for faster diagnosis and improved monitoring without invasive spinal taps.
When things get SAPpy: Novel insights into complement
Researchers have defined interactions between an innate immune protein and two of its known binding partners. They identified potential areas of crosstalk between the two binding interactions.