Skip to main content

smc protein DNS looping discovery

Revolutionary Discovery: Molecular Machines Twist DNA While Looping Chromosomes

Groundbreaking Discovery by Researchers from TU Delft and IMP Vienna Biocenter

Illustration of SMC proteins twisting and looping DNA, revealing new molecular mechanisms critical for chromosome function.

Researchers from the Kavli Institute at Delft University of Technology and the IMP Vienna Biocenter have uncovered a novel characteristic of the molecular motors responsible for shaping chromosomes. Building on their discovery six years ago that SMC motor proteins create extended loops in DNA, they have now revealed that these motors also introduce substantial twists within the loops they form.

Understanding the Impact of DNA Twisting on Chromosome Structure and Function

This research enhances our understanding of chromosome structure and function, shedding light on how disruptions in twisted DNA looping may contribute to health conditions such as developmental disorders like cohesinopathies. The findings were published in Science Advances.

The Challenge of Packing DNA into the Nucleus

Consider the challenge of fitting two meters of rope into a space smaller than the tip of a needle-this is akin to the task every cell faces when organizing its DNA within the tiny nucleus. To manage this, nature uses remarkable methods, such as coiling the DNA into supercoils and wrapping it around specialized proteins for efficient storage.

Tiny DNA Loop Play a Critical Role in Regulating Chromosome Functions

The Role of SMC Proteins in DNA Looping and Chromosome Structure

Compaction alone is insufficient; cells must also regulate chromosome structure to facilitate its function. For instance, when genetic information is required, the DNA is read locally. Specifically, during cell division, the DNA must first unwind, replicate, and then ensure proper separation into two daughter cells.

The Discovery of SMC Complexes and Their Role in DNA Looping

SMC complexes (structural maintenance of chromosomes), specialized protein machines, are essential for these processes. Only a few years ago, researchers at Delft and elsewhere discovered that SMC proteins act as molecular motors, forming long loops in DNA, which are crucial for regulating chromosome function.

Pioneering Research Using Magnetic Tweezers to Observe SMC Protein Behavior

Observing DNA Looping and Twisting in Real Time

At Cees Dekkar's lab at TU Delft, postdocs Richard Janissen and Roman Bath have uncovered important insights to solve this puzzle. They pioneered a new method using "Magnetic Tweezers," enabling them to observe individual SMC proteins making looping movements in DNA.

A Key Breakthrough: SMC Proteins Twist DNA During Looping

An important breakthrough was their ability to observe whether the SMC protein modifies the twist in the DNA. Interestingly, the team found that it does: the human SMC protein cohesin not only loops the DNA but also twists it in a left-handed direction, adding 0.6 turns with each loop formed.

Understanding the Evolutionary Path of SMC Proteins

Evolutionary Consistency in DNA Looping and Twisting Mechanisms

In addition, the team found that this twisting action is not confined to humans. SMC proteins in yeast show identical behavior. Interestingly, all SMC proteins from both humans and yeast twist DNA by 0.6 turns with each extrusion step. This finding indicates that the DNA extrusion and twisting processes have remained consistent throughout evolution.

A Universal Mechanism for DNA Looping Across Species

Whether the DNA is looped in humans, yeast, or any other cell, nature follows the same approach.

Implications of DNA Looping for Gene Expression and Health

The Role of DNA Looping in Supercoiling and Gene Expression

These new discoveries offer crucial insights into deciphering the molecular mechanism behind this novel motor type. Furthermore, they reveal that DNA looping influences the supercoiling state of chromosomes, which in turn impacts key  processes such as gene expression.

SMC Proteins and Their Link to Genetic Disorders

Understanding the Link Between SMC Proteins and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Finally, the SMC proteins are linked to a number of disorders, such as Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. Gaining insights into these processes is vital for pinpointing the molecular causes of these serious diseases.

Source


"Stay updated with the latest in molecular biology—subscribe to our newsletter for groundbreaking research on DNA and gene expression."

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NASA chile scientists comet 3i atlas nickel mystery

NASA and Chilean Scientists Study 3I/ATLAS, A Comet That Breaks the Rules Interstellar visitors are rare guests in our Solar System , but when they appear they often rewrite the rules of astronomy. Such is the case with 3I/ATLAS , a fast-moving object that has left scientists puzzled with its bizarre behaviour. Recent findings from NASA and Chilean researchers reveal that this comet-like body is expelling an unusual plume of nickel — without the iron that typically accompanies it. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom about how comets form and evolve, sparking both excitement and controversy across the scientific community. A Cosmic Outsider: What Is 3I/ATLAS? The object 3I/ATLAS —the third known interstellar traveler after "Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019) —was first detected in July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope network , which scans he skies for potentially hazardous objects. Earlier images from Chile's Vera C. Rubin Observatory had unknowingly captured it, but ...
Post a Comment
Read more

bermuda triangle rogue waves mystery solved

Bermuda Triangle Mystery: Scientist Claims Rogue Waves May Explain Vanishing Ships and Aircraft for decades, the Bermuda Triangle has captured the world's imagination, often described as a supernatural hotspot where ships vanish and aircraft disappear without a trace. From ghostly ships adrift to unexplained plane crashes, this stretch of ocean between Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Florida remains one of the most infamous maritime mysteries. But now, Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer at the University of Southampton , suggests the answer may not be extraterrestrial at all. Instead, he argues that the truth lies in rogue waves — giant, unpredictable surges of water capable of swallowing even the largest ships within minutes. The Bermuda Triangle: A Legacy of Fear and Fascination The Bermuda Triangle has inspired decades of speculation , with theories ranging from UFO abductions to interdimensional rifts. Popular culture, documentaries and countless books have kept the legend alive, of...
Post a Comment
Read more

nist breakthrough particle number concentration formula

NIST Researchers Introduce Breakthrough Formula for Particle Number Concentration Understanding the number of particles in a sample is a fundamental task across multiple scientific fields — from nanotechnology to food science. Scientists use a measure called Particle Number Concentration (PNC) to determine how many particles exist in a given volume, much like counting marbles in a jar. Recently, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a novel formula that calculates particle concentrations with unprecedented accuracy. Their work, published in Analytical Chemistry , could significantly improve precision in drug delivery, nanoplastic assessment and monitoring food additives. Related reading on Nanotechnology advancements: AI systems for real-time flood detection . What is Particle Number Concentration (PNC)? Defining PNC Particle Number Concentration indicates the total count of particles within a specific volume of gas or liquid,...
Post a Comment
Read more