Biologists Uncover Secrets of Gene Trait Transmission

Biologists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the DNA copying machine helps pass on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits at each cell division. Their findings could lead to new treatments for cancer and other epigenetic diseases by targeting specific changes in gene activity.

What is epigenetic information?

Epigenetic information is a set of molecular switches that can turn genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence. These switches are influenced by various environmental factors, such as nutrition, stress, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. Epigenetic information determines which parts of the DNA are active or inactive in different cell types, leading to distinct cellular functions and characteristics.

How is epigenetic information passed on?

Epigenetic information is stored in the form of chemical modifications on histone proteins, which are the spool-like structures that wrap around the DNA to form chromatin. During DNA replication, the parental histones carrying the epigenetic tags are recycled and transferred to the newly synthesized DNA strands, ensuring the accurate inheritance of epigenetic information to new cells during cell division.

How did biologists uncover the secrets of this process?

Biologists used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the high-resolution structure of the yeast replisome, which is the complex of proteins that copies the DNA during replication. They captured the replisome in action when transferring parental histones with epigenetic tags to the new DNA strands. They also identified a key protein called FACT that facilitates this process by stabilizing the parental histones and preventing them from being lost during replication.

Why is this discovery important?

This discovery reveals the molecular mechanism by which epigenetic information is coupled with DNA replication and passed on to new cells. This mechanism is essential for maintaining cell identity and function across generations. Errors in this process can alter the epigenetic landscape, gene expression and cell identity, with potential implications for cancer and aging. Understanding how this coupled mechanism works could lead to new ways of manipulating epigenetic information for therapeutic purposes.

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