We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics UK Ltd.

Download Mobile App




Essential Processes of Life in the Genome Imaged

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Nov 2014
Print article
Image: Cells with damage in their DNA (green) assemble abnormally stable microtubule structures (purple to white). This new link between microtubule control and the response to DNA damage, originally discovered in yeast, can be observed also in human cells (shown) (Photo courtesy of L. Wagstaff, E. Piddini).
Image: Cells with damage in their DNA (green) assemble abnormally stable microtubule structures (purple to white). This new link between microtubule control and the response to DNA damage, originally discovered in yeast, can be observed also in human cells (shown) (Photo courtesy of L. Wagstaff, E. Piddini).
A new study has allowed researchers to glimpse into never-before-seen regions of the genome and better determine for the first time the role played by more than 250 genes key to cell growth and development.

The team of researchers, led by Dr. Rafael Carazo Salas from the department of genetics at the University of Cambridge (UK) combined high-resolution, three-dimensional (3-D) confocal microscopy and computer-automated analysis of the images to survey the fission yeast genome with respect to three major cellular processes simultaneously: cell shape, microtubule organization and cell cycle progression.

Of the 262 genes whose functions the team report in a study published October 27, 2014, in the journal Developmental Cell, two-thirds are linked to these processes for the first time and a third are implicated in multiple processes. “More than 10 years since the publication of the human genome, the so-called ‘Book of Life,’ we still have no direct evidence of the function played by half the genes across all species whose genomes have been sequenced,” explained Dr. Carazo Salas. “We have no ‘catalogue’ of genes involved in cellular processes and their functions, yet these processes are fundamental to life. Understanding them better could eventually open up new avenues of research for medicines which target these processes, such as chemotherapy drugs.”

Using a multidisciplinary approach that took the scientists over four years to develop, the researchers were able to manipulate a single gene at a time in the fission yeast genome and see simultaneously how this affected the three cellular processes. Fission yeast is used as a model organism as it is a unicellular organism—in other words, it consists of just one cell—whereas most organisms are multicellular, yet many of its most fundamental genes carry out the same function in humans, for example in cell development.

The technique enabled the researchers not only to identify the functions of hundreds of genes across the genome, but also, for the first time, to systematically ask how the processes might be linked. For example, they found in the yeast—and significantly, confirmed in human cell studies—an unknown association between control of microtubule stability and the machinery that repairs damage to DNA. Many conventional cancer therapies target microtubular stability or DNA damage, and while there is evidence in the scientific literature that agents targeting both processes might interact, the reason why is still undetermined.

“Both the technique and the data it produces are likely to be a very valuable resource to the scientific community in the future,” added Dr. Carazo Salas. “It allows us to shine a light into the black box of the genome and learn exciting new information about the basic building blocks of life and the complex ways in which they interact.”

Related Links:

University of Cambridge


Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Food Allergens Assay Kit
Allerquant 14G A
New
Urine Drug Test
Instant-view Methadone Urine Drug Test

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of maternal biomarker discovery using cell-free RNA during pregnancy (Photo courtesy of Circulation Research (2024). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325024)

Maternal Blood Test Identifies Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetus

Each year, around 1,000 children are born with a single ventricle heart defect (SVHD), a condition where one of the heart's lower chambers is underdeveloped, too small, or missing a valve.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.