News tagged with methyl groups

How protein networks stabilize muscle fibers: Same mechanism as for DNA

The same mechanism that stabilises the DNA in the cell nucleus is also important for the structure and function of vertebrate muscle cells. This has been established by RUB-researchers led by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Linke (Institute ...

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created Jan 23, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

A 'wild card' in your genes

The human genome and the endowments of genes in other animals and plants are like a deck of poker cards containing a "wild card" that in a genetic sense introduces an element of variety and surprise that has ...

Chemistry / Biochemistry

created Dec 07, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1

Researchers suspend, image single DNA molecules

(PhysOrg.com) -- Studying chemical modifications in the chromosomes of cells is akin to searching for changes in coiled spaghetti. Scientists at Cornell have figured out how to stretch out tangled strands ...

Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry

created Oct 31, 2011 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (10) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Scientists discover important step in sperm reprogramming

When sperm meets egg, the chemical instructions that tag sperm cells must be erased so that human life can start anew. One way these instructions are erased is through demethylation, the removal of specific ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Sep 22, 2011 | popularity 1 / 5 (1) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Mechanism links substance abuse with vulnerability to depression

It is well established that a mood disorder can increase an individual's risk for substance abuse, but there is also evidence that the converse is true; substance abuse can increase a person's vulnerability to stress-related ...

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created Aug 24, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Unraveling genomic changes in the brain

Scientists have known for some time that individual organisms are far more than the sum of their gene sequences. So-called epigenetic variations encompass a diverse array of chemical modifications to DNA that ...

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Aug 08, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Scientists complete first mapping of molecule found in human embryonic stem cells

Stem cell researchers at UCLA have generated the first genome-wide mapping of a DNA modification called 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in embryonic stem cells, and discovered that it is predominantly found in genes that are ...

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created Jul 21, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers identify new mechanism used by cells to reverse silenced genes

Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered a new mechanism used by cells in the body to turn on silenced genes. This process is critical in preventing the development of cancer -- suggesting the possibility of ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Jun 30, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers identify caffeine-consuming bacterium

As it turns out, humans aren't the only organisms that turn to caffeine for a pick-me-up. University of Iowa scientists have identified four different bacteria that actually can live on caffeine.

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Jun 07, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Bacteria use caffeine as food source

A new bacterium that uses caffeine for food has been discovered by a doctoral student at the University of Iowa. The bacterium uses newly discovered digestive enzymes to break down the caffeine, which allows it to live and ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created May 24, 2011 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (6) | comments 4 | with audio podcast

Hopkins team discovers how DNA changes

Using human kidney cells and brain tissue from adult mice, Johns Hopkins scientists have uncovered the sequence of steps that makes normally stable DNA undergo the crucial chemical changes implicated in cancers, psychiatric ...

Medicine & Health / Research

created Apr 14, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers develop a screen for identifying new anticancer drug targets

Tumor suppressor genes normally control the growth of cells, but cancer can spring up when these genes are silenced by certain chemical reactions that modify chromosomes. Among the most common culprits responsible for inactivating ...

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Apr 05, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

High red blood cell folate levels linked to silenced tumor-suppressors

People with higher levels of folate in their red blood cells were more likely to have two tumor-suppressing genes shut down by methylation, a chemical off switch for genes, researchers report in the December issue of Cancer ...

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Dec 22, 2010 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (3) | comments 1

Greenhouse gas chemistry

If fossil fuels burn completely, the end products are carbon dioxide and water. Today the carbon dioxide is a waste product, one that goes into the air -- adding to global warming; or the oceans -- acidifying ...

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Nov 30, 2010 | popularity 2.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Researchers Discover How Folate Promotes Healing In Spinal Cord Injuries

(PhysOrg.com) -- The vitamin folate appears to promote healing in damaged rat spinal cord tissue by triggering a change in DNA, according to a laboratory study funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Medicine & Health / Research

created Jun 24, 2010 | popularity 4 / 5 (4) | comments 1