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Related Concept Videos

What is Gene Expression?01:42

What is Gene Expression?

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Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
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What is Gene Expression?01:36

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A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised  of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then...
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Combinatorial Gene Control02:33

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Combinatorial gene control is the synergistic action of several transcriptional factors to regulate the expression of a single gene. The absence of one or more of these factors may lead to a significant difference in the level of gene expression or repression.
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Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

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Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
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Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

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Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
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Controlling gene expression by DNA mechanics: emerging insights and challenges.

David Levens1, Laura Baranello2, Fedor Kouzine2

  • 1Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA. levensd@mail.nih.gov.

Biophysical Reviews
|May 17, 2017
PubMed
Summary

DNA mechanics significantly influence gene expression control. Understanding how DNA responds to mechanical forces like torsional and flexural stress is crucial for a complete model of transcription initiation.

Keywords:
ChromatinDNA mechanicsDNA topologyMolecular motorsTopoisomeraseTranscription initiation

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Transcription initiation is a key regulatory step in gene expression.
  • Current models often overlook the dynamic mechanical forces exerted on DNA by molecular motors.
  • DNA's mechanical properties, including response to torsional and flexural stress, can impact gene regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the under-explored role of DNA mechanics in early transcription initiation.
  • To highlight the dynamic nature of transcription involving mechanical forces on DNA.
  • To emphasize the necessity of understanding DNA mechanical stress in transcription models.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing genomic techniques to map topological stress and conformational variations in DNA.
  • Analyzing mechanical force generation, transmission, and dissipation in the mammalian genome.
  • Integrating biophysical principles with molecular biology approaches.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that DNA is not merely a static scaffold but a dynamic fiber responding to mechanical forces.
  • Revealed that accumulated torsional and flexural stresses can alter promoter activity and DNA/chromatin structure.
  • Highlighted the significant, yet under-investigated, role of DNA mechanics in transcription control.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of transcription initiation requires integrating DNA mechanical properties.
  • Further research into the generation, transmission, and dissipation of DNA mechanical stresses is essential.
  • DNA mechanics represent a critical, previously underappreciated, layer of gene expression regulation.