Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Modeling Balbiani Ring gene transcription with electron microscope tomography.

A L Olins, D E Olins, H A Levy

    European Journal of Cell Biology
    |September 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    Electron microscope tomography revealed the 3D structure of Balbiani Ring (BR) transcription loops. This study quantizes BR granule density and explores steric constraints on chromatin, aiding in understanding gene expression regulation.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Collaborating across sectors in service of open science, precision oncology, and patients: an overview of the AACR Project GENIE (Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange) Biopharma Collaborative (BPC).

    ESMO real world data and digital oncology·2026
    Same author

    Assessment of quality of life and wellbeing in mouse preclinical research - A scoping review.

    Neuroscience applied·2025
    Same author

    Epigenetic inheritance of diet-induced and sperm-borne mitochondrial RNAs.

    Nature·2024
    Same author

    Combined regression score predicts outcome after neoadjuvant treatment of oesophageal cancer.

    British journal of cancer·2023
    Same author

    [Technical modifications and outcome of the robot-assisted minimally-invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE)].

    Chirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany)·2023
    Same author

    [Reconstruction and functional results after gastric resection].

    Chirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany)·2022

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Structural Biology

    Background:

    • Balbiani Ring (BR) genes are large, actively transcribed genes in dipteran salivary glands.
    • Understanding the 3D organization of transcription loops is crucial for elucidating gene expression mechanisms.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To reconstruct the 3D structure of mature Balbiani Ring transcription loops using electron microscope tomography.
    • To estimate the density and spatial arrangement of ribonucleoprotein granules along the transcription unit axis.
    • To investigate potential steric restrictions on the central chromatin axis.

    Main Methods:

    • Electron microscope tomography was used to obtain cross-sectional views of BR transcription loops.
    • Balsa wood models were constructed from tomographic data.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Coordinates of BR granules were analyzed to determine transcription unit axis orientation and granule density.
  • Theoretical calculations were performed using structural parameters to assess steric constraints.

    • Main Results:

    • 3D reconstructions of mature BR transcription loops were generated.
    • The density of BR granules per micron of transcription unit axis was estimated.
    • Potential steric restrictions around the central chromatin axis were examined.
    • The utility of a varifocal mirror for interactive 3D display of tomograms was demonstrated.

    Conclusions:

    • The study provides a detailed 3D structural analysis of Balbiani Ring transcription loops.
    • Quantitative data on granule density and spatial organization offer insights into the regulation of transcription.
    • The findings contribute to understanding the physical constraints influencing gene expression in large transcription units.