Vivid Biology ltd is on pause until 2028 whilst Claudia is living in Madrid, Spain. Claudia is still taking on design work as a freelancer.
Mobile elements, polydactyl proteins and the making of human-specific transcriptional networks
2016
Didier Trono
Summary of the science
Scientists have discovered that a large portion of our genetic material, called mobile elements, can move around and potentially cause disruptions in our DNA, that holds all of our genetic information. To protect against these disruptions, our cells have developed mechanisms to control these elements during early development. One important mechanism involves proteins called KRAB-ZFPs, which recognise and interact with these elements and prevent them from causing harm. They are also involved in the transcriptional networks that shape the development and functioning of our bodies. Transcription refers to the process where sections of DNA are 'read' and copied so that genetic information can be used to make proteins.
About the research
The Trono lab focuses on understanding a specific aspect of our genetic material called retroelements, which make up more than half of the human genome. These elements have the ability to move around and cause changes in genes, chromosomes, and genetic recombination. While these changes can be harmful, the lab investigates how our cells control these retroelements through epigenetic modifications during early development. The research explores the delicate balance between retroelements and our genetic control mechanisms and examines how they impact higher organisms, including humans, in both health and disease.
About the illustration