Modified small RNA regulate chromosome dosage and segregation
2018
Rob Martienssen
Summary of the science
Genes are thought to be converted into protein to have effects on the cell. However, some genes are converted to the intermediate stage of RNA and kept at this stage, yet still have important functions. Small RNAs have integral functions in regulating other genes but have other functions at the whole-chromosome stage which the Martienssen Lab is investigating.
About the research
Rob Martienssen's lab investigate the role of small RNAs in determining chromatin states. They have found that small RNAs have important, well-conserved functions in eukaryotic epigenetic regulation, including moderating chromosome dosage and facilitating chromosome segregation during cell division.
About the illustration