Molecular Machines: Twisting DNA and Looping Chromosomes
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Phys.org
Researchers from the Kavli Institute and IMP Vienna Biocenter have discovered that SMC motor proteins, which form loops in DNA, also twist the DNA by 0.6 turns per loop. This finding, published in Science Advances, enhances our understanding of chromosome structure and function, and has implications for diseases like cohesinopathies. The study shows that this twisting mechanism is conserved across species, including humans and yeast, highlighting its evolutionary significance.