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Wt1 Flip-Flops Chromatin in a CTCF Domain.
Oct 2011
Dr Abdelkader Essafi and colleagues in Prof Nick Hastie’s laboratory at the MRC Human Genetics Unit elucidates a new mechanism of tissue-specific transcriptional regulation termed “chromatin flip-flop” that is mediated mainly by the insulator barrier function of CCCTC-binding factor (CCTF) (Essafi et al, Developmental Cell (2011) Sep 13;21(3):559-74).
Essafi et al define the chromatin flip-flop as “the reciprocal switching of chromatin structure between two insulating CTCF sites in a tissue specific manner that is regulated by the same transcription factor”.
The work has been highlighted in the same issue of Developmental Cell by a preview written by Dr B.V. Gurudatta and Prof. Victor Corces. Prof Corces is an HHMI investigator and a world expert on insulator proteins, tissue-specific gene expression and nuclear organisation. Commenting on the work, Gurudatta and Corces said, “The findings of Essafi et al. (2011) now convincingly demonstrate that CTCF can also have barrier insulator activity”.(Gurudatta and Corces Developmental Cell (2011) Sep13;21(3):389-90).
The work was supported by the Wellcome Trust through a Beit Memorial Fellowship to Dr Abdelkader Essafi, as well as the MRC and EuReGene, a Framework 6 program grant by the EU.
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Leading scientists team up in bid to beat genetic diseases.
Oct 2011
As from the 1st October 2011, more than 200 staff and students from the MRC Human Genetics Unit will join the University of Edinburgh to form one of the largest centres for human genetics and molecular medicine in Europe.
The newly strengthened Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) will aim to deliver clinical benefits directly to patients suffering from a variety of diseases including; brain and eye disorders, cystic fibrosis and childhood and adult cancers.
The University, the MRC and Cancer Research UK have been working together closely for many years in the area of human genetics.
The merger, which has the backing of around £60 million of funding from the MRC over five years, has the potential to provide major insights into mechanisms of disease and human biology, according to IGMM Director Professor Nicholas Hastie.
“Great science is all about scientists coming together, interacting, and exchanging ideas. Combining forces will give us the impetus to turn the potential of the genetic revolution into reality, bringing new understanding and treatments of disease.”
Professor Jonathan Seckl, Dean of Research of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh, added the move would make IGMM a world leader in genetics research.
“We will be able to use our increased knowledge and understanding of the human genome to develop new tests and therapies for patients suffering from devastating genetic diseases and cancers.”
Sir John Chisholm, Chairman of the MRC, said
“The MRC is delighted to join its Human Genetics Unit to the University in order to capitalise on this fast-moving science and accelerate the benefits to patients. This is part of the MRC’s strategy to make best use of the increasing capabilities of the university sector and maximise the return in terms of health and wealth from research expenditure”.
IGMM is a partnership between the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Molecular Medicine, the MRC and Cancer Research UK.
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