Using synthetic biological techniques, Michael Hastings’ group have collaborated with Jason Chin to gain novel insights into the molecular and cellular processes which govern the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and identified a key regulatory role of cryptochrome clock proteins.
Insight on Research
Atomic structures of Aβ42 filaments from the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions
Collaboration between Sjors Scheres’ (Structural Studies), Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon’s and Michel Goedert’s (both Neurobiology) groups have used cryo-EM to reveal structures of Aβ42 filaments, the key factor behind the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Structural breakthrough in study of aggregated TDP-43 protein in brains of ALS and FTD sufferers
Cryo-EM analysis of TDP-43 filaments by Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division has revealed the atomic structure of the characterising feature of neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTD.
How DNA damage induces appetite suppression and weight loss
DNA damage caused by formaldehyde is repaired involving CSA and CSB genes. KJ Patel’s lab have shown how, when this pathway is mutated such as in people with Cockayne syndrome, the appetite suppression hormone GDF15 is released leading to severe weight loss.
Early transcriptional patterning of a forming tissue is essential to morphogenesis of a tubular organ
Time-lapse quantitative study of developing salivary glands in Drosophila embryos, conducted by Katja Röper’s group, reveals the key control factors behind cells’ behavioural transitions that are essential for correct organ formation.
Atomic structure of chromosomal complex responsible for organising DNA determined
Cryo-EM analysis reveals structure of structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complex, and shows for the first time how the protein machinery entraps two DNA helices simultaneously in order to individualise chromosomes.