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A DNA stretch with active genes (red) closes in (top to bottom) on a Cajal body (white).

Active genes sidle up to Cajal bodies with help from actin, Dundr et al. report. The study is the first to show directed movement of mammalian genes that are being transcribed.

Interphase chromosomes jiggle, but they usually remain within so-called territories. Particular DNA segments, however, can travel substantial distances. One situation that might involve DNA movement is the liaison between active genes and Cajal bodies, which harbor small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) for splicing. Cajal bodies often show up near working genes for snRNA and histone proteins, although researchers didn't know whether Cajal bodies form near these genes or whether the partners move toward each other.

To find out, Dundr et al. inserted into HeLa cells an artificial chromosome carrying 16 copies of an snRNA gene. The team tracked the positions of the chromosome and Cajal bodies after the genes started transcription. The two components cozied up, the researchers found. The Cajal bodies were sluggish, remaining in roughly the same place. The DNA, by contrast, was responsible for most of the movement, particularly during a final lunge that began around six to seven hours after gene activation. In total, it traveled about two to three microns.

The researchers also found that a tether of RNA linked an active gene to the Cajal body, indicating that the newly made strand was feeding directly into the structure. Disrupting actin, Dundr et al. showed, prevented the movement, suggesting that actin helps haul certain active genes to Cajal bodies. The question of why this movement occurs remains unanswered.

Reference:

Dundr, M., et al. 2007. J. Cell Biol. 179:1095–1103.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Mitch Leslie

mitchleslie{at}comcast.net

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This Article PDF (Full Text) PPT slides of all figures Alert me when this article is cited Services Email this article Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new content in the JCB Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Leslie, M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Leslie, M. Social Bookmarking                      What's this?