Genetic Interactions in Single Cell

Image

Chromatin organizes itself into 3D 'forests' in single cells

A single cell contains the genetic instructions for an entire organism. This genomic information is managed and processed by the complex machinery of chromatin -- a mix of DNA and protein within chromosomes whose function and role in disease are of increasing interest to scientists.

A Northwestern University research team -- using mathematical modeling and optical imaging they developed themselves -- has discovered how chromatin folds at the single-cell level. The researchers found chromatin is folded into a variety of tree-like domains spaced along a chromatin backbone. These small and large areas are like a mixed forest of trees growing from the forest floor. The overall structure is a 3D forest at microscale.

Chromatin is responsible for packing DNA into the cell nucleus. In humans, that's about six feet of DNA in each cell. The new work suggests that chromatin is more structured and hierarchical in single cells than previously thought. Learning how chromatin correctly operates will help scientists understand what goes wrong with it in cancer and other diseases.

"By integrating theoretical and experimental work, we have produced a new chromatin folding picture that helps us see how the 3D genome is organized at the single-cell level," said Igal Szleifer, the Christina Enroth-Cugell Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering. He co-led the research team with Vadim Backman.

The purpose of this Research Topic is therefore to provide an up-to-date overview of cell interaction studies.

Areas of Study

Immunogenetics publishes original papers, brief communications, and reviews on research in the following areas: Genetics and evolution of the immune system; genetic control of immune response and disease susceptibility; bioinformatics of the immune system; structure of immunologically important molecules; and immunogenetics of reproductive biology, tissue differentiation, and development.

Immunogenetics: Open Access are welcoming experts in the fields of Genetics as well as immunology to submit Research, review articles, case reports and short communication summarizing the latest insights into immune responses and/or therapies (immunological and non-immunological) of Immune disorders, including: Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus, Crohn's disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.

A standard editorial manager system is utilized for manuscript submission, review, editorial processing and tracking which can be securely accessed by the authors, reviewers and editors for monitoring and tracking the article processing. Manuscripts can be uploaded online at Editorial Tracking System or forwarded to the Editorial Office at immunogenetics@eclinicalsci.com.

 

Media Contact:

Robert Solomon

Managing Editor

Immunogenetics: Open Access

E-mail: immunogenetics@eclinicalsci.com

Whatsapp: +1-504-608-239