Biotech Updates

Max Planck Institute Describes Pattern in Gene Regulation

May 25, 2012

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund have discovered the pattern on how genes are regulated on the basis of which P-TEFb completes the process of DNA translation. This new finding may offer better understanding of gene regulation or open new doors on developing medicines and treatments of certain diseases.

Matthias Geyer and his team have traced the enzyme that aids in DNA transcription – P-TEFb. This enzyme provides RNA polymerase II, the reading enzyme, with phosphate messages which are attached to the C-terminal domain(CTD). It also helps in ensuring that "a copy of the base sequence can be produced".

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund provides the "most detailed" study on the functioning of P-TEFb. Researchers' analysis of phosphate patterns in detail was successful with the help of genetically modified RNA polymerase II molecules.

You can read more about this new discovery here: http://www.mpg.de/5800779/details_gene_regulation?filter_order=L.