The chromosome glue gets a little stickier.
Since their discovery, the cohesin proteins have been intensely studied in multiple model systems to determine the mechanism of chromosome cohesion. Recent studies have demonstrated that cohesin is much more than a molecular glue that holds chromosomes together in mitosis. Indeed, cohesin performs critical roles in gene regulation, possibly through the formation of higher-order chromatin structure. Moreover, this newly appreciated role is necessary for proper development in metazoan species, with mutations in the cohesin pathway resulting in human developmental disorders.
McNairn
Adrian J
AJ
Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.
Gerton
Jennifer L
JL
D000268:Adhesiveness; D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D000097722:Cohesins
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D000097722:Cohesins