Scientists Discover DNA-Twisting Role of Chromosome-Looping Proteins

New research reveals that SMC motor proteins not only loop DNA but also twist it, with implications for gene regulation and disease understanding.

Researchers identified that SMC motor proteins, which loop DNA, also introduce a left-handed twist of 0.6 turns per loop extrusion step.
This twisting mechanism was observed in both human and yeast SMC proteins, highlighting its evolutionary conservation across species.
DNA twisting and looping by SMC proteins are critical for chromosome structure and functions like gene expression and cell division.
The findings shed light on how disruptions in DNA looping and twisting may contribute to developmental disorders such as cohesinopathies.
Advanced techniques like magnetic tweezers enabled scientists to observe these molecular processes in real-time, offering insights into chromosome regulation and related diseases.