RNA-dependent control of gene amplification.

ABSTRACT: We exploit the unusual genome organization of the ciliate cell to analyze the control of specific gene amplification during a nuclear differentiation process. Ciliates contain two types of nuclei within one cell, the macronucleus and the micronucleus; and after sexual reproduction a new macronucleus is formed from a micronuclear derivative. During macronuclear differentiation, most extensive DNA reorganization, elimination, and fragmentation processes occur, resulting in a macronucleus containing short DNA molecules (nanochromosomes) representing individual genetic units and each being present in high copy number. It is believed that these processes are controlled by small nuclear RNAs but also by a template derived from the old macronucleus. We first describe the exact copy numbers of sel

SUBMITTER: Heyse G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3009782 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature