Table of contents
February 2007 Vol 8 No 2
From the editors
p85 | doi:10.1038/nrg2044
Research Highlights
Systems biology: From genetic interactions to pathway architecture
p87 | doi:10.1038/nrg2052
Chromosome biology: Holliday junctions — seeing single
p88 | doi:10.1038/nrg2051
Technology: Developmental networks in time and space
p88 | doi:10.1038/nrg2055
Technology: Making the mouse more human
p88 | doi:10.1038/nrg2058
Human genetics: New syndrome reconciles theories of ageing
p90 | doi:10.1038/nrg2050
Cancer epigenetics: Early signs of trouble ahead
p90 | doi:10.1038/nrg2054
Genetic variation: Synonymous mutations break their silence
p92 | doi:10.1038/nrg2056
Gene expression: Benefits of noise
p92 | doi:10.1038/nrg2057
In the news
Longevity allele keeps you thinking
p92 | doi:10.1038/nrg2061
Reviews
The evolution of gene regulation by transcription factors and microRNAs
Kevin Chen and Nikolaus Rajewsky
p93 | doi:10.1038/nrg1990
Gene expression is regulated by an intricate interplay of many factors at different levels. To understand how the currently observed expression patterns have evolved, we need to understand the evolution of the individual regulators and the complex regulatory networks that they form.
Dynamic genome architecture in the nuclear space: regulation of gene expression in three dimensions
Christian Lanctôt, Thierry Cheutin, Marion Cremer, Giacomo Cavalli and Thomas Cremer
p104 | doi:10.1038/nrg2041
A dynamic view of nuclear function is emerging, in which genomic regions undergo repositioning relative to each other and to nuclear subcompartments. Increasing evidence points to an important contribution of these movements in the regulation of gene expression.
Contributions of genomics to life-history theory
Derek A. Roff
p116 | doi:10.1038/nrg2040
Variation in life-history strategies is a target for natural selection, and there are many trade-offs between optimal values for different life-history traits. Genomic approaches are starting to contribute to our understanding of the mechanistic basis of these trade-offs.
Frizzled/PCP signalling: a conserved mechanism regulating cell polarity and directed motility
Jessica R. K. Seifert and Marek Mlodzik
p126 | doi:10.1038/nrg2042
The structure and function of many tissues depends on cells being polarized along several axes. Frizzled/planar cell polarity signalling is a conserved mechanism that establishes such polarity in cells through the asymmetric distribution of its components.
The evolution of sex: empirical insights into the roles of epistasis and drift
J. Arjan G. M. de Visser and Santiago F. Elena
p139 | doi:10.1038/nrg1985
Theories of how sex evolved are now being explored experimentally, particularly regarding the roles of epistasis and drift. Although a generalizable theory remains elusive, new models, including theories that involve genetic architecture and robustness, are helping to understand the available evidence.
Perspectives
Science and society
Educating health-care professionals about genetics and genomics
Alan E. Guttmacher, Mary E. Porteous and Joseph D. McInerney
p151 | doi:10.1038/nrg2007
To ensure that the benefits of genomics reach all patients, primary health-care providers must be fully aware of current genomic and genetic issues and technologies. This article looks at what needs to be done to achieve this.
Science and society
Advocacy groups as research organizations: the PXE International example
Sharon F. Terry, Patrick F. Terry, Katherine A. Rauen, Jouni Uitto and Lionel G. Bercovitch
p157 | doi:10.1038/nrg1991
Translational research for rare genetic diseases often suffers from a lack of funding. Advocacy groups that support individuals who are affected by such conditions are well placed to motivate and coordinate research that is aimed squarely at generating translational advances.
Correspondence
Correspondence: Microsatellite markers for genome-wide association studies
Seiamak Bahram and Hidetoshi Inoko
doi:10.1038/nrg1962-c1
Author Reply: Microsatellite markers for genome-wide association studies
Eric Jorgenson and John S Witte
doi:10.1038/nrg1962-c2