Table of contents
June 2007 Vol 8 No 6
From the editors
p405 | doi:10.1038/nrg2127
Research Highlights
RNA world: MicroRNAs: unicellular organisms also have their share | PDF (107 KB)
p406 | doi:10.1038/nrg2130
Gene regulation: A multilayered take on gene expression | PDF (99 KB)
p407 | doi:10.1038/nrg2133
In brief
Development | Metagenomics | Plant genetics | Gene regulation | PDF (87 KB)
p407 | doi:10.1038/nrg2135
Human disease: Protein rescue to treat genetic disorders | PDF (98 KB)
p408 | doi:10.1038/nrg2131
Development: The generation switch | PDF (79 KB)
p408 | doi:10.1038/nrg2132
Genomics: The first marsupial genome sequence | PDF (82 KB)
p408 | doi:10.1038/nrg2134
Human genetics: Obesity allele makes a big difference | PDF (141 KB)
p409 | doi:10.1038/nrg2129
Genomics: Rhesus macaque joins the club | PDF (343 KB)
p410 | doi:10.1038/nrg2121
Epigenetics: Absent mutations make their presence felt | PDF (157 KB)
p410 | doi:10.1038/nrg2128
In brief
Development | Genomics | Imprinting | PDF (84 KB)
p411 | doi:10.1038/nrg2136
An Interview With...
Anne McLaren | PDF (121 KB)
p412 | doi:10.1038/nrg2123
Reviews
Genome-wide transcription and the implications for genomic organization
Philipp Kapranov, Aarron T. Willingham & Thomas R. Gingeras
p413 | doi:10.1038/nrg2083
Genome-wide analyses of transcriptional output in eukaryotes have revealed an unanticipated transcriptome complexity. These findings imply a complex, interleaved genomic organization, in which individual sequences carry multiple and overlapping informational content. The authors discuss the evidence for, and functional and evolutionary consequences of, this organization.
Mammalian RNA polymerase II core promoters: insights from genome-wide studies
Albin Sandelin, Piero Carninci, Boris Lenhard, Jasmina Ponjavic, Yoshihide Hayashizaki & David A. Hume
p424 | doi:10.1038/nrg2026
Genome-wide discovery and characterization of core promoters has revealed that most mammalian genes are transcribed from multiple promoters, each of them starting from multiple nucleotide positions, not directed by a TATA box. The authors propose a new classification of promoters.
Exploring genetic interactions and networks with yeast
Charles Boone, Howard Bussey & Brenda J. Andrews
p437 | doi:10.1038/nrg2085
Powerful tools for carrying out large-scale genetic-interaction screens have made budding yeast a leading model system for understanding gene networks. Studies in yeast also provide a basis for extending our understanding to networks in more complex eukaryotes.
Network motifs: theory and experimental approaches
Uri Alon
p450 | doi:10.1038/nrg2102
The transcription regulation networks that control gene expression consist of a series of recurring logical wiring patterns — network motifs. By understanding the properties of these simple motifs we can start to understand the complexity of whole networks.
Spindle orientation, asymmetric division and tumour suppression in Drosophila stem cells
Cayetano Gonzalez
p462 | doi:10.1038/nrg2103
Although they do not get cancer naturally, genetically manipulated Drosophila melanogaster are a useful model for studying tumours. Recent results highlight the importance of asymmetric cell division and proper spindle alignment for preventing stem cells from giving rise to tumours.
Perspectives
Opinion
The developmental genetics of homology
Günter P. Wagner
p473 | doi:10.1038/nrg2099
Some structures, such as mammalian forelimbs and bird wings, are obviously homologous, but the basis of this is often elusive as the developmental genes involved are not homologous. The author argues that it is instead the gene regulatory networks that are homologous.
Science and society
Can we develop ethically universal embryonic stem-cell lines?
Ronald M Green
p480 | doi:10.1038/nrg2066
New approaches to the derivation of human embryonic stem cells are being developed, with the aim of getting around the ethical questions that surround standard techniques. But are any of these new methods really free from ethical objections?
