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The Y-family DNA polymerases have unique features that enable them to synthesize DNA past damaged bases, a process known as translesion synthesis. As these polymerases copy undamaged DNA with low fidelity, their activity must be tightly regulated.
The influence of chromatin structure on the DNA replication programme is reciprocated by replication-coupled mechanisms that re-establish chromatin on newly formed DNA. The tight coupling of these processes is essential for promoting integrity of the genome and epigenome, with possible implications for ageing and cancer.
The incorporation of unnatural amino acids at defined sites in proteins can now be used to probe protein conformational changes, protein interactions and the role of post-translational modifications in regulating biological function. The use of photocaged amino acids and bio-orthogonal labels for proteins holds great promise for cell biological studies in live cells.
Septins are highly conserved, GTP-binding proteins that form hetero-oligomeric complexes and higher-order structures, such as filaments and rings. By acting as scaffolds or diffusion barriers, they have roles in numerous biological processes, including cell division and host–pathogen interactions.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling is central in the regulation of cellular function. Here, Vanhaesebroecket al.review the key discoveries that led the identification of the PI3K genes and function to the design of clinical trials with PI3K inhibitors, over a period of less than three decades.
