Molecular biology

Roukos and Longo recount the findings of two 1982 papers, which proved that chromosomes and spaghetti are not alike.

Brown adipose tissue acquires increased thermogenic capacity with prolonged cold exposure through de novo recruitment of brown adipocytes. Studies by Shamsi et al. and Angueira et al. identify novel cellular origins of cold-induced brown adipocytes and further elucidate the molecular mechanism regulating the expansion of brown adipose tissue.

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of malignant evolution that underpins cancer progression and therapeutic evasion. There are few established experimental systems to study CIN and ultimately develop potential therapeutic options. A new study now identifies the MSL chromatin complex as a potential vulnerability against CIN in cancer cells.

The conserved chromatin remodeller DECREASED IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1) has long been an enigma given its powerful but likely indirect effect in maintaining plant DNA methylation. In this issue of Nature Cell Biology, Osakabe et al. show that the direct action of DDM1 is deposition of the H2A.W histone variant to silence transposable elements.