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Read more at: A tale of two HUSH complexes: defending cells against invading retroelements

Graphical abstract from the article

A tale of two HUSH complexes: defending cells against invading retroelements

The HUSH complex preserves genome integrity through epigenetic silencing of invasive retroelements. A new study led by Josh Danac in the Tchasovnikarova lab now describes HUSH2, a related complex that instead represses interferon-stimulated genes. The cell exploits competition between HUSH and HUSH2 to couple...

Read more at: Hosting the next generation of scientists

Biochemistry ASTP Students 2024

Hosting the next generation of scientists

Today we say farewell to our first-ever A-level student group of aspiring scientists. We have really enjoyed hosting them this week to gain experience of lab work and research life in Biochemistry. More information about the ASTP programme is here .

Read more at: New article on how the Gallop Lab's research can help people with rare diseases

Adult African Clawed Frog. Photo: Xenbase.

New article on how the Gallop Lab's research can help people with rare diseases

A feature on the Cambridge University website explores the Gallop Lab's research on how the actin cytoskeleton is involved in changing the shape of cells and moving them around as an embryo develops into a fully-formed organism, and how frogs can help people with rare diseases.

Read more at: Biochemistry PhD student wins social impact award

Sam Hodder receives Vice-Chancellor’s Social Impact Award

Biochemistry PhD student wins social impact award

Congratulations to Sam Hodder, who has won the PhD Student Award for the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Social Impact Award ! During a clinical placement, Sam developed Chum, a platform using stories and games to educate children about their cancer and treatments.

Read more at: Opening the tightly linked grass cell wall polymer network leads to improved biomass properties

Reduction of xylan cross linking

Opening the tightly linked grass cell wall polymer network leads to improved biomass properties

The grass family provides staple foods for billions of people worldwide, feed for animals, and biomass for the production of bioenergy. Plant biomass is primarily composed of lignin and polysaccharides that crosslink and interact with each other, forming complex and tightly knit cell walls. These networks of wall...