Scientific Method / Science & Exploration  Derailing
inflammation using a fake DNA packaging protein  A synthetic
mimic of a protein that normally wraps up DNA can suppress the …
Researchers have figured out how to manipulate the packaging of
DNA to shut down a harmful inflammatory response. Most of our
cells contain the same complement of genes, but different cell
types develop because they express genes at different times and
levels. This continues to be true throughout our lives, as cells
turn genes on or off in response to environmental signals. One
way to switch genes on and off is to change the structure of the
DNA.   All DNA is spooled around proteins called histones. When
it is wound more tightly, genes cannot be activated; when it is
more relaxed, the DNA transcription machinery can get in.
Histones that are chemically modified with an acetyl group bind
to DNA loosely, and thus genes spooled around acetylated
histones are more likely to be expressed.  Inflammation is used
to mount an immune response