A recent study investigates the role of newly evolved genes in regulating the cell cycle, which is crucial for cell division.

This research employs an interdisciplinary approach that merges cell cycle biology with genomics, facilitating collaborative hypothesis testing and experimental design.

The study emphasizes the importance of analyzing gene activity changes during cell division, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of the work.

Key contributions came from researchers Romain Forey, Cyril Pulver, and Alex Lederer, who created a detailed atlas of gene activity during the human cell cycle, making it accessible to both researchers and the public.

Among the significant findings was the identification of ZNF519, a gene unique to primates, which is essential for accurate DNA copying prior to cell division; its disruption leads to slowed cell growth.

The study also found that knocking down specific transcription factors caused cells to become stuck at certain stages of the cell cycle, disrupting normal division processes.

Another important protein, ZNF274, which is present in mammals but absent in older species, regulates the timing of genome duplication, impacting epigenome maintenance and nuclear organization.

The researchers are optimistic that their comprehensive resource on human cell cycle gene expression will aid scientists worldwide in advancing studies of cell biology and disease.

The findings from this research may help explain the differences in cancer prevalence and behavior between humans and other mammals, contributing to a broader understanding of developmental disorders.