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MIT Study Reveals DNA Loops Persist During Cell Division

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers used a new high-resolution mapping technique to challenge the belief that DNA loses its 3D structure during cell division.
They discovered that small 3D loops, or microcompartments, persist and strengthen during mitosis.
These loops connect regulatory elements and genes, implying that gene transcription may spike at the end of mitosis.
The study was published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology.

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Story summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers used a new high-resolution mapping technique to challenge the belief that DNA loses its 3D structure during cell division.
They discovered that small 3D loops, or microcompartments, persist and strengthen during mitosis.
These loops connect regulatory elements and genes, implying that gene transcription may spike at the end of mitosis.
The study was published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology.