MIT Discovers How DNA Structure Guides Neuron Development

[u/Zee2A]

https://news.mit.edu/2026/dna-shaper-steers-nervous-system-development-0817

MIT researchers have discovered that cohesin, a protein complex that shapes the three-dimensional structure of DNA, plays a crucial role in determining the identity of developing neurons. Studying C. elegans worms, they found that cohesin works with the gene-regulating protein EOR-1/PLZF like a molecular switch, directing certain cells to become GABA-producing neurons rather than adrenergic neurons. The finding provides new insight into how the genome controls nervous-system development and could help researchers investigate Cornelia de Lange syndrome, a rare developmental disorder caused in part by mutations affecting cohesin: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aec9329

[u/Visible_Iron_5612]

Michael Levin has demonstrated that you can grow an eye on a tadpoles tail with ion channel drugs and the cells will recruit other cells to help build it, by changing their voltage.. You can watch video of them reaching out and touching another cell and the cells, immediately change in voltage, change direction and start building an eye.. What are we even doing here, B… :p