A protein that can recognize regions of DNA with a high proportion of unmethylated CpG dinucleotides, and then recruit polycomb group proteins to these CpG islands, has been identified.

The HITS-CLIP sequencing method is used to demonstrate that cryptic exons can detect messenger RNA that contains nonsense mutations, and then cause this RNA to decay, which shows that these exons are involved in maintaining the electrical balance of neurons and, possibly, preventing epilepsy.

A small RNA molecule called miR-124 controls pheromone production and sexual behaviour in Drosophila by regulating sex-specific gene expression in males.

Cells that give rise to the infectious form of parasitic flatworms called schistosomes show similar patterns of gene expression to stem cells in free-living flatworms.

Cell replenishment within the airways is governed by the random division of a population of basal progenitor cells, in a process that is accelerated in smokers.

The probability of a cellular response to a differentiation inducing signal is correlated with the dynamic expression of a Ras protein, and produces a ‘salt and pepper’ pattern of cell differentiation.

Genetic studies in mice identify the transcription factor MafB as a potent regulator of specific features of the synapses underlying hearing.

Systems-level analysis in vertebrate ciliated epithelial cells shows that the network of genes activated by the transcription factor Rfx2 controls the development, migration, insertion and function of these cells.

Combinations of transcription factors can convert pancreatic acinar cells into endocrine α-, β- and δ-cells in vivo.