Genome's Constant Folding Linked to Cell Identity and Disease

New research reveals DNA's dynamic 3D structure plays key role in gene activity and health.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:49am

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A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise organic spirals, conceptually representing the dynamic 3D organization of the human genome and its role in gene regulation.An abstract visualization of the genome's constantly shifting 3D structure, which plays a critical role in regulating gene activity and maintaining cell identity.San Diego Today

Scientists have discovered that DNA is not a static blueprint, but a constantly shifting, folding structure that helps control how genes turn on and off. Researchers found that different parts of the genome loop and unloop at different speeds, with more active regions constantly reshaping themselves to support gene activity. This dynamic 3D organization of the genome appears to be critical for maintaining cell identity and function, and disruptions in this process may contribute to conditions like cancer and developmental disorders.

Why it matters

Understanding how the genome's 3D structure and dynamics relate to gene expression and cell identity could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by errors in DNA folding, such as cancer and developmental disorders. This research provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions.

The details

The study, led by Jesse Dixon, MD, PhD, at the Salk Institute, found that the genome's 3D organization is not fixed, but constantly shifting. By studying different human cell types, the researchers discovered that DNA repeatedly unfolds and refolds at varying speeds across the genome, directly affecting how genes are turned on or off. They noticed that more stable regions tended to contain inactive genes, while rapidly changing regions were linked to genes that were actively being used. This suggests the genome's movement may help cells maintain their identity and function.

  • The study was published in Nature Genetics in March 2026.
  • The research was supported by federal grants and private funding.

The players

Jesse Dixon

Senior author of the study, associate professor and holder of the Helen McLoraine Developmental Chair at the Salk Institute.

Tessa Popay

First author of the study, a postdoctoral researcher in Dixon's lab at the Salk Institute.

Salk Institute

A non-profit research organization where the study was conducted.

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What they’re saying

“There are six billion base pairs in your genome, and in the last decade we've been learning about the molecular machines that fold and organize that massive amount of information. What's interesting is that this folding doesn't just happen once and then the genome stays put -- it seems to be constantly unfolding and refolding.”

— Jesse Dixon, Senior author, associate professor

“Current data around the spatial organization of the genome suggest that genome folding has little impact on gene expression -- but we thought, perhaps we just aren't looking at it in the right way. By specifically disrupting folding dynamics, we were able to identify the aspects of spatial genome organization that contribute to gene regulation and expression.”

— Tessa Popay, First author, postdoctoral researcher

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate how disruptions in the genome's dynamic 3D structure contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases, with the goal of identifying potential new treatment targets.

The takeaway

This research provides important new insights into how the genome's constant folding and unfolding is critical for maintaining cell identity and function, and how errors in this process may underlie various health conditions. Understanding these dynamic genome mechanisms could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases linked to problems with DNA organization.