HISTONE 1 (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Rice University scientists built a new tool to engineer and understand how human genes are turned on. The team created a synthetic two-part protein based on dCas9 and a modified enzyme called dMSK1 to deliver chemical payloads at precise spots near human genes. The tool causes pinpoint changes to histone marks and with the help of other proteins, the activation of silent human genes. Credit Hilton Lab/Rice University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.