Researchers at Harvard University have found that genes produce extracoding RNA to prevent silencing by DNA methylase 1. This discovery has therapeutic potential as an 'on-off switch' for gene expression.
A new computational tool called ExpressionBlast enables searches based on experimental values, revealing links between diseases and treatments. Researchers used the tool to uncover clues about SIRT6, a potentially important drug target involved in immune response, metabolism, and gender-specific gene regulation.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute developed a new gene regulation system called CRISPR-on, which can activate multiple genes concurrently and precisely control their expression levels. The system has been shown to be effective in both mouse and human cells as well as in mouse embryos.
A Penn State-led research team found that histone protein changes can control whether a gene functions, with the potential to maintain genetic expression and prevent disease. The study's findings have significant implications for the study of diseases like cancer and understanding cellular behavior.
A study of gene expression in five closely related mouse species reveals the first steps of evolution in gene regulation. The research found that transcription-factor binding variation is an important indicator of gene-regulation activity.
Researchers have shown that inhalable gene therapy can completely reverse pulmonary arterial hypertension in rat models and reduce expression of SERCA2a, an enzyme critical for calcium pumping. This approach may offer a promising therapeutic intervention for PAH patients.
A new UCLA study found that different types of happiness have surprisingly different effects on the human genome. People with eudaimonic well-being showed favorable gene-expression profiles in their immune cells, while those with hedonic well-being showed an adverse profile.
Researchers found that intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y gene suppressed mossy fiber sprouting, inhibited abnormal synaptophysin expression, and reduced epileptic seizures. This study suggests a recombinant adeno-associated virus expression vector carrying the neuropeptide Y gene as a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers have developed a new technology that can quickly turn genes on and off by shining light, enabling precise control over gene expression. This innovation has potential applications in understanding learning and memory, as well as studying epigenetic modifications.
Researchers found that Nanog is expressed similarly to other pluripotency markers, contradicting previous findings. This discovery could lead to reconsideration of the role of Nanog in differentiating embryonic stem cells.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center discovered a new layer of complexity in human gene expression, finding a single gene that encodes two separate proteins from the same mRNA sequence. This discovery could lead to a therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia type-6 (SCA6), a neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers at Uni Basel have discovered Sox4 as a key player in cancer metastasis, triggering the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. The study found that Sox4 promotes the expression of genes involved in EMT and metastasis, leading to changes in gene expression and cell behavior.
A gene expression study highlights genes that help buffer grapevines against environmental change and may explain the different quality performances of grapevine when grown in different terroirs. The research could be used to identify and breed grapevine varieties better suited to climate change.
Researchers have discovered the functional importance of enhancer-directed RNAs, also known as eRNAs, which boost or enhance nearby genes. The discovery could provide a new way to alter gene expression in a cell-specific manner, potentially treating diseases.
A recent study has revealed the magnitude of variation in gene expression measurements within breast cancers. Combining samples from multiple biopsies from a single tumour can effectively overcome this variation for selected genes, allowing for more precise treatment tailoring and reliable predictions related to disease progression.
A recent study published at the 5th IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference finds that gene expression tests can effectively tailor cancer treatments to individual patients, despite variability in tumor cell types and gene expression. The researchers analyzed 78 biopsies from 26 tumors and found that some genomic tests were more reliable than ...
A study by UC Riverside researchers identifies the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as the site of action for miRNA-mediated gene silencing. The ER, a cellular organelle, plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression through translation inhibition.
Researchers at UMMS found that small amounts of junk foods can trigger significant changes in gene expression and physiology, potentially impacting human health. The study used C. elegans as a model organism and identified a genetic regulatory network facilitating rapid responses to internal and external cues.
A special issue of Translational Research highlights the progress and challenges of gene therapy research, focusing on clinically meaningful studies that combine patient observations with smart experiments. The approach of gene therapy may be applicable to all genetic disorders, offering a promising path for treatment and cure.
A recent study reveals that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA expression alterations, specifically the repression of miR-487b, play a crucial role in lung carcinogenesis. Loss of miR-487b increases oncogene expression and enhances tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in both normal and cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a synthetic gene circuit that can dial up or down gene expression in human cells, enabling refined research for drug resistance and cancer treatment. The circuit's precision will allow scientists to test the boundaries of genes known to confer resistance ...
Researchers found abnormal gene expression in fetuses of obese women, suggesting potential effects on brain development. The study suggests that maternal obesity may contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children.
A new gene has been identified with a key role in obesity and diabetes, regulating fat storage and energy expenditure. The study suggests that blocking this gene could lead to therapies for obesity and related illnesses.
A study published in Cell Reports found that the position of a gene within chromatin affects its expression, contradicting the concept of a singular 'histone code'. The researchers inserted the same gene into 90 different locations in yeast chromosome and discovered significant differences in gene activity.
Researchers discovered that embryo growth is controlled by oscillating gene expression in neighboring cells, resulting in well-proportioned animals. The speed of this wave determines the size of future vertebrae, with faster waves indicating larger vertebrae.
A recent study by Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology has led to the redefinition of hormone-sensitive breast tumours, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Gene expression analysis revealed discrepancies between histopathological data and molecular profiles, prompting a new definition that incorporates progesterone receptor levels.
Lung cancer researchers at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center identified a gene involved in non-small cell lung cancer tumor growth, leading to potential new treatments that inhibit tumor growth. The study found that the Fn14 gene is elevated in NSCLC tumors and promotes migration and invasion.
Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.
Whitehead scientists found that traditional approaches ignore differences in mRNA amounts between cells, which can lead to misinterpretations in cancer research. The team proposes using RNA spike-ins as a standardized control to eliminate assumptions.
A Simon Fraser University physicist has discovered a link between variable methylation in DNA and various attributes such as age, gender, stress, and socioeconomic status. The study found that childhood poverty left a detectable molecular mark on an individual's DNA, which correlated with gene expression.
A recent genome-wide evaluation by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has found specific genes and alterations in their expression to be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study identified cis-effects in the MAPT region and trans-effects involving SNCA, MAPT, and RIT2 genes.
Research reveals that gene length is crucial for protein expression, with shorter genes utilizing specialized terminators to avoid repression. This finding highlights the importance of gene ends in regulating gene activity.
Biologists at Ruhr-Universität used a combination of laser microdissection and RNA-seq to analyze gene activity in the entire genome of certain fungi. They found that gene expression differs between tissue types, with some genes active only in specific tissues.
A study by Emmanouil Dermitzakis and colleagues found that genetic variants impact gene expression differently in men and women. The researchers discovered that even with the same DNA mutation, the effect on gene expression varies between sexes.
Researchers found that high viral load and cancer-specific viral gene expression are key markers for identifying HPV-driven tumors. These findings suggest that HPV DNA positivity alone is a poor predictor of outcome in head and neck cancers.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have discovered two gene variants that increase the risk of neuroblastoma and promote its progression. These variants in HACE1 and LIN28B genes were found to exert opposite effects, with low expression of HACE1 and high expression of LIN28B correlating with worse patient survival.
A new study has identified a gene that appears to make women happy, but not men. The low-expression form of the MAOA gene is associated with higher self-reported happiness in women.
A study reveals that repressor proteins like Set2 recruit de-acetylases and chromatin remodelers Isw1 to block histone exchange and prevent erroneous transcription. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining accurate gene expression, which is often disrupted in diseases such as cancer.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveal that histone exchange occurs over a large proportion of genes, controlling gene expression. They also find that the Set2 protein plays a complex role in regulating transcription, preventing cryptic RNA transcripts and maintaining chromosomal stability.
Researchers found that genes are only moderately sensitive for cadmium and zinc, but can be a more sensitive indicator for copper. The study suggests that genes may not be the best early warning indicator of ecological risks, contrary to previous assumptions. Further investigation is needed with more data.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a gene called HLX that is over-expressed in leukemia stem cells, leading to the development of abnormal white blood cells. Targeting elevated HLX expression may be a promising novel strategy for treating acute myeloid leukemia.
Researchers found that moles' SOX9 expression occurs sooner in hands than feet, allowing for stronger forelegs and enlarged digging front paws. This adaptation enabled moles to thrive underground, with specialized features such as Os falciforme.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a method to model an organism's metabolism and gene expression simultaneously. The technology enables detailed calculations of the total cost of synthesizing chemicals, including biofuels, by accounting for material and energy requirements.
Scientists have discovered a method to harness hydrogen peroxide's oxidizing property to switch on gene expression in live mammalian cells. The researchers designed a molecule that reacts with hydrogen peroxide and expresses the firefly luciferase gene, causing cells to glow.
The Gene Expression Commons enables researchers to see the whole picture of gene expression in a sample, overcoming limitations of DNA microarray technology. By analyzing collections of thousands of publicly available DNA microarray experiments, scientists can compare absolute levels of expression among many genes in each cell type.
A new gene therapy approach has been developed to deliver full-length versions of large genes, improving skeletal muscle function in patients with genetic disorders like dysferlinopathies. The strategy may hold new hope for treating limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B and other muscular dystrophies.
A novel gene therapy strategy using hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) nanoparticles has been developed for cardiac repair. The strategy, known as HRE-VEGF, provides a safer alternative to current VEGF gene delivery systems and shows promise for treating myocardial infarction.
Gene therapy successfully replaces protein missing in Pompe disease when targeting liver cells, reducing immune system reaction. Combining liver-expressing vector with ubiquitously expressing vector boosts overall effectiveness of the treatment.
A new gene expression test can accurately classify thyroid nodules as low-risk, allowing for the avoidance of unnecessary surgeries and lifelong hormone replacement treatment. The test demonstrated a 92% correct identification rate and 85-95% negative predictive value, ruling out malignancy.
Researchers at UCLA have combined gene expression and peripheral blood analysis to identify potential precursors of autism. The study found strong links between genetic variations in specific regions of the genome and altered expression patterns in genes related to nervous-system function.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic identified altered gene expression levels in over 2,000 genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases. These genetic variants contribute to disease development and progression, providing potential targets for new therapies.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed approaches to control long-range genomic interactions during gene expression. By identifying a looping factor, they showed that chromatin looping is a cause, not an effect, of gene transcription.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that exposure to psychoactive pharmaceuticals in water can induce autism-like gene expression in fathead minnows, specifically in those with genetic predisposition. The findings suggest a potential environmental trigger for autism spectrum disorder in vulnerable individuals.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a small inherited change in DNA responsible for overactivating the BAALC gene, which is associated with poor treatment response in acute leukemia. The study found that high levels of RUNX1 protein are linked to high BAALC gene expression.
A new study has identified a gene expression fingerprint associated with low sperm fertilizing capacity, predicting male infertility. The research used RNA profiling to analyze semen samples from 68 donors and found significant differences in gene expression between fertile and infertile individuals.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully generated neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients, paving the way for restoration of normal gene expression. The study identified a chemical compound, 5-azaC, that can clear methyl groups and reactivate FMR1 gene expression in both stem and neuronal brain cells.
Scientists at NC State University developed a method to turn gene expression on and off using light-activated molecules. This technique enables precise control over gene function, potentially leading to targeted therapies for diseases like cancer.
Researchers developed gene expression signatures to predict breast cancer patient responses to chemotherapy. The signatures, based on TOP2A and β-tubulin, accurately predicted complete response rates and combined indices improved accuracy.
Positive results from animal models and initial clinical trial results show promise for retinal gene therapy to treat inherited diseases. Researchers have developed efficient and safe viral delivery systems to introduce therapeutic genes into photoreceptor cells.
Researchers identified a group of patients with high immune response gene expression who are more likely to have their tumors completely eradicated by pre-operative chemotherapy. Patients with HER2-positive and ER-negative/HER2-negative subtypes showed better treatment outcomes.