Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation found that genome architecture influences gene expression during cell reprogramming. The study reveals that transcription factors promote chromatin changes before gene activation, suggesting a new role in controlling cell fate.
Researchers at CRG discover a mechanism regulating alpha-synuclein protein linked to Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Two factors, TIAR and ELAVL1, are deemed crucial in neurodegeneration, offering potential biomarkers for early detection and new treatment targets.
A genetic analysis of 33 Candida glabrata strains found that they can reproduce sexually, exchanging genes that may lead to drug resistance. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of candidiasis and highlights the need for a more diverse approach in studying this pathogen.
A genetic mutation that occurred 700 million years ago may have facilitated the connection of gene networks involved in animal embryogenesis, leading to the formation of complex organs. This discovery highlights the importance of serendipity in evolution and the versatility of biological tools.
A team of scientists discovered that a major cause of variation between genetically identical C. elegans worms is their mother's age, particularly in younger mothers. The study found that the youngest mothers produce offspring with impaired characteristics such as size, growth rate, and starvation resistance.
Scientists demonstrate that Leishmania adaptation results from frequent and reversible chromosomal amplifications, which enables the parasite to maintain genetic diversity while selecting for new alleles. This study has important consequences for understanding human Leishmania infection and identifying parasite drug resistance mechanisms.
Researchers develop RNA Capture Long Seq (CLS) method to map non-coding DNA regions, improving gene catalogues for long non-coding RNAs. The new method enhances genomic databases like GENCODE, enabling better understanding of genomic function and its impact on health and disease.
Scientists developed ELM-seq technique to scan DNA sequences and find optimal 'control dials' that regulate gene activity. The study revealed importance of RNA message's first letter and three-dimensional structure in determining gene transcription and translation.
Researchers found that impaired DNA replication can lead to genome-wide epigenetic changes, resulting in the inheritance of new gene expression states for up to five generations. These epigenetic alterations establish new gene expression patterns that can be passed down through multiple generations.
A study by researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation reveals that mistakes made by a DNA spellchecker can lead to cancer mutations. The findings suggest that high levels of alcohol and exposure to sunlight can shift the balance of DNA repair mechanisms, causing errors in critical parts of the genome.
The ORION project aims to explore ways to open up research funding, organization, and processes to the public. It will develop good practices and concrete actions for research organizations to implement Open Science and Responsible Research Innovation (RRI). The project will generate new training content, share lessons learned, and dis...
A recent study published in PLOS Biology has made the first detailed map of the brain regions in amphioxus, a fish-like marine chordate closely related to vertebrates. The findings challenge prevailing ideas about brain formation and suggest that the vertebrate brain evolved from two initial regions rather than three.
A new method has been developed to ensure reproducibility in computational experiments, addressing a major challenge in science. Nextflow, a workflow management system, provides a standardized framework for managing computational workflows and integrating resources such as data repositories and cloud computing.
Scientists discovered that environmental changes can be passed on in the genes of tiny nematode worms for at least 14 generations. This phenomenon was observed in worms carrying a transgene array, which showed increased activity after exposure to warmer temperatures.
Researchers created a three-dimensional map of Mycoplasma pneumoniae's circular chromosome, revealing a previously unknown layer of gene regulation. The study found that the tiny bacterium's genome is organised into distinct structural domains, each containing genes turned on or off in a coordinated way.
A team of researchers has identified a gene that causes Opitz C syndrome in the only patient diagnosed with this ultra-rare disorder in Catalonia. The study used DNA massive sequencing techniques to identify the altered genes in each patient, providing new insights into the genetic basis of this disease.
Researchers have developed a new tool called CRISPETa, which allows for easy and efficient DNA deletion using CRISPR-Cas9. The software can design optimised pairs of sgRNAs for deleting specific regions of non-coding DNA.
A new computational tool, Global Score, predicts protein interactions with long non-coding RNAs, integrating global and local features to prioritize binding partners for experimental validation. This methodological advance will help better study the functions of these molecules in normal cell function and disease.
Researchers sequenced the Iberian lynx genome, finding extreme erosion of its DNA and low genetic diversity. This limits its ability to adapt to environmental changes, with multiple potentially harmful genetic variants identified.
Researchers at Centre for Genomic Regulation develop new technology to detect latent HIV, shedding light on expression landscape of the virus in human genome. The technology shows that different HIV reactivation drugs target different locations within chromosome, leading to more selective treatment.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have identified a new pathway to therapy discovery for Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking the activity of messenger RNA (mRNA) is enough to revert alterations associated with the disease.
Researchers found a molecular switch that flips between different versions of genes, enabling stem cells to regenerate and differentiate across all animals. This discovery suggests an ancient mechanism critical for animal stem cell properties.
Researchers at CRG have discovered an active repression mechanism involving the progesterone receptor in hormone-dependent breast cancer cells, affecting 650 genes. The study identifies a protein FOXA1 that signals genes for repression by compacting chromatin and restricting gene access.
A team of researchers has sequenced the complete genome of the olive tree, a species domesticated over 6,000 years ago. The findings reveal over 56,000 genes and provide insights into the tree's evolution, longevity, and adaptability to environmental conditions.
A phase 2 study shows that epigallocatechin gallate and a cognitive stimulation protocol improve visual memory recognition, inhibitory control, and adaptive behavior in individuals with Down's syndrome. The treatment may be a promising approach to enhance quality of life for those affected.
Researchers at Center for Genomic Regulation discover a new pathway generating energy in the cell nucleus to deal with stressful situations and high levels of DNA damage. The key enzyme NUDIX5 is identified as crucial for nuclear ATP synthesis, which could lead to targeted cancer medicine and biomarker development.
Researchers have mapped the 'fitness landscape' of a jellyfish gene, showing how multiple mutations interact to affect protein function and fluorescence levels. The study provides insights into how genetic changes combine to influence traits and diseases.
Researchers have identified a signaling pathway that prevents DNA damage during cell division, ensuring identical copies are passed on to daughter cells. Chromatin bridges can form if DNA replication is problematic, but these bridges do not always trigger an alarm signal.
A citizen science project has drawn an oral microbiome map for young people, revealing subtle differences in their oral health based on geography, diet, and lifestyle. Over 4,000 participants contributed to the project, which also serves as an educational tool, teaching statistics and biology.
An Ibero-American team has sequenced the Mesoamerican common bean genome, which will aid in improving production and conserving genetic varieties. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as it will help identify genes involved in disease resistance, drought tolerance, and seed quality.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, Spain, have shed new light on the evolution of eukaryotic cells by studying mitochondrial acquisition. The study found that acquiring mitochondria occurred late in cell evolution, suggesting a crucial milestone in life's complexity.
Researchers found that chromatin marks are irrelevant for regulating genes expressed in specific tissues during development. The study challenges current beliefs about epigenetics and offers new insights into gene expression.
The OPATHY network aims to create innovative diagnostic tools for yeast diseases by leveraging high-throughput technologies like genomics and transcriptomics. The project will provide multidisciplinary training for PhD students to develop original scientific and clinical strategies for treating yeast infections.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have discovered a unique genetic switch that guides stem cells into developing specialized heart muscle. The discovery of the Mel18 protein is expected to reveal underlying causes of heart defects and potentially lead to new methods for controlling stem cells in the laboratory.
Researchers propose a new theory on the origin of yeast's whole genome duplication, suggesting it was caused by hybridization between two species. This finding contradicts the current scientific consensus and provides new insight into the process of genome evolution.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have developed Brain Polyphony, a device that produces sounds from brain signals, allowing people with cerebral palsy to communicate their emotions. The system uses real-time analysis of brain waves to translate into code words, providing an alternative communication method.
Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation have identified a new mechanism that generates forces to drive cell movements during development, replacing previous theories of shape changes. This discovery contributes to understanding organ development and maintenance by highlighting the role of volume changes and programmed cell death.
CRG scientists map neural circuitry involved in converting olfactory inputs into navigational behaviors in fruit fly Drosophila larva. Brief excitations of identified neurons trigger changes in orientation, demonstrating the necessity and sufficiency of a couple of neurons to control chemotaxis.
The EU-funded MycoSynVac project combines gene engineering and biotechnology to design a novel veterinary vaccine chassis based on Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This chassis will be used to create specific vaccines against two highly detrimental pathogens, as well as for cell therapy and infectious lung disease treatment.
A study published by the GTEx Project Consortia reveals that gene expression variation differs more between organs than individuals, with over 750 genes linked to sex and ethnicity. The research also found that 2,000 genes vary with age, including those related to neurodegenerative diseases.
A study analyzing 17 million mutations in 650 cancer patients found that genetic mistakes are better repaired in some parts of the human genome, with genes switched on having lower mutation rates. The 'mismatch repair' mechanism varies in efficiency depending on chromosome regions.
EU-LIFE centers have secured over 100 ERC-funded grants, demonstrating excellence in basic science. However, budget cuts to the Horizon 2020 program may jeopardize Europe's competitiveness in research and innovation.
A new project called Spark aims to develop a first-in-class drug targeting cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. The project has received a 500,000 euro grant and is led by biotech Iproteos, with partners including Ascil-Biopharm, IRB Barcelona, and the University of the Basque Country.
Researchers have discovered microexons, small gene fragments critical for neuron maturation, providing a new understanding of genome regulation. The study found that these tiny exons play a key role in developing neurons and are highly conserved across vertebrates.
The La Caixa Foundation is funding 46 PhD students at 18 research centres across Spain, including the Center for Genomic Regulation. The programme aims to train internationally competitive scientists.
A team of scientists has developed a detailed map of the bird genome, shedding light on their evolution and diversification. The study reveals that birds have lost hundreds of genes compared to humans, leading to unique traits such as lighter skeletons and respiratory systems.
A team of international researchers has detailed the functional parts of the mouse genome and compared them with those in humans, finding that certain processes are preserved through time. The study reveals new insights into mammalian biology and human illness mechanisms.
A new study recreates the French-flag model of stripe formation by engineering synthetic gene networks in E. coli. Researchers successfully developed a theoretical framework and a mathematical model to understand how genetic information is translated into specific spatial patterns of cellular differentiation.
A new quality control system has been identified in the cell's inner nuclear membrane, degrading misfolded proteins and preventing toxic accumulation. This discovery sheds light on cellular mechanisms for maintaining protein homeostasis.
Researchers have found that Topo 2, an essential enzyme for chromosome separation, needs more time to untangle long chromosomes, which can lead to mutations and cancer. The study suggests that chromosome length affects the enzyme's action and highlights the importance of understanding cell division.