A study mapping vitamin D receptor genome-wide connections autoimmune disease and cancer genes reveals novel links of vitamin D with disease predisposition. Vitamin D insufficiency is a growing concern worldwide, especially for individuals genetically predisposed to be sensitive to deficiency.
A CSHL-led team found that increased IL-6 secretion can lead to decreased sensitivity to Tarceva, a targeted therapy for lung cancer. They also discovered that tumor cells with up-regulated TGF-β and increased IL-6 secretion were resistant to treatment independently of the EGFR pathway.
Researchers found that MSCs create a supportive niche for HSCs, allowing them to self-renew and develop into blood cells. Altering MSC numbers affects HSC population, suggesting a regulatory interaction between the two cell types.
Researchers have identified a gene, CACGN2, associated with chronic pain susceptibility in humans. The study suggests that genetic variants in this gene may contribute to individual differences in chronic pain experience.
A protocol for detecting targeted chromosomal deletions induced by zinc finger nucleases allows researchers to estimate the frequency of ZFN-induced genomic deletions using PCR-based methods. Immunoprecipitation is also optimized with detailed instructions for lysis conditions, protease inhibitor cocktails, and general preparation.
Researchers identified a gene regulatory link between early brain development and aging, suggesting 'runaway' development may be detrimental. This process is observed in both humans and macaques, with the latter experiencing accelerated rates, potentially limiting their lifespan to one-third that of humans.
Researchers have identified a functional DNA element associated with prostate cancer risk, revealing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the disease. The study found that variants in this region can alter the expression of critical genes, increasing disease risk.
Researchers have successfully reversed symptoms of Type III SMA in mice by introducing an ASO into their spinal cords, promoting efficient inclusion of a critical exon and increasing SMN protein production. The treatment persisted for half a year after administration and showed no toxicity or inflammation.
Two protocols from the Neurobiology of Drosophila course are now available in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols: a method for stimulating neurons in the brain and identifying neuroblasts via immunofluorescent staining. These methods provide insight into the giant fiber system and role of stem cells in development.
Scientists found that p53 loss enables aberrant self-renewal of myeloid precursors, leading to acute myeloid leukemia. In experiments with living mice, the team demonstrated that a combination of p53 and Kras mutations confers resistance to chemotherapy and promotes aggressive AML.
Researchers reanalyze mitochondrial genome data to reveal new insights into the initial peopling of North America, confirming 15 founding maternal lineages from Beringia. The study's findings suggest that genetic diversity was significantly underestimated in previous estimates.
Researchers at CSHL discovered new modes of mRNA regulation involving Ago2 and Drosha proteins, highlighting a previously unappreciated complexity in gene expression control. The study found that mRNAs can be targeted for destruction by multiple molecules, expanding our understanding of post-transcriptional events.
The article discusses gel electrophoresis of RNA, a widely used technique for detection, quantification, and purification. It also highlights the use of avian imaging in live imaging of fluorescently labeled cells within a living embryo, providing insight into vertebrate development.
Researchers have identified intrinsic properties of DNA that influence mutation rate, including the impact of CpG content. The study suggests that the co-variation of CpG content and non-CpG mutation rate is a property of the DNA sequence itself.
The study found that only 88 Neandertal proteins differ from human proteins, indicating a high degree of similarity between the two species at the proteome level. This discovery suggests that many Neandertal functions may be neutral or have been lost over time.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has published new methods for plant gene expression and Xenopus imaging, enabling faster and more efficient investigation of gene function. These protocols utilize Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and confocal microscopy to study cellular behavior and subcellular processes in plants and frog embryos.
Researchers analyzed genetic networks of microRNAs in tumors to understand how interactions go awry in disease. The study found that normal network interactions have become disrupted or rewired in cancer, contributing to disease progression.
Scientists sequenced the genome of the spontaneously hypertensive rat to understand causes of human hypertension. The study identified 788 genes mutated in SHR, including those related to ion transport and immunological processes, which may be causally associated with the disease.
Researchers have uncovered a new pathway of microRNA generation, revealing why Argonaute2 proteins are necessary in mammals. This alternative route bypasses the Dicer enzyme, allowing Ago2 to directly mature and regulate genes.
Researchers found that the Retinoblastoma protein targets DNA replication genes during cellular senescence, preventing cancer cells from replicating. This mechanism is crucial for tumor suppression, and its disruption can lead to genomic instability and malignant tumors.
Researchers use tissue engineering to create healthy organs and neuronal circuits, enabling live imaging of transplanted tissues and neural activity. The protocols provide methods for monitoring tissue perfusion, cell survival, and interaction/integration, allowing for improved culturing and implantation techniques.
Researchers discover how breast cancer cells become resistant to hormone-dependent treatments like tamoxifen by activating a specific biochemical cascade. The study reveals the permanent stimulation of cyclic AMP in cells refractory to therapy, providing key answers to understanding resistance.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that blocking PI3 kinase signaling improves memory in aging fruit flies, reducing β-amyloid deposits. The study sheds light on the role of PI3 kinase in Alzheimer's disease and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have discovered a single gene responsible for increased yield and improved sweetness in hybrid tomato plants. The gene, called florigen, produces a protein that regulates flowering and fruit production, leading to higher yields and sweeter fruits.
Researchers at CSHL and Mexico's National Polytechnic Institute successfully inhibited asexual reproduction in a sexually reproducing plant by silencing transposons. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of genetically identical seeds with valuable parental traits, greatly increasing crop yields.
Researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard present a new method for identifying protein-bait interactions, allowing for sensitive detection and discrimination of specific interactions. The method uses quantitative proteomics approaches to compare enrichment with the bait of interest against samples using control baits.
Researchers identified a link between aging and abnormal gene expression patterns in schizophrenia patients, suggesting that age-related aberrant regulation of developmental genes may explain the manifestation of the disease. The study supports early intervention and treatment tailored to the patient's age.
A study published in Genome Research has identified 11 novel gene fusions and 12 cases of chimeric transcripts in melanoma tumors. These genomic alterations, including rearrangements of genes and altered protein function, may play a role in the disease.
Researchers at CSHL have identified a protein called Rac as the regulator of forgetting in short-term memories. Elevated Rac activity accelerates memory decay, while inhibition slows it down.
Researchers developed a novel computational model to identify genetic interactions using high-dimensional morphological data from single-cell images. The method was demonstrated in fruit flies, where it accurately inferred Rho-signaling network interactions more precisely than previous approaches.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols presents high-throughput methods for mapping active gene regulatory elements using DNase-seq, and analyzing DNA synthesis with BrdU-IP-chip. These techniques enable genome-wide identification of genetic regulatory elements and analysis of DNA metabolism.
A study at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified three molecular factors that contribute to high levels of PK-M2 in cancer cells, which promotes rapid cell proliferation and tumor growth. The researchers found that forcing a reduction in the levels of these factors could reverse the Warburg effect and restore normal metabolism.
Researchers found that tumor-associated macrophages produce high levels of proteases cathepsin B and S, enhancing tumor growth and invasion. Interleukin-4 stimulation by tumors stimulates increased Cts B and S activity, providing a potential therapeutic target.
A novel mouse model of demyelinating disorder has been developed, revealing the critical role of gene ZFP191 in CNS myelination. The study found that mice with a mutation in ZFP191 exhibit severe deficiency in CNS myelination, leading to tremors and seizures.
Scientists from CSHL and Hebrew University Medical Center use next-gen sequencing to rapidly identify the mutated TMEM216 gene as the cause of Joubert Syndrome. The study reveals a high carrier rate of 1:92 among Ashkenazi Jews, making it possible to prevent the disease through premarital genetic screening.
CSHL scientists have discovered how a protein called DDK triggers DNA replication by releasing a built-in brake on Mcm4. This finding may help shape the development of new cancer therapies.
Researchers discovered a protein called MLL that bookmarks highly active genes in cells, enabling rapid gene reactivation after cell division. This finding may help understand how mutated MLL contributes to abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation in leukemia.
A new protocol for fluorescence in situ hybridization allows phylogenetic identification of microorganisms in environmental samples. Meanwhile, a dual-color ELISPOT assay enables simultaneous detection of IL-2 and IFN-γ secreting T cells, promising to monitor immune responses to certain infectious agents.
A CSHL team discovered rules governing the processing and sorting of small RNAs in the RNAi pathway. The rules determine which strand of a duplex is chosen to interact with the Argonaute protein, affecting gene regulation and potential therapeutic applications.
A team of scientists has discovered that the fatal facial tumors decimating Australia's Tasmanian devil population probably originated in Schwann cells. The researchers identified a genetic marker to accurately diagnose the facial cancers, called devil facial tumor disease (DFTD).
Researchers analyzed DNA methylation in identical twins discordant for autoimmune disease lupus, finding widespread epigenetic changes that may play a role in the disease. The study suggests environmental factors and lifestyle differences may contribute to differential disease onset.
New live cell imaging techniques allow researchers to visualize dynamic changes in living cells, providing insights into biological processes. The application of computational image processing is also crucial for extracting meaningful data from this type of imaging.
A team co-led by CSHL scientists published a reference genome of maize, revealing its complex DNA sequence and 'wonderful diversity'. The 2.3 billion base-pair sequence contains over 32,500 genes and provides a detailed reference manual for annotating the genome.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have successfully mapped the molecular structure of a key portion of the NMDA receptor, which is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. This achievement provides a crucial step towards developing targeted treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has found that certain types of aggressive tumors lacking p53 protein can be stopped in their tracks when TAp63, a sister protein, steps in. Researchers were able to shut off tumor growth by increasing TAp63 levels, which induced senescence and prevented cancer cell division.
Scientists have analyzed the genome structures of bioethanol-producing microorganisms, uncovering genetic clues that will be critical in developing new technologies needed to implement production on a global scale. The studies identified genomic properties of industrial fuel yeasts that likely gave rise to more robust strains.
A team of researchers has identified a promising drug candidate for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 6,000 babies born in the US. The tetracycline-like compound boosts SMN protein levels by fixing an RNA splicing error, resulting in increased functional protein production.
The article features laboratory methods for high-throughput genotyping, including single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and next-generation sequencing. The tandem affinity purification (TAP) procedure is also presented as a method for protein purification.
Researchers identified microRNA-mediated suppression of tumor metastasis in breast cancer, highlighting three key miR-31 targets. These targets regulate metastatic colonization, a critical step in the metastasis process.
A CSHL-led team discovered a rare mutation on human chromosome 16 that dramatically increases the risk of schizophrenia. The mutation is associated with an eight-fold increased risk, and studies also found a correlation between 16p11.2 mutations and head size.