Researchers identified gene locations involved in fat deposition and diabetes risk, with effects influenced by a mother's weight. Mice with genetic predisposition for diabesity were less obese if nursed by a lean foster mother, hinting at the role of maternal environment in triggering obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a 'map' of the wild emmer wheat genome, revealing hundreds of unique DNA sequences on 14 chromosomes. This new understanding will aid in breeding better wheat crops and shed light on the evolution of wheat.
Researchers identify Dmrt1 as a crucial gene for normal mammalian testis development, providing insights into human testicular degeneration syndrome. The discovery also highlights surprising molecular conservation between vertebrates and invertebrates.
A Chimpanzee Genome Project is proposed due to the remarkable differences in diseases affecting humans and chimps. The project aims to identify genetic factors contributing to these disparities, which could lead to better treatments for both humans and captive apes.
Scientists have sequenced over 73,000 DNA fragments in the rice genome and found that transposons constitute less than 10% of the genome, scattered randomly. This discovery is good news for the completion of the rice sequence and could help locate new genes in rice and other important cereals.
Researchers have sequenced a large segment of the mouse t-complex, identifying 11 nearly overlapping genes, six of which are previously undiscovered. These genes appear to be active in early embryonic development, suggesting that entire regions may turn on and off together as part of developmental choreography.
Researchers discovered how E. coli O157:H7 causes massive cell death in humans, leading to organ failure and death. The bacteria's verotoxins trigger programmed cell death through a Bcl-2 protein sequence, offering potential new treatments for food poisoning.
Researchers found that telomerase expression can activate the c-myc oncogene, a hallmark of cancer cells. This raises concerns about using telomerase in human tissue culture cells for therapeutic purposes.
Researchers sequenced a region of the house finch genome, showing similarities to mammalian genomes in structure. The study found that birds' compact genomes favor metabolic demands related to flight, supporting shared basic genome structure with mammals.
Researchers have used new methods to track the evolution of human chromosomes over a 130 million-year period, finding that one chromosome is shared only with chimpanzees. By examining analogous chromosomes in other mammals, scientists can reconstruct how human chromosomes evolved from ancient origins.
Researchers have located 67 gene regions in hypertensive rats that are also linked to high blood pressure in humans. This study uses a genome-wide approach to pinpoint the exact genes involved in human hypertension, accelerating the search for potential treatments.
Twelve international groups compared their computer programs' power to predict gene elements within a Drosophila DNA region. Many programs detected genes with 95% accuracy, while others struggled with precise gene boundaries and promoter predictions. The project established standards for future improvements.
Researchers discovered a group of genes controlled by leptin that regulate fat tissue mass and body weight. The study found that leptin influences fatty acid synthesis through the regulation of SREBP-1, identifying potential therapeutic targets for treating obesity.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory uncovered a new link in the molecular chain of events thought to underlie learning and memory. Strengthening of nerve cell connections can be largely explained by the movement of AMPA receptors into synapses.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between intersex goats and a rare human disorder causing excess eyelid growth and premature ovarian failure. The study found that the gene region responsible for intersex goats' hornlessness is similar to the human disorder Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus inversus syndrome.
Recent progress in mental retardation research has identified seven X-linked genes whose mutations cause non-specific MR, with most participating in intracellular signaling and the hippocampus. These findings may illuminate not only the causes of mental retardation but also the workings of the healthy human brain.
Researchers found that mice lacking centromere protein B (CENP-B) suffer from reproductive failure due to defects in the uterus. The study suggests CENP-B plays a role in cell divisions that remodel the uterine lining during estrus and pregnancy.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified eight previously unknown genes associated with prostate cancer. The study's 'guilt-by-association' method used statistical analysis to link genes mimicking PSA activity to the disease.
Researchers compare gene order on X and Y chromosomes of humans, cats, and mice, finding that cats and humans have similar gene orders on both chromosomes. A small block of genes with preserved order and spacing was discovered in mouse, cat, and human, suggesting an important function in male reproductive fitness.
A new approach to genome sequencing, called 'walking,' can sequence large segments of the genome in an orderly procession. By reducing redundant sequencing, this method may substantially decrease the cost of sequencing enterprises.
A team of scientists has developed a method to identify common human single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in active genes. By comparing sequences from cDNA libraries across 50 individuals, they found 201 coding SNPs that could provide valuable insights into genetic differences between people.
Researchers propose a novel mechanism for pericentromeric duplication, which has pulled disparate genes to the central regions of hominoid chromosomes. This process may have created new human genes and contributed to evolutionary divergence from Old World primates.
Researchers discover that exposure to novel environments stimulates the zif-268 gene during sleep, which may help consolidate memories. During REM sleep, this gene is reactivated in rats that explored new environments, suggesting a crucial role in memory processing.
Researchers have developed an assay that identifies specific combinations of gene variations linked to heart disease. The assay allows quick access to individuals' genetic profiles, enabling precise diagnostic tests for heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
A study by Robert Hegele and colleagues has discovered a genetic link between the GNB3 gene and obesity in the Canadian Inuit. The researchers found that individuals with a common variant of the GNB3 gene had significantly higher body mass index, waist, and hip girth, indicating a strong association with greater body fat.
Researchers have identified 109 mariner elements in the human genome, which may contribute to genetic disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and hereditary neuropathy. The study's findings suggest that mariner transposons could be a hotspot for genetic change and error.
Scientists have found that the gene order in Arabidopsis, a model eudicot, is not preserved in rice, a model monocot. This discovery reveals an evolutionary divide between dicots and monocots, cautioning against using Arabidopsis genome for understanding cereal crops like rice and wheat.
Researchers have successfully sequenced human chromosome 17 using a microdevice fabricated from glass wafers, demonstrating a bright future for convenient and low-cost sequencing machines. The device holds 500 sequencing machines on a single chip, making it a significant breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology.
Researchers find limited flow of male genes between subpopulations in India due to historically prevalent marriage system. However, they observe certain trends of haplotype sharing between upper and lower castes, suggesting rare conduits for male genes across social ranks.
Researchers have constructed the first complete physical map of an M. grisea chromosome, providing a crucial step towards understanding and combating the devastating effects of the rice blast fungus on global food supplies.
Scientists map lung cancer gene Pas1 to mouse chromosome 6, shedding light on human lung cancers. The researchers also study the evolution of trichromatic vision in humans and primates, revealing gene duplication events that confer color vision abilities.
The completion of a high-density integrated genetic linkage and radiation hybrid map for the laboratory rat is a landmark in genomic science. The maps provide an integrated reference to more than 3,000 genes and ESTs, enabling researchers to connect disorders to their underlying genetic components.
Scientists have developed a technique to produce green fluorescent silk fibers by infecting silkworm larvae with a genetically engineered virus. This approach opens doors for genetic researchers to engineer silk proteins and produces potential economic applications.