A groundbreaking study has revealed insights into the evolution of flowering plants and their reproductive strategies. The Amborella trichopoda genome provides valuable information on the genetic underpinnings of plant diversity, shedding light on the mechanisms that determine plant sex.
Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will use long-read genome sequencing to identify genetic contributors to rare diseases in children. The technology has shown promise in uncovering relevant genetic findings in undiagnosed cases, with early studies suggesting a 5-10% diagnostic success rate.
Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have created high-quality genome sequences for three modern upland cotton cultivars, providing necessary resources for breeders. The new genomes revealed genetic material from Pima cotton within modern varieties, enabling efficient selection of progeny with improved fiber quality.
A new study published in Current Biology explores the genetics of Bengal cat coat coloration and patterning. Researchers found that domestic cat DNA, not Asian leopard genes, is responsible for the breed's distinctive 'glittery' coats.
A collaboration between students and scientists has successfully sequenced the pear genome, providing valuable resources for pear breeding efforts. The initiative, ACTG, is disrupting traditional academic models by offering students a unique entry point into genomic research.
HudsonAlpha researchers have identified a major gene involved in neurodegenerative diseases, tau, and its regulatory regions. The study found 97 candidate regulatory elements that control tau expression, some of which may hold promise for new therapeutic targets.
A team led by Dr. Alex Harkess is using genomics to unlock the full potential of industrial hemp for sustainable production of fiber, protein, and oil. The project aims to create non-GMO hemp seed bred for multiple markets, leveraging traditional breeding, modern genomics, and agronomic expertise.
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has been awarded a $1 million NSF Engines Development Award to establish a green bioeconomy in the Southeast. The project aims to develop carbon-neutral crop technologies and create sustainable consumer goods, reducing climate change impacts from manufacturing.
Black bears with a specific mutation in the TYRP1 gene have reduced eumelanin production, resulting in a cinnamon coat. The team found that this mutation arose spontaneously around 9,360 years ago in western US black bears and spread as they migrated across their range.
Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have contributed to the ENCODE Project, a decade-long effort to understand the human genome. By analyzing millions of DNA switches, they identified novel associations between transcription factors, bringing researchers closer to understanding how the human genome functions.
Researchers found rare variation in the TET2 gene nearly doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia. The study used whole genome sequencing of over 1,100 people to confirm the association.
The study found that wild and domesticated cotton genomes are remarkably similar, with less diversity between species than within humans or cells. This limits the ability to introduce beneficial traits like disease resistance through gene mining.
A recent lupus study reveals significant epigenetic differences between black women and other populations, impacting disease progression and severity. Researchers found that increased risk of lupus can be linked to epigenetic changes, which could lead to new treatments and better understanding of the disease.
Jay Shendure received the 2014 HudsonAlpha Life Sciences Prize for his pioneering work on next-generation sequencing technologies. He completed a detailed DNA sequence of HeLa cells, the first immortal human cell line grown in a lab.
A recent study analyzed 10 diverse citrus varieties and found very limited genetic diversity, which could threaten the crop's survival. The researchers hope to enable sequence-directed improvement to produce crops that better resist diseases and environmental changes through modern genomics-guided development.
The common bean genome sequence reveals genes involved in critical traits such as size, flavor, and disease resistance. Identifying these genes will help researchers develop more nutritious and climate-resilient bean varieties.
Researchers have developed a new method to rank disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences, providing a more comprehensive approach to identifying genetic variants linked to disease. The Combined Annotation-Dependent Depletion (CADD) method assigns scores to mutations across the entire genome, not just protein-coding regions.
HudsonAlpha and UAB researchers aim to identify optimal treatments for ER+ breast cancer using tumor genomics. By analyzing genetic data from patients who responded or didn't respond to treatment, they hope to develop targeted therapies.
Researchers at HudsonAlpha are using genomic sequencing to identify genetic links to childhood genetic disorders, aiming to provide clearer explanations and better treatments for affected children. The study also explores the impact of genetic testing results on individuals and develops resources to facilitate helpful communications.
Researchers discovered a gene called Taqpep that helps establish periodic patterns like stripes or spots in felines. Variations in the Edn3 gene are responsible for dark hair color, suggesting a link between genetic mechanisms and animal coat patterns.
Tim Townes receives $20,000 HudsonAlpha Prize for his groundbreaking work on reprogramming cells to treat sickle cell anemia. His research successfully corrects the DNA mutation associated with the disease, producing healthy red blood cells.
Researchers identified specific genomic changes that enable fish populations to adapt to new environments, revealing the importance of regulatory changes. The study also found that large DNA inversions can lead to the formation of separate species.
A new study reveals a population of intestinal stem cells that respond to damage and prevent cancer, increasing understanding of normal and cancer cell progression in the intestines. The discovery highlights the potential for Lrig1 as a target for treating intestinal and colon cancer.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that causes familial chronic diarrhea syndrome, which could lead to new treatments for similar conditions. The mutation affects the GUCY2C gene, leading to constant signaling in the intestines and potentially causing inflammation and diarrhea.
Researchers found that new mutations, separate from inherited mutations, significantly contribute to the occurrence of schizophrenia. This discovery highlights the significance of personal genome sequencing in understanding complex diseases like schizophrenia.
The ENCODE project has released a comprehensive guide to its DNA elements database, providing a framework for understanding the human genome's function. The dataset enables scientists to associate single nucleotides with diseases and identify new paths for studying noncoding variants.
Dr. Casey Weaver receives the HudsonAlpha Prize for his groundbreaking work on T cell studies and immune disease. His research has identified a new class of T cells, called Th17 cells, linked to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
A team of researchers has conducted a comprehensive analysis of genomic variation in glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. The study's findings highlight the importance of integrating genomic and epigenomic measurements to better understand cancer genetics.
The University of Alabama team of Drs. Guy and Kim Caldwell has been awarded the first HudsonAlpha Prize for Outstanding Innovation in Life Sciences for their research on diseases of the nervous system, specifically Parkinson's disease. The $20,000 prize recognizes exceptional talent and research of superior merit.