Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Jackson Laboratory


Leukemia study restores silenced gene in mice. Could it point to new treatments for humans?

Researchers created a CRISPR-based tool to pinpoint genes the cancer turns off, restoring a key cancer-fighting gene in leukemia. The study found that blocking KDM4 enzymes can regain expression of the tumor-suppressor gene ZBTB7A, reducing leukemia burden while leaving normal blood formation largely unaffected.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Scientists sharpen genetic maps to help pinpoint DNA changes that influence human health traits and disease risk

Researchers identified specific genetic variations contributing to blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other complex human traits. By rapidly testing hundreds of thousands of DNA sequences, they created high-resolution maps of DNA variant activity, revealing new insights into disease risk prediction and therapy development.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2026

Brain cells drive endurance gains after exercise

A team of researchers from The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that specialized neurons in the brain's hypothalamus play a crucial role in signaling the body to start the recovery process after exercise. These neurons, which express a protein called steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1), become active for a...

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Mouse models for ultra-rare disorder could pave the way for nervous system gene editing therapies

Scientists developed mouse models that survive premature death, enabling pre-clinical testing of alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), a devastating neurological disorder. The research reveals how different mutations can lead to distinct outcomes in AHC and sets the stage for developing gene editing therapies.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2025

Why are patients with mitochondrial disease more susceptible to infections? New JAX study finds the answer

Patients with mitochondrial diseases face serious health issues, and a new study reveals that damaged mitochondria put the immune system on overdrive, leading to severe infections. The researchers identified specific molecules that could be targeted with new treatments to protect this vulnerable population.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Landmark atlas reveals how aging breast tissue shapes breast cancer risk

Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have created an atlas of how healthy breast tissue ages, revealing key cellular and molecular changes that may contribute to breast cancer development. The study found that epithelial cells lose their job descriptions, becoming more prone to malignancy, while stromal cells lose their specialized id...

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

The first mouse strain that is susceptible to severe COVID-19 without genetic modification has been identified

Scientists at The Jackson Laboratory have identified the CAST/EiJ mouse as a highly susceptible model for studying severe COVID-19. This genetically pure background allows researchers to investigate the virus's impact without artificial receptor modifications, mirroring human responses. Initial trials using antiviral treatments show pr...

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Why do we love carbs? The origins predate agriculture and maybe even our split from Neanderthals

A new study published in Science reveals that the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes human digestion of starchy foods. This early duplication allowed for increased starch-digesting efficiency and may have played a role in human adaptation to new diets.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Study probes how eating less can extend lifespan

A recent study by The Jackson Laboratory reveals that reducing calorie intake can significantly extend the lifespan of mice, with the most robust animals living the longest. However, the researchers found that losing weight on these diets had a negative impact on lifespan in humans.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

How diabetes risk genes make cells less resilient to stress

Studies discovered that DNA sequence changes associated with diabetes predisposition alter pancreatic cell stress response, leading to reduced insulin production and increased cell death. The findings point toward a druggable target, MAP3K5, which may help prevent or treat type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024

New analysis offers most comprehensive roadmap to date for more targeted Alzheimer’s research and drug discovery

A team of researchers has developed a comprehensive ranking of genes and proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease, providing a roadmap for more targeted research and drug discovery. The study integrates findings from multiple fields and identifies thousands of potential therapeutic targets.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

How old is your bone marrow?

A study published in Blood reveals that hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow of genetically identical middle-aged mice aged differently. The team found that subtle changes in the bone marrow microenvironment and two growth factors, Kitl and Igf1, correlated with age-associated molecular programs in the stem cells.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

JAX researchers make mice a more powerful tool to study a wide range of human diseases

JAX researchers develop platform to mimic genetic diversity in humans, allowing for precise modeling of disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. The platform enables direct comparison between mouse and human cells, providing molecular insights into autism, intellectual disability, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024