Researchers discovered that Snail family genes play a consistent role in controlling body asymmetry in mice and birds, but have a different function in neural crest cell formation. This finding provides surprising new insights into the evolution of developmental biology across species.
The Jackson center aims to understand how genes interact to develop healthy individuals or lead to diseases, leveraging the power of the mouse model. Collaborators will use computational approaches to identify clusters of genes associated with complex diseases, shedding light on their evolution and causes.
A research team has identified a genetic defect that weakens blood vessels in the brain, making infants vulnerable to cerebral hemorrhage. The discovery may lead to new strategies for disease prevention, such as reducing stress during birth.
Researchers found that high-dose gamma radiation and bone marrow transfer prevented glaucoma in mice by blocking neurodegeneration. The treatment, which is already used for human cancers, may also offer protection against other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The Institute for Molecular Biophysics has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to acquire the world's first 4Pi nanoscale microscope in the US. This cutting-edge technology will enable researchers to study genes and chromosomes at unprecedented resolution, shedding light on disease mechanisms and developing new treatments.
A new study found that blocking the protein FcRn reduces autoantibody production and protects against arthritis in mice, offering a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. The research suggests that FcRn may be responsible for promoting autoimmunity in patients with conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers identified a new kinase inhibitor that blocks a different path used by cancer, leading to improved treatment outcomes for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The study found that the inhibitor impaired proliferation of leukemic cells and prolonged survival in mice with B-ALL.
Researchers discovered that a gene mutation in mice leads to severe glaucoma by disrupting ocular drainage structures. Administering L-DOPA to pregnant mice with the mutation improved pup outcomes, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
A study published in Nature has identified a gene that protects certain brain and retinal neurons from oxidative stress, leading to neurodegeneration. The research, led by Dr. Susan Ackerman, found that mice with a mutation in the Aif gene experience severe oxidative stress, causing neuronal death.
The Jackson Laboratory has received a $14 million NIH grant to create a center for mouse models of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. The center aims to develop new models and databases for biomedical researchers worldwide, as well as advance understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying healthy function and diseases.
The $16.3 million grant will fund a Neuroscience Mutagenesis Facility to create at least 50 new mouse models annually for neural diseases such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders. The program aims to address the 'phenotype gap' in human disease study by utilizing powerful genetic tools like genome-wide mutagenesis.
Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring animal model of subretinal neovascularization, a component of age-related macular degeneration in humans. The Bst mouse develops abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina, similar to human ARMD, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have identified a chromosomal region that interacts with the tub mutation to prevent deafness in the tubby mouse model. The region, known as moth1, maps to mouse Chromosome 2 and was found to protect C57BL/6J mice from hearing loss.
Researchers found that resistant mice have higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, which help protect against pancreatic beta-cell destruction. The study suggests a single gene may be responsible for the genetic resistance, and identifying it could lead to therapies to boost natural defenses against diabetes.
The Notch signaling pathway is a key regulator controlling the proper development of many different cell types. In mice without Jagged2, there is a significant increase in hair cell density and a decrease in supporting cells.
Scientists at The Jackson Laboratory have cloned the gene for mouse neuromuscular degeneration, a devastating neurological disease that affects humans such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy. The discovery provides an additional tool for understanding motor neuron death and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between the stargazer gene and calcium channel defects in absence epilepsy. The Cacng2 gene produces a defective protein that disrupts normal brain function, leading to abnormal neuron firing and seizures.
Research at The Jackson Laboratory reveals the Lunatic fringe gene's essential role in regulating somite formation during embryonic development. Notch signaling pathway disruption leads to segmental body plan implementation challenges in mammals and other organisms.
Researchers are identifying the gene that causes Alström Syndrome, a recessive genetic disorder causing blindness, hearing loss, and other conditions. By studying DNA samples from living individuals and their families, they hope to find the gene's location and develop an animal model for the disease.
A recent study found that the uterine environment can have a profound impact on cognitive behavior in mice. The researchers discovered that hybrid-uteri mice, which are born from non-immune mothers with transplanted BXSB embryos, demonstrated significant cognitive advantages over other groups.
A new mouse model, swe mice, has been identified by researchers at Jackson Laboratory with a defect in the Nhe1 gene. The mice exhibit both petit mal and grand mal seizures, similar to human absence and convulsive epilepsy, making it a promising authentic model for studying human absence epilepsy.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have found that PC4 plays a vital role in male fertility and early embryonic development in mice. The study revealed that PC4-deficient testicular germ cells fail to properly process precursor proteins, rendering them incompetent for fertilization.
A study led by Jackson Laboratory researcher Susan L. Ackerman identified a protein critical for brain development in mice, which may be linked to human disorders such as epilepsy and severe mental retardation. The research found that mutations in the rcm gene disrupt neuronal migration during brain development.
A transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease has been developed, exhibiting symptoms resembling chorea and epileptic seizures. The R-6 strain is the first known mouse model to display these characteristics, allowing researchers to study the disease's progression.
A 16-month study will assess genetic diversity in beaver and spruce grouse populations in Acadia National Park, aiming to understand how habitat fragmentation affects their long-term viability. The project aims to develop conservation strategies based on the findings.