Scientists discovered a unique process by which ants select a single odorant receptor from hundreds of genes, using transcriptional interference to silence downstream neighbors. This mechanism has broad implications for the study of gene regulation and sensory systems in insects.
Increasing PI31 levels demonstrates neuroprotective effects in mice, preventing neuronal degeneration and restoring synaptic function. The study also shows promise for treating Alzheimer's and slowing age-related cognitive decline.
A reference-quality genome assembly of the human RPE-1 cell line has been produced, resolving centromeres and enabling accurate analysis of structural and regulatory variation. This milestone in functional genomics provides a matched, high-quality genome for one of biology's most important model systems.
Maria Jasin, a renowned developmental biologist, has been awarded the 2025 Pearl Meister Greengard Prize for her groundbreaking work on DNA repair. Her research has transformed our understanding of cancers linked to inherited gene mutations, and has led to significant advances in cancer treatment.
Researchers have developed a method to access a vast reservoir of untapped lifesaving compounds in soil, revealing hundreds of new bacterial genomes and two potential antibiotics. This breakthrough technology, published in Nature Biotechnology, offers a scalable way to scour unculturable bacteria for new drug leads.
Scientists have successfully kept a tiny sliver of the mammalian cochlea alive and functional outside the body for the first time. The innovation allowed them to capture the live biomechanics of the cochlea's remarkable auditory powers, including exceptional sensitivity and sharp frequency tuning.
Researchers found that mitochondrial antioxidant glutathione enables tumors to break away from the primary tumor, travel through the body, and take root in new tissues. Elevated SLC25A39 expression was strongly correlated with poorer overall survival in breast cancer patients.
In a phase 1 clinical trial, the engineered antibody improved a class of drugs that had struggled to deliver on its early promise. Six patients experienced systemic tumor reduction, including two complete responses, with minimal side effects.
A new platform identifies drug resistance genes in the environment, allowing for proactive optimization of antibiotics. By analyzing natural structural variants and resistance mechanisms, researchers can predict future threats and develop more resilient treatments.
Researchers develop novel approach to manipulate nucleolus structure by altering rRNA sequence, revealing dynamic RNA-programmed organelle. This breakthrough enables design and manipulation of entire organelles, bridging atomic structure and cellular organization.
New research reveals that body size and caste in ants are coupled, with genetics determining the threshold for becoming a queen. Genes influence size and modify the size at which queen-like traits emerge, affecting the probability of becoming a queen.
A team of researchers has discovered the regulation of de novo genes in fruit flies, finding that transcription factors and genomic neighbors play a crucial role in switching these genes on. The study also reveals that de novo genes often share regulatory elements with adjacent genes, suggesting a mechanism of co-regulation.
Scientists discovered a hormonally primed cortical circuit that controls reproductive drive in female mice through oxytocin and ovarian hormones. The circuit has the opposite effect in male mice, making them less interested in mating. Researchers identified a key subset of neurons that respond to social cues and internal signals.
Researchers found that low levels of serine trigger a process that turns hair follicle stem cells into skin repair specialists, potentially accelerating wound healing. By manipulating serine levels through diet or medications, it may be possible to speed up the healing process.
Scientists at Rockefeller University discovered critical errors in a 2022 study on the NiRAN domain, a key enzyme region in SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. The team's findings could have sweeping implications for drug developers working to design antivirals based on flawed assumptions.
A new study reveals that the combination of an Alzheimer's peptide and a blood protein forms abnormal clots that trigger early Alzheimer's pathologies, including synapse loss and neuroinflammation. The findings provide hope for patients by identifying a promising new drug target: Aβ/fibrinogen complexes.
Researchers discovered how VCP, an enzyme that unravels proteins, interacts with tag-removing enzymes DUBs to regulate protein degradation. This interaction may have implications for treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and certain cancers.
A new method called MagIC cryo-EM dramatically improves imaging capabilities by reducing sample loss, enabling the visualization of rare proteins and viruses. The technology also addresses the challenge of handling small proteins, allowing for more accurate structural analysis.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a novel CARF effector called Cat1 that prevents viral replication by depleting NAD+ metabolites. The discovery sheds new light on the complex molecular mechanisms behind CRISPR-Cas9 defense systems.
Researchers have identified a new gene, FANCX, associated with an aggressive form of Fanconi anemia. Mutations in this gene lead to severe forms of the disease, including miscarriages and early death. The discovery could help identify carriers who can prevent Fanconi anemia in future pregnancies through IVF screening.
A study from Rockefeller University's Charles D. Gilbert lab found that prior experience plays a crucial role in object recognition, allowing neurons to adapt and respond to complex visual stimuli. This countercurrent stream of 'top-down' information enables neurons to update their responsiveness moment-to-moment.
Researchers identified 60 genes linked to congenital heart disease, with some also contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The study provides new insight into the genetic architecture of CHD and has implications for prenatal screening and early risk assessment.
A study by Rockefeller University reveals that germinal centers suppress mutation during rapid proliferation and resume it after expansion, enabling efficient antibody production. This discovery may have broader implications for vaccine design and immune therapies.
Researchers have discovered that high-affinity B cells can avoid degrading functional antibodies by 'banking' successful mutations and 'cloning' advantageous traits. This mechanism may lead to the development of more effective vaccines against pathogens like HIV, which constantly mutates and hides key targets.
Researchers discovered that dysregulation of amino acids methionine and leucine leads to hyperactive mTOR in obese mice. Using rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, they reversed leptin resistance and found significant weight loss with minimal effects on muscle mass.
A recent study discovered that a unique human protein variant, NOVA1, plays a crucial role in vocalization and language production. By analyzing gene expression and RNA binding sites, researchers found a strong link between NOVA1 and genes related to vocalization, suggesting its involvement in the emergence of spoken language.
Male fruit flies use high-frequency wing flicks to jam rival songs, while also performing courtship behaviors to win over females. The study reveals that mating decisions in flies are influenced by interactions between males, challenging previous assumptions about female preference.
Researchers found that glial cells accumulate excess extracellular matrix proteins and alter gene expression when detecting damaged cilia. This discovery may have implications for treating diseases caused by defective cilia, such as polycystic kidney disease.
A new study has identified specific gut cell types that communicate with T cells to tolerate or attack food, revealing how the intestinal immune system maintains balance. The findings also suggest that parasitic infections can disrupt tolerance mechanisms, leading to reduced food tolerance and increased allergy risk.
Researchers have long puzzled over how filopodia, finger-like protrusions on migratory cells, are formed. A new study from Rockefeller University reveals the atomic-level structure of these bundles, providing insights into their function and potential applications in cancer treatment. The discovery may help refine therapies already in ...
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a distinct transcriptomic signature for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer. The study's findings may lead to improved detection and treatment options for patients.
A new study reveals how enzyme RapA prevents R-loop formation in E. coli, a key mechanism for maintaining genomic stability. The findings suggest that RapA works as a complementary safeguard to Rho, another enzyme that pulls apart harmful R-loops.
Groundbreaking research from Rockefeller University reveals that certain cell populations change in every organ, both in the same way and at the same time, during specific stages of life. This suggests that aging is not a linear process but instead a developmental stage sparked by specific molecular cues.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a novel class of antivirals that target a type of enzyme essential to SARS-CoV-2 infections and many RNA viruses, including Ebola and dengue. The findings may pave the way for a faster and more robust response to future pandemics.
A study published in Cell found a common variant of the PCSK9 gene increases the risk of breast cancer metastasis by 22% compared to those without it. Researchers propose using an antibody targeting PCSK9 to suppress this variant and reduce metastatic disease.
Researchers identify BNC2 neurons that rapidly respond to food cues and inhibit hunger, alleviating negative feelings associated with appetite. The discovery expands the classic model of hunger regulation and may provide new therapeutic targets for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Researchers have discovered a new type of CRISPR chemistry that floods infected cells with toxic molecules and shuts down activity, preventing viruses from spreading. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms of CRISPR systems and their potential applications as diagnostic tools for infection.
Researchers at Rockefeller University identified a three-neuron circuit connecting hunger-signaling hormone to jaw movements of chewing. Inhibiting these BDNF neurons leads animals to consume more food and triggers unnecessary chewing motions, while stimulating them reduces food intake and stops chewing motions.
Researchers found that fruit fly brains use modular circuits to quickly adapt to different mating signals, allowing species to develop unique courtship strategies without rewiring their brains. This discovery sheds light on the flexibility of neural circuits in the face of new sensory inputs and has implications for understanding brain...
Researchers discovered that epigenetic changes in macrophages after SARS-CoV-2 infection enabled them to mount a better defense against influenza A virus. This innate immune memory can provide protection against future infections and may enable the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discover cancer cells rely on sphingolipids for immune evasion and signaling. The findings suggest targeting lipid production could enhance existing immunotherapies.
Researchers identified a genetic cause of TNF deficiency, which incapacitates a specific immune process in the lungs, leading to targeted and severe illness. This finding may upend long-held assumptions about the immune system and have far-reaching clinical implications.
A new study introduces a novel approach to mapping GPCR-RAMP interactions, expanding understanding of these interactions and their therapeutic potential. The technique allows researchers to parse out each RAMP's effect on every GPCR, supercharging drug development.
Researchers at Rockefeller University identified CDCA7 as a new genetic sensor for DNA methylation, resolving the molecular function of a gene associated with a rare genetic disorder. The discovery explains how CDCA7 ensures accurate inheritance of DNA methylation and fills a major gap in epigenetics.
A team of scientists has shed light on how the protein MeCP2 interacts with DNA and chromatin, providing new avenues for Rett syndrome therapies. They discovered that MeCP2 dynamically moves on DNA but binds slower to methylated forms, recruiting other regulatory proteins more efficiently.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a dual sensor system that detects dying and living cells in hair follicles, clearing debris before tissue damage occurs. This innovative mechanism, involving local epithelial cells rather than phagocytes, may hold insights into human skin pathologies and hair loss.
A recent study discovered that knocking out a key gene, ASTN2, in mice results in changes to cerebellar structure and behavior. The knockout mice exhibited reduced socialization and communication, increased hyperactivity and repetitive behavior, similar to hallmark traits of autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that sensory neurons secrete a neuropeptide driving cancer growth and spread through a previously unknown neuro-cancer crosstalk. An FDA-approved drug may prevent metastasis in breast cancer instances. The study suggests targeting this pathway to stop breast cancer progression.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that clonal raider ants preserve genetic diversity through a unique method of asexual reproduction. The study reveals that daughter ants inherit two distinct versions of their genome, largely preserving the genetic diversity present in their mother's genome, which enables the species' survival.
A new study presents GeneMAP, a platform that maps metabolic gene functions more precisely, identifying key gene-metabolite associations at the heart of mitochondrial metabolism. The tool has already pinpointed one promising association with SLC25A48 and its role in transporting the essential metabolite choline.