Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that helps stabilize chromosome ends, preventing cell death. The 'telosome' protein complex, formed by sequence repeats and transcription factors, protects chromosomal ends through a VELCRO-like structure.
A team of researchers led by Professor Jean Gruenberg has identified an exit in the cellular garbage truck, a structure responsible for sorting molecules and ensuring inter-cell digestion and regulation. The study reveals how Alix protein uses this route to avoid cellular digestion and how vesicular stomatitis uses it to infect cells.
Researchers found that TRAP1 disrupts cancer cell metabolism, but inhibiting it could stimulate tumor progression. The protein regulates a metabolic 'switch' at the level of glucose digestion, which affects tumor stage and aggressiveness.
Mitochondria have been found to contain 'assembly plants' that regulate the expression of their genes, producing long precursor RNA molecules specific to this organelle. These structures, known as mitochondrial RNA granules, play a crucial role in energy production and may be linked to various diseases.
Researchers at UNIGE developed a screening technique called Synthetic Tandem Repeat PROMoter (STAR-PROM) to identify transcription factor serum response factor (SRF), which activates genes and influences cellular structure. The technique allows for the discovery of factors modulating gene expression in various contexts, including drug ...
A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that insulin and IGF1/IGF2 growth factors play a vital role in sexual development. In the absence of these hormones, embryos fail to differentiate into male or female, highlighting their essential role in primary sex determination.
Researchers discover Anthrax Toxin Receptor 2a (Antxr2a) plays a crucial role in orienting cell division during embryonic development, guiding the positioning of chromosomes and mitotic spindle. This finding sheds light on the physiological function of Antxr2a and its potential involvement in other biological processes.
A study by the University of Geneva reveals that colon polyps exhibit a 'mutator' profile associated with increased SNS mutations, leading to accelerated progression to malignancy. Three genes (APC, CTNNB1, and BRAF) are identified as initial causes on the road to cancer.
Scientists discovered that dynamin polymerises, forming a helix around an artificial membrane tubule and compressing it until it breaks. The location of the fission is specific, appearing at the boundary between the helix and the membrane.
Researchers study circadian clocks in cultured cells and find that the transcription factor BMAL1 must die for the DBP gene to function. This discovery offers a possible explanation for how different genes have distinct daily cycles of expression.
A study by Emmanouil Dermitzakis and colleagues found that genetic variants impact gene expression differently in men and women. The researchers discovered that even with the same DNA mutation, the effect on gene expression varies between sexes.
Researchers uncover nearly 358 genetic variants associated with disease predisposition, including rare regulatory variants that were previously undetectable. This study sheds new light on the complex role of gene regulation in human diseases.
A team of researchers from UNIGE, Switzerland, discovers a molecular mechanism that links body temperature to the expression of 'clock genes' and local oscillators. They also find that this mechanism affects detoxification and drug metabolism, with potential implications for understanding human physiology.
Researchers have created a new code in organic chemistry, inspired by genetic principles, allowing for the construction of more complex molecular architectures. The code enables chemists to generate two-dimensional maps and then create three-dimensional systems with high reliability.
The study reveals that glaciers in the Tien Shan Mountains have lost between 0.1% and 0.8% of their surface per year, with the largest retreat observed on the periphery near major cities. This affects the seasonal distribution of water, which will exacerbate droughts during summers.
Researchers at UNIGE have developed a new model to study the protein Cx36, which plays a crucial role in insulin production. By analyzing 1040 molecules, they aim to identify those that stimulate or inhibit insulin production, paving the way for new pharmacological treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes.
A team of chemists at the University of Geneva has developed a rare halogen bond that can transport anions across phospholipid bilayer membranes, similar to cellular structures. This discovery has significant implications for medical applications, particularly in treating diseases linked to ion transport issues.
A team of researchers has developed a 'time bomb' nanocontainer that releases vasodilator content exclusively to diseased areas, increasing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This technology exploits the physical phenomenon of shear stress in stenosed arteries to deliver targeted therapy.
Scientists have identified the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC), a universal carrier that transports pyruvate into mitochondria. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how cancer cells produce energy and potentially develop new treatments.
A study using two-photon microscopy has mapped neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex of mice during learning, revealing that only selected aspects of behavior change neural representation. The research also found that sensory and motor representations are spatially intermingled in the rodent brain.
Scientists at UNIGE have successfully linked two large crystals through quantum physics, paving the way for quantum memory and long-distance quantum communication. The entangled pair exhibits simultaneous behavior despite their separation, showcasing a promising step towards creating quantum repeaters and secure networks.
Two proteins, Rif1 and Rif2, discovered to deactivate DNA repair surveillance system, preventing cell 'anti-enzyme shield' from malfunctioning. Telomeres provide molecular 'caps' protecting chromosome ends from accidental breaks.
Researchers found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes are triggered by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released after cell death, which signals a strong immune response. The presence of interleukin 33 (IL-33) amplifies this response, holding promise for developing new vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.