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University of Utah Health


A 'dimmer switch' for genes

Researchers found that the unstructured regions of protein Ets-1 play a crucial role in controlling gene expression, acting like a dimmer switch rather than an on-off switch. The study reveals that phosphorylation affects protein activity by decreasing internal motion and altering gene binding.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2005

Scientists inhibit cancer gene

Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered an enzyme called DGK iota that appears to reduce the incidence of Ras-induced tumors in mice. The researchers found that mice with a deleted DGK iota gene developed fewer tumors, while those with an intact gene and activated Ras exhibited significantly more tumors.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2005

University of Utah study suggests cellular waste to blame for a form of blinding eye disease

A University of Utah study suggests that a type of cellular waste may be responsible for a form of blinding eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. The researchers found that a mutation in the carbonic anhydrase 4 gene can lead to photoreceptor degeneration, highlighting the potential for new treatments targeting this process.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 24, 2004

Protein not only aids nerve development, but promotes blood vessel growth, too

Researchers discovered that Netrin-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, promoting angiogenesis. This finding has implications for treating diseases such as cancer and ischemic heart disease by either inhibiting or inducing blood vessel growth.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2004

Muscling in on a deadly cancer

Researchers have successfully engineered mice with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a particularly deadly childhood muscle cancer. The studies provide insights into the genetic events that cause the disease, paving the way for potential new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2004

How genes get us wired

Researchers discovered that the Hoxb1 gene is necessary for forming a circuit between the brain and facial muscles, controlling movements such as blinking and facial expressions. The study's findings have implications for understanding and potentially treating Mobius syndrome and other nerve-related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2004

When 'reaper' gene comes, cell death follows

In a groundbreaking study, researchers identified the 'reaper' genes as critical components of cell death in Drosophila. The discovery opens doors to developing targeted cancer treatments by unleashing death-inducing genes specifically at unwanted cells. Ecdysone plays a crucial role in triggering this process.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2004

Watching genes in action

Researchers have developed a novel technique that allows them to visualize three genes at once in embryos, body tissues, or even single cells. This improved FISH method combines existing technologies to illuminate gene activity, enabling scientists to study embryonic development and birth defects in greater detail.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalDevelopmental Dynamics·DateMar 8, 2004

How AIDS destroys immunity

Researchers found that the HIV vpr gene exploits the normal repair process of cells to stop vital white blood cells from replicating, thus disabling the immune system. The study suggests a possible treatment for AIDS-related immune-system damage using medicines that prevent the human ATR gene from being activated by HIV's vpr gene.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 20, 2003