Researchers have discovered that each signaling pathway leaves behind a unique fingerprint of gene activity, allowing them to reconstruct signaling histories across different cell types. This AI-driven approach, called IRIS, enables scientists to comprehensively map signaling histories at an unprecedented scale, accelerating stem cell ...
Researchers have discovered that cells rely on polyamines to store iron in a safe state, preventing destructive reactions. This finding has implications for cancer treatment and may offer new clues about early-onset Parkinson's disease.
A new study identifies a parasite-specific protein TgPRO that helps Toxoplasma manage oxidative stress and energy production in crowded cells. The findings point to a possible therapeutic strategy: inhibiting pathways controlled by TgPRO could make the parasite more vulnerable to antiparasitic drugs.
An embryonic protein, GCL, organizes a distinct region of the embryo's membrane to separate future germ cells from the soma. This separation relies on the local organization of lipids in the membrane.
Researchers found that two protein complexes manage the timing of protein production in Toxoplasma gondii, allowing it to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Understanding these systems could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat parasitic infections.
Researchers have created a gene expression map of seed development in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing the role of specific genes and cell types in shaping seed traits. The study identifies key regions where hormones regulate growth and nutrient storage, providing insights into how seeds develop and can be improved for crop productivity.
A new study reveals that lung tissue has a tiered system of immune sensitivity, with outer surface cells responding cautiously and deeper cells sounding the alarm when a threat breaks through. This arrangement helps protect the lung from unnecessary damage.
Researchers propose a different view on symptoms of illness, suggesting they're part of an integrated immune strategy that helps promote survival. The brain-immune axis is key to this coordinated system, influencing both brain activity and behavior in response to threats.
A new study improves gene editing efficiency by identifying key genes in human cells that drive particle assembly. By disabling a single gene, researchers boosted production of potent delivery vehicles. The discovery has broad implications for the widespread application of gene editing technologies.
A new study proposes that biological differences, including genetic factors, contribute to autism's strong sex bias. Research suggests that females may be biologically buffered against developing autism due to their X chromosome.
Researchers have discovered how cells compensate for genetic mutations by ramping up activity of related genes. They found a protein called ILF3 that plays a key role in this process, which relies on precise sequence matching to target correct backup genes.
Researchers reveal how single genes producing multiple proteins impact health and rare diseases, providing a new understanding of genetic mutations and their effects. The study identifies cases where mutations affect only one protein, leading to distinct symptoms and severity.
Proteins moving slowly through cells lead to widespread dysfunction, affecting gene expression, ribosome production, and more. Researchers propose restoring protein mobility as a therapeutic target for treating chronic diseases.
A CHARMed collaboration has created a set of molecular tools called CHARMs that can turn off disease-causing genes, including those coding for the prion protein. The tools have shown promise in silencing the prion protein gene and improving or eliminating disease symptoms in animals.
Scientists used CRISPR interference to study gene function in human and chimp stem cells, discovering genes essential for cell cycle regulation that are absent in humans. This approach sheds light on the evolution of human brain development and highlights the importance of studying gene interactions over DNA sequences.
A new study has discovered that MTCH2, a protein essential in various cellular processes, acts as a 'door' for proteins to access the mitochondrial membrane. The finding opens up potential avenues for cancer treatments by harnessing apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism.
Using Perturb-seq, researchers created a comprehensive functional map of genes expressed in human cells, tying each gene to its job in the cell. This dataset enables discovery-based research and can help decode cellular effects of genetic changes, with potential applications in understanding gene functions and phenotypes.
A team of researchers used a CRISPR-based approach to study the evolution of lung cancer cells, tracking their history from the first activation of cancer-causing mutations. The study revealed significant diversity between subpopulations of cells within the same tumor, with certain groups becoming more fit and aggressive over time.
Researchers have developed a machine learning framework called dynamo that can predict a cell's path over time, including its fate and genetic changes. The tool uses data from individual cells to create mathematical equations describing the cell's trajectory.
Scientists have created a way to harness discarded plant matter, such as corn stover, into ethanol and plastics with near-industrial efficiency. By helping yeast survive industrial toxins and converting toxic aldehydes into harmless compounds, the system enables low-cost production of biofuels.
Researchers developed a reversible gene editing technology called CRISPRoff that allows controlling gene expression while leaving the underlying DNA sequence unchanged. The new method can silence the vast majority of genes with great homogeneity and in a reversible manner.
Research identifies three key properties that lead to gene survival on snake sex-specific chromosomes: dosage sensitivity, broad tissue expression, and strong purifying selection. These genes play critical roles in developmental processes and are also linked to human birth defects.
Using CRISPR, scientists have created 'scratchpad' cells that can be tracked in real-time as they proliferate and spread. This method reveals differences in tumor biology and identifies genes associated with metastasis.
RNA molecules have been found to play a key role in regulating their own production through feedback loops. This discovery provides insight into the complex process of transcription, where proteins and DNA interact to create messenger RNA molecules. The research suggests that low levels of RNA encourage droplet formation, while high le...
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have sequenced the male-determining chromosome of cattle, revealing evidence of a 'selfish' competition between sex chromosomes. The study found that bulls' Y chromosomes have evolved dozens of copies of genes to make more males, a move countered by females' X chromosomes.
Researchers have made new discoveries about the disruption of condensates in Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study found that MeCP2's condensate-forming ability is disrupted in Rett syndrome and suggests that therapies targeting condensates associated with the protein may be promising.
A new study from Peter Reddien's Lab at Whitehead Institute has identified muscle cells that serve as guideposts to help regrow axons from the eyes to the brain in regenerative flatworms. The discovery sheds light on neural circuit regeneration in adults and could have implications for understanding human brain or nerve damage.
Researchers have found that certain cancer therapeutics concentrate within cells' tiny functional compartments called organelles, known as condensates. This discovery could lead to a new toolset for drug development by tailoring chemicals to seek out and concentrate in specific droplets.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute have developed a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to remove methylation tags from the FMR1 gene, restoring its expression and rescuing neurons from fragile X syndrome. This approach may prove useful for other diseases caused by abnormal methylation.
A research team led by Whitehead Institute reveals how a key protein in plants can act imprecisely and how it can be successfully re-engineered to enhance specificity. The new study raises standards for bioengineering in the 21st century, using cutting-edge techniques like metabolomics.
A team of researchers discovered that different subtypes of muscle cells play critical roles in orchestrating tissue regeneration in flatworms. Removing specific muscle groups was shown to disrupt the regeneration process, revealing essential functions for longitudinal and circular fibers.
Researchers have uncovered a critical connection between cellular nutrient sensing and cell growth, implicating a new protein SLC38A9 as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. By probing lysosomal biochemical content, the team identified SLC38A9's role in regulating amino acid availability.
Researchers found a direct connection between deletions in two genes in the 16p11.2 region of human chromosome 16 and certain brain and body traits, including seizures, hyperactivity, and obesity. The study suggests that multiple genes interact to produce various characteristics.
Scientists have discovered the key trigger molecule that helps mature red blood cells. By removing a hydrophobic molecule from serum using charcoal filters, researchers found that adding back just thyroid hormone triggers red blood cell maturation.
Scientists have identified a biomarker, SMARCE1, that distinguishes poorly invasive tumors from those likely to spread and metastasize in early-stage breast cancer. This discovery enables doctors to tailor therapies designed to match the behavior of each patient's cancer, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have used modified red blood cells to deliver disease-specific antigens, preventing and alleviating multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes in early stage mouse models. The approach shows promise for inducing tolerance and could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.
HSP90 plays a protective role on mutant proteins, buffering detrimental effects of mutations it carries. Environmental changes can also provoke major effects in cells expressing HSP90-buffered mutants.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have identified essential genes in human cancer cells, revealing potential vulnerabilities for new therapies. By analyzing genetic interactions, they discovered a genetically defined subset of cancers that could be exploited with existing treatments.
Researchers have shed light on the relationship between misfolded alpha-synuclein protein and Parkinson's disease, identifying key genes and cellular processes involved. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of synucleinopathies, paving the way for developing patient-specific treatments.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have developed a gene pathway that enables the growth of brain organoids with surface folding, a key feature of human brain development. The study also shows potential for modeling Zika virus-caused microencephaly and identifying affected cells.
A new study reveals that cancer cells can develop resistance to proteasome inhibitors by suppressing the expression of proteasome subunits, leading to a broadly altered cell state with unique vulnerabilities. This finding may expose opportunities for targeted therapies that can be effective against diverse cancers.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to identify three promising new targets for HIV infection. The study screened human genes essential for HIV replication but not for cellular survival, and identified five genes with potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers have discovered how heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), a master transcriptional regulator, is activated and controlled by the on/off switch HSP70 and phosphorylation. This finding could lead to treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research used precise genetic tools to track neurophysiological deficits resulting from Rett Syndrome. They found that recombinant human Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 (rhIGF1) and bumetanide can reverse such deficits in a cell-type specific manner.
Researchers have discovered that prion proteins, previously known for causing fatal diseases, may also transmit beneficial traits from cell to cell. These intrinsically disordered proteins can adapt yeast cells to stressful environments and are conserved over millions of years in human cognates.
A genome-wide CRISPR screen in Toxoplasma identifies essential apicomplexan genes contributing to parasite fitness during human cell infection. The study also reveals a protein called claudin-like apicomplexan microneme protein (CLAMP) with a strong effect on the parasite's invasion of host cells.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute developed a novel method to isolate and measure mitochondrial metabolite concentrations, providing greater resolution than traditional methods. The new approach offers improved speed and specificity, allowing for more accurate analysis of mitochondrial function in various disorders.
Researchers have identified a potential antifungal mechanism by targeting mitochondrial respiration in pathogenic fungi, which could enable combination therapy with fluconazole and prevent drug resistance. The approach has shown promise in treating severe invasive fungal infections, including those caused by Candida albicans.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have identified the pre-mouth array, a region of the developing face that
Researchers developed a method to revert and maintain human ESCs in a naive state, closely resembling that of mouse ESCs. The team assembled a checklist of characteristics human ESCs must have to be considered naive, including gene expression, DNA methylation, and X chromosome inactivation.