Articles tagged with Disease Susceptibility
Researchers at U of T discovered a major source of evolutionary differences among species by analyzing hundreds of thousands of genetic messages in equivalent organs across 10 different vertebrate species. Alternative splicing has dramatically changed the structure and complexity of genetic messages during vertebrate evolution.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have shown that the immune system can compensate for a
A collaborative five-year project involving over 440 researchers worldwide has published a comprehensive understanding of the human genome's functions. The ENCODE study found that over 80% of the human genome sequence is linked to biological function, and mapped over 4 million regulatory regions where proteins interact with DNA.
New study reveals that genetic variations in DNA methylation patterns contribute to human susceptibility to cancer and other diseases. Researchers found hundreds of genes with distinct methylation profiles, many linked to specific human diseases.
Researchers found that immune cells called dendritic cells protect against multiple sclerosis by reducing T cell responsiveness and increasing PD-1 receptor expression. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for the disease.
A genetic study has identified genes that may be responsible for the Western African Pygmies' relatively small size. The researchers found that genetic mutations in certain pathways govern reproductive hormone activation and growth hormone regulation, which could be linked to early reproduction as an adaptation to their environment.
Researchers found that HIV-1 replication in human tissues increases with a single amino acid change in the Gag protein. This adaptation is crucial for efficient viral replication and may have played a role in the emergence of HIV/AIDS.
A multidisciplinary team at Carnegie Mellon University will develop software to enable doctors to diagnose diseases using a patient's DNA sequence. The project aims to create a tool that can analyze the vast amount of information in the human genome and identify disease susceptibility and treatment responsiveness.
Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine discover that malaria patients' immune system is selectively weakened, making them more susceptible to fatal salmonella infections. The team identifies Tin Protoporphyrin as a potential candidate for prevention, but further testing is needed.
Researchers identified a new immune system defect in aged mice that makes them more susceptible to severe respiratory viral infections. Inhibiting the immune molecule PGD2 can reverse this defect, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for older patients with severe respiratory viral infections.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found a strong bidirectional relationship between schizophrenia and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy were significantly more likely to develop schizophrenia, while those with schizophrenia had a higher incidence of epilepsy. The research suggests shared genetic and environmental factors contributin...
A team of international scientists identified the protein TSLP as a key regulator of multiple allergic diseases, including eczema, food allergies, and asthma. They found that TSLP elicits the maturation of distinct basophils that promote allergic inflammation.
A landmark study from Monash University found that preterm babies have fewer nephrons and underdeveloped kidneys, increasing their risk of renal disease. The research aims to develop strategies to minimize the consequences of preterm birth and improve kidney development in these babies.
A genome-wide association study found three SNPs associated with PSP, suggesting they may contribute to disease susceptibility. These genes are involved in tau protein regulation and membrane recycling.
A four-year study aims to understand the role of serpin-2 in mosquito immunity and physiology. Researchers hope that targeting this molecule could make mosquitoes more susceptible to diseases like malaria.
Scientists have developed a new method to understand how different genes interact and affect cellular processes. The technique enables the identification of genes that influence each other's effects, similar to Facebook suggesting friend pairs, which could help predict patient outcomes and adapt treatments for diseases like cancer.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered how nanoparticles from diesel exhaust damage lung airway cells, a finding that could lead to new treatments for people susceptible to airway disease. The study showed that the severity of injury depends on an individual's genetic make-up.
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $2.27 million to study the environmental effects on gene copy number, which can influence disease susceptibility. The project aims to understand how genetic differences between individuals are affected by environmental factors.
A team of researchers is studying the human gut microbiome to develop new interventions and treatments for food- and water-borne diseases. The study aims to understand how certain microbes protect against enteric diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Coral reefs' immune system is linked to their susceptibility to bleaching and disease, with corals using energy for growth and reproduction affecting immune function. Understanding this connection can help scientists predict vulnerability to stress and develop preventive measures.
A new study found that a gene variant may increase the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, with those having the AA genotype experiencing earlier relapses and increased disease activity. The GG genotype was associated with less disease activity and fewer relapses.
The Dogslife study aims to assess how diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors affect an animal's susceptibility to disease. Owners of 10000+ Labrador puppies will provide regular updates on their dog's life, health, and environment.
A new study in the FASEB Journal reveals that different coral species invest varying amounts of resources in immunity and defense, which may explain differences in susceptibility to negative environmental impacts. The research highlights the importance of maintaining favorable environmental conditions on reefs to maximize coral immune ...
A recent NIH-led interagency group report highlights 11 key categories of diseases affected by climate change, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The report provides a starting point for federal research to better understand the impact of climate change on human health.
A genetic variant identified by researchers at the University of Cincinnati significantly increases lung cancer risk for individuals who smoke lightly, even if they are not heavy smokers. Family members with this genetic variant should be monitored for early detection, regardless of their smoking habits.
A new genetic variant has been identified that offers protection against tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy. This discovery opens up potential new targets for drug development, particularly for improving treatment schedules for patients with these diseases.
Salk Institute researchers develop a 'humanized' mouse model susceptible to human liver infections and responding to human drug treatments. The model allows for testing of novel therapies for liver diseases like Hepatitis B and C, as well as malaria.
Recent research on the Darfur conflict identifies diseases as the main cause of death, particularly diarrhoea, affecting displaced populations. Adequate humanitarian assistance is essential to prevent and treat these potentially fatal diseases.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that pairs of autoimmune diseases are linked in clinical practice and can be attributed to specific genetic variations known as SNPs. The researchers identified 15 key SNPs that predispose individuals to multiple autoimmune diseases, while also protecting them against others.
Newborns are susceptible to diseases due to an imbalance of white blood cells. Researchers have identified a depleted group of T-helper cells and aim to create an immune-strengthening vaccine.
A study identified a gene variant associated with elevated baseline blood pressure, suggesting it may be a good target for drugs to alleviate stress-induced hypertension. The researchers also found that the protein generated by this gene influences sympathetic activity and prevents stress-induced hypertension in both mice and humans.
Researchers have discovered that SIV induces a vigorous immune response in both natural and susceptible hosts, but only in natural hosts is the response brought under control. This study provides new insights into how to control HIV infection of humans by understanding the mechanisms behind SIV's rapid control of immune activation.
Parkinson's Disease (PD) incidence increases with age, with a wide variation in onset age ranging from 20 to 90 years. Researchers have identified genes influencing PD onset age, which may help identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets for delaying symptoms.
Mass coral bleaching events are devastating coral colonies worldwide, and researchers have found that bleaching can increase the susceptibility of corals to disease. The study reveals a link between bleaching and disease prevalence, suggesting a more complex cause of coral decline than previously thought.
A new and emerging disease, Watermelon Vine Decline (WVD), has caused devastating economic losses for watermelon producers in Florida. The disease, caused by the whitefly-transmitted squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), can lead to rapid vine collapse and marketable fruit loss.
A study on cynomolgus macaques exposed to chronic wasting disease (CWD) shows that they remain healthy after over six years of observation. The findings suggest a potential species barrier against CWD in humans, but more research is needed to confirm this.
A UBC study found that people's early-life experiences can lead to chronic diseases later in life by affecting gene expression and inflammation responses. The researchers identified a link between low socioeconomic circumstances in early life and increased risk of infectious, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have identified two new genetic locations linked to Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The discovery offers promising targets for disease susceptibility and may lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Researchers found that young mice are resistant to proteoglycan-induced arthritis, but become susceptible with age due to immunological senescence and impaired immune regulation. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying age-related changes in arthritis susceptibility.
Research by USGS scientists links estrogen exposure to reduced immune response in largemouth bass, potentially making them more vulnerable to diseases. The study reveals that estrogen blocks production of hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron and has antimicrobial properties.
Canada has a unique opportunity to become an international leader in personalized medicine, driven by advancements in human genome sequencing and genetic research. The country can capitalize on its strengths to provide a model for other nations.
Research suggests iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of liver disease among heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with high levels of iron overload and specific HFE mutations had a significantly higher risk of liver disease, regardless of their genetic status.
Researchers at Erasmus Medical Center have identified a new genetic cause of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene is found to be responsible for the disease, leading to impaired T cell and B cell development.
The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program aims to understand how epigenetic processes control genes and affect health and disease. The program will provide reference data for the entire scientific community to study epigenetic regulation.
Researchers have identified a specific type of dinoflagellate that renders corals more susceptible to disease. The study found that this particular symbiont produces less food for the coral, leading to starvation and increased disease risk.
Researchers developed a new analysis technique to identify genes influencing migraine susceptibility. By studying 1700 patients and their relatives, they found a significant genetic locus linked to female migraineurs and discovered that specific types of pain are more closely linked to specific genetic loci.
Scientists have identified genes and processes that may underlie the susceptibility to Parkinson's disease. The study found that the gene sir-2.1 has a significant effect on protein formation, which is thought to play a role in the aging process and the development of the disease.
The NIH is launching a new initiative in epigenomics, a field that studies how genes are regulated, to better understand the role of environment in health and disease. The program aims to coordinate reference epigenome maps, evaluate epigenetic mechanisms, and develop new technologies for analysis.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identified a nonsense mutation in the Coronin-1A gene that suppresses lupus development in mice. The study suggests that this mutation and other disease-suppressing genes may play a crucial role in modulating autoimmunity.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying injury and age-dependent susceptibility to glutaric acidemia type I. By using a mouse model of the disease, scientists discovered that limiting lysine uptake can substantially decrease brain damage caused by exposure to the amino acid.
Botanists at Oregon State University have discovered a single plant gene that causes resistance to one disease, while producing susceptibility to a different disease. This unusual phenomenon may help scientists better understand the pathways of genetic disease resistance and susceptibility in plants.
A study by Cornell University finds that pollution from water, air and soil is responsible for 40% of global deaths, with malnutrition and disease susceptibility affecting 3.7 billion people worldwide. The researchers warn that the growing world population, combined with environmental degradation, are major causes behind human diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that variants of the TCF7L2 gene increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes by affecting insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells. The findings provide a mechanism for genetic predisposition and suggest potential therapeutic targets for new treatments.
A new study found that pregnant mothers taking folic acid or genistein supplements can protect their offspring from the negative effects of BPA, a common chemical used in plastics. The study showed that even low levels of BPA exposure can cause epigenetic changes in offspring, leading to increased disease susceptibility.
The study of 15 mouse strains' genetic makeup reveals potential causes of environmental diseases. Researchers can now compare genetic variations to determine individual susceptibility to toxins in humans.
A recent study suggests that people with high cholesterol levels may be more susceptible to severe cases of tick-borne disease. The study found that bacteria levels were 10 times greater in mice with high cholesterol, indicating a potential link between cholesterol and disease severity.
A new model predicts the danger of flu pandemics by analyzing population heterogeneity. The study highlights the importance of considering individual attributes such as social interaction and susceptibility to infection. Social distancing measures may be effective in limiting the spread of disease, according to the research.
A policy paper proposes new ethical principles for obtaining informed consent in large-scale genomic studies conducted in low-income countries. The authors emphasize the importance of protecting participants' rights and dignity, while also advancing global health research.
Researchers discover telomere shortening as a predictor of coronary heart disease in pre-diabetics and Type 2 diabetics. Early indication of telomeres starting to shorten may indicate the onset of diabetes and ultimately predict CAD.
Researchers warn that an immuno-contraception vaccine, which aims to control wildlife populations, is not fully effective and may manipulate natural reproduction in unpredictable ways. The vaccine also raises concerns about the potential for individuals who survive the vaccine to carry infectious diseases affecting other animals.