Articles tagged with Regulatory Genes
Scientists have pinpointed the first gene in fruit fly Drosophila that is a target of an alternate control molecule, TRF1. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding how gene expression is regulated, with potential implications for complex organisms like humans.
Researchers at HHMI discovered that crossing two related mouse species results in abnormalities in gene imprinting and growth abnormalities in hybrid offspring. The study found that disruptions in growth contribute to speciation by reflecting a rapidly evolving divergence between species.
A Northwestern University research team has discovered the first enzyme to play a role in the mammalian circadian clock, contributing significantly to understanding of circadian rhythm-related problems. The identified casein kinase I epsilon (CKIe) enzyme interacts with PERIOD proteins, affecting the timing of the circadian cycle.
Research suggests a single drug could silence misfiring immune genes, quelling asthma response. Identical DNA controls of cytokine genes in mice and humans hint at new treatment.
Scientists have identified a number of genes specifically regulated by the hormone leptin, which is produced by fat tissue and secreted into the bloodstream. These findings offer new insights into how leptin causes fat loss and decreased appetite, and may also provide new targets for drugs designed to stimulate weight loss.
Researchers have identified conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs) in the human genome that regulate gene expression, using comparative analysis techniques with mice. These regulatory sequences were found to be present across various mammals, indicating their importance in biological functions.
Researchers discovered a group of genes controlled by leptin that regulate fat tissue mass and body weight. The study found that leptin influences fatty acid synthesis through the regulation of SREBP-1, identifying potential therapeutic targets for treating obesity.
A new study suggests that human aging and its associated diseases can be traced to gradual increases in cell division errors in tissues throughout the body. Altered gene expression results in cells with diminished function, leading to aging.
Researchers discovered two mutations in a sodium channel gene that regulate electrical activity in nerve cells, which may cause inherited forms of epilepsy. Genetic testing could identify at-risk infants and prevent seizures and neurological damage.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified and cloned a key gene in the reproductive system of male cockroaches, which could lead to the development of safe and effective birth control. The goal is to create a pesticide that specifically targets pests without harming other insects or humans.
Scientists discovered how ecdysone initiates a biochemical cascade controlling genes that destroy salivary gland tissues during Drosophila metamorphosis. The study reveals key components of the 'death cascade' and suggests potential connections to mammalian cell death programs.
Researchers have identified a protein, Chk2, that activates the tumor suppressor gene p53 to prevent damaged DNA from causing cancer. In Chk2-deficient cells, the brakes on proliferation are released, allowing cancerous cell growth.
Scientists are using bioinformatics to analyze the vast amounts of data from the Human Genome Project, identifying genes and understanding their functions. The development of effective computational techniques is crucial for tackling this complex task.
Researchers suggest a genetic expansion in the development of limbs, allowing early vertebrates to develop toes and fingers. The discovery sheds light on how nature has reused existing genes to create new adaptations for life on land.
Researchers created a DNA microarray called Lymphochip to analyze gene expression in normal and malignant cells, revealing two distinct forms of DLBCL with different clinical outcomes. The study improved diagnosis and treatment of these lymphomas by providing a detailed molecular portrait of the disease.
Researchers found Madh6 gene and Smad6 protein play crucial role in cardiovascular system, causing heart valve and blood vessel abnormalities. This discovery provides potential target for developing novel therapies to treat cardiovascular disease.
Scientists have pinpointed abnormalities in gene expression that occur before signs of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) appear. Researchers found six genes whose expression pattern is altered by the abnormal SCA1 gene, including a gene involved in regulating calcium levels in neurons.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that HIV alters gene function in cells within three days of infection, affecting T-cell signaling and immune system functions. The study used cDNA microarray technology to examine gene expression levels and may lead to new treatments for the disease.
Researchers have identified a gene called Mre11 as a critical component of the regulatory network that cells activate in response to DNA damage. This discovery explains how mutations in Mre11 can cause ataxia-telangiectasia, a genetic disorder characterized by progressive nerve and muscle loss and increased susceptibility to cancer.
A new technique allows scientists to introduce desired genes directly into embryonic cells using the baculovirus, enabling the study of gene function in non-model organisms. This method has shown promising results in fruit flies, beetles, and other species, offering a breakthrough for understanding developmental processes.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause of coronary artery spasm, a condition that causes chest pain or heart attack. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene mutation was prevalent in patients with the condition and also linked to increased risk in smokers.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered a gene in fruit flies that plays a key role in regulating the flow of calcium into cells. Mutations in this gene suppress the effects of degeneration caused by overactive calcium channels, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers identified two critical developmental genes, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, which control methylation patterns and are associated with ICF syndrome. Mutations in these genes may cause ICF, a rare condition characterized by immune system defects and facial abnormalities.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a key gene in acute leukemia, suggesting potential new treatments. The study found that the inv(16) translocation collaborates with AML-1 to turn genes off, even when they should be on.
Researchers have developed an assay that identifies specific combinations of gene variations linked to heart disease. The assay allows quick access to individuals' genetic profiles, enabling precise diagnostic tests for heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
Researchers have identified two genes contributing to asthma development: interleukin IL4 and IL13. Decreasing their activity may help reduce asthma attacks, with potential applications to other complex genetic conditions.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Rett syndrome, a condition that gradually robs girls of their language, mental functioning, and ability to interact with others. The discovery has immediate implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified 15 M. tuberculosis genes expressed only when the bacteria are growing in macrophages, key disease-fighting cells. These genes play important roles in pathogen metabolism, propagation and self-protection, potentially leading to new drug targets or vaccines.
Richard M. Amasino, a plant molecular biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been awarded the 1999 Alexander von Humboldt Award for his groundbreaking research on flowering time and senescence in plants. His discoveries have significant implications for agriculture, with potential to improve crop yields and resistance.
Researchers identified two gene variants that may govern the body's ability to regulate levels of an enzyme called renal kallikrein, which can affect salt and water balance. The study found that variations in the human tissue kallikrein gene are associated with higher blood pressure in African Americans.
Scientists discover that removing two proteins controlling cell proliferation can lead to deadly consequences, including leukemia and immune system dysfunction. The study reveals critical regulatory roles of SOCS1 in T cells and its absence makes cells sensitive to cytokines.
Wistar Institute scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of a key enzyme involved in gene activation, GCN5. The study reveals details on how the enzyme carries out its function and identifies the structural adjustments needed for proper regulation of gene activation.
A University of Iowa research team has identified two new genes linked to the invasive and metastatic spread of breast cancer. The findings, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, provide important new insights into the complex process of tumor cell invasion and metastasis.
Researchers discovered that neighboring RAG1 and RAG2 genes are controlled by a single genetic control signal, explaining their long-lived partnership in the immune system. This finding has implications for understanding gene evolution and regulation.
A new study reveals that genetic mechanisms controlling the biological clock are also involved in cocaine sensitization in fruit flies. The research provides valuable insights into the development of treatments for cocaine addiction and may lead to discoveries about other physiological processes controlled by so-called 'clock' genes.
The discovery of the narcolepsy gene in dogs by Dr. Emmanuel Mignot opens the door to identification of the gene in humans and development of new treatment approaches. The study also links hypocretins, a recently discovered family of brain neuropeptides, to regulating sleep.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute successfully transformed normal human cells into cancer cells, shedding light on the complex process of tumor development. The new cell lines offer a unique window into the biochemical and physiologic changes that occur during cancer formation.
Scientists identify a key gene responsible for pain sensitivity, revealing potential for tailored pain medications and predicting addiction risk. The study's findings suggest that individual genetic variations in the mu opiate receptor gene can affect pain perception and response to morphine.
Scientists map lung cancer gene Pas1 to mouse chromosome 6, shedding light on human lung cancers. The researchers also study the evolution of trichromatic vision in humans and primates, revealing gene duplication events that confer color vision abilities.
A study analyzing human genes reveals a wide range of sequence changes associated with blood pressure control and potential disease susceptibility. The research identified 50% of the changes that lead to protein structure alterations, suggesting their involvement in human disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have delivered therapeutic genes to a rabbit's heart, boosting its function and increasing sensitivity to heart-stimulating drugs. The breakthrough is a key step towards developing a genetic treatment for congestive heart failure.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism for regulating gene expression that could help scientists understand developmental birth defects and other medical conditions. The TRA-1 protein plays a critical role in binding to DNA and controlling mRNA movement, which affects protein production during embryo development.
A UCSF team has identified a key gene, sgk, that regulates blood pressure by mediating the effects of aldosterone. The discovery could lead to more effective therapies for hypertension and low blood pressure, two conditions affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers have pinpointed an enzyme that controls the shape of a developing organ in the roundworm C. elegans, opening up new avenues for understanding organ development and potentially cancer research. The discovery reveals that two activities work together to define the shape of an organ.
Hereditary colorectal cancer tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI) levels show a lack of genes responsible for DNA mismatch repair, vital to DNA replication. This can lead to faulty repair and colon cancer development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel method to turn off genes involved in telomerase activation, which enables continuous cell division in cancer cells. The study used peptide nucleic acid (PNA) molecules to block telomerase activity, showing significant promise for developing new cancer drugs.
Researchers have found a link between beta-catenin and cyclin D1 in colon cancer cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. This discovery may lead to new therapies for colon cancer and potentially other types of cancer.
A recent study has uncovered the role of a gene in regulating vitamin D levels, shedding light on the causes of rare forms of rickets. The research suggests that production of active vitamin D hormone by the kidneys is essential for normal bone health and growth in children, particularly those with kidney failure or aging.
Researchers at UCSF Cancer Research Institute have made an observation that could explain the ability of modified cold virus ONYX-015 to kill cancer cells. The finding suggests that ONYX-015 targets a genetic vulnerability in tumor cells, specifically those with mutations or defects in p53 and p14ARF genes.
Researchers David Kirk and Stephen Miller have discovered a transposon gene, called Jordan, in the green alga Volvox. This gene helps them isolate genes of interest to understand their form and function, shedding light on cell reproduction and specialized cells. The study has implications for human gene therapy and cancer research.
A new human gene has been identified as potentially playing a key role in regulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the body. The gene's overexpression in mice led to nearly undetectable HDL levels, a condition associated with high cardiovascular disease risk.
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant can make African Americans more sensitive to salt, increasing their risk of developing high blood pressure. The researchers found that even small amounts of salt can raise blood pressure in individuals with the gene variant.
Researchers at Millennium Pharmaceuticals have cloned the mahogany gene, which produces a protein that can suppress diet-induced obesity in mice. The study found that mice with a mutated mg gene maintain a healthy weight on both high-fat and low-fat diets, suggesting a similar role in humans.
Researchers discover a gene, mahogany, that regulates obesity in mice, linking it to the immune system. The protein, made inside cells, passes through membranes to detect hormones, potentially leading to new treatment options for obesity.
Researchers found a link between fruit fly gene variations and mood disorders in males, but not females. The study suggests the human homologue of the white gene may play a role in controlling mood and anxiety.
Scientists isolate UFD1 gene, linked to cardiac and facial anomalies in children with 22q11 deletion syndrome, a condition affecting one in 4,000 births. The study suggests that dysregulation of this gene leads to the development of heart and craniofacial structures.
Researchers have identified a gene, Irx4, that regulates the formation of heart chambers in vertebrates. The discovery provides new insights into cardiac development and opens up opportunities for discovering other genes involved in this process.
Researchers identified a gene called Irx-4 that helps maintain the boundaries between heart chambers. The discovery opens up new avenues to understand heart chamber formation and may also shed light on the cause of certain heart defects.
Researchers found two embryonic genes essential for fetal bone formation also play a crucial role in adult fracture repair. The study's findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms of bone healing and have the potential to develop targeted, injection-based therapies.
A gene knockout study has found that inactivating the Bax gene in female mice sustains ovarian function into advanced age. The research reveals that aged Bax-deficient mice maintain hundreds of ovarian follicles with functioning cells but are unable to ovulate or become pregnant.