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These worms have rhythm

A team of researchers has discovered that the worm C. elegans uses a unique system to regulate its development, with a quartet of molecules working in concert to control gene expression. This process shares similarities with human circadian clocks, and understanding how it operates could provide insights into developmental biology.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 8, 2023

Sahmyook University researchers identify genes associated with addiction to psychostimulant drugs

Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

How plants pass down genetic memories

Researchers have discovered how plants pass along chemical markers that instruct cells on using DNA codes, a process known as epigenetic inheritance. The study reveals the role of protein DDM1 in making way for enzymes that add regulatory marks to new DNA strands, preserving genetic controls across generations.

It all depends on the genetic diversity

Researchers found that genetically modified tobacco mutants, impaired in their defenses, outperformed wild-type plants in years with low herbivore pressure. The mutants' prioritization of growth and reproduction over defense allowed them to thrive in environments with limited insect damage.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023

Schizophrenia genetic risk factor impairs mitochondrial function

Researchers have discovered a possible link between mitochondrial function and schizophrenia, highlighting impaired energy production as a key factor in its development. Mitochondrial dysregulation can cause psychiatric symptoms and disorders, and its effects are seen not only in the brain but also in other cells, such as kidney cells.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Having a bad hair day? Blame your genes!

A new study has identified four genetic variants associated with the direction of human scalp hair whorls, revealing a polygenic inheritance pattern. The findings may help unravel biological processes related to abnormal neurological development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

Study finds new, unexpected mechanism of cancer cell spread

A new study reveals that the cellular chaperone protein GRP78 migrates to the nucleus under stress and alters gene activities, allowing cancer cells to become more mobile and invasive. This discovery offers potential new approaches for cancer treatment, including down-regulating GRP78 activity or preventing it from binding to ID2.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2023

The structure of a protein bound to DNA reveals how the toxicity of the cholera bacterium is activated

The study of ToxR's protein structure bound to DNA has revealed how it triggers cholera toxin production. The research provides insights into the molecular mechanism behind Vibrio cholerae's virulence, shedding light on potential treatments for this disease.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Scientists link genes to diet in inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have identified two candidate genes, EPHA6 and MUC4, that may play a role in gut chronic inflammation leading to IBD. The study used genetically diverse mice to mirror human populations and found that increased expression of MUC4 in part of the colon may increase IBD risk in humans.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateJul 5, 2023

Virus-like transposons wage war on the species barrier

Researchers from IMBA identify a family of virus-like transposons called Mavericks that facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between reproductively isolated worm species. The study reveals the role of Mavericks in overcoming the species barrier, with potential applications in pathogen control and genomic innovation.

TTUHSC-TTU research collaboration leads to possible drug targets for Leishmaniasis

The study found that drug-resistant Leishmania parasites have distinct protein production profiles compared to sensitive parasites, suggesting a global reprogramming of protein synthesis. This pre-emptive adaptation enables the parasite to quickly respond to the presence of the drug and survive when it is absent.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Mutant KRAS regulates Y chromosome gene in colorectal cancer, driving metastasis and inhibiting anti-tumor immunity

A preclinical study has uncovered the role of Y chromosome gene KDM5D in regulating anti-tumor immune responses and promoting metastasis in male patients with KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer. The study reveals that mutant KRAS drives upregulation of KDM5D, leading to reduced cell adhesion and immune recognition by the immune system.

LSU Health New Orleans researchers discover potential new rx strategy for ischemic stroke

LSU Health New Orleans researchers found that a combination therapy using Neuroprotectin D1 and Resolvin D1 boosted brain cell survival, growth, and stability. The therapy showed promising results in reducing lesion volume and improving neurological function in acute ischemic stroke models.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Honey bee colony aggression linked to gene regulatory networks

A new study explores the genetic mechanisms underlying honey bee colony defense and aggression, revealing that gene regulation influences collective behavior and division of labor. Researchers found that brain gene regulatory networks differ between soldiers and foragers, particularly in more aggressive colonies.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

A guide through the genome

A research team has developed a method to identify genetic variations responsible for differences in plant traits. The study found thousands of variations associated with traits like yield and pest resistance in maize. These regions can be targeted for plant breeding, leading to improved crop varieties.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 22, 2023

How an autism gene contributes to infertility

A UC Riverside study identifies how a Fragile X gene mutation contributes to premature ovarian failure, leading to early infertility. Researchers found that the mutation affects neurons regulating reproduction in the brain and ovaries, causing an increase in hormone production and faster secretion rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

NIH researchers discover new autoinflammatory disease, suggest target for potential treatments

Scientists have identified an autoinflammatory disease called Lyn kinase-associated vasculopathy and liver fibrosis (LAVLI) linked to mutations in the LYN gene. The research suggests that Lyn kinase may be a potential therapeutic target for drugs treating non-syndromic small vessel vasculitis and inflammation-induced liver fibrosis.

Cause of leukemia in trisomy 21

Children with Down syndrome are highly vulnerable to developing aggressive leukaemia due to a defect in the RUNX1 gene, which regulates blood cell formation. Researchers have identified a specific variant of the gene that promotes leukaemia development and discovered potential therapeutic approaches to correct this malfunction.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Single gene causes stinging cell to lose its sting

A single gene controls a switch between two alternative cell fates in a species of sea anemone, enabling the transition from a piercing cell to a sticky cell. This finding suggests that the nematocyte cell may have evolved from a spirocyte thanks to the development of the NvSox2 gene.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2023

Cocaine addiction makes the brain age faster, suggests study

Researchers have discovered that cocaine addiction is associated with faster brain aging, with changes in DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex contributing to this effect. The study, which analyzed cryo-preserved brains of deceased male donors, found that cells in this region appeared biologically older in individuals with CUD.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023