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A novel gene involved in male infertility: ZFP541

A new gene ZFP541 has been discovered by researchers at Kumamoto University to control the completion of meiosis in spermatogenesis. The study found that ZFP541 plays an essential role in regulating meiosis and is expressed in late meiotic prophase, binding to regulatory regions of meiosis-related genes.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers speed identification of DNA regions that regulate gene expression

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have developed an integrated system to better understand and possibly manipulate gene expression for treatment of disorders like sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. The new method identified dozens of DNA regulatory elements that orchestrate fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch, offeri...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 6, 2021

Mount Sinai researchers identify master regulator genes of asthma

Researchers have identified master regulator genes that causally regulate key biological processes underlying asthma. These genes provide a novel path forward for uncovering mechanisms and developing novel therapies for asthma. The study also identified nasal gene signatures for mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 20, 2020

Genetic analysis of cannabis is here

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method to analyze the genetic characteristics of cannabis strains, providing a powerful tool for addressing industry claims and concerns. The analysis reveals distinct gene networks orchestrating each strain's production of cannabinoids and terpenes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMay 29, 2019

How the bumble bee got its stripes

Researchers have identified a key gene driving color differences in bumble bee species, revealing the genetic basis of mimicry and evolutionary adaptations. The study found that a specific regulatory region influences Abdominal-B gene expression, resulting in unique color patterns.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Finding the key to flightlessness

A Harvard University study explores the genetics behind the evolution of flightless birds, finding that different species turn to similar regulatory pathways when evolving flight loss. The team discovered a shared suite of morphological changes that led to a similar body plan across all flightless bird species.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2019

Blueprint for the skull

A study published in Cell Reports has mapped the genetic regulators of facial development, revealing thousands of previously unknown enhancers linked to craniofacial abnormalities. The researchers found that these enhancers contribute to many cases of cleft palate and provide new insights into the causes of this birth defect.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

Gene editing regulations threaten sustainability of global food animal supply

New gene editing regulations could hinder the use of CRISPR technology in food animals, potentially limiting disease resistance and beneficial traits. The FDA's proposal would impose drug-like regulatory scrutiny, but experts suggest alternative routes to approval that could accelerate benefits from conventional breeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 9, 2018

More than 100,000 switches

A research team led by Dr. Ralf Gilsbach and Prof. Dr. Lutz Hein from the University of Freiburg has mapped out the gene regulators in the DNA of human cardiac muscle cells for the first time. They discovered over 100,000 gene switches that control gene activity, providing insight into mechanisms misdirected in heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018

Molecular conductors help plants respond to drought

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered key molecular conductors in plant stress responses, enabling a better understanding of how plants cope with environmental hardships. By controlling these conductors, researchers can potentially develop new technologies to optimize water use in plants and help agriculture adapt to drought.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Reading between the genes

Researchers at TUM and MPI have developed a method to identify active regulatory DNA regions controlling genes. This breakthrough enables scientists to study how genes are controlled in different cell types, shedding light on gene regulation and its role in diseases.

Do genes express themselves through poetry?

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that DNA's regulatory regions resemble a poetic language, composed of coding and regulatory elements. By analyzing variants of a key protein and applying mathematical models, the team was able to identify conserved properties in other sequences, enabling them to 'read' the genome.

Scientists uncover what makes plants 'clot'

Researchers have identified two novel molecular players necessary to regulate plasmodesmata in plants under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. These enzymes help control the flow of nutrients, minerals, and cellular signals between cells by altering callose levels at the plasmodesmata channel.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 11, 2016

A master switch that plays a key role in energy metabolism and human brain evolution

A study exploring GABPa gene regulator reveals its influence as a master switch in energy metabolism and human brain evolution. Key findings include enrichment of GABPa sites at genes important for unique human functions and associations with diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and breast cancer.

3-D map of human genome reveals relationship between mutations and disease development

Researchers at Whitehead Institute created a 3D map of the human genome's DNA loops that regulate gene expression in human embryonic stem cells and adult cells. This new understanding will help scientists predict relationships between mutated elements and their target genes, leading to improved disease development insights.

Life in 3-D

Researchers at EMBL and Stanford University mapped three-dimensional interactions between enhancers and promoters, revealing new insights into gene regulation. The study sheds light on how genetic variants control gene expression and disease predispositions.

RNA-binding protein influences key mediator of cellular inflammation and stress responses

Researchers have discovered that RNA-binding protein ROQUIN regulates the stability of thousands of mRNA molecules, including those involved in cellular inflammation and stress responses. By binding to these mRNAs, ROQUIN influences the activity of the key mediator NF-kappaB, which is essential for regulating gene expression.

Cataract culprits

University of Delaware researchers have identified two genes linked to cataract formation. Deficiency in these genes leads to lens clouding and cataract development without aging or radiation exposure required. The study could contribute to interventions that delay or prevent cataract formation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalHuman Genetics·DateJun 18, 2015