Articles tagged with Regulatory Genes
Researchers at Yale University have identified thousands of genetic 'dimmer' switches that drove the evolution of the human brain. These regulatory elements show increased activity in humans compared to rhesus monkeys and mice, highlighting unique features in the cerebral cortex.
A survey of genome-edited crops reveals many may not be subject to current GMO regulations due to advanced genetic engineering techniques. Bioethicists propose new models for regulation to address social issues associated with such crops.
A study by Denis Duboule's team found that the formation of digits and external genitals involves a similar group of genes, with small modifications controlling their development. The researchers used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate that a single regulatory DNA sequence controls both processes.
Researchers identify genes and networks that enable tiny Atlantic killifish to alter their body form in response to environmental changes, providing insight into phenotypic plasticity. The study's findings have substantial implications for understanding molecular evolution and its applications in climate change, medicine, and regenerat...
A new algorithm has identified KLHL9 as the driving force behind aggressive glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Reintroducing KLHL9 protein suppressed tumors in mice transplants, offering hope for a possible treatment strategy. The approach also revealed new genes involved in breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered a mutated regulator that disrupts blood cell production, leading to leukemia. Removing this regulator restored normal function and offers hope for new treatments.
Researchers at Washington State University have found a key gene in wheat that can be used to transfer valuable traits from other plants, reducing crop losses and pesticide use. The discovery enables breeders to develop disease- and pest-resistant wheat varieties without the need for genetically modified organisms.
A team of scientists has identified a master regulatory gene for sex determination in the green alga Volvox carteri, which shows how it evolved from a more primitive mating system in a close relative. The discovery may provide a possible blueprint for the origin of sexes in other multicellular organisms.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have created a global map of regulatory control systems in cellular transport routes. The study reveals that sets of transport routes are co-regulated by specific programs of regulatory control, with genes involved in these processes often deregulated in disease.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine discovered a single nucleotide change in human DNA that affects the expression of a key protein involved in hair color. This subtle change in gene expression can have significant impacts on an individual's hair color, with blonde hair resulting from increased KITLG expression in hair follicles.
HHMI researchers have pinpointed a single-letter change in the genetic code that generates blond hair in humans. This variation is common in Northern Europeans and fine-tunes the regulation of an essential gene involved in hair color, showcasing how independent changes can be encoded to produce specific traits.
Scientists have found the cause of a genetic disease, pancreatic agenesis, in previously unexplored regions of DNA. The condition affects babies and leads to diabetes and digestive issues.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University found that a mutation in the CNK2 gene affects cilia length, leading to misinterpreted signals and fatal diseases. The study provides new insights into the importance of cilia disassembly speed in determining cell function.
Scientists demonstrate the existence of two distinct regulatory domains controlling arm and hand formation, revealing a complex genetic switch that enables wrist emergence. The study sheds light on the molecular processes governing limb development, highlighting the intricate dialogue between genes and regulatory elements.
Glybera, first gene therapy drug approved in the Western world, was developed after a decade-long search for its genetic mutation. The European Medicines Agency granted marketing approval on November 2, 2012, after several rejections and appeals. Glybera's efficacy was questionable, but its safety was not an issue.
The coelacanth genome confirms genes evolve more slowly than in other organisms, suggesting a specialized environment has led to minimal change. The study also sheds light on the water-to-land transition, identifying key genetic regions associated with tetrapod innovations and immune system adaptations.
Scientists at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered the inner workings of E6AP enzyme, controlling functions in nerve cells and viral replication. This finding provides potential strategies for designing drugs to block E6AP function in HPV and Hepatitis C viruses.
Researchers at UMMS found that small amounts of junk foods can trigger significant changes in gene expression and physiology, potentially impacting human health. The study used C. elegans as a model organism and identified a genetic regulatory network facilitating rapid responses to internal and external cues.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made a groundbreaking discovery about a protein called Matrimony (Mtrm), which traps and inactivates the powerful Polo kinase. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment, as Polo kinase is widely considered to be misregulated in many types of cancer.
A team of scientists at EMBL has discovered how the genome is controlled by a series of multiple, interdependent regulatory elements. These elements are clustered together and control specific genes like Fgf8, which is crucial for limb growth and brain development.
Researchers at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute are using the ISS to study the effects of microgravity on disease-causing organisms. Their findings indicate that spaceflight can increase the virulence of pathogens like Salmonella, while also altering gene expression and pathogenesis-related responses in other microorganisms.
Microbiologist Cheryl Nickerson is using the ISS platform to study the effects of microgravity on disease-causing organisms, aiming to unveil novel cellular and molecular mechanisms related to infectious disease progression.
Researchers at UW-Madison have identified a small DNA sequence, the +9.5 GATA2 switch site, that plays a crucial role in controlling GATA2 production and generating self-renewing blood stem cells.
A team of researchers developed an automated system to map protein-DNA interactions, uncovering a hierarchical structure for the regulatory code. They found that regulatory factors can be classified into three levels, with each tier governing cell type, sub-identity and specialized gene expression.
Researchers created detailed maps of regulatory DNA switches that dictate gene expression and developed a dictionary of the genome's programming language. The findings greatly expand our understanding of how genes are controlled and how this control may differ between normal and diseased cells.
The new study proposes a way to effectively introduce carefully planned DNA segments into genomes of living cells and test the effects. The technology enables simultaneous introduction of tens of thousands of DNA regions into tens of thousands of living cells, allowing for precise measurement of results within a single experiment.
A new study by the University of Minnesota researchers found that APHIS failed to recognize environmental impacts and made legal errors in regulating genetically engineered crops. The agency's regulatory decisions have faced criticism, leading to litigation delays in the development of new GE crops.
Researchers are investigating three popular wheat varieties to understand their drought tolerance mechanisms and how they can be improved. The study aims to identify key genetic regulators of drought tolerance, which is crucial for maintaining crop yields in dryland areas affected by drought.
Scientists have discovered that chromosomes fold into a series of contiguous 'yarns,' grouping genes and regulatory elements together to facilitate coordinated development. This domainal organization allows for the precise orchestration of gene activity, but also creates a challenge when mutations disrupt this structure.
A study found that young mice require a second round of heat-generating brown fat to survive after their mothers pass away. The findings also reveal that the babies are extremely sensitive to molecular-level effects that change gene dosage.
UCSF researchers found that tissues can remember and activate T regulatory cells to defend against autoimmune diseases. The discovery may lead to new strategies for fighting autoimmunity and preventing transplant rejection.
Researchers have provided the first ever map of the genes that determine how bacteria interact with their surrounding environment. The study reveals critical genetic secrets of a bacterium that holds potential for removing toxic and radioactive waste from the environment.
A recent study has identified millions of new regulatory elements in the human genome, which govern protein formation and are crucial for various central functions. These findings have significant implications for understanding how mutations in genes lead to diseases.
A research team at Caltech has outlined exactly how specific sets of cells in sea-urchin embryos differentiate to become the endoderm, the early domain of the embryo that eventually forms the gut. They found that certain regulatory genes are expressed in the cells of each domain and that this process is dynamic, with gene expression ch...
Scientists developed a new method, GROMIT, to study gene regulation by employing a jumping gene as an informant. The technique revealed that each regulatory element can control a broader range of genes than previously thought, and expression levels are fine-tuned at the tissue level.
Rebeiz aims to understand how regulatory switches change to produce evolutionary novelties, such as the horn on a beetle or the eyespots on a butterfly's wings. His research could apply to human genetics, helping to better understand how genetic alterations lead to disease and deformities.
Researchers identified 510 missing genetic segments that distinguish humans from chimpanzees and other animals. These segments affect gene regulation, enabling traits like large brains and sensory whiskers. The study reveals how human evolution occurred through subtle DNA changes.
Researchers used DNA microarrays to analyze gene expression in livers from patients with biliary atresia and found a key regulator: RRAS. This gene plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of the disease, making it a potential prognostic biomarker.
A NIH study identifies 18,000 promoters and 34,000 distal regulatory elements that regulate genes in human pancreatic islet cells. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular defects underlying type-2 diabetes.
A team of bioethical, legal and medical researchers proposes an innovative approach to oversee direct-to-consumer genetic tests, combining premarket studies with ongoing postmarket evaluations. The approach aims to balance innovation with regulation, ensuring safety and accuracy for consumers.
Advanced gene modification methods for cellulosic biofuels are being restricted due to stringent regulations, hindering the development of this promising renewable energy source. The researchers argue that a more intelligent regulatory system is needed to enable the use of gene modification technology and accelerate breeding progress.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute found that Sirtuin1 promotes memory and brain flexibility, with potential implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests a novel microRNA-based mechanism by which SIRT1 aids memory and synaptic plasticity.
Actin capping protein (CP) regulates filament elongation by capping the dynamic end of the filament. Two regulators, V-1 and CARMIL, modulate CP activity in different manners. The new study reveals that CARMIL uncaps filaments by suppressing twisting movement required for tight-barbed end capping.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered NFI-A's role in protecting nerve cells from death due to neurologic disorders and stroke. Knocking down NFI-A reduced the neuroprotective effects of sublethal doses of NMDA, supporting its central role in nerve cell survival.
Scientists developed a new computational model to identify targets of regulator genes in the human genome. The method combines biochemical and probabilistic modeling to uncover physical models of cell regulation, offering promise for improving understanding of biological systems.
In complex organisms, regulatory networks are more democratic and collaborative, with master regulators controlling middle managers governing workhorse genes. These systems tend to be less autocratic, instead relying on mutually supporting partnerships for stability.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a cellular mechanism that enables cells to transform their state, which could lead to new insights into diseases. The study found that a regulatory protein removes a lid from genes, allowing the cell to change its identity.
Researchers discovered that genetic material regulators beyond the SHOX gene itself play a crucial role in developing growth disorders. A study of 893 patients with short stature found that enhancer mutations, far from the affected gene, can cause the same clinical symptoms as direct gene mutations.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute find that a decline in microRNA156 concentration triggers flowering in Arabidopsis, allowing plants to bloom even in unfavorable environments. This endogenous mechanism ensures plant survival and prevents delayed flowering.
A specific DNA change has been identified as a potential mechanism for developing schizophrenia. The research found that the altered gene increases expression in cells grown in culture, echoing findings in postmortem brain samples from individuals with schizophrenia.
Researchers discover that large genomes make it easier to find regions of DNA controlling gene activity. The study used the genomes of flies and other insects to identify regulatory sequences previously difficult to detect in human genomes.
Researchers have discovered that microRNAs dampen target gene expression in specific cells by working in concert with other regulatory processes. Key muscle-regulatory miRNAs, such as miR-1 and miR-133, function to mediate actin organization in developing muscles.
A team of scientists found that a single gene is enough for bacteria to switch from one host animal to another. The study, published in Nature, reveals the genetic pressure point that could be manipulated to thwart germs that make us sick.
The Krumlauf Lab has discovered that protein coding regions can modulate gene expression in the developing brain. This finding has important implications for understanding the regulation of brain development and designing tests for large-scale analyses of gene regulation.
Researchers have created a new strategy for controlling autoimmune responses in rheumatoid arthritis by genetically engineering Foxp3 regulatory cells. These cells can be activated to suppress the immune response, potentially reversing or inhibiting the disease process.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) has been signed into law, providing protections for patients and research participants from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. However, gaps in oversight of genetic tests and the need for regulatory guidance remain to be addressed.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new class of small RNA molecules that modify gene activity and suppress transposable elements in fruit flies. These findings expand our understanding of the regulation of gene expression and blur distinctions between previously identified classes of small RNAs.
A study by McGill University researchers found that certain immunoregulatory T-cells lose potency with age, leading to the onset of autoimmune diabetes. This discovery provides insight into the mechanism of type 1 diabetes and may lead to new immune system-based therapies.
Researchers identified two microRNA pairs in fruit fly and eight more in mouse where both DNA strands encode RNA products, which fold into hairpins that are processed into mature microRNAs. This discovery builds on earlier findings about microRNA regulation using computational tools to investigate genomes of multiple species.
A team of researchers has found that current computer programs can miss up to 60% of regulatory DNA regions, which contribute to inherited diseases like Parkinson's and mental disorders. The study used a novel approach to identify functional DNA sequences in zebrafish embryos, uncovering 17 discrete DNA segments with regulatory potential.