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First comprehensive sex-specific atlas of GLP-1 in the mouse brain reveals why blockbuster weight-loss drugs may work differently in females and males

Researchers mapped GLP-1 expression in 25 brain regions in each sex, uncovering striking differences in key circuits. The atlas reveals sex-biased expression in certain medullary nuclei, with higher Glp1 densities and numbers of Glp1-expressing neurons in females compared to males.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026

How a heart medication could unlock a new targeted approach in lymphoma

A team of researchers at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has discovered an innovative way to use a drug already approved in treating irregular heartbeat to selectively target specific functions of enzymes in lymphoma, effectively killing cancer cells and reducing tumor growth with little to no toxicity. The study found that RBF4...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPharmacological Research·DateFeb 3, 2026

Chimeric RNAs as biomarkers of COVID-19 infection

Researchers discovered novel COVID-19-specific chimeric RNAs in whole blood of patients, differing between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. These chimeric RNAs have an additional layer of transcriptional control and may serve as valuable biomarkers for early-stage viral infection.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateApr 22, 2025

Mapping the sex life of Malaria parasites at single cell resolution, reveals the genetics underlying Malaria transmission

Scientists have mapped the global repertoire of genes that determine the male or female sexual fates in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. This study reveals key regulators of gene expression during development and identifies novel candidate 'driver' genes, shedding light on the complex biology of malaria transmission.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Splicing it all together in the fight against cancer

Researchers at Osaka University have developed molecules that can correct improper splicing of a vital tumor suppressor gene in neuroendocrine cancers. The study demonstrates that these splice-switching oligonucleotides can significantly reduce viable cancer cells and tumor size in mice, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for intr...

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Study finds immune cells in older adults resemble those in newborns and children, but fall short in virus detection

Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Researchers produce first-ever toolkit for RNA sequencing analysis using a ‘pantranscriptome’

A new toolkit enables researchers to map individual RNA data to a more diverse 'pantranscriptome', addressing reference bias and increasing the accuracy of gene expression mapping. This approach builds on pangenomics, allowing for the comparison of an individual's genome to genetically diverse cohorts of reference sequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 16, 2023

Study traces shared and unique cellular hallmarks found in 6 neurodegenerative diseases

A recent study has identified common and unique cellular processes in six neurodegenerative diseases, providing new insights into the underlying causes of these conditions. The research used machine learning analysis to compare RNA markers in whole blood samples from patients with distinct diseases, revealing eight shared themes across...

SourceArizona State University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Microbes help orchestrate how the gut uses its genes

Researchers found microbes influence which genes are used for fat digestion and absorption, leading to changes in epithelial cells. The study also showed microbes promote lipid absorption and impact systemic processes like weight gain.

SourceDuke University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Uncovering a cooperation between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that keep transposable element RNAs under control

Researchers have uncovered a collaboration between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that work together to control the levels of transposable element RNAs, preventing genetic instability. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Caught on Camera: Live Imaging of Transcription Using Active RNA Polymerase II-Specific Probes

Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a genetically encoded probe to visualize active transcription sites in living cells. The probe successfully identified phosphorylated Ser2 in RNA polymerase II, allowing for the localization of elongation phase transcription sites in real-time.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Most comprehensive RNA-Atlas ever

Researchers have built a comprehensive catalogue of human non-coding RNAs using three sequencing methods. The project uncovered thousands of novel non-coding RNA genes and found correlations between RNA abundance and regulatory functions.

SourceGhent University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 17, 2021

Integrator: A guardian of the human transcriptome

The Integrator protein complex plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression by terminating non-productive transcription. This mechanism ensures the production of wasteful transcripts is limited while maintaining thousands of transcription start sites for potential functional genes.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 5, 2021

How to keep the nucleus clean

A new study reveals that nuclear RNAs are sorted using a two-layered targeting mechanism, where NEXT and PAXT complexes work together to degrade non-functional transcripts. This process prevents deleterious accumulation of non-functional RNAs in cells.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Unjamming the genome after DNA damage

A protein complex, Ccr4-Not, has been shown to recruit factors that mark RNAPII with ubiquitin, triggering its degradation and clearing the jam. This process is essential for normal cell function and preventing diseases associated with DNA damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 5, 2019

DNA-directed RNA transcription may have profound adaptability

Researchers used single-cell transcriptogenomics to study the cell's defense mechanisms and found that DNA-directed RNA transcription can exclude ENU-mutated alleles, preventing them from being expressed. This novel mechanism may provide a new approach to understanding aging and disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateMar 11, 2015