Articles tagged with Somatic Cells
Research reveals a previously hidden role for somatic mutations — DNA changes acquired throughout life — in diseases beyond cancer. Mutations in key genes were found to contribute to thyroid autoimmunity, potentially providing a path towards precision medicine.
This cohort study found a high risk of developing functional somatic disorder (FSD) in individuals with a history of sexual assault. The pooled analysis underscores the biopsychosocial consequences of sexual assault and highlights the importance of further research and targeted interventions to address this critical issue.
A study found that disrupting the ClOSD1 gene in watermelon causes both somatic and gametic ploidy doubling, leading to enhanced growth traits and altered reproductive behaviors. This discovery establishes a genetic entry point for developing new polyploid breeding strategies.
Researchers successfully created functional ureter tissue from pluripotent stem cells, bringing them closer to developing transplantable kidneys that can produce and expel urine. The achievement is a significant step toward next-generation regenerative therapies.
Scientists successfully grow chimpanzee naive-type pluripotent stem cells, revealing key mechanisms for self-renewal and differentiation. The study's findings shed light on the evolutionary conservation of these properties, offering a powerful tool for investigating early developmental processes.
Researchers at MIT have devised a simplified process to convert skin cells directly into neurons, bypassing the stem cell stage and achieving yields of over 10 neurons from a single skin cell. This approach could potentially be used to treat patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases that impair mobility.
The CNIC has developed a comprehensive set of genetic tools and mouse lines called iFlpMosaics, enabling accurate investigation of somatic mutations on cellular biology and disease. This toolkit facilitates the study of complex interactions between cells within their microenvironment.
A new analytical tool called PATH can quantify tumor cell plasticity, which is a key characteristic of cancer that leads to treatment resistance and metastatic spread. Researchers used PATH to analyze tumor samples from animal models and human patients, revealing new details of how tumors exploit plasticity to spread.
In planarian flatworms, biogenic monoamines play a critical role in regulating female and male germ cells. Researchers discovered that these molecules form a novel signaling pathway controlling planarian germ cells, producing the 'BATT Signal' to regulate reproductive development. The study highlights the importance of monoamine conjug...
A new study reveals sex-specific effects of germline regulation on longevity and somatic repair in vertebrates. Removing the germline extends male lifespan and improves stress resistance in females.
A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team has developed a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers. The workflow uses genome-scale metabolic models and mutation data to identify altered metabolic pathways that contribute to cancer progression.
Researchers at OHSU have developed a new strategy to treat infertility by turning skin cells into eggs capable of producing viable embryos. The technique involves transferring the nucleus of a skin cell into a donated egg, reducing its chromosomes by half to create a fertilizable embryo.
Researchers found that impaired mitochondrial unfolded protein response causes accelerated telomere shortening in both oocytes and somatic cells of aging mice. This study highlights the link between loss of mitochondrial protein homeostasis, infertility, and somatic aging.
Persistent withdrawn and somatic symptoms in adolescence increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in mid-adolescence. The study found that these symptoms persist or increase over time to be particularly concerning for suicidal risk.
Researchers discuss clonal hematopoiesis, a condition where cells harbor somatic mutations, and its association with aging, solid tumors, and treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that CH may play a role in cancer development and survival.
Researchers propose a novel theory of aging that suggests cell competition is a key factor in the process. The selective destruction theory (SDT) proposes a mechanism of aging that is independent of accumulating damage and consistent with epigenetic rejuvenation.
Researchers discovered ovarian mesenchymal progenitor cells that improve aged ovarian function and extend reproductive lifespan. By transplanting functional mesenchymal cells, the study shows an efficient approach to postpone ovarian aging.
A new study revealed that people in the UK have facial skin with more DNA damaged from the sun than those in Singapore, leading to a higher risk of developing keratinocyte skin cancers. This is despite lower UV light exposure levels in the UK.
This study found that nucleo-cytoplasmic interaction is a crucial factor in male sterility of seedless cybrid citrus, affecting stamen development and pollen abortion. The researchers identified genes involved in stamen development and proposed a potential nucleo-cytoplasmic interaction network.
The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Network aims to identify and catalog genetic variants in different individuals, enabling research into development, aging and disorders. A $15 million grant from the NIH Common Fund supports this project, led by Dr. Ting Wang and co-led by Dr. Hui Shen.
Researchers assembled the largest atlas of post-zygotic genome mutations in healthy human tissue, providing insight into genetic underpinnings of disease. The study found that most detectable mutations occurred later in life, but some arose systematically and predictably as people age.
A new stem cell model allows researchers to study the earliest stages of sex determination in mice and humans, providing insights into Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). The model enables the creation of a 'mini testis' in a dish, which could lead to better understanding of DSD, infertility, and fertility restoration.
Researchers at The Forsyth Institute have made two breakthrough discoveries that could lead to new treatments for cartilage injuries and degeneration. They found that β-catenin, a multifaceted protein, plays a role in skeletal cell fate determination and ectopic chondrogenesis.
A study of NASA astronauts found DNA mutations associated with spaceflight, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and blood cancer. Regular screening is recommended to monitor astronaut health.
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
Biologists at the University of Rochester have identified two key systems controlling gene expression related to longevity: circadian networks regulating negative lifespan genes and the pluripotency network controlling positive lifespan genes. This research provides new insights into understanding how longevity evolves and may lead to ...
A team of researchers identified clusters of mutations in the genome that contribute to cancer progression in about 10% of human cancers. These clustered somatic mutations can be used to predict patient survival, with specific hotspots linked to better or worse outcomes for certain types of cancer.
Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.
A peptide nucleic acid-based gene editing technique has been identified as a crucial part of the gene editing toolkit, offering an alternative to CRISPR-Cas systems. The technique, developed by Carnegie Mellon's Danith Ly and Yale University's Peter Glazer, allows for in vivo gene editing using nanoparticles.
A new RNA-sequencing method, PANDORA-seq, can detect modified small RNAs that were previously undetectable. The method employs a stepwise enzymatic treatment to remove key RNA modifications, uncovering a surprising small-RNA landscape dominated by tsRNAs and rRNA-derived small RNAs.
A new study by Crick researchers reveals that stem cells protect their chromosome ends through a unique t-loop structure, distinct from the TRF2-dependent mechanism in somatic cells. This discovery opens up new questions about the evolution of telomere protection and its implications for premature aging and cancer.
Researchers identified a non-hereditary mutation in blood cells from a patient with GATA2 deficiency that may have prevented bone marrow failure and other clinical manifestations. The mutation acted as a kind of natural gene therapy, protecting the patient from developing typical symptoms.
A study published in Nature Communications identified an activating somatic mutation in the mTOR gene as a common cause of chronic GvHD. The mutation was found in 2.2% of chronic GvHD patients but not in healthy blood donors, suggesting a potential target for individualized treatments.
Researchers at Uppsala University sequenced a chromosome in zebra finches called the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC), finding it tens of millions of years old and crucial for songbird biology. The GRC plays a key role in early embryonic development and protects somatic cells from negative effects.
A team from the University of Tsukuba identifies a novel silencing component called TAF-Iα that plays a crucial role in retroviral silencing during reprogramming. This discovery enables the production of high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy applications.
Researchers at the University of Cologne have found that somatic niche cells surrounding primordial germ cells (PGCs) control their response to DNA damage. This discovery sheds new light on how PGCs maintain genome integrity, potentially improving understanding of inheritance and infertility.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that plant parts with longer lifespans, such as stems and roots, have lower mutation rates compared to those with shorter lifespans, like leaves and petals. The researchers also discovered that plants with more future prospects for mutations tend to have lower relative mutation rates.
Researchers challenged conventional two-dimensional models of cell surface organization, revealing three-dimensional effects on diffusion and molecular movement. This study has significant implications for understanding cell signaling, cell-to-cell contacts, and cell migration.
Researchers used machine learning to detect small DNA changes in single brain cells, revealing thousands of previously unknown variations. The study found that these changes peaked during a key stage of brain development, implying a regulated process.
A DNA probing technique clarifies the mechanism behind clonal reproduction of female dojo loach fish, revealing how they double their chromosomes twice to ensure clonal reproduction. The study also provides insight into the ancestral origin of this population and suggests a method for developing clone fish with desirable characteristics.
Scientists identified and characterized specific types of mutations in individual cell lines, including clonal mutations and subclonal mutations caused by ultraviolet radiation damage. This study aims to improve the therapeutic potential of iPSCs for treating human diseases.
Researchers found that fat body cells in Drosophila propel themselves forward towards wounds using a wave-like motion, effectively sealing them and preventing infection. The cells work together with immune cells to aid healing and increase antimicrobial peptide production.
A study found that low-fiber diets alter the gut microbiota's behavior, leading to increased bacterial penetrability of the inner colonic mucus layer. Fiber supplements from bifidobacteria or inulin helped restore protective effects on the mucus layer.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new lung cell type implicated in innate immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the leading causes of pneumonia worldwide. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for combating this pathogen.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a public divided on the use of human genome editing, with some supporting its therapeutic applications and others opposing enhancement. However, most respondents agreed that conversations about the technology are necessary to address its moral and regulatory implications.
Researchers identified multiple genes that enable somatic cells to switch to germline fate in plants. The discovery provides molecular evidence for the evolution of reproductive systems in ancient plants, showing how plants limit switching to create a single germ cell.
A new single-cell sequencing method, AccuSomatic Amplification for Single Cell Sequencing, has been developed to accurately detect somatic single nucleotide variations in single cells. This breakthrough technology eliminates errors in somatic SNV calls while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Researchers have discovered a crucial regulatory mechanism for sex determination in vertebrates, centered on the DMRT1 gene. The study found that the ncEx1 promoter sequence plays a vital role in regulating gene expression, particularly in germ cells and somatic cells.
Researchers found that induced neural stem cells promoted survival and functional recovery in mice modeled with ischemic stroke. The study also discovered that early administration of iNSCs protected the brain from ischemia-related damage, reducing infarct volume and enhancing sensorimotor function.
Researchers discovered the Oct4 gene plays a critical protective role in preventing heart attacks and strokes by stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. Manipulating its expression may help block age-related decline in the body's ability to carry out repairs and heal wounds.
A new study by the IBS Center for RNA Research has found that poly(A) tail length is not linearly correlated with translation efficiency in somatic cells. The researchers used two techniques to compare poly(A) tail length and translation efficiency, finding a correlation between the two in a limited range.
A team led by John P. Cooke identified reactive oxygen species as critical to the transformation of adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The researchers discovered that a 'Goldilock's zone' of free radical generation is optimal for iPSC production, with too little or too much ROS impaireding colony formation.
The Lieber Institute for Brain Development is conducting a multi-site research effort to investigate the role of non-inherited genetic mutations in schizophrenia, specifically somatic mosaicism. The project aims to identify causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and guide treatment development.
Researchers found that genetic mutations selectively shut down genes responsible for red pigments, leading to variations in berry color. This process can result in clonal diversity and impact other vegetatively propagated plants.
Scientists at OHSU have found that nuclear transfer is superior to iPS method in reprogramming human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, with the former producing stem cells almost identical to those from in vitro fertilized eggs. The study's findings hold major implications for developing better embryonic stem cells and therapies.
By analyzing somatic mutations in healthy cells, researchers can reconstruct a cell's development from the early embryo to adulthood. This approach provides insight into normal cell development and could help understand how it differs from cancerous cells.
Research published in Liver Transplantation found that childhood liver transplant recipients have a reduced body cell mass post-transplant, leading to an increase in fat mass and a slim body composition. The study suggests that these patients are at risk of becoming 'skinny fat' due to their low body cell mass.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that having somatic cells do the organism's dirty work helps explain the beneficial evolution of separating germ cells. This separation allows organisms to flourish while protecting their genetic material from damage.
A team of researchers led by Professor Kenneth Lee attempted to replicate a controversial stem cell acid bath study published in Nature, but were unable to induce pluripotency in mouse somatic cells. The full experimental results are now available online, providing an open and transparent record of the attempt.
Researchers sequenced blood and brain samples from a 115-year-old supercentenarian to identify somatic mutations. They found approximately 450 somatic mutations in white blood cells, with most being single nucleotide variants, which did not affect genetic fitness.