Researchers have linked genetic factors to severe kidney disease in blacks, with evidence pointing to genes on chromosome 18 and another unidentified region. The study involved a large African-American cohort and could pave the way for targeted therapies.
Studies found that people with high-normal blood pressure already have signs of target organ damage and are at increased risk for cardiovascular death. Potassium intake was also shown to reduce the size of a stroke in an animal study.
Scientists have discovered two key proteins, XCAP-E and XCAP-D2, that remain apart at a critical time before condensation occurs in frog oocytes. These findings may help study chromosome physiology, particularly the functional aspects of these proteins.
In a groundbreaking study, UCSD researchers discovered that the 14-3-3 epsilon protein is crucial for normal brain development and migration of neurons. Defects in this protein lead to severe brain disorders like Miller-Dieker syndrome, characterized by profound mental retardation and early death.
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that Gleevec, a drug used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), does not effectively target CNS leukemia in the brain or spinal fluid. The research revealed that Gleevec poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier, allowing leukemia cells to avoid eradication.
New research reveals nucleus is more than just a bag of chromosomes, with key findings including the discovery of rope-like proteins called lamins linked to human diseases. The study also sheds light on the orchestrated process of nuclear breakdown during cell division.
Scientists have identified specific genes on chromosome 21 that contribute to Down syndrome, a condition affecting one in 800 live births. The discovery provides a roadmap for understanding the genetic causes of the disorder and potentially developing new therapies.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that specific genetic markers on chromosome 2 are associated with severe depression in women, but not in men. This discovery suggests important differences in the molecular basis of clinical depression between sexes, which may contribute to varying treatment responses and symptoms.
Scientists conducted a study on genetic markers in families with multiple members diagnosed with schizophrenia, finding potential associations on chromosome 1q. However, these genes are thought to influence only a small proportion of patients, highlighting the complexity of unraveling complex diseases.
A recent study has identified eight chromosomal sites that may harbor genes for hand OA, with the strongest evidence found on chromosomes 7p and 11q. The research used a genome scan of Framingham participants and their offspring to investigate genetic linkages.
A study by Pitt researchers found that men and women have different genetic markers associated with severe depression, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment strategies. The findings suggest that sex-specific genes for recurrent major depression may be the rule rather than the exception.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified chromosomal regions linked to the age at onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study found evidence for age-at-onset genes on chromosomes 10, 1, 4, and 8, which could lead to new avenues of research to delay disease onset.
Researchers identified a region on Chromosome 4 containing genes that contribute to exceptional longevity. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that mimic centenarians' genetic characteristics, promoting healthy aging.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that multiple protein-based motors work together to build the spindle and move chromosomes during cell division. This new understanding of cellular machines could help prevent or treat disorders related to cell-division defects.
A team of researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine has isolated and characterized a gene, BRMS1, that plays a role in blocking tumor cells' ability to spread. The gene provides a target for developing therapies to keep cancer localized and may aid in proper diagnosis.
Researchers have used new methods to track the evolution of human chromosomes over a 130 million-year period, finding that one chromosome is shared only with chimpanzees. By examining analogous chromosomes in other mammals, scientists can reconstruct how human chromosomes evolved from ancient origins.
The decoded genetic information contains an estimated 10-15,000 genes linked to diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, and hypertension. Researchers can now mine this data for advances in basic understanding of life and applications like diagnosing and treating diseases.
Men with specific chromosome 8 abnormalities have a 30% survival rate after 10 years, compared to 78% for those with normal chromosomes. The findings could help identify patients who require closer follow-up and more aggressive early treatment.
Researchers at Chromos Molecular Systems have successfully passed an artificial chromosome to their offspring, paving the way for practical germline gene therapy. The technology could enable genetic changes to be inherited without disrupting other genes, offering a safer alternative to current methods.
Increasing folate levels prior to conception could reduce Down syndrome risk, according to a study funded by the FDA. Folate deficiency at conception increases neural tube defect risk, including spina bifida, which is the leading cause of childhood paralysis.
Researchers found that pig eggs with multiple sperm can develop into healthy embryos with a normal number of chromosomes. The extra set of chromosomes is segregated into a separate cell, which shrivels and dies.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found a link between specific sperm abnormalities and low pregnancy rates. They discovered that samples with premature chromosomal decondensation or acrosome reactions had only a slim chance of leading to a pregnancy.
A new research tool developed at USC promises to speed dramatically the hunt for disease-causing genes by reconstructing gene layouts. The ExonPCR technique uses a series of 'yes' or 'no' answers, similar to the parlor game '20 Questions,' to narrow down possibilities and solve the riddle.