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Two-organ chip to answer fatty liver questions

Researchers created the integrated-gut-liver-on-a-chip platform to examine how gut and liver cells interact, particularly in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed significant changes in gene expression and DNA damage when free fatty acids were introduced, leading to cell death similar to severe cases of NAFLD.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023

Pusan National University develops novel biosensor to detect DNA damage in real time

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel FRET-based biosensor to detect double-strand breaks in DNA, providing real-time information on γH2AX. The sensor's sensitivity is higher than conventional immunostaining techniques, making it useful for identifying DNA damage factors and elucidating repair mechanisms.

SourcePusan National University·JournalBiomaterials Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

Fishing for proteins: Scientists use new optical tweezer technology to study DNA repair

Researchers used C-trap technology to investigate how different DNA repair proteins identify and bind to their respective forms of damage. They found that some proteins arrived at the damage site together and departed together, while others showed surprising variability in their association and dissociation patterns. The study provides...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Possible genetic basis and mouse model found for severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A mutant SRSF1 gene may cause severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), researchers have found. Mice lacking the gene develop all three hallmarks of NASH: excess fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver. The study suggests that DNA damage in liver cells triggers this pathology, highlighting the need to protect the genome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Researchers uncover key codon repeats regulating chilling tolerance in rice

A recent study has revealed a novel cold domesticated repair mechanism for DNA damage in rice, providing elite modules for improving chilling tolerance. The discovery of GCG codon repeats in the first exon of COLD11, a DNA repair protein, has opened the way for fine regulation of rice chilling tolerance with a single site.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists’ discovery of the structure of a key part of our chromosomes could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer

Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.

Genetic defects lead to enamel malformations

A study conducted at the University of Zurich has identified a key gene network responsible for severe tooth enamel defects. The researchers found that mutations in the Adam10 molecule lead to disorganization of ameloblasts and severe defects in both structure and mineral composition of enamel.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Breaking DNA Goldilocks-style

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a phosphorylation pathway that regulates meiotic double-strand break activity, ensuring genome stability. Enzymes ATR kinase and PP4 phosphatase work together to maintain a balance of DNA breaks, allowing for successful meiosis.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022

Research identifies, exploits vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers

A recent study published in Cancer Research identified a unique vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers that can be exploited for targeted therapy. Researchers found that cancer cells with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) have a common weakness, leading to resistance to DNA-damaging agents and chemotherapy.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Vaccinia virus MacGyvers a makeshift tool to repair its DNA, exposing a vulnerability that could be targeted

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that blocking the enzyme polymerase reduces the virus's ability to multiply. This discovery exposes an Achilles' heel that could be targeted with a therapeutic. Polymerase is a key tool for DNA replication and repair, making the virus vulnerable to disruption.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Human cells’ emergency response could lead to better cancer treatment, research finds

Researchers found that a critical enzyme called AAG plays a crucial role in making cells respond to stress by communicating between different parts of the cell. This new understanding could lead to improved cancer treatments using alkylating agents, a class of drugs commonly used in chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

New non-destructive DNA method opens opportunities

Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new method for obtaining ancient genomic data from small vertebrate remains, causing no visible damage to the underlying bone. The study presents a breakthrough in analyzing materials in museum collections and rare, valuable specimens.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 4, 2022

FSU College of Medicine research advances understanding of DNA repair

Researchers have discovered a mechanism to increase the effectiveness of base excision repair (BER), a pathway involved in repairing damaged DNA. By capturing polymerase beta at a precise point in the cell life cycle, the enzyme creates new genetic material 17 times faster, suggesting an interlocked function between its two roles.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2022

Beating the odds in mutation’s game of chance

Researchers found that plants have evolved a way to protect their most important genes from mutation, which has significant implications for understanding crop domestication and cancer. The study discovered non-random patterns in DNA mutations, with essential genes overrepresented in regions where mutations are rare.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Viruses and game theory

Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022

Scientists from CNIO and Massachusetts General Hospital develop tools to visualize DNA repair as never before

Scientists from CNIO and Massachusetts General Hospital have developed new approaches to visualize DNA repair by analyzing hundreds of proteins at once. They discovered nine new proteins involved in DNA repair and identified key players in the process, which could lead to improved cancer treatments.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

UCI-led study confirms linkage between altered DNA repair and DNA damage in neurodegenerative conditions causing debilitating movement disorders

A new study by UCI researchers confirmed the connection between impaired DNA repair and increased DNA damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, a condition that affects coordination and movement. The study identified PARP inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets for the currently incurable disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 30, 2021

How do we know we're tired?

Researchers discovered a mechanism of sleep in zebrafish and mice, linking PARP1 protein to signaling the brain for sleep. Six hours of sleep per night is sufficient to reduce DNA damage, highlighting the importance of adequate sleep for efficient DNA repair.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 18, 2021