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Child with rare epileptic disorder receives long-awaited diagnosis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a rare genetic diagnosis in a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy and developmental delay. The study reports a highly complex rearrangement of chromosomes 3 and 5, leading to a rare condition known as 5q14.3 microdeletion syndrome.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics Part A·TypeCase study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Use of “genetic scissors” carries risks

The CRISPR tool was successfully used to correct a genetic defect in cells affected by chronic granulomatous disease. However, the repair process also introduced new genetic defects, highlighting the need for caution when using CRISPR technology in clinical settings.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

UVA research cracks the autism code, making the neurodivergent brain visible

A multi-university research team led by University of Virginia engineering professor Gustavo K. Rohde has developed a system that can accurately spot genetic markers of autism in brain images. The system uses generative computer modeling technique called transport-based morphometry, which reveals brain structure patterns that predict v...

Pacific Northwest Research Institute uncovers hidden DNA mechanisms of rare genetic diseases

Researchers at PNRI reveal how specific DNA rearrangements called inverted triplications contribute to the development of various genetic diseases. These complex rearrangements are caused by segments of DNA switching templates during the repair process, leading to disruptions in normal gene function and contributing to genetic disorders.

SourcePacific Northwest Research Institute·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Genome sequencing unveils mutational impacts of radiation on mammalian cells

A recent study published in Cell Genomics has uncovered the quantitative and qualitative mutational impacts of ionizing radiation on normal cells. The research team found that exposure to low levels of radiation resulted in an average of 14 mutations per cell, primarily causing short base deletions and complex genomic rearrangements.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalCell Genomics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024

Understanding the genomic modifications in transgenic papaya

A new study has identified genomic modifications in the transgenic papaya 'SunUp', which was developed to resist the papaya ringspot virus. The researchers used advanced sequencing technologies to read long stretches of DNA and found that the insertion did not cause any change in gene expression.

How do genomes evolve between species? The key role of 3D structure in male germ cells

A study by UAB and University of Kent researchers found that the 3D structure of male germ cells plays a key role in determining genome evolution. Genome rearrangements were associated with DNA damage locations in spermatids, suggesting that males have a unique impact on genome evolution.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2022

Chromosomal speciation in wild house mice

A new study on wild house mice from Southern Italy suggests that Robertsonian fusions play an active role in speciation. The researchers found three identical chromosomal rearrangements in both island and mainland populations, showing large-scale genetic mutations occur independently.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 26, 2020

New gene for male infertility discovered

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identify a genetic abnormality in the SYCP2 gene as a possible cause of male infertility. The study found that variants affecting this gene were associated with low sperm count and loss-of-function variants, making it a potential diagnostic marker.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 19, 2019

Mapping genes could improve cancer diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new method to detect genetic changes in cancer cells using Hi-C, which can identify major genome rearrangements and copy number variations with high accuracy. This approach has the potential to aid targeted treatments and enhance cancer diagnosis.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 4, 2017

New research findings on onset of uterine fibroids provide potential for novel treatments

Scientists have identified the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of common leiomyomata, a type of benign tumour that affects millions of women. The study suggests that complex chromosomal rearrangements may underlie the development of these tumours, and highlights potential avenues for novel pharmacological treatments.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2013

Identical twins reveal mechanisms behind aging

A study led by Uppsala University reveals that structural modifications of DNA are duplicated or lost more commonly in older individuals. This may explain the impaired immune system with age. The researchers found large rearrangements in blood cells of people over 60, as well as smaller changes in younger individuals.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Chromosome number changes in yeast

Researchers found that yeast chromosome complement has decreased in all except one event, a whole genome duplication, where chromosomes fused or broke and recombined. This study sheds light on the evolution of chromosome complements in yeast and other organisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 21, 2011

DNA-repair machine maintains genomic stability

Mouse cells lacking nonhomologous DNA end-joining (NHEJ) pathway show high levels of chromosome breakage and genetic material rearrangement, highlighting its critical role in maintaining genomic stability. The study also reveals that NHEJ is essential for repairing damaged chromosomes induced by ionizing radiation.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2000