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Threat of bioaccumulation: New study investigates impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on bay scallops

Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

A possible therapeutic approach to COVID-19

The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalEndocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 27, 2022

Survival strategy of starving spruces trees: The critical role of reserves

Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Breakthrough in understanding genesis of fibroids

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have made a significant advance in fibroids research by identifying a new mechanism of tumorigenesis. Multiple tumors carried mutations in genes involved in histone trafficking, which affected gene expression levels and led to hereditary predisposition to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2021

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop “dimmer switch” to help control gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a system that can fine-tune protein expression from gene therapy vectors, addressing the need for controlled dosing. The 'dimmer switch' uses alternative RNA splicing and an orally available small molecule to adjust levels of expression up or down as needed.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Pungent-variable of sweet chili pepper Shishito: genes and seeds

Researchers found that shishito peppers with fewer seeds exhibit a range of spiciness, from weak to strong. The genes involved in capsaicinoid synthesis showed a positive correlation with pungent intensity. By suppressing these gene expressions, breeders may develop varieties with consistent flavor and reduced spicy fluctuations.

SourceShinshu University·JournalMolecular Genetics and Genomics·DateMar 9, 2021

Widespread misinterpretation of gene expression data

Researchers found a technical bias in RNA-seq data, leading to false results and misinterpretation of biological functions. The study highlights the importance of proper statistical handling to filter out false calls and preserve genuine findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Biopsy specimen found to be reliable for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer

A study published at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) conference found that biopsy specimens are a reliable material for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer. High levels of DLL3 expression were correlated with poor survival trends, smoking history, and neuroendocrine differentiation.

Treatment based On BRCA1 level does not increase survival of stage II/III NSCLC N+ resected patients

Researchers found that treating stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chemotherapy based on their specific BRCA1 expression levels did not increase overall survival rates. However, BRCA1 expression levels were found to be prognostic, and individualized treatment could achieve different outcomes.

What happens to your genes when you smoke a cigarette?

A groundbreaking study published in BMC Medical Genomics found significant changes in gene expression due to cigarette smoke exposure. The research, involving 1,240 individuals, identified over 323 unique genes whose expression levels were correlated with smoking behavior, revealing a sobering link between smoking and gene expression.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateJul 14, 2010

CD200 stifles anti-tumor immunity

High levels of CD200 expression in melanomas represses activation of antitumor T cell immune responses by dendritic cells. Targeting the interaction between CD200 and its receptor may provide a new treatment approach for metastatic melanoma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

AM: A gene that affects female fertility

A study by Kathleen Caron and colleagues found that reduced expression of gene AM in female mice leads to severely decreased fertility and fetal growth issues. This suggests a potential link between altered AM expression in humans and impaired fertility.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2006

Gene expression becomes heterogeneous with age in humans and rats

Researchers found that gene expression levels become more variable with age in both humans and rats, supporting the notion of stochastic aging. The observed increases in expression variation are surprisingly small, leaving room for further explanations regarding the relationship between aging-related changes and molecular mechanisms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 22, 2006

Masterminding muscle development

Researchers discovered that MAML1 plays a crucial role in regulating muscle cell differentiation, with increased expression leading to enhanced myotube formation and muscle-specific gene expression. The study also found that MAML1 works together with MEF2C to 'turn on' genes required for muscle development.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 27, 2006

Got the time?

Researchers have created a molecular timetable that can accurately determine an animal's body time based on gene expression levels. The study identified 168 genes with high amplitude circadian patterns and organized them into a daily schedule, revealing a highly accurate method for measuring body time.

SourceRIKEN Center for Developmental Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2004

Rich genes travel more

Gene expression scales closely with initial expression levels, with highly expressed genes showing dynamic changes and lower-expressed genes less variability. A 'rich-travel-more' mechanism governs this proportionality, underlying complex biological networks.

SourceRIKEN Center for Developmental Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2004