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Study reveals magnitude of variation in gene expression measurements within breast cancers

A recent study has revealed the magnitude of variation in gene expression measurements within breast cancers. Combining samples from multiple biopsies from a single tumour can effectively overcome this variation for selected genes, allowing for more precise treatment tailoring and reliable predictions related to disease progression.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMay 2, 2013

Breast cancer heterogeneity no barrier to predictive testing, study shows

A recent study published at the 5th IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference finds that gene expression tests can effectively tailor cancer treatments to individual patients, despite variability in tumor cell types and gene expression. The researchers analyzed 78 biopsies from 26 tumors and found that some genomic tests were more reliable than ...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMay 2, 2013

Team finds substances in honey that increase honey bee detox gene expression

A new study found that certain compounds in honey, including p-coumaric acid and propolis, can stimulate the expression of detoxification genes and immunity genes in honey bees. This suggests that a diet rich in these substances may help protect against pesticide exposure and other threats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2013

Painted turtle gets DNA decoded

The study reveals that turtles activate existing genes in new ways to adapt to oxygen deprivation, which may lead to improved treatments for human heart conditions. The research also highlights the importance of preserving turtle diversity due to their slow evolution rate and declining global populations.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 3, 2013

Scientists prevent development of deafness in animals engineered to have Usher syndrome

Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic approach to treat deafness and balance impairment by injecting mice with an antisense oligonucleotide that targets a specific gene mutation. The treatment, which was tested on mice engineered to model human Usher syndrome, successfully rescues hearing and cures balance problems.

Researchers develop Rx for deafness, impaired balance in mouse model of Usher syndrome

A new therapy called an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been developed by researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center, which partially corrects gene and protein expression and rescues hearing and balance in a mouse model of Usher syndrome. This breakthrough suggests the potential for treating deafness and balance disorders.

Exon skipping to restore gene expression is promising therapeutic strategy for muscular dystrophy

Researchers developed a new gene therapy approach called exon skipping, which bypasses disease-causing mutations in genes to restore normal expression and protein production. This strategy has shown promising results in treating muscular dystrophy, with improved muscle force and increased body weight and muscle mass.

Previous studies on toxic effects of BPA couldn't be reproduced

A University of Missouri study failed to replicate previous research on the toxic effects of BPA and genistein, two chemicals that have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. The findings suggest that the chemicals may not have the same adverse effects as previously reported, highlighting the need for more reliable data ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

Gene expression improves the definition of a breast cancer subtype

A recent study by Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology has led to the redefinition of hormone-sensitive breast tumours, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Gene expression analysis revealed discrepancies between histopathological data and molecular profiles, prompting a new definition that incorporates progesterone receptor levels.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 20, 2012

From fish to man: Research reveals how fins became legs

Researchers found that the development of hands and feet occurred through the gain of new DNA elements activating specific genes. This discovery helps understand the power of gene expression in shaping bodies and may shed light on genetic diseases associated with limb formation.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 10, 2012

The missing 'lnc' in human disease

Two papers connect long non-coding RNAs to inherited conditions in humans, revealing a chromosomal translocation disrupting expression of PTHLH and SOX9 genes. A lncRNA on chromosome 12 is also linked to the development of the placenta.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 24, 2012

Tying our fate to molecular markings

A Simon Fraser University physicist has discovered a link between variable methylation in DNA and various attributes such as age, gender, stress, and socioeconomic status. The study found that childhood poverty left a detectable molecular mark on an individual's DNA, which correlated with gene expression.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2012

Molecular beacons light up stem cell transformation

Researchers designed molecular beacons that bind to mRNA of three genes expressed only when stem cells transform into bone cells, allowing for real-time monitoring of gene expression. The technology provides a tool for discovering optimal conditions for stem cell differentiation and identifying desired tissue cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·DateSep 11, 2012

Computer, read my lips

Researchers developed an emotion detector using a genetic algorithm that recognizes six human emotions and neutral expression. The system analyzes upper and lower lip shapes to improve interaction between humans and computers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing·DateSep 10, 2012

Teaching a microbe to make fuel

Researchers have successfully engineered a soil bacterium to produce isobutanol, a renewable fuel source that can be used in current engines with minimal modification. The microbe, Ralstonia eutropha, was modified to use carbon dioxide as its carbon source, paving the way for potential applications in industrial-scale production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateAug 20, 2012

U of M public health researchers lead effort to find genetic proof of coronary artery disease risk

University of Minnesota public health researchers found two high-signal genetic markers correlated with coronary artery disease, which may help define genetic fingerprints for increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 75,000 patients and offers biological and clinical data supporting future research into the genetic markers.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 14, 2012

A new method for picking the 'right' egg in IVF

Researchers have identified a new method for picking the 'right' egg in IVF by analyzing genes expressed in cumulus cells surrounding the eggs. This non-invasive approach may help avoid abnormal eggs with incorrect chromosomal make-up, increasing the chances of successful IVF cycles.

SourceYale University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 1, 2012

Breast-fed babies' gut microbes contribute to healthy immune systems

A new study found that breast-fed babies have a more diverse bacterial colonization than formula-fed babies, leading to changes in the expression of genes involved in their immune system. The study also showed a link between the expression of genes in the bacteria and genes of the immune system in the baby.

Inherited epigenetics produced record fast evolution

Researchers at Linköping University discovered epigenetic factors driving rapid changes in genome function, leading to diverse breeds of domestic fowl. The study found that domestication resulted in heritable epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, which may explain the swift evolution of domesticated chickens.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 29, 2012

Circular RNAs more common than previously thought

A study published in PLOS ONE found that circular RNA molecules are more abundant than previously thought, comprising a substantial fraction of all transcripts identified for many genes. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the potential functions and relevance of circular RNAs in human biology and health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2012

Predicting prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers identified a gene expression profile that can predict prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The study found two subgroups of patients, one with mild disease and the other with treatment-nonresponsive disease, which will help physicians identify those who need aggressive therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2011