Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Protein linked to mental retardation controls synapse maturation, plasticity, CSHL team finds

A team of neuroscientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered the mechanism by which a signaling protein controls the maturation and strength of excitatory synapses. The study, led by Professor Linda Van Aelst, found that oligophrenin-1 stabilizes postsynaptic AMPA receptors, which is essential for proper synaptic function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 1, 2009

JNCI April 28 tip sheet

Researchers propose trial designs to investigate the impact of physical activity and weight control on breast cancer risk, with potential causal relationships. Clusterin is identified as a tumor suppressor gene in mouse models of neuroblastoma, where its expression affects tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 28, 2009

Researchers take first look at the genetic dynamics of inbreeding depression

Researchers found that a significant amount of inbreeding depression is due to key genes affecting other genes, particularly those involved in metabolism and stress. The study also identified distinct gene expression changes across different chromosome regions, suggesting a complex interplay between genetic mechanisms.

Also in the Feb. 24 JNCI

Researchers found that gene expression profiles differed between tumor samples from patients who had taken vitamin E, selenium, or both supplements compared to those on placebo. The study provides insight into the effects of preoperative supplement use on prostate cancer gene expression, a potential area for future investigation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 24, 2009

Real-time gene monitoring developed

Researchers from USC and Cambridge have developed a method to track the activity of specific genes in real-time using a specially modified camera and computer vision techniques. This breakthrough has potential applications in various fields, including military, retail, and entertainment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateDec 16, 2008

Also in the Dec. 9 JNCI

Researchers found that among women under 40, black women have a higher breast cancer incidence rate than white women. However, this trend reverses among women over 40, with white women having a higher incidence rate. The study confirms the age-related crossover effect in breast cancer incidence rates between black and white ethnic groups.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 9, 2008

'MEDNIK': A novel genetic syndrome

Researchers have identified MEDNIK syndrome as a debilitating genetic disorder characterized by mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, and other symptoms. The AP1S1 gene mutation is found to cause impairment of neural networks, including the spinal cord, inner ear, and brain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 4, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2008

Researchers have developed a new approach to modulate gene expression using miRNA natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes, effectively treating cancer in mice. Additionally, the study has provided insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling epithelial fluid and HCO3– secretion, which may help understand cystic fibrosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2008

Harnessing miRNA natural gene repressors for anticancer therapy

Scientists have developed a new approach to harness the power of microRNAs (miRNAs) as natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes. By engineering mouse bone marrow cells to express genes only when miR-181a is downregulated, they were able to create immune cells that could target and destroy cancer cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2008

Predicting acute GVHD by gene expression could improve liver stem cell transplant outcomes

Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a molecular signature based on gene expression that can predict the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients receiving liver stem cell transplants. This could lead to better biomarkers for determining patient risk and improving treatment outcomes.

Designer diet for prostate cancer

A study published in PLOS ONE found that eating broccoli rich in glucosinolates can help men stay healthy and reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. The research, led by Professor Richard Mithen, showed that relatively low amounts of cruciferous vegetables can have large effects on gene expression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: May 8, 2008

Researchers found that slow fetal growth is linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. They also identified a new gene mutation associated with sudden cardiac death in humans. The study used rat models and human tissue samples to understand the mechanisms behind these diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 2008

How slow growth as a fetus can cause diabetes as an adult

Research using a rat model of intrauterine growth retardation found reduced Pdx1 expression in pancreatic beta-cells throughout life following IUGR. The molecular mechanisms affecting Pdx1 expression were reversible in the fetus and after birth, but irreversible in adulthood, providing new insight into diabetes development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 2008

Single-celled bacterium works 24-7

Researchers have gained insight into the way Cyanothece, a cyanobacterium, regulates its physiological processes through its circadian rhythm. The study found that genes governing vital processes like energy metabolism and nitrogen fixation cycle on and off with changing light and dark periods.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2008

Do you want fries with that, Mickey?

Mice fed human diet exhibit distinct liver gene expression profiles compared to those on a chimpanzee diet, suggesting dietary influences on physiological differences between humans and other apes. This study replicates previous findings in mice fed different diets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2008

A molecular map for aging in mice

Researchers created a molecular map of aging in mice by analyzing gene expression changes in 16 different tissues. The study found that different tissues exhibit distinct patterns of aging, suggesting three separate clocks for aging, and that some pathways are shared with human aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 28, 2007

Biosensor sniffs out explosives

Researchers at Temple University have developed a new biosensor that uses mammalian olfactory signaling machinery to detect explosives. The biosensor can also potentially be used to screen experimental medications, a crucial step in the development of new drugs.

SourceTemple University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 8, 2007