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The X chromosome is silenced in some male cancers

Researchers discovered that X chromosome is actively silenced in about 4% of male cancer samples, a phenomenon previously seen only in female cells. This finding could lead to new insights into the development and treatment of various types of cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Your genes determine whether you get ADHD or autism

Researchers from Aarhus University identified seven genetic variants common to both autism and ADHD, as well as five specific to only one diagnosis. The study suggests a significant overlap in underlying genetic causes and may lead to more precise diagnoses and earlier interventions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

St. Jude finds a new way to identify ‘safe harbor’ for gene therapies

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created a tool to identify 'safe harbor' sites for gene therapies, balancing safety and therapeutic expression. The tool uses genomic and epigenetic information to find regions with high variability among healthy individuals, reducing the risk of cancer or other problems.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenome Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Amino acid supplement key to reproductive health in dairy cows

A University of Illinois study shows rumen-protected lysine can improve uterine health in dairy cows during the transition period. The supplement reduced genes involved in inflammatory proteins and increased genes keeping the uterus clean, leading to less inflammation and improved reproductive outcomes.

High cholesterol leads to long-term liver scarring and immune cell dysfunction in lab study

A lab study found that high cholesterol intake worsens fatty liver disease progression by driving inflammation and scarring. The researchers also discovered long-lasting dysfunction in immune cells responsible for fighting liver damage. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet, according to the study's findings.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

Heterogeneous development of β-cell populations in diabetes-resistant and -susceptible mice

Diabetes-resistant mice develop a protective beta cell cluster with reduced glucose uptake and increased beta cell division, while diabetic-prone mice experience metabolic stress and beta cell failure. This study reveals the key role of adaptive gene expression in protecting against type 2 diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

Reinvigorating ‘lost cause’ exhausted T cells could improve cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that even terminally exhausted T cells retain some capacity to function again. They identified approaches to overcome exhaustion by targeting co-stimulation pathways and reprogramming T cells to be resistant to hypoxia, a common tumor microenvironmental signal.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022

Taste sensors keep proteins in order in flies

A set of genes promoting sweet taste sensation also regulate protein management in flies, according to a new study. The finding suggests a connection between taste-related genes and disorders of protein aggregation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus discovered

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus, revealing a potential target for treatment. The study found that sleep deprivation caused the activation of microglial cells in the brain, leading to increased levels of IL12 and IL23, a diagnostic marker for neuropsychiatric SLE.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Study: How placentas evolved in mammals

A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleLife·DateJul 1, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Oncotarget | A novel group of genes that cause endocrine resistance in breast cancer identified by dynamic gene expression analysis

A recent study identified 34 novel genes that contribute to endocrine resistance in breast cancer using dynamic gene expression analysis. The researchers found that these genes are differentially expressed in both estrogen receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancers, suggesting shared genetic mechanisms underlying resistance d...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2022

Physical mechanisms explaining DNA and RNA twist changes

Researchers developed a simple physical model to explain DNA deformations caused by ions and temperature changes. The model reveals that salt-induced twist changes are driven by electrostatic interactions, while temperature-induced changes are related to DNA diameter variation. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mec...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

How electric fish were able to evolve electric organs

Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

New method melds data to make a 3-D map of cells’ activities

Researchers developed PASTE, a method to analyze spatial transcriptomics data in three dimensions, enabling biologists to better understand cell environments and identify rare cell types. The technique can integrate information from multiple tissue slices, providing a more complete picture of gene expression within tissues.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

What makes some more afraid of change than others?

Researchers found that genes expressed in the brains of fearless birds differ from those of fearful birds, influencing their behavior and adaptation to new environments. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of fear and boldness in wild animals, potentially leading to novel approaches for addressing anxiety disorders.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

An epigenetic cause of miscarriages is identified and cured in mice

Researchers have identified the Xist gene as a critical regulator of fetal development in mice, leading to miscarriage and abnormal placentas when epigenetic instructions are missing. The study's findings suggest that failed Xist imprinting can be 'cured' by targeting specific genes involved in histone modifications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 27, 2022

How bacteria evade bacteriophages in vivo

Scientists discovered that bacteria adapt their gene expression to evade bacteriophages in the gut environment, reducing susceptibility to infection. This finding paves the way for improved use of phages in therapeutic purposes.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Early, persistent activation of specific immune cells may be a predictor of severe COVID-19

Researchers found early and persistent activation of neutrophils in patients who developed severe COVID-19. The study suggests that identifying specific gene signatures could lead to effective treatments targeting high-risk patients. This discovery may also inform the development of simple blood tests to prioritize treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJCI Insight·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2022

LJI team uncovers new subsets of CD4+ 'helper' T cells

A recent study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers has identified new subsets of CD4+ 'helper' T cells that are linked to autoimmune disease risk. The team used single-cell RNA sequencing to compare gene expression in over 1 million CD4+ T cells from 89 healthy donors, revealing sex-based differences in immune cell functio...

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022