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Anti-tumor drug promotes weight loss in mice

A new study found that an anti-tumor drug, camptothecin, can activate a natural hunger-suppressing pathway in mice, leading to significant weight loss. The mechanism involves the elevation of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), which suppresses food intake and reduces body weight.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Xue Sherry Gao wins CAREER Award

Xue Sherry Gao has won a prestigious CAREER Award to create versatile toolkits for controlling gene expression. Her research aims to develop broadly applicable platforms for gene regulation, with a focus on precision dosing and safety features.

Venom factories: A surprising molecular convergence, from wasps to snakes

A study led by SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics reveals a strong convergence in global gene expression levels of venom glands across diverse animals. The research found that different species, including fish, scorpions, and mammals, use similar molecular mechanisms to produce toxins.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

A potential protector against a mild heart attack’s aftereffects on metabolism

A study in mice suggests that transplanted brown fat can reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors after a heart attack by dampening gene activation linked to negative effects. The transplantation method could help researchers understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

The role of messenger RNA in DNA repair

A study by University of Seville researchers reveals that messenger RNA modifying factors play a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. The discovery could lead to better understanding of rare diseases and cancer. Messenger RNA editing facilitates the removal of trapped RNA molecules, allowing for proper DNA repair.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2021

Studying the placenta to gain a better understanding of febrile seizures in children

A Québec research team studied the expression of three families of genes in the placenta and found associations with febrile seizure characteristics. The study, led by Professor Sarah Lippé, may help understand the underlying mechanisms of febrile seizures and their impact on children's cognitive development.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·DateNov 16, 2021

Vitamin D supplement may enhance dairy cows’ immune health

Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

How proteins help yeast adapt to changing conditions

A recent study published in eLife has discovered that prions, proteins known for their involvement in disease, may play a role in helping yeast cells cope with rapidly changing environmental conditions. The research found that prions can transform cell growth and survival, suggesting a new form of epigenetic control.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateSep 21, 2021

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A UC Riverside-led study identifies how loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2 affect intestinal epithelial cells' ability to maintain a barrier. The researchers found that increased fluid loss and diarrhea are linked to the mutation, which can be reversed by treating cells with synthetic matriptase.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Teaching an old dog new tricks: An existing drug opens new possibilities for treating child leukemia

A study from Linköping University found that the tumour-inhibiting gene TET2 is silenced in most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. The gene can be reactivated by treatment with an existing drug, 5-azacytidine, suggesting a targeted therapy for ALL in children.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Study finds genes role in immune response of Florida corals to rapidly spreading disease

A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.

Alternate-day intermittent fasting leads to less fat loss than traditional daily energy restriction

A new study suggests that alternate-day intermittent fasting may offer no unique health benefits over a standard daily diet. In contrast, traditional daily energy restriction resulted in greater weight and fat loss. The researchers note that longer studies with larger groups are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 16, 2021

Study shows how fungi and bacteria can activate genes associated with head and neck cancer

Researchers discovered that metabolites from fungi and bacteria biofilms can modulate gene expression associated with tumor growth and survival. The study found that these microorganisms can endanger homeostasis in normal and neoplastic oral epithelial cells, impairing cell viability and survival.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMay 25, 2021

Diagramming the brain with colorful connections

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a new tool called BARseq2 that uses genetic tags to label brain cells and trace thousands of brain circuits simultaneously. This allows researchers to examine the complex interactions between neurons, enabling a better understanding of brain function and behavior.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 10, 2021