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.
A study published in Immunogenetics found that male Kentish Plovers have stronger immune systems than females due to the presence of two active copies of immune genes on their Z chromosome. This may explain why males tend to survive longer than females in this species.
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.
A new study using blood samples from professional soccer players reveals that headers affect brain activity by altering microRNAs, which can serve as biomarkers for brain injury. The research also explores the effects of accidental head impacts and high-intensity exercise on microRNA levels.
A team of researchers from MIT created a comprehensive atlas of cerebrovascular cells in human brain tissue, identifying 11 subtypes and their functions. The study reveals differences between healthy and diseased cells, potentially leading to new targets for treating Huntington's disease.
Gene expression tests examine how active genes are in tumour cells and have shown that even random genes can be prognostic. Combining multiple tests increases the probability of identifying patients who will not benefit from chemotherapy.
Neuroscientists have designed neural organoids with both mature neurons and astrocytic glial cells to study interactions between brain cells. The new technology enables the emulation of brain activity during healthy and disease states, opening doors to rapid drug screening for neurological diseases.
Researchers developed a method called 6mASCOPE that measures DNA tagging system accuracy and distinguishes bacterial from human DNA. The study found high levels of methylation in plant, fly, mouse, and human cells, but mostly attributed to contamination.
Dresden researchers reveal how liquid-like protein droplets collectively read DNA regions to switch on genes. Thousands of individual transcription factors work together, interacting and identifying clusters of binding sites on the DNA surface.
A new study by Yale Cancer Center researchers shows that inhibition of the CECR2 gene prevents triple-negative breast cancer from advancing or metastasizing. The discovery provides an early step in finding new therapeutics for this difficult-to-treat disease subtype.
Researchers will use transcriptomics and chemogenetics to identify molecular targets for pain management. The project aims to advance knowledge on pain mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that the FoxO-KLF15 axis regulates macronutrient metabolism in the liver in response to changes in insulin levels. This pathway promotes the conversion of protein to carbohydrate and prevents the conversion of carbohydrate to fat during fasting, but shuts down during feeding.
Researchers have found two genetic risk variants that may exacerbate the severity of sepsis and COVID-19 in African Americans, who carry nearly 40% of these variants. The study identifies potential pathways to reduce health disparities driven by these gene mutations.
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.
Research found that cannabis exposure during pregnancy is associated with higher levels of stress hormone cortisol, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children. Maternal cannabis use also suppresses immune-activating genes, predicting higher anxiety in offspring.
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.
Researchers at QUT identified causal genetic links to three blood metabolite levels that increase migraine risk. These findings could lead to the development of compounds that target metabolite levels and prevent migraines.
A UCL-led research team has identified an anti-viral gene that increases the risk of both Alzheimer's disease and severe Covid-19. The study found that a specific variant of the OAS1 gene amplifies inflammation in the brain, highlighting the importance of the immune system in both conditions.
Scientists identified several FDA-approved drugs, including metformin and inhaled anesthetics, that may prevent or treat noise-related hearing loss. The study analyzed changes in gene expression in mouse ears after damage caused by loud noise.
A new study found that a subtilisin-like proteinase from Bacillus pumilus 3-19 exhibits proteolytic activity in Pichia pastoris, dependent on incubation time and signal peptide choice. The production of this enzyme makes the system promising for developing new feed additives for animal husbandry.
A recent study published at Masonic Medical Research Institute found that electrocution-induced physiological stress can lead to overlapping cardiac conditions in individuals. The research used human induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the mechanisms behind these conditions, shedding light on potential new treatments.
A nationwide team of researchers will investigate epigenetic therapies for cancer, with a focus on exploring new targets and investigating novel combinations. The project aims to improve current epigenetic therapies and enhance existing approaches such as immunotherapy.
Researchers used exosomes to deliver a novel anti-HIV protein into infected mouse cells, silencing HIV replication and reducing its presence in the bone marrow, spleen, and brain. The treatment shows promise for future delivery methods for HIV and other brain diseases.
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.
Researchers found that Atf1 and Rst2 transcription factors reciprocally bind to DNA in fission yeast cells responding to glucose scarcity. This unique mechanism prevents both proteins from binding alone and integrates independent activation pathways.
Researchers at Tampere University identified a specific population of treatment-resistant cells that persists in prostate cancer tissue. This finding suggests that the presence of these cells can predict patient responses to treatment and may help tailor treatment for different subgroups of patients.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that coating soybean plant leaves with cellulose nanofiber offers resistance to infection by Asian soybean rust pathogen, changing leaf surface from water repellent to water absorbent and suppressing disease-causing gene expression.
Researchers discovered a distinct difference in gene expression in women who underwent preterm labor compared to those at full term. The findings suggest new directions for studying preterm labor and potentially effective treatments.
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.
A UNIGE team has identified the Nf1 gene as essential for regulating the sleep-wake cycles of Drosophila. This discovery could help explain symptoms of neurofibromatosis, including sleep disturbance, and may provide new insights into the circadian rhythm.
Researchers found that genes can be triggered by specific patterns of light exposure, producing varying levels of activity. The output was not directly correlated to the input, and controlling frequency gave precise control over gene activity.
Researchers discovered downregulated immune responses and upregulated T cell-exhaustion pathways in African American patients compared to European Americans. These findings suggest striking differences in immunoregulatory gene activities that may contribute to the worse prognosis of prostate cancer in Black Americans.
Scientists have created a system dubbed "NanoporeTERs" allowing cells to express themselves in a whole new light. These new reporter proteins can detect multiple protein expression levels and shed new light on biological systems, enabling deeper analysis than before.
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.
A new study has found that the absence of Aire protein in mice leads to fertility problems similar to those affecting men with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS-1). Researchers discovered that Aire-dependent central tolerance plays a critical role in maintaining male fertility.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure DNA torsional stiffness, which can impact how cells work. The technique provides insights into the biological implications of twist-induced phase transitions in DNA.
Research exposes lifelong effects of prenatal oxycodone exposure on offspring behavior, social interactions, and gene expression. Mice exposed to opioids before birth show signs of impaired physical activity and social behavior even in adulthood.
The investigational therapy ficlatuzumab, targeting the extracellular hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), showed clinical efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. A 53% complete response rate was observed, with improved progression-free and overall survival rates.
Researchers have engineered a new genetic circuit called Equalizers to buffer protein output from variations in gene dosage. This allows for consistent protein expression, crucial for studying proteins and understanding their functions. The innovation combines two types of gene dosage compensation circuits, improving overall performanc...
Researchers identified a potential biomarker, A20 protein, that can predict the success of immunotherapy in treating lung cancer. Patients with low A20 expression are less likely to respond to treatment and have poorer survival rates.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a genetic editing toolkit for Culex mosquitoes, which transmit devastating diseases like West Nile virus and avian malaria. The new CRISPR tools aim to create gene drives that can disable pathogen transmission in the targeted mosquito population.
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.
Clownfish develop white stripes during metamorphosis, with varying rates of formation depending on the sea anemone host. Thyroid hormone influences white bar development, with higher concentrations leading to more bars and earlier development.
Researchers discovered that phosphorylation of MECP2 protein decreases in brain cells as Alzheimer's disease progresses, while abolishing this phosphorylation enhances neuronal viability and gene expression. The study suggests that modifications of MECP2 could be a therapeutic target for developing specific therapies against AD.
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.
Researchers discovered unique genetic signatures linked to protective processes like DNA repair in people who live beyond 105 years. They found that these individuals have more efficient DNA repair mechanisms and a lower burden of mutations in specific genes.
Researchers discovered that Brd4 plays a crucial role in diet-induced obesity by modulating lipid metabolism. In mice lacking Brd4, high-fat diets did not lead to obesity, indicating an alternative energy source was used instead of sugar.
Northern Red Sea corals have been found to be resistant to higher temperatures due to their symbiotic algae and bacteria. The study reveals that these corals can withstand average temperatures up to 5°C higher than usual, offering hope for saving coral reef ecosystems.
The study found that Red Sea corals can withstand temperatures up to 32°C without major gene expression changes, but 34.5°C is above the lethal limit for some species. The corals' resilient gene expression enhances their chances of survival in a warming world.
Researchers discovered that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can cause persistent gene expression changes in airway cells, which may contribute to COVID long-hauler symptoms. The study's findings suggest a potential genetic basis for the lingering symptoms and could lead to personalized treatment approaches.
A new study has identified interleukin 11 as a key player in the development of colorectal cancer. IL-11-producing cells, known as cancer-associated fibroblasts, were found to promote tumor growth and support the disease microenvironment.
A comprehensive analysis of the molecular signatures of aging across diverse tissue cells in mice reveals coordinated global aging behavior. The study identifies shared aging genes and develops a single-cell aging score, shedding light on the complex aging process in different types of cells.
A UConn researcher has developed a successful Zika vaccine in preclinical studies using a novel platform technology. The vaccine, based on a viral vector and enhanced expression of the virus antigen, was found to mount a strong immune response and protect against Zika virus infection.
Researchers discovered that the widely available Topotecan (TPT) inhibits inflammatory genes in the lungs of mice as late as four days after infection, improving infection outcomes. The drug, an FDA-approved Topoisomerase I inhibitor, could be a valuable global strategy for treating severe COVID-19 cases.
Researchers investigated how certain strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) activate gene expression in neurons, finding that different genetic variants induce distinct patterns of gene expression. These findings may help understand why people experience varying levels of symptom severity and frequency of outbreaks.