Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Two new genes linked to Alzheimer's disease discovered

Researchers identified two new genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, PTPN9 and PCDHA4, in a study of gene expression in the hippocampus. The findings suggest that these genes contribute to the progression of the disease through pathways related to plaque formation and cell death.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2021

Study reveals cause of common Zika virus birth defect

A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals how Zika virus causes brain calcification, a common birth defect associated with prenatal infection. The research team identified the proteins BMP2 and NS3 as central players in the development of calcifications, suggesting novel strategies to prevent this birth defect.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 28, 2021

Multi-population risk scores could improve risk prediction for inflammatory bowel diseases, study finds

Researchers developed polygenic risk scores using genetic data from nearly 30,000 individuals, improving IBD predictions across European, Ashkenazi Jewish, Hispanic, and UK Biobank populations. Lower predictive power was seen in African ancestry due to smaller datasets and greater genetic diversity.

Are e-cigarette users at greater risk of poor immune response to flu, COVID?

Researchers found that e-cigarette users exhibited significantly altered immune responses to a model of influenza virus infection, suggesting increased susceptibility to disease. The study also found that vaping changes the expression of genes and production of proteins in respiratory cells.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateNov 17, 2020

Understanding the progress of viral infections

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has created a groundbreaking viral expression model that can simulate and analyze various viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The model uses stem cells to mimic the mechanisms of action of viruses, allowing for precise investigation of disease progression and potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2020

Time-restricted feeding improves health without altering the body's core clock

A new study by University of Copenhagen scientists found that time-restricted feeding alters the rhythmic concentration of metabolites in blood and muscle, influencing gene expression and amino acid transport. The study suggests that time-restricted feeding's positive health impact may be driven by diet rather than the body's core clock.

NIH study shows highly reproducible sex differences in aspects of human brain anatomy

A NIH study found consistent sex-based differences in cortical volume across 2,000 brain scans, which correspond with patterns of sex-chromosome gene expression. These findings suggest that genetic mechanisms, including those on the X and Y sex chromosomes, may influence sex differences in brain anatomy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

How does our brain fold? Study reveals new genetic insights

A new pre-clinical study identified genes linked with the development of brain folds in the grey matter of the brain. The research found differences in genetic expression and neuron shape during the folding process, which can lead to cognitive deficits and neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceRMIT University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 1, 2020

Limits on evolution revealed by statistical physics

Researchers used statistical physics models to study biological complexity and found that organisms are restricted to a low level of dimensionality. This means that their essential building blocks appear to be linked to each other, with variations fitting a one-dimensional curve or low-dimensional surface regardless of the environment.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 2020

Weight loss surgery may alter gene expression in fat tissue

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that weight loss surgery changes gene expression in fat tissue, leading to metabolic improvements and reduced type 2 diabetes risk. These changes persisted even after weight regain, suggesting a long-term impact on health outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMay 21, 2020

New research suggests in-womb gene correction

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University developed a synthetic molecule that targets and corrects a mutated gene causing Usher syndrome in mice. The technique may be used to deliver drug therapy through amniotic fluid to the fetus, potentially treating and preventing several types of congenital hearing and balance disorders.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 5, 2020

Tracking tau

A study published in Nature reveals that the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) plays a key role in the spread of pathological tau proteins between neurons. By inhibiting LRP1 expression, researchers were able to reduce tau spread in mice, offering new hope for potential treatments.

Single gene cluster loss may contribute to initiation/progression of multiple myeloma

A study published in Blood Cancer Discovery found that deleting one copy of the miR15a/miR16-1 gene cluster accelerated the development of multiple myeloma in mice, while also enhancing disease aggressiveness. The researchers also analyzed a genetic dataset of multiple myeloma patients and found similar associations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateFeb 20, 2020

Skin cancer suppressor found by Bath scientists

Researchers at University of Bath identified a molecule called DIRC3 that acts as a tumour suppressor to block melanoma cell growth and spread. High levels of DIRC3 expression in patients were linked to increased survival rates, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for skin cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 14, 2020