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Gene that controls the severity of asthma identified

A recent study by Yale University researchers has discovered a gene that controls the severity of asthma, finding that high production variants of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene are associated with severe disease. The study used mice models and human data to support an important role for MIF in asthma pathogenesis.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2005

Gene expands malaria's invasion options

Researchers have identified two genes that enable P. falciparum parasites to switch from sugar-dependent to sugar-independent invasion of red blood cells. The PfRh4 gene is required for this switching mechanism, which provides the parasite with adaptability in the face of receptor changes and immune system responses.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2005

Trapped genes show how flower development is controlled

Researchers at Yale and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified 80 genes active in petal and stamen development using gene trapping. These findings provide insights into how gene activity is allocated during flower development, shedding light on critical roles in plant reproduction like cross-pollination and seed production.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 3, 2005

Building a human kinase gene repository

A new human kinase gene repository has been established, featuring a comprehensive collection of protein and non-protein kinases. The repository will facilitate high-throughput assays and structural studies of this crucial gene family, which plays key roles in various cellular processes.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2005

Asthma gene clusters identified

Researchers have identified two distinct gene expression profiles in children with acute asthma, which could lead to customized treatments. The study's findings may enable targeted therapies for acute asthma attacks and help predict impending attacks by analyzing a patient's unique genetic profile.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 7, 2005

Genes in the interferon system important in SLE

Researchers have identified two genes in the interferon system strongly associated with SLE. Genetic variants of a thyrosinkinase enzyme may protect against the disease by blocking the interferon effect. The study, involving nearly 2,000 individuals, provides new insights into SLE mechanisms and potential treatment options.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 19, 2005

Conversion of flower organs into leaves

A recent study by Gary Ditta and coworkers has identified a gene, SEP4, that plays a crucial role in converting leaf-like organs into flowers. The researchers found that the loss of activity of all four closely related genes results in the conversion of flower organs toward leaves.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2004

Gene for common form of Parkinson's pinpointed

Researchers pinpointed a specific gene, dardarin, causing PARK8-linked Parkinson's disease, affecting approximately 8% of Basque people with PD. The mutation is expressed throughout the brain and has characteristics of a molecular switch, suggesting a potential role in protein phosphorylation.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 22, 2004

Daphne Koller named MacArthur Fellow

Koller's research uses algorithms, probabilistic modeling, and Bayesian networks to represent complex information with high uncertainty. Her work has implications in artificial intelligence and genetic data analysis, and she is optimistic about identifying patterns of gene expression across species.

Venn diagram tactics to vet complex disease

A study using Venn diagram tactics categorizes mutation types in cells from different patients, identifying a novel cause of lethal neonatal mitochondrial complex I deficiency. The authors demonstrate the technique's strength by pinpointing mutations in the NDUFS6 gene, a previously unknown contributor to this disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

Hunting illusive signs of natural selection

A study by Penn State researchers found a cluster of four genes that appear to be heavily selected in the European-American population, suggesting adaptation to new environmental pressures. In contrast, the African-American population shows signs of natural selection for milk tolerance due to changes in TRPV6 and TRPV5 genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 8, 2004

New gene associated with type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new gene associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. SUMO-4 plays a key role in regulating the immune system and has been found to prolong the inflammatory response when mutated, leading to cell death and destruction of insulin-producing cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 22, 2004

To understand innate immunity, silence the genome

Researchers Edan Foley and Patrick O'Farrell silenced over 7,000 Drosophila genes to investigate the Immune deficiency pathway, revealing new molecules involved in signaling. Their findings provide insight into complex molecular interactions underlying innate immunity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2004

A gene that keeps species apart

Biologists discover a candidate hybrid compatibility gene that exhibits functional divergence, confirming its status as a true speciation gene. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of reproductive isolation, which is crucial for defining species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2004