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Cancer research repurposed to expose age-related blood diseases

Scientists at IRB Barcelona develop a new approach to pinpointing the genes driving clonal hematopoiesis, a biological process linked to ageing and increased risk of blood malignancies. By adapting cancer genomics tools, researchers aim to improve early detection and monitoring of this condition.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2022

Ancient DNA clarifies the early history of American colonial horses

A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the oldest domestic horse specimen from the Americas, revealing a genetic lineage linked to Southern Europe. The findings support the hypothesis that horses originated on the Iberian Peninsula and highlight the importance of ancient DNA in understanding cultural and historical processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2022

In fine print: Study sheds light on mechanisms driving 1,2-dichloropropane-induced cancer in the printing industry

A new study led by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies altered gene expression and cell function changes that drive DNA damage and neoplasia in cholangiocytes exposed to 1,2-dichloropropane. The findings highlight the importance of macrophage involvement in carcinogenesis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Resistance to mosaic disease explained

Researchers have discovered the genetic basis of natural resistance in cassava to mosaic disease, which is transmitted by whiteflies and causes significant yield losses. The gene, known as CMD2, is a DNA polymerase that corrects errors during replication, making it essential for the virus's survival.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Scientists discover key genes behind insect migrations

Researchers have identified over 1,500 genetic differences between migratory and non-migratory hoverflies, shedding light on the genetic pathways involved in migration. The study reveals suites of genes being activated in concert, including insulin signalling for longevity and pathways for immunity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2022

How to find marker genes in cell clusters

A new statistical method called Association Plot facilitates the determination and analysis of marker genes in single-cell data. This allows researchers to trace back RNA molecules to their cell of origin, providing insights into cell-type specific genes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2022

Emu stands tall at detecting bacteria species

The Emu project effectively identifies bacterial species by leveraging long DNA sequences spanning the entire length of the gene under study. This approach facilitates the analysis of key genes in microbiome researchers' efforts to sort out harmful and helpful bacteria.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 30, 2022

Study identifies unique underlying molecular factors driving melanoma development

Researchers identify key features of a gene mutation responsible for 15-20% of melanomas, establishing a link between the frequency of specific NRAS mutations and spontaneous melanoma formation. The study could help pinpoint early events required for melanoma formation and develop targeted treatments.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

AI identifies cancer cells

A new machine learning algorithm called 'ikarus' has found a gene signature characteristic of tumors, distinguishing between healthy and tumor cells in various types of cancer. The algorithm was trained on single-cell sequencing data sets and demonstrated an extraordinarily high success rate in distinguishing between different cell types.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2022

Genetic roots of 3 mitochondrial diseases ID’d via new approach

Researchers have identified the genetic causes of three mitochondrial diseases and proposed 20 additional possibilities for further investigation using a new approach. The study provides a platform to better understand how mitochondria's hundreds of proteins work together, which could lead to improved diagnoses and treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Reference genomes provide first insights into genetic roots of mustelid physiological and behavioural diversity

A study comparing whole genomes of several mustelids, including the tayra and wolverine, identifies multiple sources of genomic variation contributing to species-specific traits. The research sheds light on how these adaptations evolved in response to different ecological challenges.

Researchers discovered a mechanism shared by mutations in different genes associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions

A study led by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a common mechanism underlying genetic mutations associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. The discovery points to an experimental drug developed by the team as a potential treatment for these conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalMolecular Psychology Brain Behavior and Society·DateMay 24, 2022

Genetic options ensure rust resistance is toast

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have identified a stem rust resistance gene in Aegilops sharonensis and transferred it to common wheat. The new transgenic wheat lines show high levels of resistance to the stem rust pathogen, providing hope for mitigating the devastating effects of climate change.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Rethinking congenital hydrocephalus

A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 5, 2022

Finding new weapons in nature's battlesites

A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

Repeats are key to understanding humanity's genome

Researchers fill in gaps in Human Reference Genome, discovering repetitive sections are a major source of human variation and genetic diversity. The Telomere-2-Telomere project reveals complex architectural features with significant consequences for understanding human evolution and biological function.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

The hardy wild grass that could save our bread

A team of researchers identified a stem rust resistance gene from wild goat grass species Aegilops sharonensis, which can be cross-bred into wheat for immunity against deadly crop pathogens. The genetic potential of this hardy relative has been largely unexplored and holds promise for reducing the threat of the stem rust disease.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

Single test for over 50 genetic diseases will cut diagnosis from decades to days

A new DNA test has been developed to identify a range of hard-to-diagnose neurological and neuromuscular genetic diseases quicker and more accurately than existing tests. The test uses Nanopore sequencing technology to scan for abnormally long repeats within patients' genes, which are the hallmarks of disease.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022