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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

Study involving investigators from Mayo Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine applies drug-gene testing to improve patient care and reports outcomes

A new study from Mayo Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine found that targeted genomic information can significantly impact drug prescribing practices. By applying drug-gene testing, clinicians can identify nearly every patient as a potential candidate for preemptive testing, particularly for drugs with unknown genetic influences.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 22, 2022

MRI may lower breast cancer deaths from variants in 3 genes

Annual MRI screenings starting at ages 30-35 may reduce breast-cancer mortality by more than 50% among women who carry certain genetic changes in three genes. The predictions involve pathogenic variants in ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2 genes – which collectively are as prevalent as the much-reported BRCA1/2 gene mutations.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2022

Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.

Small group of genetic variants found in extremely ill patients with COVID may help explain big differences in how sick people get

Researchers identified seven rare structural variants affecting 31 genes in severely ill COVID-19 patients, shedding light on individual responses to the virus. These genetic variations may help explain differences in illness severity and suggest potential targets for early intervention.

Landing therapeutic genes safely in the human genome

A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute and ETH Zurich have developed a computational approach to identify genomic safe harbors (GSHs) with high potential for safe insertion of therapeutic genes. The study validated two GSH sites in adoptive T cell therapies and in vivo gene therapies for skin diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Beating the odds in mutation’s game of chance

Researchers found that plants have evolved a way to protect their most important genes from mutation, which has significant implications for understanding crop domestication and cancer. The study discovered non-random patterns in DNA mutations, with essential genes overrepresented in regions where mutations are rare.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

CVD genetic testing in children presents unique challenges, needs individualized approach

The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of pre-test and post-test counseling for families with children undergoing CVD genetic testing. The statement emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address family concerns and provide appropriate follow-up care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·DateAug 20, 2021

The depths of the ocean and gut flora unravel the mystery of microbial genes

An international team of researchers developed a new computational method to predict the functions of thousands of microbial genes. The method, based on machine learning algorithms, analyzes 'big data' from human microbiomes and other environments to identify evolutionary signals that can assign biological roles to unknown genes.

Estimating Alzheimer's disease causative genes by an evolutionary medicine approach

Scientists used an evolutionary medicine approach to estimate Alzheimer's disease causative genes by focusing on ohnologs, duplicated genes vulnerable to change in number. The study successfully identified a group of genes related to the nervous system and high brain expression levels similar to known AD-causative genes.

NIH funds KOMP2 at the Jackson Laboratory

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $28.3 million to The Jackson Laboratory over five years to fund phase 2 of the Knockout Mouse Production and Phenotyping Project (KOMP2). This project aims to create targeted knockout mutations for every gene in the mouse genome, providing valuable clues to their function.