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Selfish sperm hijack genetic gatekeeper to kill healthy rivals

A new study reveals that selfish chromosomes exploit the Overdrive gene to destroy rival sperm, boosting their chances of passing into the next generation. The gene acts as a quality control checkpoint during sperm development, normally eliminating abnormal sperm cells, but selfish chromosomes hijack the system to kill competitors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

New technique helps ID genes related to aging

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new method for identifying genes relevant to the aging process in the C. elegans roundworm model. By exposing thousands of worms to random genetic mutations, they can pinpoint which genes are associated with protein aggregation and reduced lifespan.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Fly researchers find another layer to the code of life

A new study has discovered that rare pieces of genetic code can serve as another layer of control in the genome, essential for fertility and evolutionary innovation. Researchers found that certain tissues are more tolerant of diverse codons, particularly the testes, which may play a critical role in fertility.

SourceDuke University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 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

Integrator: A guardian of the human transcriptome

The Integrator protein complex plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression by terminating non-productive transcription. This mechanism ensures the production of wasteful transcripts is limited while maintaining thousands of transcription start sites for potential functional genes.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 5, 2021

Widespread misinterpretation of gene expression data

Researchers found a technical bias in RNA-seq data, leading to false results and misinterpretation of biological functions. The study highlights the importance of proper statistical handling to filter out false calls and preserve genuine findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Breakthrough in sex-chromosome regulation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered a chromosome-wide mechanism that maintains balance in sex chromosomes' gene expression. The study found that genes on the X chromosome produce waves of gene products at a faster tempo, driven by special DNA elements called enhancers.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 3, 2019

Genome mining reveals novel production pathway for promising malaria treatment

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new biochemical trick used by microbes to produce an antimicrobial compound effective against malaria. The discovery reveals a completely unknown production pathway, which may lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods for producing similar compounds.

Newly discovered biosynthetic pathway in bacteria recipe for drug discovery and production

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a novel biosynthetic pathway in bacteria that can produce therapeutic compounds. The pathway, found in Pseudomonas syringae, combines elements of both ribosome-based and enzyme-mediated synthesis, allowing for efficient production of natural products.

Unmuting large silent genes lets bacteria produce new molecules, potential drug candidates

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a technique to activate large silent gene clusters in Streptomyces bacteria, yielding new natural products and potential anti-microbial drugs. By using transcription factor decoys, researchers successfully expressed genes that had previously remained dormant.

Unusual biosynthetic pathway offers a key to future natural product discovery

Researchers have identified an unusual biosynthetic pathway in bacteria that can produce a key feature of a phosphonate compound, which has antifungal properties. By deciphering this process, scientists aim to accelerate the search for new natural products with potential pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Function of protein 'smallish' unraveled

The protein 'smallish' plays a crucial role in regulating cell polarity, essential for shape generation and coordinated cell changes. Researchers found that smallish helps control the correct shape of cells, even when knocked out, due to stored proteins in egg cells.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2018

An epigenetic key to unlock behavior change

A new study sheds light on the molecular mechanism that shapes behavior in fruit flies, revealing a causal link between epigenetics and genetics. Researchers found that epigenetic marks interact with genes to regulate differences in feeding behaviors.

SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

First CRISPR crop could debut in 2020

The first commercial CRISPR product is expected to debut in 2020: a waxy corn used for paper glue and food thickeners. Researchers can use CRISPR to identify genes in crops that may be good candidates for editing, potentially leading to improved cotton quality, non-browning mushrooms, drought-resistant corn, and grocery store tomatoes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 14, 2017

Why bad genes aren't always bad news

A team of scientists discovered a comprehensive set of suppressive mutations in yeast cells, which could help explain how some people remain healthy despite carrying catastrophic mutations. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between genetic suppression and disease-causing mutations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Antibiotic's killer strategy revealed

Researchers at Princeton University discovered the mode of action of antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA), revealing its ability to kill cancer cells. TDA's unique mechanism involves disrupting cell membrane function, rendering it a potential anticancer agent.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2016

Xistential crisis: Discovery shows there's more to the story in silencing X chromosomes

Scientists discover that Xist RNA is insufficient to silence one of the two X chromosomes in every female cell, suggesting a complex interplay between molecules. This finding could lead to new ways to fight X-linked diseases in females, including those linked to autism, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2016

Pitt researcher lands the cover of Developmental Cell by uncovering an evolutionary secret

A Pitt researcher used gene regulatory networks to uncover the origins of a recently evolved structure in male fruit flies, finding that it was created by reusing existing networks during development. This discovery sheds light on how complex animal forms arose and challenges the idea that new structures must be encoded by new genes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 8, 2015

The potential in your pond

Researchers at the John Innes Centre found that Euglena gracilis has over 32,000 active protein-encoding genes, significantly more than humans. The single cell algae can produce various natural compounds, including vitamins, essential amino acids, and a sugar polymer with anti-HIV effects.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMolecular BioSystems·DateAug 14, 2015

A new cellular response to radiation exposure: Must we reconsider the risks of low doses?

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich discovered a novel lncRNA called PARTICLE that regulates cells' response to ionizing radiation by limiting DNA methylation. This finding contradicts the established LNT model and raises questions about the risk of low-dose radiation exposure.