Articles tagged with Gene Silencing
Researchers have uncovered the structural basis of Argonaute assembly, revealing that chaperone proteins hold it in an open conformation allowing miRNA loading. The study also found that RNA plays a key role in guiding Argonaute folding.
A team of scientists at Ohio State University identified a four-step process by which the managing protein converts precursor complex into a mature RISC. This discovery provides insight into RNA interference and could advance therapeutic siRNA development to silence problematic genes linked to diseases.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that a brief spike in testosterone after birth causes muscle-wasting disease to develop decades later. Treating the disease at birth significantly reduced nerve cell breakdown in adult mice.
Researchers identified miR-21 as a key regulator of bladder cancer growth and spread, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker. By inhibiting miR-21, tumor cells lose their ability to multiply and invade tissues, slowing down tumor growth.
Scientists found that piRNA rapidly catches up with changes in jumping genes, improving efficiency through a competition between sites. This unique property of piRNA has implications for medical research and potential diagnostic or therapeutic strategies against unwanted genetic mutations.
A novel therapeutic strategy for superbug infections has been discovered using the siRNA-AGO2 complex. This complex inhibits bacterial gene translation by delivering AGO2-loaded siRNA into bacterial cytoplasm, downregulating resistance genes and converting multidrug-resistant bacteria into methicillin-sensitive ones.
Researchers developed MSCs with aloe emodin-loaded nanoparticles and IFN-γ pretreatment, which inhibited CD4+T cell activation and reduced inflammation in mouse models. The combination also preserved pancreatic structure and function, holding promise for clinical application.
A team of geneticists discovered a gene 'silencer' in junk DNA that prevents the devastating neurological disease autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD). The silencer element regulates lamin B1 expression, only affecting one type of cell, and its presence can spare patients from fatal symptoms.
Researchers at McGill University discovered a novel brain mechanism that explains why bipolar patients alternate between mania and depression. A dopamine-based 'second brain clock' controls mood shifts, operating in tandem with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers have discovered a complex mechanism that allows bacteria to build resistance to antibiotics, involving a KorB-KorA regulatory system. This finding offers a fresh insight into long-range gene silencing in bacteria and provides a potential target for novel therapeutics.
UCSF researchers found that when brain cells of female mice express only a maternal X chromosome, their memory and cognitive skills deteriorate faster. This study could explain the variation in brain aging between the sexes and individual women.
Researchers have developed a Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) system in taro, allowing for rapid verification of gene functions and enabling breeding of high-quality taro varieties. The system has shown promise in reducing gene expression and altering starch content in taro corms.
A previously unstudied ancient gene called 'waist-less' is required for the development of a spider's narrow waist, according to researchers. The discovery sheds light on the formation of the distinctive body plan in spiders and highlights the function of new genes in ancient groups of animals.
Researchers identified CYP2J2 as a key enzyme in austocystin D-mediated cytotoxicity. Overexpression of CYP2J2 enhanced cytotoxic effects, while depletion reduced sensitivity to austocystin D.
A study published in Cell reveals that Mrc1 is crucial for epigenetic inheritance, ensuring cells maintain their genetic identity and function. The discovery has significant implications for understanding diseases like cancer and aging, where epigenetic landscapes deteriorate over time.
An international team of researchers has identified the LOG gene responsible for forming prickles in several plant species. The discovery enables the development of new prickle-free varieties of crops like aubergines and blackberries, as well as ornamental plants such as roses.
Researchers at U of T mapped the spatial distribution of long non-coding RNAs in testes, finding higher levels than previously estimated. The study suggests lncRNAs play a more significant role in male reproduction and may influence sperm development and behavior.
Research reveals that ancient viruses can play a critical role in helping cancer survive and thrive. Silencing certain endogenous retroviruses may make cancer treatments work better by turning off nearby gene expression.
Researchers found ancient giant viruses woven into single-celled organism's genetic code, sparking new understanding of virus-host interaction and potential evolutionary benefits.
A CHARMed collaboration has created a set of molecular tools called CHARMs that can turn off disease-causing genes, including those coding for the prion protein. The tools have shown promise in silencing the prion protein gene and improving or eliminating disease symptoms in animals.
A recent study has identified a key negative regulator in pepper plants, CaSTH2, which impairs the activation of immune responses against pathogens and reduces heat tolerance by interacting with and inhibiting CaWRKY40. This discovery sheds light on the complex regulatory networks that plants use to balance their defenses.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a small molecule compound that restores physiological levels of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), reducing cellular senescence and tissue inflammation. TERT restoration also spurred new neuron formation with improved memory and enhanced neuromuscular function.
Researchers developed engineered dsRNA-protein nanoparticles for systemic gene silencing in plants, overcoming the challenge of transporting RNA molecules across plant cell membranes. This technology holds promise for improving crop productivity through efficient gene function characterization and large-scale agricultural applications.
Researchers at Kobe University discovered a new gene, FDFT1, responsible for porokeratosis by identifying epigenetic silencing. Patients with localized lesions didn't have inherited damaged copies, leading to a hypothesis that epigenetic changes are the first hit. The findings have implications for treatment and counseling.
This study investigates the role of ethylene in carnation postharvest life, revealing varietal sensitivity differences. Genetic manipulation targeting key genes accelerates or delays senescence based on ethylene levels.
Researchers at IMBA discovered a parent-of-origin effect in nematodes, suggesting the first step in genomic imprinting's evolution. This finding provides insight into how imprinting arose independently in mammals and plants over 100 million years ago.
Researchers discovered that PDS5A modifies DNA loops without affecting histone modifications, enabling the study of loop-mediated gene silencing. The loss of PDS5A disrupted genome organization, leading to aberrant gene activation and potentially driving diseases like cancer and developmental disorders.
A study in Current Biology reveals that Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) originally silenced transposable elements in eukaryotes, a function thought to have arisen to protect the genome from invasion. This ancestral role has since shifted to silencing protein-coding genes.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Scientists have discovered two new genes, NEK2 and INHBA, that cause head and neck cancer resistance to chemotherapy. Silencing these genes can make resistant cancer cells respond to cisplatin by 30 times.
Researchers found that epigenetic silencing shuts off key genes required for sensory cell conversion. Enzyme TET can remove methyl groups to reverse gene silencing and restore hearing capability. Progenitor cells in deaf ears may already be primed to convert into sensory hearing cells.
Researchers from IMBA identify a family of virus-like transposons called Mavericks that facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between reproductively isolated worm species. The study reveals the role of Mavericks in overcoming the species barrier, with potential applications in pathogen control and genomic innovation.
A new study from the Van Andel Research Institute reveals that loss of two key 'protector' proteins, TET and RYBP, transforms healthy lung cells into cancerous ones through epigenetic changes. The research found that deficiency of these proteins leads to widespread aberrant methylation and malignant transformation.
Researchers found that abnormal methylation processes lead to disruption of gene expression essential for brain development in people with Williams syndrome. The study suggests targeting treatments to correct these disruptions.
Researchers identified the molecular mechanism underlying Weiss-Kruszka syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by craniofacial anomalies and autistic features. The study reveals that the ZFP462 gene mutation leads to a failure to safeguard neural lineage specification during early embryonic development.
Researchers found that Marchantia liverworts completely inactivate paternal genes in embryos, ensuring proper development. The mechanism involves Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 and maintains haploid dosage despite the short diploid phase.
Researchers discovered a novel form of gene regulation altered in bladder cancer, which boosts the unfolded protein response pathway to help cancer cells survive during rapid growth. Elevated TRMT6/61A enzyme levels prevent tRF-3bs from silencing genes in this pathway.
Researchers from HKUST have identified secondary RNA elements that control DICER's cleavage activity, improving miRNA expression and shRNA design for effective gene silencing. The study provides a foundation for designing accurate and efficient short-hairpin RNAs.
Researchers at WEHI have discovered a new accordion-like trigger crucial to gene silencing, which expands our understanding of how genes are switched on and off in the womb. The finding offers a new way to potentially harness gene silencing to treat diseases like cancer and congenital disorders.
A Cleveland Clinic-led trial found that an experimental 'gene silencing' therapy significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a key driver of heart disease risk, by up to 96%-98%. The therapy targets the gene responsible for Lp(a) production and has shown strong efficacy with no major safety concerns reported.
Researchers at Colorado State University are developing an RNA-based method for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds using gene-silencing technology. The goal is to create a non-genetically modified, shelf-stable spray that targets specific strands of RNA in weed cells, leaving crops untouched.
Scientists create a hybrid technology called heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO) that can safely and effectively silence disease-causing genes in certain immune cells. The HDO delivery method has shown promise in improving symptoms of autoimmune disorders and cancers by regulating the function of T and B lymphocytes.
Researchers have discovered a spray-induced gene silencing technique that effectively controls late blight, a devastating disease affecting potatoes and tomatoes. This environmentally friendly method has potential to reduce the usage of chemical pesticides and can be quickly adapted for new targets.
Researchers developed an experimental drug that silences a faulty FUS gene, potentially treating rare and aggressive forms of ALS. The treatment delayed motor neuron degeneration in mice and showed promise in a patient with FUS-ALS.
Scientists discover that small RNAs recruit RNA Polymerase V to initiate DNA methylation, enabling crop breeders to avoid silencing from the start. This finding has substantial implications for reducing the cost and effort of producing transgenic crops.
Researchers found that genes can be triggered by specific patterns of light exposure, producing varying levels of activity. The output was not directly correlated to the input, and controlling frequency gave precise control over gene activity.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used comparative metabologenomics to study the genomes of Streptomyces bacteria and identify key factors that influence drug production. The study found that fine-tuning of specific nucleotides can control antibiotic production, offering new insights for next-generation drug discovery.
A team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified four proteins that bind to Toc-HDOs, regulating gene silencing. The discovery provides a novel biological mechanism for Toc-HDOs, increasing understanding of how they silence genes.
Researchers have identified the SFiNX complex as a key player in silencing transposons through a DNA-RNA crosstalk mechanism. This interaction enables other domains within the complex or co-recruited silencing effectors to establish heterochromatin, leading to gene expression regulation.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital resolved a long-standing debate about PRC2's targeting mechanism, revealing RNA motifs as the key to specific interactions. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and development of new therapeutics.
A new epigenetic editing tool has been developed to activate silenced genes by removing DNA methylation labels. The tool uses CRISPR and a plant enzyme called ROS1 to guide the removal of these marks, allowing researchers to reactivate silenced genes.
Researchers found that increasing miR397 levels in domesticated rice plants resulted in traits similar to wild rice, including long stems and few flowering structures. Transgenic expression of the gene encoding miR397 partially de-domesticated rice, boosting grain production and improving resilience.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a common thread linking nearly all TNR expansion diseases: misfolded 3D genome patterns. Nearly all unstable repeats are located at genome folding boundaries, suggesting new research questions for diagnosis or treatment.
Researchers uncover DNA methylation marks that silence genes in corn, impacting trait expression and breeding. The study improves understanding of non-Mendelian inheritance mechanisms, shedding light on the disappearance of desired traits in crops.
A study published in Genome Research investigated the role of p53 in tumor suppression and found that no single gene serves as a backup 'second in command' to activate its functions. Instead, p53 relies on a multifunctional team of genes contributing to tumor suppression.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called RSF1 that plays a vital role in gene silencing during normal embryo development. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation and its potential application in cancer treatment.
A comprehensive analysis of gene variants in 23 different tissues and developmental stages of mice reveals tissue-specific differences in gene variant activity. The study found that genetic and epigenetic differences contribute to these patterns, with some genes escaping X-chromosome inactivation and exhibiting high rates of activity.
A research group led by Makoto Kobayashi has shed light on the mechanism of hemangioblast differentiation into blood cells and vascular endothelia. LSD1 histone demethylase plays a crucial role in silencing Etv2, a transcription factor gene required for hemangioblast formation.
Researchers identified a connection between DNMT3A gene mutations and the activation of oncogene MEIS1, which induces acute myeloid leukemia. The study found that this subtype of leukemia may be sensitive to drugs targeting both genes.
A novel technique identified an unusually strong 3D network of developmental genes in ESCs, physically clustered and silenced by Polycomb repressive complex (PRC1) to maintain the undifferentiated state. This mechanism allows for selective release of genes, controlling early development decisions.