Articles tagged with Gene Silencing
Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...
Researchers identify machinery of epigenetic inheritance, a process by which traits are passed between generations without DNA sequence changes. The discovery reveals that chemical marks on chromatin serve as molecular memory, allowing cells to recognize and remember to silence specific genes in each new generation.
Biologists at Brown University found that gene silencing via chromatin in fruit flies declines with age, but administering life span extending measures such as lower calorie diets or increased expression of the protein Sir2 restores the loss of gene silencing due to age. The study suggests a possible line of research to develop more pr...
Scientists have successfully silenced extra chromosome 21 in laboratory cultures of patient-derived stem cells using a gene-silencing strategy. This approach reveals genome-wide changes and offers hope for identifying cellular pathways deregulated in Down syndrome, paving the way for potential therapeutics.
A study published in Science reveals that a gene silencing protein plays a crucial role in completing the transcription process, which is essential for successful gene expression. The research found that the protein helps to terminate transcription, forming the correct gene product.
A new study from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine has developed a computer program called EpiPredictor to rapidly identify genes targeted by epigenetic proteins. The program, which was funded in part by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, shows promise for speeding up research in cancer epigenetics.
Researchers have created a method for silencing non-protein-coding genes using zinc finger nucleases. This allows for the study of these genes' molecular and cellular functions, which are thought to play a role in cancer development.
A $1.2 million NSF grant will support research on gene instability in maize, enabling scientists to make precise genetic modifications and improve crop yields. The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression in plants.
Research suggests that specific genes are silenced by DNA methylating enzyme Dnmt3b, similar to those found in human tumors. This targeted silencing may be an initiating event in cancer development.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a link between PI3K/AKT signaling and epigenetic silencing in breast cancer. Combining an agent that inhibits PI3K with a drug that reverses gene silencing significantly slows tumor growth, suggesting a new approach for treating the disease.
Researchers found that silencing the TLR4 gene can prevent hyperglycemic cardiac apoptosis in diabetic mice, highlighting the potential clinical use of siRNA-based therapy. The study demonstrated that TLR4 plays a critical role in cardiac apoptosis and that its silencing can suppress apoptotic cascades.
A new study suggests that changes in gene expression called epigenetic alterations can serve as markers for detecting CLL early and monitoring its progression. Researchers also point to a strategy for treating the disease earlier using drugs that reverse such changes.
Olivier Voinnet's groundbreaking research on gene silencing via RNA has opened new perspectives on controlling gene activity, with implications for medicine and genome integrity. His work has also shed light on the molecular arms race between hosts and parasites.
A study by EPFL researchers found that a family of genes known as KRAB-ZFP plays a crucial role in regulating the brain's response to stress. Genetically altered mice lacking these genes exhibited increased anxiety and impaired cognitive function, highlighting the importance of epigenetic regulation in behavior.
A team led by Craig Pikaard discovered a new mechanism by which plant cells silence potentially harmful genes, involving the non-coding region of DNA and two plant-specific RNA polymerases. The research has major implications for gene therapy, where RNA-centric approaches show promise for controlling diseases such as cancer and HIV.
Researchers from Uppsala University have discovered a mechanism that silences several genes on a chromosome domain, leading to the genetic disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. The long Kcnq1ot1-RNA molecule mediates silencing by recruiting enzymes that modify DNA-binding proteins, protecting the silenced domain during cell division.
A University of Missouri scientist discovered a mechanism in bread mold that 'silences' unmatched genes during meiosis, protecting the organism from genetic abnormalities. This process, known as MSUD, could have applications in pharmaceuticals and agriculture by precisely targeting unwanted genes.
Researchers found that genes in the adult brain can be silenced or unsilenced by regulating gene accessibility without changing DNA sequences. This discovery has significant implications for studying gene function and neuronal physiology.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have discovered a vitamin that extends lifespan in yeast by activating an anti-aging gene product. The study found that providing this newly discovered vitamin, NR, activates Sir2, which resembles sirtuins found in humans and is involved in longevity and energy expenditure.
A new study sheds light on how histone and DNA methylation cooperate to silence genes. Mammalian HP1 proteins facilitate this cooperation by stimulating the activity of DNMT1, a DNA methyltransferase.
Researchers discover non-coding RNA transcript Kcnq1ot1 is essential for paternal-specific gene silencing in mice. The study suggests that mammals have co-opted multiple transcriptional regulatory mechanisms to control imprinted genes, supporting the idea that imprinting evolved gradually over time.
Researchers have identified a new global mechanism for gene repression, using histones and the SUMO protein to silence genes. The study found that sumoylation occurs near telomeres and is involved in maintaining genomic stability.
A new genetic hypothesis proposes that most cases of autism can be explained by a complex model for genetic malfunction, involving both inherited and de novo genetic factors. The study suggests epigenetic components, including genetic imprinting, play a major role in the etiology of autism.
Researchers from USC provide a new perspective on treating genetic disorders by switching genes back on using epigenetic therapy. Several chemical compounds have been found to affect epigenetic gene changes and are being tested in clinical trials, including one recently approved for myelodysplastic syndrome.
Researchers at UNC have identified a protein that directly regulates lysine methylation on core histone protein H3, leading to gene repression. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of epigenetic signals and their role in regulating gene expression.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered a new mechanism for gene silencing that involves multiple enzymes and histone modifications. This discovery could lead to the development of new cancer therapies by re-silencing inappropriately activated genes.
A gene called Sir2, long studied in yeast and worms, has a counterpart in fruit flies that plays a dynamic role in genetic regulation of early development. The study found that Sir2 appears to play a dual role, acting as both a silencer and repressor gene.
Researchers found that plants inherit traits from factors outside of genes, such as DNA modification and packaging, which can be passed on to offspring. The study suggests a cost of resistance in plants, where hyperactive defense systems lead to physical damage despite low disease threat.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered a potential new treatment for cancer and sickle-cell anemia by inhibiting gene silencing. The compound, splitomicin, effectively blocks the silencing of genes critical for healthy growth and may also be effective against certain cancers.
Researchers discovered gene silencing can interrupt tumor formation in crown gall disease, producing over a 90% reduction in gall formation among genetically engineered plants. The technique has potential applications for disease-resistant rootstocks and non-transgenic crops.
Research investigates how tumor suppressor genes are methylated during development, affecting cancer risk. The study reveals complex interactions between epigenetic regulation and cellular differentiation.
Researchers are creating new strains of rice plants with insect-killing proteins, eliminating the need for insecticides. The genes are designed to escape gene silencing mechanisms, allowing them to produce proteins in plant roots that prevent water weevils from eating the roots.
Emory researchers discovered that abnormal gene silencing, caused by overexpression of methyltransferase enzymes, can lead to breast cancer progression. The silencing of the TMS-1 gene, responsible for programmed cell death, may contribute to tumor growth and resistance to conventional therapies.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute uncover the first human disease linked to a defect in the MECP2 gene silencer mechanism. The discovery provides new insights into nervous system development and may lead to new treatments for Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder causing mental regression in young girls.
Researchers used 'silencing genes' cloned from electrically quiet human heart tissue to quiet firing nerve cells, demonstrating a potential gene therapy approach for conditions marked by excessive nerve excitability. The system was fine-tuned with an insect hormone-based control switch, allowing for temporary silencing of nerve cells.
Hopkins researchers found a genetic change called loss of imprinting (LOI) in 44% of colon cancer patients and 13% of healthy individuals. LOI is linked to microsatellite instability, which can predict patient outcomes.
Scientists discovered 12 novel genes on the Y chromosome that enhance male fertility and are functionally interchangeable with X genes. The study also found that the Y chromosome evolved to preserve housekeeping functions, leading to new insights into Turner syndrome and male infertility.
A CU-Boulder research team has identified two yeast genes, SAS2 and SAS3, closely linked to a family of human genes associated with severe leukemia and HIV-1. The discovery may help researchers better understand the causes of acute myeloid leukemia and AIDS.