Articles tagged with Gene Transcription
The study reveals MED14's crucial role in regulating fetal organogenesis, highlighting its importance in transcriptional programs governing later stages of organ development. MED14 disruption affects cell-fate specification and organogenesis, leading to VACTERL-like congenital defects.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have demonstrated that one of biology's most essential enzymes can accurately read and transcribe an expanded, eight-letter genetic alphabet. This breakthrough advances synthetic biology and could allow scientists to create new biological systems and diagnostic tools.
UCSB professor Max Wilson's team aims to develop a system that can synthesize DNA or RNA without chemical input, enabling faster and more efficient protein design. The project involves engineering a strain of yeast to produce light-activated polymerase enzymes responsive to specific wavelengths of light.
A new blood-based approach developed by Kumamoto University researchers detects breast cancer recurrence by analyzing nucleosome structure in circulating DNA. The study identified genomic regions associated with treatment resistance and recurrence, promising a low-invasive monitoring method for patients.
Scientists in the University of California San Diego laboratory used AI to decipher the 'initiator' DNA sequence, which is responsible for gene activation. The researchers found that about 60% of human genes contain the initiator, enabling the prediction of DNA mutations that can lead to various disorders.
Scientists have captured the first real-time glimpse of cellular machinery reading DNA inside a cell, revealing a more dynamic process than previously thought. The study used cryo-electron microscopy to map intact transcription complexes, showing variations in the RNA polymerase II subunits that were unexpected.
Researchers developed a novel gene therapy platform that successfully restored muscle function in preclinical models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by delivering full-length mRNA of the DMD gene via engineered extracellular vesicles. The treatment showed improved muscle strength, endurance, and function without serious side effects.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a noninvasive method to track the expression of specific genes in living brain tissue, enabling real-time monitoring of gene activity. The tool, called In-vivo Tracking of Active Transcription (INTACT), uses engineered reporter molecules and sensors to detect target mRNA in the bloodstream.
Researchers developed a 13-gene panel and machine learning model to predict TNBC patient responses to chemotherapy, identifying macrophage subtypes associated with treatment outcomes. The study provides novel insights into the gene-expression programs and tumor microenvironment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered a two-factor system that controls stem cell differentiation, involving the stabilization of the CoREST corepressor complex at gene promoters. This process prevents stem cells from drifting towards differentiation and maintaining their pluripotency.
Professor Eiichi Araki's pioneering research on insulin signaling has led to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of diabetes. His discoveries remain foundational for researchers striving to overcome insulin resistance and improve treatment options.
Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that inhibiting RNase H2 can cause significant damage to DNA and activate the innate immune system to produce signals that attract T cells to attack the tumor. This approach could lead to improved patient outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize individual water molecules and metal ions within RNA polymerase II, revealing their active role in DNA transcription. The study provides a new understanding of how genetic information is read and expressed, challenging the traditional 'protein-centered' view.
A specific region of Dicer must be activated to achieve proper cell division and reproduction, a discovery that sheds light on the regulation of this enzyme's critical role in both cancer biology and fertility. This finding opens new avenues for studying how small epigenetic changes contribute to disease.
Researchers developed RF-SIRF, a quantitative method to detect and map reversed DNA replication forks with single-cell resolution. The study identified unique epigenetic codes for DNA replication stress that can be further examined to understand genomic stability, aging, and treatment response.
Scientists have developed an advanced microscopy technique to visualize critical components of the cell's transcription machinery and proteins that provide structural support to the nucleus. The new technique allows for the visualization of up to 12 biomolecules simultaneously, providing detailed maps of nuclear organization.
A study published in Cancer Research has identified DPY30 as an epigenetic target that can sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. By modulating DNA replication stress, DPY30 promotes the addition of activation signals at stressed replication forks, supporting cancer cell survival and proliferation.
Researchers discovered that a plant's internal daily timekeeper coordinates growth by controlling an electrochemical 'language' between different tissues. A key clock component, CCA1, boosts stem elongation while restricting root growth by controlling hormone signaling and proton pump activity.
Professor Kazuya Yamagata received the 2025 Erwin von Bâlz Prize Second Prize for his groundbreaking research on pancreatic Ò-cell transcription factors and their role in monogenic diabetes. His work significantly deepens our understanding of β-cell function and diabetes pathophysiology.
Researchers have created a comprehensive map of the DNA sequences that control gene expression in human cells, identifying 2.37 million potential regulatory elements. This registry reveals previously unrecognized classes of elements and illuminates how noncoding genetic variation contributes to cell type-specific traits.
Dr. Eric J. Nestler's research has fundamentally reshaped global understanding of addiction and depression by focusing on resilience rather than pathology. His laboratory identified distinct molecular, cellular, and circuit changes in resilient brains that maintain normal behavioral function despite exposure to drugs or stress.
Researchers used a single-molecule platform to watch individual mammalian transcription complexes, revealing the molecular engine's acceleration, pauses, and gear shifts. The study found key regulatory proteins govern Pol II movement, with P-TEFb as a master switch and PAF1C as the main accelerator.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that inflexible DNA within nucleosomes regulates the positioning of INO80, a chromatin remodeling complex. This unique mechanism allows INO80 to position itself on the surface of nucleosomes at the right location.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified 117 kinases that can phosphorylate multiple locations within the RNA polymerase II protein tail, greatly expanding upon previous knowledge. This discovery links enzyme activity to multiple diseases, including cancer, and reveals a more integrated role for cell signaling.
Researchers identified Phaedra1 as a gene essential for stress-induced cell death in Drosophila melanogaster. The mTOR-Zeste-Phae1 pathway controls lethal stress-dependent individual death. Suppressing this pathway increases survival rates after exposure to lethal stress.
Genomic imprinting discovered by Davor Solter and Azim Surani reveals maternal chromosomes contribute essential information missing in paternal chromosomes. This phenomenon, coined genomic imprinting, involves tiny methyl groups attached to DNA's four bases regulating fetal growth and development.
A new method called spVelo calculates RNA velocity to understand how cells become specialized. By incorporating spatial information and processing multiple batches at once, the method overcomes previous challenges.
Scientists have developed a new approach to analyze proteins in individual cells during blood cell formation, bypassing mRNA intermediates. This study reveals the correlation between mRNA levels and protein expression, shedding light on the role of essential proteins in maintaining stem cell populations.
Researchers at Wyss Institute develop in vitro method to induce meiosis in human cells, enabling replication of critical step in egg and sperm cell development. The breakthrough could lead to modeling defects and creating healthy gametes for individuals with infertility.
Scientists have discovered that MYOD protein can act as a gene silencer, clearing out old 'furniture' to reset the cell's identity. This finding challenges dogma and opens up new avenues for understanding cellular reprogramming and regenerative medicine therapies.
A new approach for understanding chromatin's 3D structure and its influence on gene regulation has been developed by scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys. The method measures a genomic region's proximity to the isolated center of a chromatin clump, revealing that surface regions are more active than core regions.
Researchers discovered two distinct ways mutation of the FOXA1 gene alters tumor formation and therapy resistance in prostate cancer in mouse models. The findings provide insight into how different classes of FOXA1 mutations operate, shedding light on the complex mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression.
Researchers used time-restricted feeding to restore microbial rhythms in mice fed a high-fat diet, identifying bile salt hydrolase as a key enzyme protecting metabolic health. Engineered gut bacteria showed improved glucose control and reduced body fat in mice, suggesting potential targeted therapies for obesity and diabetes.
Autophagy and lysosomal pathways orchestrate the unconventional secretion of PARK7, a PD-associated protein, in response to cellular stress. The study reveals a unique mechanism involving coordinated actions of macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy.
Scientists have identified a brain molecule called NEAT1 that appears to play a central role in triggering light sensitivity (photophobia) during migraines. By disrupting the normal balance of nerve signaling and pain regulation, NEAT1 makes nerves more sensitive to light.
Researchers at University of Seville have discovered patulin and xestoquinol as inhibitors of DNA topoisomerase 1, a key enzyme in DNA metabolism. These natural compounds may provide a new class of anticancer drugs by preventing DNA cuts from being ligated.
Scientists at City of Hope have identified a new molecular target for treating pancreatic cancer, using an experimental drug to slow tumor growth and damage tumor cells. The approach showed promise in clinical trials with two patients, resulting in up to a 49% shrinkage in liver metastases.
Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.
Researchers discovered 47,350 active putative enhancers associated with Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. These enhancers were found to regulate gene expression during neuronal differentiation.
Gene expression in cells occurs in short, unpredictable bursts due to transcriptional bursting. Researchers found that the folding and movement of DNA, as well as protein accumulation, changes depending on gene activity, with enhancers playing a crucial role in amplifying gene activity.
Exposure to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously impairs the ability of herring larvae to react at a molecular level, reducing their capacity for acclimatization. This can lead to increased protein damage and cell injury, potentially affecting growth and survival.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have discovered the HelD protein's role in protecting bacterial RNA polymerase from antibiotic effects. The protein not only frees the enzyme but also ensures its recycling, allowing bacteria to multiply again.
A new study finds that the FOXG1 gene has a dual function in regulating RNA transcription and translation, essential for proper brain development. The discovery raises questions about the evolution of this complex mechanism and its potential role in neuroplasticity.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified an alternate method to study changes during the DNA replication process in lab settings using genetically modified yeast. This new approach provides a less toxic and quickly reversible alternative to hydroxyurea, allowing for better insight into cell cycle arrest mechanisms.
Researchers found that single-housed adult fish exhibited a longer egg-laying period and slower aging process compared to group-housed counterparts. The study suggests that early-life social environment may influence life-long attributes beyond the typical relationship between growth rate and lifespan.
A new brain-mapping neurotechnology called Single Transcriptome Assisted Rabies Tracing (START) has been developed to map the brain's intricate neuronal connections. The technique combines two advanced technologies to resolve cortical connectivity at the resolution of transcriptomic cell types, enabling the identification of distinct p...
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has engineered a short sequence of artificial DNA to target the mutant protein p53-R175H, linked to lung, colorectal, and breast cancers. The new molecule, dp53m, inhibits cancer cell growth and increases sensitivity to chemotherapy agent cisplatin.
Researchers analyzed genome of Oikopleura dioica, finding it has wildly different languages despite identical physical characteristics. The 'scrambling' phenomenon suggests genes are regulated differently, challenging assumptions about species identity.
Researchers from Osaka University found that influenza-associated brain disorders may be caused by the virus entering the brain and producing proteins. Antivirals blocking protein production are unlikely to be effective, but those targeting transcription and translation may offer hope for treatment.
Researchers at CRAG have made groundbreaking discoveries on seed germination, identifying key regulatory features and non-coding RNAs that drive the process. The study reveals that transcription restarts much earlier than previously thought, opening up new avenues for investigation into the role of the non-coding genome.
Researchers identified two H3K36 methyltransferases, Ash1 and Set2, that regulate transcriptional activity and facultative heterochromatin formation in the rice blast fungus. The study reveals distinct roles for Ash1 and Set2 in promoting repressed and activated transcription, respectively.
Neuronal activity stimulates gene expression in human brain cells by influencing transcription factors and chromatin modifiers, particularly CREB and CBP. The interaction between CREB and DNA requires prior acetylation mediated by CBP to activate gene expression.
Researchers at Salk Institute uncover a mechanism for repairing damaged nerves during peripheral neuropathy, with protein Mitf playing a key role. The findings have the potential to inspire novel therapeutics that bolster repair function and heal peripheral neuropathy.
Researchers created a new CRISPR-based gene therapy tool using locally sourced, human-derived proteins that can activate silent or insufficiently expressed genes. The DREAM tool mimics the natural ability of human cells to turn on specific genes in response to mechanical cues.
Microglial cells age differently in male and female mice, with female microglia displaying a 'middle-aged' phenotype and male microglia switching suddenly to an aged phenotype. The researchers identified key genes and mechanisms contributing to this aging process, including the role of aged-like microglia in cognitive decline.
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.
Researchers developed a method to design weaker transcription factors that work together to activate genes without activating naturally occurring genes. This approach, called cooperative assembly, strengthens the factors as a group but weakens them individually, ensuring targeted gene activation and long-term circuit stability.
Researchers found that expression of CiDRE in alveolar macrophages makes patients more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 invasion and promotes cytokine storm. The genetic quirk is associated with severe COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting potential treatments targeting IL-10R and CiDRE.
Researchers found that MALAT1 inhibition decreased BRAF RNA and protein levels, while increasing correlation with MAPK-associated genes. MALAT1-ASO treatment also reduced melanoma cell growth and tumor size in xenograft models.