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Scientists construct a synthetic yeast genome

Researchers from National University of Singapore have synthesised a redesigned yeast chromosome XV, comprising 1.05 million base pairs. The novel technology, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mitotic recombination with endoreduplication (CRIMiRE), speeds up the assembly process, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of the synthetic chromosome.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCell Genomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 17, 2023

Uncovering secrets of plant regeneration

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identified the WOX13 gene as a key negative regulator of shoot regeneration in plants. The study found that WOX13 inhibits a subset of shoot meristem regulators while directly activating cell wall modifier genes involved in cell expansion and differentiation.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2023

Researchers urge caution in gene editing early human embryos following findings that it could have unexpected and dangerous consequences Further research to refine gene editing technology is needed

Researchers have discovered that gene editing technologies may introduce unintended mutations and damage to DNA in early human embryos. The study found that most cells repair breaks in the DNA using non-homologous end joining, which can lead to additional genetic abnormalities.

NIH researchers discover new gene involved in a toxic competition among yeast

Researchers at NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute identified a gene, KTD1, that provides resistance to the K28 toxin in yeast. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying toxin resistance and has implications for understanding human toxin resistance.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Investigators discover a ‘double life’ for a key Parkinson’s disease protein

A study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators has revealed that alpha-synuclein plays a dual role in Parkinson's disease, interacting with both vesicles and P-body structures. This new understanding may lead to targeted treatments for the disease, with ongoing genetic studies aiming to identify optimal therapeutic targets.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

A hopeful monster

Researchers discovered a population of Colorado blue columbines that have lost their petals and nectar spurs due to a single gene mutation. The finding supports the punctuated equilibrium hypothesis, suggesting that adaptation can occur in large jumps rather than gradual changes over extended timespans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2022

Daring to leave gaps in the genome

Researchers developed a new method to complete genetic data gaps using haplotype blocks, improving breeding efficiency in plants. The approach has shown comparable quality to collecting more information from DNA strands, reducing costs in animal and plant breeding.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2022