Research on inherited diseases and their causes. Covers RNA therapies, hidden diabetes subtypes, pulmonary disease, and prenatal genetic testing.
A study found a link between a chromosomal aberration at 1q21.1 and various developmental disorders in children, including mental retardation, growth issues, seizures, autism, and heart defects. The researchers suggest that the aberration may contribute to subtle disorders in carriers who appear unaffected.
A gene controlling blood vessel differentiation during embryonic development has been linked to a brain disorder that causes stroke. The study found that the gene, Notch, can induce and reverse the disease's progression in mice, offering new insights into its molecular mechanisms.
Researchers identified genes that show statistical association with specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social phobias. The study found that environmental factors can trigger an anxiety disorder more easily in people with a genetic predisposition.
The study provides an accurate picture of XXYY syndrome, identifying unique medical and psychological characteristics, including cardiac abnormalities, dental problems, and learning disabilities. Treatment recommendations focus on targeted therapies for behaviors, emotional problems, and community services to support independent living.
A large genetic analysis implicates machinery involved in sodium and calcium balance in brain cells in bipolar disorder. Variation in two genes showed the strongest association with bipolar disorder.
A novel mutation in the nephronophthisis 4 (NPHP4) gene has been identified as a potential cause of cone-rod dystrophy in standard wire-haired dachshunds. This discovery raises hopes for developing treatments for humans with similar eye disorders.
Congenital Tufting Enteropathy (CTE) is a rare, congenital disorder affecting infants, causing severe diarrhea and growth failure. Researchers identified the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule gene as the cause of CTE.
The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine will lead a six-year, $16 million international collaboration to study inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope to identify biomarkers in individuals with known mutations to shorten diagnosis time and develop new treatments.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found four chromosomal regions linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder risk factors, suggesting that these disorders may represent different genetic subtypes. The discovery highlights the complexity of psychiatric diagnoses and provides new insights into potential treatment targets.
Researchers found that individuals with tune deafness, an auditory processing disorder, can detect incorrect notes without conscious awareness. This discovery may help scientists study consciousness using genetic research tools.
Researchers discovered a new family of genetic mutations involved in inflammatory intestinal diseases, including coeliac disease and Crohn's disease. The study found common origins for the two diseases and identified eight new areas with genes controlling immune responses.
Researchers found that MeCP2 is a key regulator of genes in the hypothalamus, turning them on and off. Altering MeCP2 levels can cause Rett syndrome or other neurological disorders, highlighting the need for tailored treatments.
A study funded by the NIH has transformed scientists' understanding of Rett syndrome, a genetic disorder causing autistic behavior and disabling symptoms. The research found that the MECP2 gene acts as an activator for thousands of genes, suppressing some but activating most.
Researchers found that carrying alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency increases lung cancer risk in smokers and nonsmokers, with the genetic disorder explaining up to 12% of lung cancer patients. Individuals who carry the gene should be screened for lung cancer and avoid potential carcinogens.
Researchers identified gene mutations in FIGLA as a cause of premature ovarian failure, which can lead to infertility and other health issues. The study found three types of mutations in the gene, highlighting its importance in ovary function.
Researchers found that faulty RNA plays a key role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. They discovered that altering the RNA structure can mitigate toxicity, suggesting a common component between different types of human triplet repeat expansion diseases.
UT Southwestern researchers found gene mutations in mice that control electrical excitability in the brain involved in sleep create a human-like insomnia disorder. The mutant mice slept half as much as normal mice and did not readily get restful sleep even after sleep deprivation.
Researchers have created a genetically altered monkey model that replicates symptoms of Huntington's disease, allowing for a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to major advances in developing new treatments for neurological diseases.
Researchers have successfully treated late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) with gene therapy, slowing disease progression in children. The treatment, which replaces the faulty CLN2 gene, demonstrated significant improvements over an 18-month period.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a new gene trigger for preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy disorder affecting 5% of pregnancies worldwide. A steroid molecule, 2-ME, may serve as both a diagnostic marker and therapeutic supplement for the treatment of preeclampsia.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a previously unknown alteration in microRNA production linked to schizophrenia. By modeling mice with the same chromosome 22q11.2 deletion as humans with schizophrenia, they found that abnormalities in microRNAs can lead to synaptic and behavioral deficits.
A mutated gene has been discovered as the key behind epilepsy and mental retardation specific to women, thanks to new research at the University of Adelaide. The study found that women carry both a 'good' and 'bad' gene, while men only carry the bad gene, leading to the condition affecting only females.
Researchers at CAMH have identified a new gene, CC2D2A, associated with a previously unknown form of intellectual disability characterized by retinitis pigmentosa. The mutation affects protein function, leading to faulty cell activity and the disorder.
A collaborative effort by Boston University researchers has discovered the TFAP2A gene is linked to Branchio-Oculo-Facial syndrome (BOFS), a disorder marked by clefting, skin anomalies, and eye abnormalities. The study's findings may lead to more precise diagnostic testing and suggest new research directions.
Recent research has identified seven LRRK2 gene mutations associated with Parkinson's disease, including a rare mutation that doubles the risk in ethnic Chinese. The findings suggest that genetic influences passed down through generations can significantly increase susceptibility to the disease.
Researchers identified a genetic defect affecting energy production in muscles of children with autism spectrum disorders, leading to muscle weakness. The study found that 65% of the children had defects in oxidative phosphorylation, highlighting the importance of understanding how genes impact mitochondrial function.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause for a rare form of inherited iron deficiency anemia, which may provide insights into iron deficiency in the general population and suggest new treatment approaches. The study identified a gene mutation in the TMPRSS6 protein, leading to excessive hepcidin production and impaired iron absorption.
Scientists identified the MMADHC gene responsible for a rare genetic disorder, isolated and combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria. The research provides clues to how vitamin B12 works in the body and offers earlier diagnosis and treatment options for the serious disease.
Studies find that rare genetic deletions and duplications in schizophrenia patients disrupt genes involved in brain development, potentially implicating hundreds of genes. The findings support a new approach for discovering genes associated with the disorder.
A team of University of Michigan scientists has identified a possible link between genetic mutations and toxic substance exposure in the development of motor neuron disease. The study found that abnormal protein changes caused by organophosphate exposure may contribute to the disease, offering new leads for diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Peter H. Byers has received the March of Dimes/Colonel Harland Sanders Award for Lifetime Achievement in Genetics for his groundbreaking research on collagen gene mutations and their role in inherited disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of these...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Meckel-Gruber syndrome share the same molecular underpinnings, suggesting a continuum of one disease. This finding could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient management.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have successfully treated mice with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, by preventing premature cell death. The breakthrough could lead to early treatment of at-risk babies in the womb.
A genetic defect in the p22phox protein causes a severe immune deficiency in humans, similar to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The study found that mice without this protein also develop a severe balance disorder due to the loss of gravity-sensing crystals in the inner ear.
Researchers studying 19 pairs of identical twins discovered that they had virtually identical DNA but still exhibited small genetic variations. These findings may help explain why one twin can develop a disorder while the other remains healthy.
The study found that mice lacking HOXA11 had no uterosacral ligaments, highlighting the gene's importance in their development. In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased HOXA11 expression was linked to weakened connective tissue and increased levels of a degradation mediator.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are using zebrafish to investigate the causes of Lowe syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting only boys. The team aims to identify key factors, including the gene OCRL1, and explore potential treatments for the condition.
Researchers discover hereditary hemochromatosis is a liver disease caused by a genetic defect in the liver that leads to increased iron absorption. The study reveals that the liver cells make an iron hormone called hepcidin to regulate iron uptake, but a mutated HFE gene reduces its production, leading to iron overload.
The Trainor Lab has demonstrated that inactivating the p53 gene can prevent Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. By inhibiting the p53 protein or inactivating the gene, neural crest cells can survive and form normal craniofacial structures.
Research reveals hereditary hemochromatosis is more prevalent among men with the genetic marker C282Y, posing a significant risk for liver fibrosis and joint disease. The study emphasizes the need for careful clinical assessment to detect the condition in high-risk individuals.
A study found that providing a biological and genetic explanation for anorexia nervosa reduced blame towards individuals with the disorder. The research suggests that disseminating accurate information about the underlying causes of anorexia can help decrease stigma.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed an RNA interference therapy that corrects a genetic disorder causing growth deficiency in mice. The therapy successfully restored normal growth and function to the pituitary gland, which produces growth hormone.
Researchers have discovered 156 new likely imprinted genes in the human genome, including those linked to cancer, diabetes, and autism. The findings offer clues to better disease prevention and management.
A survey of 740 Taiwanese men found a statistically significant positive association between smoking and moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia, a common type of hair loss in men. The study suggests that smoking may destroy hair follicles or damage the papilla that circulates blood and hormones to stimulate hair growth.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that inheriting two genetic mutations for epilepsy can actually reduce seizure frequency and severity. This discovery could lead to new gene-directed therapies for treating epilepsy.
A new Mayo Clinic study presents a chromosome test called 'FISH' as a better method for identifying genetic abnormalities in patients with plasma cell malignancies. This improved analysis may help physicians assess patient prognosis and treatment response more accurately.
Genetics experts at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will investigate Ring chromosome 20 syndrome, a rare disorder causing severe epilepsy and mental retardation. The study aims to identify patients, establish cell lines and analyze patterns of gene expression to guide future treatments.
A study has identified genetic variants associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. Women with specific variants in the estrogen receptor alpha gene were more likely to experience PMDD, suggesting hormonal factors play a key role in its development.
Researchers found a metabolic state that enables worms to slow their rate of aging despite cellular defects. The study's findings could contribute to the creation of gene therapies to reverse or lessen the effects of mitochondrial diseases.
Researchers have identified a pattern of fetal mRNAs detectable in pregnant women's blood, which could serve as a baseline for diagnosing genetic diseases. This detection method has the potential to replace invasive prenatal procedures, offering a new approach to monitoring fetal health.
Researchers have identified the specific gene implicated in Job's syndrome, a rare immunodeficiency disorder characterized by harmful bacterial and fungal infections. The discovery could benefit treatment for other immunodeficiency diseases and provide new leads for therapies.
Researchers at EMBL have identified a molecule called n-cofilin crucial for preventing neuronal disorders. The protein helps organise cell skeleton, essential for brain development and function.
Researchers from the Picower Institute at MIT have identified the gene Ten_m3 as crucial for creating matched projections from both eyes in the brain. In mice with this gene knocked out, visual deficits persisted even when one eye was covered, but blocking the output of one eye restored vision.
A study found a gene variant associated with thinner brain tissue in areas handling attention, but also better clinical outcomes among individuals with ADHD. The 7-repeat form of the dopamine D4 receptor gene was linked to improved symptoms and regained brain thickness in affected individuals.
A pioneering study has confirmed the relation between allele s in the serotonin transporter gene and exposure to threatening life events in the onset of depression. The research predicts a personalized approach to treating depression by tailoring antidepressant treatment to an individual's genetic configuration and environmental factors.
A research team has identified a genetic deficiency that causes severe blindness, specifically Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). The discovery of the LCA5 gene and its protein lebercilin provides new opportunities for gene therapy, which could lead to the treatment of this disease in humans.
A specific gene variant associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also predict better clinical outcomes and higher IQ in teens. The variant, called the 7-repeat version of the dopamine D4 receptor gene, is linked to thinner brain areas controlling attention but confers advantage only among youth with ADHD.
The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers a comprehensive resource for researchers to identify genes linked to bipolar disorder, utilizing over 5,000 patients' clinical data and DNA samples. This database complements existing genetic data and enables researchers to correlate specific symptoms with genetic material.
Researchers identified a significant genetic link between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with evidence of clustering within families over six generations. The study found increased risk ratios for relatives of affected individuals, indicating a common genetic component for both conditions.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identifies a genetic link to Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a common sleep disorder. The gene variant is found to be associated with at least 50% of RLS cases, and nearly 65% of the population carries at least one copy.