Articles tagged with Genetic Engineering
BRIGHT at DTU joins forces with Novonesis to develop microbes that can efficiently utilize acetic acid produced from captured carbon, enabling the production of sustainable protein. The collaboration aims to accelerate microbial fermentation and reduce costs, ultimately contributing to a circular bioeconomy.
Researchers genetically modified a probiotic yeast to reduce its virulence in immunocompromised patients. The modified yeast was found to be less likely to cause infection, with improved survival rates in animal models.
Researchers developed a biomimetic platform to enhance CAR T cell therapy against leukemia by creating a molecular bridge that reinforces the interface between CAR T cells and leukemia cells. This platform, called FACE, uses ferritin to bind to CD71 on leukemia cells, improving cell recognition and elimination.
Researchers identified genes that are activated when yeast cells are in the gut, suggesting a roadmap for engineering more efficient drug-delivery vehicles. The study found that yeast cells were digesting more lipids than carbohydrates in the gut, highlighting potential modifications to improve efficiency.
The journal explores the convergence of computational biology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation, with a focus on precision medicine and enhanced patient care. Submissions are accepted from researchers, clinicians, and technologists on topics such as AI in medicine, computational genomics, and drug discovery.
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
A two-step genome editing method integrates large human genomic fragments into mice, mimicking human regulatory landscapes. This platform enables the creation of physiologically relevant humanized models for therapeutic targets and disease research.
A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a new mode of epigenetic targeting in plant cells, where specific DNA sequences guide DNA methylation patterns. This finding has major implications for understanding epigenetic regulation and could inform future strategies for epigenetic engineering.
Researchers at KIT successfully used the CRISPR/Cas method to fuse two chromosomes into one, reducing the number of chromosomes in plants by half. This process does not affect plant growth and has potential applications for improving crop yields and resilience.
Researchers used CRISPR to increase fungal production efficiency and cut environmental impact by 61% without adding foreign DNA. The genetically tweaked fungus tastes like meat and is easier to digest than its naturally occurring counterpart.
A nonsurgical approach has been demonstrated to quiet a specific brain circuit in an animal model by delivering engineered gene therapy only to the targeted region. The method uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing precise control over brain activity without impacting off-target areas.
Genetic engineers design gene circuits to program cells with new functions, but dilution causes loss of function. Researchers use liquid-liquid phase separation to form transcriptional condensates around genes, protecting genetic programs and maintaining stability across cell generations.
A team of plant biotechnologists at Texas Tech University has developed a groundbreaking method to accelerate crop creation, bypassing the time-consuming process of tissue culture. The new technique enables plants to grow new shoots directly from wounded tissue, eliminating the need for traditional lab-based regeneration steps.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel gene-editing method that can correct multiple disease-causing mutations simultaneously. This approach uses bacterial retrons to protect the microbes from viral infection and has shown promising results in correcting scoliosis-causing mutations in zebrafish embryos.
Researchers found that Agrobacterium's virulence is more effective in its natural two-chromosome state, but it grows faster and handles stress better when fused into a single chromosome. This study opens the door for optimizing its use as a crop improvement tool or devising new ways to protect crops vulnerable to crown galls.
A new method called GenomePAM enables targeted modification of genomes using CRISPR technology. This breakthrough accelerates the development of precision gene editing tools and advances clinical drug development.
The CityUHK team is developing two core therapeutic medicines using state-of-the-art DNA surgery technology to treat liver and cardiovascular genetic diseases. Their approach offers a durable and long-lasting solution, eliminating the need for repeated medications.
Researchers developed bridge recombinase technology, allowing for large genomic region manipulation and potential applications in genetic therapies. The system enables efficient insertion, excision, and inversion of genomic sequences with high specificity.
Researchers developed a novel genome editing approach called 'append editing' by mimicking the natural bacterial defense system against viruses. This method enables precise genetic modifications in bacteria, plants, and human cells with high accuracy and minimal disruption.
A new review in Microbial Biotechnology highlights microbes as allies in various industries, from food fermentation to biofuels. Films such as French Kiss and The Martian showcase microbes as positive forces, challenging the traditional villain stereotype.
Researchers developed photo-inducible binary interaction tools (PhoBITs) to precisely control gene expression, cell signaling, and immune responses. PhoBITs enable targeted treatment with minimal side effects, opening new avenues for cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine.
Engineered cell lines are prone to misidentification, threatening scientific discoveries and intellectual property. Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a novel method to embed unique genetic identifiers, eliminating identification errors and safeguarding innovations with tamper-proof genomic tags.
Albino cane toads created using CRISPR technology reveal that albinism affects survival and hunting abilities, with poor eyesight being the core problem. In controlled environments, albino tadpoles were less likely to survive and developed faster when competing with pigmented siblings for food and space.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a controlled evolution technique that dramatically increases plasmid DNA (pDNA) production in E. coli bacteria. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of gene therapies and expedite research, making pDNA resources more accessible.
A new study demonstrates the potential to produce cellular spheroids from clinically relevant embryonic stem cells to generate scaffold-free chondrogenic or osteochondrogenic graft tissues. The researchers successfully cultured ES-MSC cellular spheroids, which matured into neocartilage tissues expressing cartilage-associated genes.
A new study reveals how Lactococcus lactis regulates the production of a key precursor in vitamin K2 biosynthesis. By tuning substrate supply and genetic architecture, researchers can push production above natural ceilings, opening the door to engineering bacteria for enhanced vitamin K2 production.
A new AI model called RiboNN predicts translation efficiency of mRNA sequences, accelerating the development of mRNA therapeutics. The tool helps predict how much protein cells will produce, minimizing trial-and-error experimentation.
A team of scientists proposes an integrated framework combining biotechnology and AI to revolutionize crop breeding, exploring multi-omics, genome editing, and high-throughput phenotyping. The authors present a forward-looking framework for AI-assisted crop germplasm design, offering a roadmap for sustainable agriculture.
A comprehensive review highlights Gemini surfactants as a promising alternative to viral vectors in gene therapy delivery. The review outlines key structural elements governing delivery performance and complex stability, as well as next-gen upgrades such as cancer-homing peptides and biomimetic coatings.
A team of scientists proposes using gene editing to restore lost genetic diversity in endangered species, enabling them to adapt to future environmental changes. The approach could complement traditional conservation methods and attract new investors and expertise.
Researchers developed an AI-informed method for rapid protein evolution, integrating structural and evolutionary constraints. The approach, AiCE, outperforms traditional methods in predicting high-fitness mutations, enabling efficient protein redesign and applications in precision medicine.
Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a biological 'artificial intelligence' system called PROTEUS, which can accelerate cycles of evolution and natural selection to create molecules with new functions in weeks. The system has potential applications in finding new medicines and improving gene editing technology like CRISPR.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have identified vorinostat as a promising treatment for Rett Syndrome using an AI-driven drug discovery process and innovative disease modeling. The findings demonstrate disease-modifying abilities across multiple tissues, offering hope for a potentially curative treatment.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
Scientists developed a precise, cost-effective way to make chiral ketones for medicines, agrochemicals, and more using photocatalysis. This approach solves the challenge of reaching remote stereocenters in molecules, allowing for eco-friendly production of valuable chemicals.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
Chinese researchers developed a groundbreaking 3D genome mapping technology that reveals how the 3D organization of plant genomes influences gene expression, especially in photosynthesis. The innovation provides a precise tool for understanding long-range chromatin interactions and their role in regulating biological processes.
A team of scientists from SR-Tiget has identified a unique window shortly after birth to deliver lentiviral vectors directly into the bloodstream, enabling gene transfer and long-term engraftment. This approach shows promise for treating some genetic blood disorders without stem cell transplantation or chemotherapy.
A new study reveals that DNA methylation mediates the transgenerational inheritance of acquired cold tolerance in rice, supporting Lamarck's theory. Researchers developed a novel breeding strategy to develop stress-resilient crops, offering a promising avenue to tackle agricultural challenges posed by global climate change.
A study at the University of Zurich tracks live cellular development and epigenetic changes over multiple generations, showing how stress induces heterogeneity and increases genetic complexity. This research may lead to better understanding of cancer cell diversity and develop more effective therapies.
Spearhead Bio's TAHITI technology enables seamless integration of genes into crops, promising faster and cleaner path to crop improvement. The startup aims to generate next-generation improved crops with desired traits, improving speed to market and consumer acceptance.
Researchers developed a novel protein, LSUBP, to enhance uranium extraction from seawater. The engineered protein achieves high adsorption capacity, offering a promising new material for effective uranium extraction.
The European Commission has awarded €8 million to two projects, SUN-PERFORM and Solar to Butanol – S2B, to develop highly efficient bio-inspired technologies for renewable fuel production. These innovations target hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and shipping, aiming to significantly reduce Europe's carbon emissions.
Researchers have discovered RNA pseudouridine as a novel diagnostic target for colorectal cancer. The study found correlations between pseudouridine modifications and clinical markers, enabling potential non-invasive diagnosis. The findings provide a molecular framework for RNA epigenetics-based stratification and targeted interventions.
A new study from Umeå University reveals that trees' circadian clocks regulate growth and seasonal events. Adjusting clock-associated genes could help trees synchronize with changing climates, improving forestry management. The study also has implications for global vegetation models predicting forest growth and carbon storage.
Researchers at KAIST discovered that DDX54 is the master regulator hindering immunotherapy's effectiveness in lung cancer. Supressing DDX54 enhances immune cell infiltration into tumors and improves immunotherapy efficacy.
A team of scientists has created a new method to selectively modify specific proteins in complex biological environments. They achieved this using aptamers and deoxyoxanosine, allowing precise conjugation of desired sites on target proteins. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Scientists developed a new technology to produce Cre-loxP organisms in a single step, reducing the need for crossbreeding and decreasing production time. The method involves introducing a TAx9 sequence to prevent Cre gene expression in E. coli bacteria, allowing for precise control and modification of gene expression.
Researchers at MIT successfully triggered a key enzyme in starfish egg cells using different patterns of light, prompting predictable movements and contractions. The study provides a new optical tool for controlling cell shape in its earliest developmental stages.
Research reveals that placental DNA methylation influences expression of genes associated with psychiatric disorders, suggesting genetic risk manifests during prenatal stage. The study identifies schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression disorder as most strongly linked conditions.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz engineered cellular models of embryos using CRISPR technology, allowing them to study early developmental stages without experimenting with actual embryos. The team found that 80% of stem cells organized into embryo-like structures, showcasing a remarkable collective behavior and molecular composition.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an engineered yeast that can produce record-high yields of D-lactic acid from methanol, a key compound used in biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals. The optimized yeast strain achieves a 1.5-fold boost in production compared to other methanol-based methods.
Australian scientists engineer fish and flies to break down toxic methylmercury into a less harmful gas, offering a new solution to environmental pollution. The research could lead to the creation of wildlife that protects both human health and the environment.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new method for customizing engineered living materials (ELMs) by altering protein matrices. The study revealed that small genetic changes can significantly impact the behavior of these materials, making them ideal for applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Researchers at UCSF used CRISPR gene editing technology to transform ordinary white fat cells into 'beige' fat cells that voraciously consume calories to make heat. Implanted near tumors, these cells outcompeted cancer cells for nutrients, beating back five types of cancer in lab experiments.
Researchers at Washington State University have created genetically engineered mice with human-like short telomeres, enabling the study of cellular aging as it occurs in humans. The new mouse model, called HuT mice, has significant implications for anti-aging research and cancer treatment.
Researchers at U of T have developed a new platform called smol-seq that uses DNA sequencing to detect metabolites. This method enables the analysis of hundreds of metabolites simultaneously, making it faster and more precise than current methods.
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.
A recent study identifies microRNA396 as a key regulator of shoot regeneration in tomatoes, revealing its role in genotype-dependent variability. Suppressing miR396 enhances shoot regeneration rates and boosts GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR expression.