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Interactions between genetics and the environment can explain variability seen in common neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers used data from over 400,000 individuals to model genetic and environmental factors influencing common neuropsychiatric disorders. Gene-environment interactions accounted for a significant proportion of variability in some disorders, while others showed more substantial contributions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateSep 7, 2022

Species thrive through social connections

A Kyoto University study shows that even though biodiversity increases with more interactions, mean interaction strength decreases. The interaction capacity hypothesis proposes that this weakening of interspecific interactions may be due to increased community diversity.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

“Digital twins” – an aid to give individual patients the right treatment at the right time

A team of international researchers created digital models of disease interactions to identify key proteins and signaling cascades in seasonal allergies. They found that inhibiting PDGF-BB protein was more effective than existing treatments, suggesting a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine.

SourceLinköping University·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 6, 2022

Genetics affects functions of gut microbiome

A recent study by Cornell scientists explores the relationship between human genetics and gut microbiome functions, identifying correlations between genetic variations and microbiome-associated traits. The research, led by Ilana Brito, uses a novel computational approach to model the distribution of functions and species within the hum...

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2022

A population hub out of Africa explains East Asian lineages in Europe 45,000 years ago

A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that ancient human remains from Bulgaria are more closely related to contemporary East Asians than Europeans. The researchers propose a scenario where an African population hub expanded into Europe and East Asia around 45,000 years ago, with the European representatives dec...

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateApr 7, 2022

MU scientist links epigenetic biomarkers to gastrointestinal issues for kids with autism

A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Getting to the heart of complex disease

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel method for identifying genetic variants that are likely to play important roles in congenital heart disease. The study leverages interactions between proteins to pinpoint candidate genes, including GLYR1, which is involved in turning other genes on and off.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateFeb 18, 2022

Fungus found to synthesize valuable compounds in perennial plant found in Northern Asia

A study discovered that fungus Cyanodermella asteris synthesizes valuable compounds in plant Aster tataricus, influencing its growth. The interaction reveals a two-way dialogue between the microbe and host, with the fungus producing beneficial compounds while also being influenced by plant hormones.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

One mutation or two? Researchers in Spain discover why some genes require one or two hits to promote cancer

A study by Spanish researchers has deciphered the landscape of third-order interactions in cancer, revealing that many genes involved in cancer may require one or two hits depending on other mutations. This discovery opens the way to more precise genetic diagnosis and new therapeutic targets.

For a fungus, the right “accessories” can make or break a relationship with a plant

A new study explores how plants respond differently to useful and harmful microbes, revealing that accessory chromosomes from fungal strains dictate these responses. Most plant genes are expressed similarly in response to both beneficial and pathogenic fungi, but with key differences occurring just 12 hours after interaction.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Multiplex network improves diagnosis and analysis of rare diseases

A new multiplex network developed by Jörg Menche's research group maps all genes and their interactions, improving the identification of genetic defects and assessing their consequences. The network increases the probability of finding the crucial gene aberration threefold compared to separate networks.

The flower clock: How a small protein helps flowers to develop right and on time

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology and Nanjing University discovered a small protein, KNUCKLES, that plays multiple roles in ensuring the correct timing of floral development. This discovery reveals a regulatory pathway where KNUCKLES supports the completion of floral meristem development within a short time window.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2021

Predisposition to addiction may be genetic

A Rutgers study suggests that individuals with high sensation-seeking traits may be more susceptible to drug addiction due to a genetic predisposition. High-sensation-seeking rats showed stronger motivation for cocaine, making them more prone to developing addictive behavior.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateJun 9, 2021

MicroRNA comprehensively analyzed

Researchers from MIPT explored microRNA interactions with mRNA in two human cell lines, finding that microRNA does not strongly regulate all genes and its regulation potential does not directly depend on its expression level. The study also identified differences between microRNA interactions in the two cell lines.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateNov 14, 2019