Articles tagged with Genetic Variation
A Yale University study has identified six genetic variants linked to anxiety in approximately 200,000 military veterans. The research provides the first convincing molecular explanation for the coexistence of anxiety and depression, suggesting shared genetic risks.
A major international study has identified over 350 DNA 'errors' that increase breast cancer risk, providing the most detailed picture yet of how differences in our DNA put some women at greater risk. The researchers found that 191 genes are likely target genes for these variants.
A new study by University of Chicago biologists found that Mediterranean mussels with existing genetic variation can adapt to declining pH levels in seawater caused by carbon emissions. The surviving population in the low pH environment differed genetically from others, suggesting a faster adaptation process if no new mutation arises.
SHAPEIT4 is a powerful computer tool that allows researchers to quickly identify haplotypes in hundreds of thousands of unrelated individuals. This enables the analysis of complex traits and disease risk with unprecedented accuracy.
A new Texas A&M University study reveals the Cleveland Bay horse breed has the third-lowest genetic variation level among domestic horses. This low genetic diversity puts the breed at risk for various health conditions, making it critically endangered.
A new study has identified a genetic variation that significantly increases the risk of heart failure in African and Latino Americans. The transthyretin or TTR V122I genetic variant was associated with an increased risk of heart failure, with patients being two-fold more likely to have the condition.
A new study has identified a genetic variation in the Mucin 6 gene that may contribute to late-onset Alzheimer disease. The findings suggest a strong association between the genetic variant and the disease, implying a large effect size and opening up possibilities for future therapeutic targets.
A study by Uppsala University researchers found a genetic tug-of-war between males and females that maintains genetic variation. This conflict leads to different gene variants being favored in each sex, contributing to the balance of genetic diversity.
Researchers identified genetic variations in non-coding enhancer regions of specific brain cell types, such as microglia, which may play a role in disease risk. The study provides new insights into how genes are regulated in individual cell types and has significant implications for understanding neurological conditions.
A Penn Medicine study reveals a strong link between genetic variants associated with height and the risk of atrial fibrillation. Taller individuals are at an increased risk, with every one-inch increase in height translating to a three percent increase in risk.
A recent study reveals new genetic variants related to human health in rural Ugandan populations. The research highlights the high level of genetic diversity in Africa, with many previously undiscovered variants identified.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that genetic variants associated with higher educational attainment were linked to a reduced risk of alcohol dependence. Higher educated individuals also tended to drink less frequently and consumed fewer spirits, beer, and cider.
A major new study reveals how socio-economic migration within the UK has affected the geographic distribution of human DNA linked to traits such as education levels and health. Regional variations in human DNA have long been known to reflect distant ancestry differences.
The All of Us Research Program awards $7 million to HudsonAlpha to evaluate leading-edge DNA sequencing technologies. The project aims to generate genetic data on 6,000 participants, revealing elusive genetic variations associated with rare diseases.
A recent study reveals that modern Melanesians have inherited beneficial genetic variants from archaic Neanderthal and Denisovan hominins. These genes are associated with positive selection in the Melanesian genomes, particularly at chromosomes 16p11.2 and 8p21.3, suggesting an adaptive role in environmental adaptation.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that genetic variations in NKX2-5 protein affect heart function, revealing a common mechanism across multiple heart-related traits. The study uses skin-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to analyze the role of NKX2-5 variants.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified 35 genetic loci associated with plasma lipid species levels, revealing a significant heritable component in cardiovascular disease risk. The study also highlights the potential of lipidomics to improve cardiovascular risk prediction and treatment.
Researchers found that Iranian populations, such as Persians and Kurds, display high in-group genetic variation. However, the entire gene pool has remained largely unchanged over at least 5,000 years. This discovery sheds light on past migration movements and provides valuable data for studying genetic diseases.
A major population study found that genetic variants associated with educational attainment also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. These variants have implications for a healthier lifestyle, regardless of education level.
A new study found that using ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure is associated with a 24% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Natural genetic variations in ACE concentrations are also linked to lower T2D risk. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to infer the causal effects of ACE inhibition on T2D risk.
A new study published in Science Advances found that genetic factors influencing adult obesity start to take effect in early childhood, around the age of 4-7 years old. Researchers discovered that nearly 100 genetic variants associated with adult BMI begin to play a role during this critical stage of development.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered two gene variations that may modulate platelet cell behavior and affect the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that these genetic variants could be potential targets for modulating expression of CD36, a key regulator of platelet levels and activation.
Researchers discovered that genetic variations influencing body mass index (BMI) are sensitive to environmental conditions, while those affecting human height are stable across environments. This finding could help determine whether specific traits are influenced by genetics or environment.
A massive study involving 17,606 participants has identified rare genetic variations associated with a higher risk of epilepsy. The research found that both severe and less severe forms of the disease share similar genetic features, paving the way for more targeted treatments.
A study of Finns with their similar DNA identified 26 potentially harmful genetic variations relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health. These variations are more common in Finland than elsewhere in Europe, making them a valuable resource for understanding disease risk.
Researchers found that cryptic genetic variation enables bacteria to evolve green fluorescent proteins with increased diversity. The discovery could improve directed evolution techniques for developing new biomolecules for medical and other applications.
A new study published in Nature reveals the full spectrum of cells involved in congenital heart defect formation, identifying key cell types and their functions. The research uses single-cell RNA sequencing to uncover the molecular drivers of different cell types, shedding light on genetic mutations and disease mechanisms.
Stephen Montgomery, a Stanford University geneticist, receives ASHG's Early-Career Award for his innovative work on gene regulation, rare genetic variants, and exercise-induced molecular impacts. He has made significant contributions to the field, mentoring numerous students and postdoctoral researchers.
A recent study published in Evolution Letters found that a single old-growth tree can have up to 100,000 genetic differences between its base and tip. This suggests that these massive trees are capable of accumulating significant genetic variation over time.
A Mount Sinai study reveals that over 30% of heart disease risk is attributed to genetic factors, surpassing previous estimates. Researchers identified 28 independent gene networks active in coronary artery disease and found an additional 11% contribution to the inherited risk.
A new study using Mendelian randomisation found that higher BMI and fat mass are associated with an increased risk of aortic valve stenosis and most other cardiovascular diseases. The study used genetic variants to estimate the effect of BMI and body fat on 14 cardiovascular conditions in 367,703 participants.
Researchers created an AI algorithm, VarCoPP, to identify genetic combinations causing rare diseases. The algorithm provides confidence intervals for predicting pathogenicity, aiding doctors in diagnoses.
Research by Medical University of South Carolina investigators reveals genetic variations in fetal heart valve cells can cause mitral valve prolapse later in life. The study found that defects in primary cilia contribute to the disease, which can be present early but remains benign until decades later.
A study by Clemson University Center for Human Genetics reveals that there is extensive genetic variation in the propensity to consume cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as change in this behavior over time. The research uses Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies to assess naturally occurring variation in drug self-administration and f...
A recent study using Swedish Twin Registry data found that genetic variation explains more than half of the variation in dog ownership, implying a significant role for genetics in determining who owns a dog. The study's findings have major implications for understanding dog-human interaction throughout history and modern times.
Researchers from University of Copenhagen identify genetic variant on chromosome 2 that increases the risk of fainting. The study analyzed data from over 400,000 individuals and found that women under 35 are more likely to faint due to this gene variant.
Using stem cells from six people, researchers recreated retinal cells in the lab and found a specific genetic variation that contributes to AMD. The study suggests that reducing VEGFA expression may be a key factor in the development of AMD.
A new framework analyzes gene regulation, identifying regulatory elements and their interactions with genes. The study reveals the structure of these elements, which influence gene expression and disease risk, and provides a model to understand genetic variation's impact on chromatin variability.
Recent hybridization of Gulf killifish has enabled them to adapt quickly to extreme pollution in the heavily polluted Houston Ship Channel. The study found that fish from more polluted sites were most resistant to pollution and that resistance was inherited through multiple generations.
Studies suggest that fruit flies co-evolving with viruses have increased genetic variation underlying their susceptibility to future infections. The findings have implications for reducing disease, particularly in mosquito populations.
A study using family-based genetic analysis has identified the DENND1A gene as playing a major role in PCOS, enabling personalized medicine approaches and better disease prediction. The findings suggest that rare genetic variants in this gene contribute to the disorder's distinctive hormonal profile.
A new UCL-led study investigates three genetic markers that influence cannabis addiction. Researchers found differences in cognitive mechanisms and identified a specific gene associated with increased craving and attraction to cannabis-related imagery.
Researchers have identified genetic variants in the MC4R gene that increase the activity of the brain receptor, providing protection against obesity and its complications. These variants may be used as models for developing new, safer weight loss therapies.
Researchers have developed a scoring system based on genetic markers to predict an individual's inborn risk for obesity. The score accurately predicted BMI and obesity in over 300,000 individuals, with those in the top 10% being 29 pounds heavier on average and 25 times more likely to develop severe obesity.
Researchers discover SRC-1 gene variants disrupt body weight regulation in mice and humans, highlighting the protein's key role in the hypothalamus. Genetic variants identified in severely obese children contribute to poor body weight control.
A DNA barcoding study has identified a group of cryptic species among the Warszewitsch's frog, found in Costa Rica and Panama. This finding highlights the need for modern DNA tools to study rapidly declining animal groups like amphibians.
Researchers found that Hirschsprung disease shares common genetic mechanisms with complex disorders like schizophrenia and autism. The study identified key genes, cellular mechanisms, and molecular targets for personalized treatment.
Researchers analyzed genetic information from 7,026 UK children to find polygenic scores that predict up to 11% of the difference in intelligence and 16% of the difference in educational achievement. The study used multivariate genomic approaches to increase predictive power and found improved accuracy when analyzing multiple traits.
A genetic study of over 160,000 adults in China found that moderate drinking has no protective effects against stroke and may even increase the risk. Blood pressure also rises with increased alcohol consumption.
A meta-analysis of 12 international stroke studies identified common genetic variants associated with poststroke recovery outcomes. The study found a significant genetic variant linked to worse outcomes, and suggests that genes may contribute to individual differences in recovery.
A new study led by Professor Mary Schooling found that testosterone is associated with a higher risk of blood clots and heart failure in men, but not heart attack. The findings suggest targeting testosterone could be a timely new avenue for preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have identified five common genetic variants that increase the risk of autism, providing a new insight into the biological processes involved. The study also found genetic differences between clinical subgroups of autism and a significant overlap with other mental disorders.
A recent study has investigated the regulation of genes by noncoding DNA, which controls gene expression and determines cellular function. The research found that cell-specific enhancers have relatively small effects on target genes, highlighting the importance of tight regulation under normal conditions.
Researchers discovered multiple genetic variants associated with body-fat tissue regulation and distribution. The findings broaden the understanding of how genes predispose individuals to obesity.
Genomic analysis reveals East Africa's hunter-gatherers diverged from a shared ancestry around 20,000 years ago, driven by infectious disease and dietary adaptations. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity of African populations, shedding light on the role of diet and disease in shaping human evolution.
Researchers identified a genetic variant associated with an increased preference for menthol cigarettes, specifically in African-American smokers. The MRGPRX4 gene variant is five to eight times more frequent among menthol cigarette users, suggesting a potential underlying factor for the higher use of these products among this population.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified genetic variations in ERG associated with an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Hispanic children. These variations were more common and had a stronger effect in Hispanic children than in other ethnic groups.
Researchers found that genetic variation in immune systems of rabbits allowed them to rapidly evolve resistance to the myxoma virus. The study discovered a multi-gene basis for this resistance, which emerged similarly in populations across Australia, France, and the UK.
Researchers identified six target disease genes at previously known AMD loci and three additional candidate genes, providing insights into the genetic architecture of AMD. The study used RNA sequencing data to expand on the genetic contributions to AMD.
Researchers discovered a correlation between specific genetic variants and the development of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The study analyzed DNA samples from nearly all newborn babies in Denmark, finding that these variants are often present in individuals with these conditions.