Research on how genomes change over time. Covers hidden DNA structure, chromosome bursts in cancer, plant pangenomes, and microbial adaptation.
Scientists at OU, Japan, Germany, US, Canada, and Great Britain collaborate to sequence the sea lamprey genome, providing insights into vertebrate evolution and character traits. The study reveals two whole-genome duplication rounds in vertebrates, shedding light on the origins of myelin and paired appendages.
Researchers found that identical mutations led to the evolution of specialized physiologies in three different populations of E. coli. The study suggests that negative frequency dependence plays a key role in driving diversification, and highlights the potential for predictability in evolutionary processes.
Researchers investigated genetic changes responsible for species divergence, developed new approaches to Drosophila genome manipulation, and found minimal effect of gene clustering on expression in bacteria. These findings shed light on mechanisms driving speciation and gene regulation.
Scientists studied evolutionary rates of nearly 20,000 human genes and found that genes involved in the same biological pathways change their rate of evolution in parallel. This signature can help identify partner genes that may work together in biochemical pathways, providing clues to their function.
A study by HITS researchers found that most proteins evolved to fold faster, with a 'big bang' of complex structures emerging 1.5 billion years ago. The study suggests that faster folding speeds may make proteins less susceptible to aggregation.
Researchers found a single mutation in the EphB2 gene responsible for creating head crests in pigeons. The study reveals insights into bird evolution and provides new tools to understand animal diversity.
A new study reveals the European Jewish genome is a mosaic of Caucasus, European, and Semitic ancestries, supporting the Khazarian Hypothesis. The research challenges the long-held Rhineland Hypothesis, suggesting a complex multi-ethnical ancestry with a dominant Caucasus-Near Eastern signature.
Researchers discovered a gene in amoebae that enables over-sharing without reducing evolutionary fitness, challenging our understanding of cooperation and cheating. The study tested a knockout mutant 'CheaterB' and found it performed just as well as its ancestor wild strain under laboratory conditions.
A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.
The first genomic sequence of Chinese plum (Prunus mume) has been completed, providing a valuable resource for improving fruit trees. The genome sequence reveals important genetic information for understanding the evolution and diversity of Rosaceae family.
Researchers sequenced bat genomes to find similarities with human genes, potentially leading to disease prevention strategies. The study found novel genes in bats that help deal with toxins produced by flight, which may also influence ageing and cancer.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of two bat species to understand genetic mechanisms underlying flight and immunity. The study found unique changes in genes related to DNA damage repair and innate immune system, which may have evolved to minimize negative effects of reactive oxygen species generated during flight.
Researchers have published the first genomic report on limpet, leech and worm species, shedding light on lophotrochozoans' evolutionary history and functional gene groups. The study's findings suggest that these ancient animals played crucial roles in marine ecosystems.
The DOE JGI has sequenced the simplest cotton genome, Gossypium raimondii, to improve fiber composition and increase biofuels production. This data will help researchers accelerate gene function studies, particularly cellulose biosynthesis.
The completed genome annotation is expected to accelerate progress in both biomedical and agricultural research. The project's findings provide valuable insights into the evolution and domestication of pigs, as well as potential applications in animal breeding and disease modeling.
The December issue of Genetics Society of America's journal features research on genetic variation in yeast, gene functional trade-offs, and serotonin signaling in C. elegans. These studies explore how genetic variations affect function and provide insights into the evolution of pleiotropy and the mechanism of signaling by serotonin.
A recent study found that nearly three-quarters of gene mutations occurred within the past 5,000 to 10,000 years, indicating a significant impact on human evolution.
Two tiny algae, Bigelowellia natans and Guillardia theta, have complex genomes with unique genes and alternative splicing, challenging the paradigm that complex splicing is limited to multicellular organisms. The study sheds light on photosynthesis as a dynamic property and provides insights into eukaryotic evolution.
The study provides a high-quality genome sequence of an East-Asia watermelon cultivar and resequencing of 20 watermelon accessions, shedding light on the molecular basis of disease resistance and evolutionary history. The results reveal clusters of resistance genes and tandem duplications as potential evolutionary bases for these traits.
A study published in Genome Biology reveals a link between transposable elements and the expression of stem cell-specific long noncoding RNAs. ERV transposition may have given rise to these lincRNAs, which have important regulatory roles.
Researchers have identified hundreds of small regions of the genome uniquely regulated in human neurons, distinguishing us from other primates. These regulatory differences may hold the key to understanding human intellectual prowess and susceptibility to 'human-specific' diseases such as autism and Alzheimer's.
The pear genome sequence offers a valuable resource for breeding improvement and studying evolutionary history, with similarities to apple and strawberry genomes. The sequence reveals diverse genetic information, including repetitive sequences and transposable elements, shedding light on the crop's unique characteristics.
A new genomic analysis of pigs reveals similarities with humans in terms of adaptability and susceptibility to domestication. The study also found differences between European and Asian breeds, supporting the independent domestication of pigs in western Eurasia and East Asia.
The pig genome has been mapped, providing insights into the evolution of domesticated pigs and their relationship to wild boars. The study reveals that domestication occurred nearly 10,000 years ago in several independent locations across Europe and Asia.
The study reveals that disparate chromosome structures, rather than separate gene adaptations, underlie the separation of the two flycatcher species. Genome sequencing and analysis identified specific regions in the chromosomes involved in meiosis and gender cell production as key to understanding species divergence.
Researchers found millions of years ago birds were host to many different kinds of viruses, serving as a melting pot where viruses recombined and shared genetic information. The study suggests avian retroviral evolution differs from other vertebrates.
Research from York University suggests that worker bees' genes are shuffled frequently, allowing natural selection to build a better bee. This genetic 'remix' enables the evolution of charismatic and cooperative behaviors in honey bees.
Researchers studying fruit fly genomes reveal strong evidence of pervasive natural selection, contrasting with human genome adaptation over the last 100,000 years. The study provides new insights into the forces shaping genetic variation and has implications for understanding human genetic variation.
Researchers explored AMP-activated protein kinase's role in Drosophila energy homeostasis and tissue-specific gene expression in Arabidopsis. Cellular memory of stress resistance was also studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, revealing a multifaceted response mechanism.
The genome sequence of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot was successfully assembled using locally funded community efforts. The project showcases how accessible genomic technology has become, with a small institution in Puerto Rico achieving this feat without relying on large international genome centers.
Researchers developed EvoD to sift meaningful variants from thousands of mutations in personal genomes, improving diagnostic accuracy. The technique capitalizes on comparative genomics and exome analysis, showing promise for detecting functionally damaging gene variants associated with Mendelian diseases.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered how E. coli evolved to consume citrate, a previously inaccessible food source. The study reveals that multiple mutations were required for the bacteria to develop this new trait, and that complex traits can evolve quickly and repeatedly in microbial populations.
Researchers sequenced and assembled the Pacific oyster genome, uncovering extensive genes that enable oysters to adapt to environmental stresses. The study also revealed a complex mechanism for shell formation, with diverse proteins playing important roles in matrix construction and modification.
A team of researchers at Indiana University has discovered that spontaneous mutation rates in E. coli DNA are three times lower than previously thought. The study also found that mismatch repair proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of guanine-cytosine and adenine-thymine content in the genome.
This September 2012 issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal features studies on weak selection in molecular evolution, a new method for mapping quantitative trait loci onto phylogenetic trees, and the role of DNA replication defects in causing chromosome rearrangements. Additionally, researchers investigate ultraconserved el...
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been awarded a $8 million 5-year grant from NASA to study the origin and evolution of life on Earth. The research team will use genomics to explore deep evolutionary time, searching for signatures of early collective states of life.
The ENCODE Project presents new genomic insights on gene regulation, including detailed annotations of the genome and analysis of long non-coding RNAs. The project sheds light on co-transcriptional splicing and the evolution of microRNAs, offering a comprehensive understanding of human gene function.
Researchers found that benign malaria parasite P. vivax drives genome evolution in humans, challenging the long-held assumption that P. falciparum is the only malaria species to do so.
Researchers at Duke University have identified the genetic variation behind wild mustard plants' varying levels of spicy chemical production. This difference affects their ability to survive in environments with changing conditions. The study sheds light on how complex traits are shaped over thousands of years.
The genome sequence of diploid cotton (Gossypium raimondii) has been completed, providing a valuable resource for studying cotton quality and output. The study reveals insights into the genetic characteristics and evolutionary mechanisms underlying cotton, with potential applications in improving its fiber production.
Researchers found that humans inherit more than three times as many mutations from their fathers as from their mothers. The study also suggests that the mutation rate in fathers doubles with age, while there is no association with mother's age. This new insight challenges theories of human evolution and sheds light on conditions such a...
The Genome 10K project has released the medium ground finch genome, allowing for investigation of trait evolution and potential conservation efforts. The genome provides a unique model for studying evolutionary changes and has been linked to dialectic patterns in bird songs.
Researchers have discovered that archived Guthrie cards hold valuable epigenetic information about newborns, which can be used to predict future health outcomes. The study found that these marks are present at birth and remain stable into early childhood, offering a unique window into the development of diseases.
The medium ground finch's genome has been sequenced, allowing researchers to study the genetics of trait evolution and vocal learning. The data also have implications for conservation efforts and will aid in population studies.
Researchers found that a slow response to reduced fitness accelerates Muller's ratchet, increasing the frequency of clicks. Even in unfavorable conditions, a small proportion of positive mutations can sustain populations, explaining the long-term maintenance of mitochondria.
A new Primer series in the Genetics journal provides accessible scientific papers for undergraduate students, focusing on contemporary research and promoting active learning. The resource aims to engage students in critically analyzing primary research, a vital part of research training.
Recent studies have discovered new negative regulators in Egfr signaling, explored whole-genome association mapping in yeast, and resolved the mutation load paradox in humans. Researchers also developed a method for identifying lethal alleles using next-generation sequencing.
A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that paddlefish have a duplicated genome, adding complexity to comparative studies. This discovery may require re-interpreting previous research on the fin-to-limb transition using paddlefish as a proxy for human ancestors.
Scientists discovered virus-like genes in the DNA of a commonly studied fruit fly, which could enable research on whether animals hijack viral genes as an anti-viral defense. The study found that several types of fruit flies harbored genes similar to those that code for the sigma virus, a fly virus in the same family as rabies.
A study of 15 African hunter-gatherer genomes reveals over 13 million DNA variations, shedding light on human adaptation to specific pathogens and environmental factors. The research also identifies candidate genes for short stature in Pygmies and ancient interbreeding between modern Africans and another hominin lineage.
A recent genomic study of 15 African hunter-gatherers sheds light on human diversity, evolution, and ancient interbreeding. The analysis identifies millions of previously unknown genetic mutations and suggests that different groups evolved distinct traits to adapt to local environments.
Two species of single-cell parasites have acquired new genes that work together to make an essential nutrient, allowing them to exploit their hosts more efficiently. This discovery highlights the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the rapid evolution of these tiny organisms.
Researchers developed a statistical method using phylogenetics to enhance GWAS studies, improving reliability and identifying consistently reproducible alleles. The new approach enhances personalized medicine by pinpointing reliable mutation correlates of complex diseases.
Researchers found that domesticated fungi, used to brew sake and soy sauce, have undergone extensive metabolic remodeling. This process led to the suppression of toxins and the evolution into 'cell factories' for enzymes and metabolites.
Scientists discovered that a widespread plant pest arose from the fusion of two unknown parent species just a few hundred years ago. The study reveals new insights into fungal evolution, showing that hybridization can lead to rapid speciation in plants and fungi.
New research reveals rhesus macaques have three times more genetic variation than humans but with a comparable ratio of damaging mutations, indicating strong selection pressure to maintain gene function. The study's findings provide insights into the impact of population history on genetic variation and evolutionary selection.
Researchers found uncoordinated gene expression in sponges, suggesting a mechanism for the evolution of neural synapses may be more ancient than thought. The study sheds light on the origins of the nervous system and its development in different animal species.
The completed bonobo genome reveals evolutionary relationships with chimpanzees and humans, differing by approximately 1.3% from both species. Analysis suggests a clean split between bonobos and chimpanzees, supporting the hypothesis that the formation of the Congo River separated their ancestors.
A new method called comparative epigenomics uses interspecies comparison to determine the purpose of genes. By analyzing epigenomic marks in pluripotent stem cells, researchers were able to identify conserved epigenetic markers that can annotate the genome and clarify its regulatory function.
Researchers suggest that inactivation of two specific genes related to the immune system may have conferred selected ancestors of modern humans with improved protection from some pathogenic bacterial strains. This proposed factor could have contributed to the emergence of anatomically modern humans around 100,000 years ago.