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An arms race that plays out in a single genome

Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Archaeology: First Pompeiian human genome sequenced

Scientists have successfully sequenced the first human genome from an individual who died in Pompeii, Italy, after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The study provides new insights into the genetic history and lives of the population, including evidence of high levels of genetic diversity across the Italian Peninsula.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2022

Hybrid strains make insidious parasite more dangerous

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped the formation of hybrid strains in Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite causing chronic infection and severe symptoms. These hybrids are more effective at evading the immune system and causing disease, but understanding their formation can help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·DateMay 10, 2022

How genome organization influences cell fate

A team of researchers at UC Riverside has discovered that a protein complex called CAF-1 controls genome organization to maintain lineage fidelity in blood stem cells. The study found that CAF-1 keeps specific genomic sites compacted and inaccessible to transcription factors, ensuring the expression of lineage-specific genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Greater diversity in genetic studies helps researchers uncover new insights

A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...

SourcePenn State·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2022

New non-destructive DNA method opens opportunities

Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new method for obtaining ancient genomic data from small vertebrate remains, causing no visible damage to the underlying bone. The study presents a breakthrough in analyzing materials in museum collections and rare, valuable specimens.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 4, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

Brazilian dataset of whole-genome sequences brings more diversity in international databases, study says

A new Brazilian database of whole-genome sequences brings diverse genetic information to international databases, shedding light on the genetics of aging and disease in Brazil's elderly population. The study identified over 2 million novel genetic variants, providing insights into the health and well-being of older adults.

Study involving investigators from Mayo Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine applies drug-gene testing to improve patient care and reports outcomes

A new study from Mayo Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine found that targeted genomic information can significantly impact drug prescribing practices. By applying drug-gene testing, clinicians can identify nearly every patient as a potential candidate for preemptive testing, particularly for drugs with unknown genetic influences.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 22, 2022

Daring to leave gaps in the genome

Researchers developed a new method to complete genetic data gaps using haplotype blocks, improving breeding efficiency in plants. The approach has shown comparable quality to collecting more information from DNA strands, reducing costs in animal and plant breeding.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2022

The role of messenger RNA in DNA repair

A study by University of Seville researchers reveals that messenger RNA modifying factors play a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. The discovery could lead to better understanding of rare diseases and cancer. Messenger RNA editing facilitates the removal of trapped RNA molecules, allowing for proper DNA repair.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2021

Three new species of freshwater goby fish found in Japan and the Philippines

Three new species of freshwater goby fish have been identified in Japan and the Philippines, with distinct color patterns indicating separate lineages. The researchers believe that different color patterns play a crucial role in maintaining these separate lineages during courtship and mate selection.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Ancient DNA rewrites early Japanese history -- modern day populations have tripartite genetic origin

New study finds that modern Japanese populations have a tripartite genetic origin, with contributions from Jomon hunter-gatherers, Yayoi farmers, and Kofun peoples. The analysis reveals a complex history of population dynamics, including assimilation rather than replacement during the agricultural transition.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2021

Tracking genetically modified animals

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Rice lab dives deep for DNA’s secrets

Yang Gao's lab has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of proteins that produce copies of genomic DNA, with potential implications for cancer treatment. The research aims to understand how DNA replication and repair processes can be targeted to develop new therapies.

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

New UW Medicine-BBI study identifies association between severity of preeclampsia and cell-free DNA

A new study published in Journal of the American Heart Association found a correlation between high cell-free DNA concentrations and markers of preeclampsia severity. Increasing amounts of circulating cell-free DNA were associated with earlier gestational age at delivery, worse systolic blood pressure, and maternal tissue injury.

SourceBrotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 28, 2021

Unusual DNA folding increases the rates of mutations

Research reveals that regions of the human genome with unusual DNA folding tend to have higher mutation rates than others. The study found that non-B DNA sequences, which can fold into different conformations, play a major role in determining regional variation in mutation rates across the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 9, 2021

Bread mould avoids infection by mutating its own DNA

Scientists discovered that Neurospora crassa, a type of bread mould, actively mutates its own DNA to fight virus-like infections. The fungus uses a process called Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) to rapidly degrade transposable elements, but this comes at a cost of considerable collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 22, 2020

New roles for DNA-packaging proteins

Researchers found that linker histone H1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the nucleus, forming droplets with densely packed DNA and enriching with protein HP1α. This process segregates heterochromatin from euchromatin, revealing a new function of histones in gene regulation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020