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A CNIC-coordinated project is set to receive €1 million in funding over the next 3 years

A CNIC-coordinated project will investigate the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and its structural heterogeneity, with potential implications for metabolic plasticity. Researchers from various countries and specialties will collaborate to develop new methods and gain a deeper understanding of this fundamental biological process.

New method of genetic engineering indispensable tool in biotechnological applications

Researchers have developed a new method of genetic engineering that creates artificial restriction enzymes with enhanced sequence specificity and defined sticky ends. This technology has the potential to revolutionize genomic research and gene editing by improving precision and reducing obstacles posed by existing restriction enzymes.

CNIO scientists have discovered a code of signals that regulates genome duplication

Researchers at CNIO have discovered a code of signals that regulates the concentration of proteins involved in genome duplication. The USP7 protein acts as a traffic officer, eliminating ubiquitin marks to favor protein accumulation and DNA copying. This balance is essential for accurate genome replication.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 7, 2016

Why some genes are highly expressed

Scientists classify all gene promoters into two distinct types differing in nucleosome stability, with one type found at highly expressed growth-related genes and the other at less frequently expressed genes. The study reveals the role of dynamic nucleosomes in increasing access to promoter DNA for transcription initiation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 5, 2015

Ancient genome from Africa sequenced for the first time

The sequenced ancient human genome from Africa reveals a significant wave of migration back into the continent around 3,000 years ago, affecting all populations across the African continent. This migration predates the 'Eurasian backflow' event and shares genetic similarities with Early Neolithic farmers who brought agriculture to Europe.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015

Genome-wide DNA study shows lasting impact of malnutrition in early pregnancy

A genome-wide study found that malnutrition in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy is associated with changes in DNA methylation, which can suppress genes involved in growth, development, and metabolism. These findings have significant implications for understanding the long-term effects of prenatal nutrition on health outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 14, 2015

Carnivorous plant packs big wonders into tiny genome

A new study reveals that carnivorous bladderwort Utricularia gibba packs an impressive number of genes into its tiny genome, outperforming well-known plant species. The plant's unique genetic architecture allows it to thrive in aquatic environments, boasting floating branches and miniature traps that capture prey using vacuum pressure.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 23, 2015

New computation method helps identify functional DNA

A new computational method can identify positions in the human genome that play a role in cell function, revealing insights into genetic regulation and potential applications in personalized medicine. The study found that 4.2 to 7.5 percent of nucleotides in the human genome have influenced fitness since humans diverged from chimpanzees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 21, 2015

Efficient genetic editing

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a method to efficiently deliver genome-editing proteins into cells, bypassing the need for DNA delivery. The new system uses commercially-available cationic lipids to introduce proteins into cells, offering hope for treating genetic diseases, including deafness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 31, 2014

Breaking down DNA by genome

Scientists have developed a new method to isolate plant nuclear DNA from organellar DNA using the human methyl-binding domain. This approach enables rapid and simple separation of genome sequences, reducing wasted data and increasing efficiency in genomic studies.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateOct 31, 2014

Where DNA's copy machine pauses, cancer could be next

Researchers at Duke University mapped fragile sites across the entire yeast genome, finding they occur in areas where DNA replication slows or stalls. These sites are linked to genetic abnormalities seen in solid tumors and can lead to chromosome instability.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2014