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Zeroing in on heart disease

Scientists identify genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk by selectively decreasing gene expression using RNA interference. The study provides a new approach for understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and improving its prediction and diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 28, 2013

Aging cells lose their grip on DNA rogues

Brown University researchers discovered that as cells age, their ability to defend against parasitic strands of genetic material called transposable elements deteriorates. This breakdown allows the newly freed transposons to take full advantage, potentially leading to a decline in cell function and health.

SourceBrown University·JournalAging Cell·DateJan 30, 2013

Defending the genome

Researchers discovered that when a new transposon is introduced, it triggers a response that disrupts the piRNA machinery, leading to a massive destabilization of the genome. However, as the hybrids aged, they learned to shut down the new transposon and restore fertility.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 22, 2011

Johns Hopkins scientists find genes related to body mass

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified 13 genes associated with human body mass index, shedding light on the complex relationship between epigenetics and obesity. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, used genome-wide profiling to uncover epigenetic fingerprints that correlate with body weight.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 15, 2010

Epigenetic signals differ across alleles

Epigenetic signals vary across alleles in numerous genomic regions, influencing gene expression and regulation. The study reveals over 35,000 such sites across the genome, with implications for genetic studies of complex diseases, including psychiatric conditions.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 12, 2010

Scientists map out regulatory regions of genome, hot spots for diabetes genes

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created a first-of-its-kind map of the human genome's regulatory elements, revealing clusters specific to pancreatic islet cells. The study identified genetic variants associated with type II diabetes and found that certain genes are 'turned on' or 'off', opening new avenues for understanding the disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2010

UCSD discovery allows scientists for the first time to experimentally annotate genomes

Researchers at UCSD have made a breakthrough discovery that enables the experimental annotation of genomes. By combining multiple genome-scale measurements, they can identify the location and use of genomic elements with precision. This innovation has significant implications for metabolic engineering, disease research, and drug design.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 9, 2009

The GenoMEL project identifies a new region of the genome associated with the risk of melanoma

A new region of the genome associated with an increased risk of melanoma has been identified by researchers at Leeds University and IDIBAPS, funded by the European Commission. The study found a link between this region and skin pigmentation, as well as two previously identified regions linked to melanoma risk.

Gene regulators bind promiscuously, but often do nothing

A recent study found that many interactions detected by ChIP-chip are functionally irrelevant. The researchers discovered a clear relationship between the number of factor molecules bound at a given site and its role in gene regulation, suggesting that DNA sites with low-level binding may play no role in regulating gene expression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 11, 2008

Genes in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers identified a consistent association between the TRAF1/C5 region and rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a link to the inflammatory response. The study adds to accumulating evidence that this genetic region is associated with the disease, paving the way for further investigation into its role.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 17, 2007

'Insulator' helps silence genes in dormant herpes virus

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified an 'insulator' - a stretch of DNA about 800 base pairs long - that serves as a physical barrier between active and inactive regions of the HSV-1 genome. This discovery may lead to strategies to manipulate the virus, and could provide targets for designing drugs to disrupt its mechanisms.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 2, 2007

Which genome variants matter?

A global survey of genetic variation shows that at least 10-20% of heritable variation in gene activity is due to copy number variations (CNVs), affecting the activity of over 1,000 genes. The study provides a first genome-wide view of how unique genetic variations lead to unique patterns of gene activity.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2007

Genomic variation easier to identify with UCSD/Brown software

Scientists at UCSD and Brown University have developed InvChecker, a software program that accurately detects microinversions in genomes. By comparing DNA sequences of multiple species, the tool reveals shared mutations, providing valuable insights into evolutionary relationships and biological mechanisms.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2006

Chimpanzee study reveals genome variation hotspots

A recent study has identified copy number variants in chimpanzees that are comparable to those found in humans, indicating regions of the genome may be inherently unstable in both species. This research provides valuable insights into genetic diversity and adaptations in our nearest relatives.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2006