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Major advances in understanding the regulation and organization of the human genome

The ENCODE project has unveiled that over 80% of the human genome is associated with biological function, while proteins switch genes on and off regularly. The study provides insights into genetic information control and expression in specific cell types, shedding light on disease susceptibility.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 5, 2012

Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of human ENCODE cells

A comprehensive transcriptome analysis of human ENCODE cells reveals widespread RNA transcripts and epigenetic links, assigning biochemical functions to 80% of the human genome. The study provides powerful data sets for delineating functional elements across the human genome.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2012

Huge human gene study includes Penn State University research

A collaborative five-year project involving over 440 researchers worldwide has published a comprehensive understanding of the human genome's functions. The ENCODE study found that over 80% of the human genome sequence is linked to biological function, and mapped over 4 million regulatory regions where proteins interact with DNA.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2012

Census of microbes in healthy humans reported

A comprehensive census of the microbial make-up of healthy humans identified over 10,000 species of microbes occupying various body sites. The research found unique communities of microbes in every site, with skin hosting the most diverse collection, while teeth and gums had distinct microbiota profiles.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2012

Bonobo genome completed

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2012

Groundbreaking discovery of the cellular origin of cervical cancer

A team of researchers identified a unique set of cells at the squamocolumnar junction that express biomarkers found in all forms of invasive cervical cancers linked to HPV. These cells do not regenerate when excised, which has significant implications for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Abundance of rare DNA changes following population explosion may hold clues to common diseases

A recent study found that rare variations in the human genome, which occurred following a population explosion, may influence susceptibility to common diseases. The researchers analyzed the genetic code of over 2,400 individuals and discovered more than half a million single-letter DNA changes, many of which were predicted to be harmful.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2012

Diet may treat some gene mutations

Scientists have developed a new technique to determine which patients with homocystinuria are most likely to respond to vitamin B6 treatment based on their genotypes. The study correlates specific gene mutations with disease severity and may help physicians prescribe treatment based on genotype.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateApr 9, 2012

Singapore scientists lead in 3D mapping of human genome to help understand human diseases

Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery by mapping the human genome's three-dimensional structure, revealing how genes interact and influence each other. This study sheds light on the complex regulation of gene expression and its implications for understanding human diseases.

Genetic regulation of metabolomic biomarkers – paths to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes

Researchers identified 31 genetic regions associated with circulating metabolites, including biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study provides new insights into the biological processes leading to common diseases, suggesting that detailed data on multiple metabolites can help elucidate these processes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 29, 2012

Traumatic injury sets off a 'genomic storm' in immune system pathways

A nationwide research collaborative found that serious traumatic injuries, including major burns, elicit a highly reproducible genomic response in human immune cells, altering around 80 percent of normal gene expression patterns. The study contradicts the widely accepted theory of an initial pro-inflammatory response followed by an ant...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 7, 2011

Researchers at GIS develop systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction

Researchers at GIS developed a systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction using the Opera algorithm, providing a quality guarantee and scaling to large datasets. This breakthrough enables more complete and accurate draft genomes, driving genetic studies of organisms of interest for human health and other areas.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Computational Biology·DateDec 5, 2011

Is short stature associated with a 'shortage' of genes?

Researchers discovered a correlation between low-frequency genetic deletions and decreasing height, suggesting that an excess of rare gene deletions may contribute to short stature. The study found that uncommon genetic deletions are associated with short stature in human subjects.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 23, 2011