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Gut microbes can open gates in fat cells

Research reveals that gut microbes suppress fasting-induced adipocyte factor (Fiaf), helping to keep fat cell gates closed. This suppression can lead to increased fat storage and insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of gut microbiota in regulating fat metabolism.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2004

Mitochondrial genes cause nuclear mischief

Researchers found over 200 mitochondrial genetic fragments integrated into nuclear genome, potentially disrupting human health. These fragments, known as NUMTs, were more likely to insert themselves within active genes, causing disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 6, 2004

New 'clock gene' uncovered

A team of scientists at Scripps Research Institute has discovered a new genetic component of the mammalian clock, known as Rora. This discovery holds promise for understanding circadian rhythms and their role in health and disease, including conditions like jet lag and sleep disorders.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeuron·DateAug 18, 2004

Comparing primate genomes offers insight into human evolution

A recent study published in PLOS Biology compared the genomes of humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans to identify variations in gene copy numbers. The researchers found over 1,000 genes with changes in copy number, with humans showing the highest number of increased copy numbers, particularly in brain-related genes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 13, 2004

Super-effective 'jumping gene' created

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created an artificial jumping gene that can randomly silence genes in mice, offering a new way to study genetic function and evolution. The discovery has the potential to reveal how genes interact with each other and contribute to human health and disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2004

Rich genes travel more

Gene expression scales closely with initial expression levels, with highly expressed genes showing dynamic changes and lower-expressed genes less variability. A 'rich-travel-more' mechanism governs this proportionality, underlying complex biological networks.

SourceRIKEN Center for Developmental Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2004

Two worms are better than one

The C. briggsae genome sequence enhances biologists' ability to mine C. elegans for biological insights, revealing new genes and functional elements. The study also highlights the rapid evolution of C. elegans and C. briggsae genomes compared to mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2003

From genome comparisons, UCSD researchers learn lessons about evolution and cancer

Bioinformaticians at UCSD have identified 400 'fault zones' in the human genome where gene rearrangements are more likely to occur, potentially leading to life-threatening genetic alterations. These findings challenge the long-held random breakage theory of evolution and may provide new insights into breast cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBioinformatics·DateOct 10, 2003

ASU law professor receives NIH grant

Professor Marchant's research team will analyze how new genomic data can be integrated into existing laws and regulations, as well as identify ethical and policy considerations for using genetic data in environmental decision-making. The goal is to develop criteria for using human genome data in environmental regulation.

Some 400 'fragile regions' of genome more vulnerable to evolutionary breaks

Scientists have identified 400 'fragile regions' in the human genome that are more susceptible to genetic rearrangements, which could lead to a better understanding of cancer and other diseases. The study's findings contradict previous theories on genomic breakage, suggesting that these regions are like fault lines in the genome.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

GenoMyc binding

Researchers have identified Myc binding sites using different experimental approaches in Drosophila and human cells. The findings suggest that Myc regulates a large portion of both the fly and human genome, altering previous views on its activity and interactions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 29, 2003

DNA sequence of chromosome 7 decoded

The study generates a comprehensive description of human chromosome 7, including medically relevant landmarks and disease-related mutations. The database is publicly accessible, enabling healthcare professionals and researchers to identify specific genes associated with diseases such as autism.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2003