Articles tagged with Molecular Genetics
Fungal communities in Chinese mangrove sediments exhibit scale-dependent assembly patterns, with regional-scale filtering by temperature and dispersal limitation, local-scale filtering by salinity and nutrient conditions, and micro-scale effects of cross-kingdom interactions.
A novel molecular mechanism regulating TMEM63B lipid scrambling has been discovered, with the C-terminal tail acting as a brake to keep the protein inactive under resting conditions. Disrupting this region, particularly the Leu776 residue, releases the brake and triggers constitutive lipid scrambling.
Researchers identified two opposing patterns of brain gene activity in mice carrying autism-risk mutations, which vary by sex and respond differently to experimental drugs. The patterns, which are shared across multiple analyses, suggest that many different genetic mutations converge into a limited number of molecular brain states.
The journal Mycology invites submissions for an article collection on fungal biomanufacturing, a field that leverages microorganisms for bioproducts and pharmaceuticals. Guest advisors Yongjun Wei and Boyang Ji will guest edit the collection, bringing expertise in synthetic microbiology and genome-scale metabolic modeling.
Cellular senescence is recognized as a key driver of aging, linked to telomere dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and stem cell exhaustion. Experimental evidence supports its causal role, with removal of senescent cells delaying age-related pathologies.
Researchers have developed the AlphaGenome Atlas, a comprehensive map of more than 9 billion possible single-letter DNA changes. The one-petabyte dataset provides artificial intelligence-generated predictions for the molecular effects of these changes, accelerating understanding of the human genome.
Elke Deuerling, a renowned molecular biologist, has been awarded the Sir Hans Krebs Medal 2027 for her groundbreaking research on protein balance and proteostasis. Her work focuses on deciphering the molecular processes that maintain cellular protein levels, ensuring the health and viability of organisms.
A new ERC-funded project at Aarhus University aims to investigate how hormones, stress, and genetic factors influence women's coronary arteries. The project will develop new models to explain why certain cardiovascular diseases affect women differently from men, and may lead to personalized rupture-risk maps and improved diagnosis and ...
Researchers found altered gene expression in wharf roach guts after consuming expanded polystyrene, but no significant impact on lifespan. The gut microbiome showed little change, but rare microbes were detected in EPS-fed specimens. This highlights the need to manage EPS waste carefully and prioritize coastal cleanup efforts.
A new study found that inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) during embryonic development protects the adult heart from chemotherapy toxicity in mice. The study discovered that stressed mitochondria release citrate, leading to long-term epigenetic changes that promote beneficial mitohormetic adaptations. These findings s...
A study from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research has identified the genes controlling a natural self-rejection system in Indian oilseed crops, allowing for the production of high-yielding hybrid mustard. This self-rejection mechanism, pr...
The AI BioDesign accelerator will generate open models, datasets, and tools to create new biological solutions for human health and environmental challenges. The goal is to learn and model the rules biology uses to build life, enabling the development of new drugs, enzymes, and biological computers.
A comprehensive molecular study of ageing found that genetic factors and environmental influences continuously interact to shape an individual's ageing journey. Researchers identified distinct biological shifts, including correlations between environmental exposures and molecular profiles, which may indicate higher risk of disease and ...
Researchers found that meal timing programs the liver's daily rhythms and can have serious metabolic and health consequences when out of sync. The liver uses food signals to activate metabolic pathways, which can conflict with the body's natural circadian clock, leading to health issues.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and the Marine Biological Laboratory identified four core clock genes controlling circadian rhythms in a crustacean, which also regulate circatidal behavior. The genetic system is highly malleable, allowing the tiny shrimp to maintain both a 24-hour and a 12.4-hour clock.
Salk Institute scientists found that maternal immune activation leads to epigenetic changes in mouse brains, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. These changes were particularly significant in areas of the genome associated with autism spectrum disorder.
A new precision oncology paper critiques the methodology used in a 2025 study on mRNA vaccine residual DNA, arguing that it systematically underestimates DNA impurities. The analysis highlights key methodological flaws, including primer design, sample preparation, and analytical platform limitations.
Researchers developed a bioinspired lipid nanoparticle that delivered gene-editing machinery to the liver, reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by over 20% and showing fewer signs of inflammation and toxicity. The nanoparticles also demonstrated positive effects on inflammation and healthy blood flow in cell experiments.
Scientists in the University of California San Diego laboratory used AI to decipher the 'initiator' DNA sequence, which is responsible for gene activation. The researchers found that about 60% of human genes contain the initiator, enabling the prediction of DNA mutations that can lead to various disorders.
Researchers investigate DNA's physical properties, including shape, flexibility, and interactions with proteins, to understand gene expression and cell activity. The study found that evolution favors the preservation of mechanical stability in DNA molecules.
Researchers at Dongguk University have developed an innovative gene switch that uses electromagnetic fields to control gene expression. The switch, which targets the Lgr4 gene, demonstrates precise activation with no detectable adverse effects, making it a promising platform for non-invasive gene therapies.
A study from Institute of Science Tokyo reveals how histone variants direct DNA methylation to jumping genes, preventing accidental gene silencing in plants. This molecular framework enables plant cells to distinguish transposons from genes, ensuring precise epigenetic regulation across the genome.
Researchers have discovered compact viral RNA elements that can stabilize mRNA, increasing protein production. These elements, called tailons, work by extending the poly(A) tail of mRNA, slowing its degradation. This breakthrough offers a simple way to develop longer-lasting and more efficient mRNA technologies for various applications.
Co-transcriptional splicing plays a critical role in regulating chromatin structure, mRNA maturation, and protein diversity. The review identifies key detection methods, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic applications for this process.
Epithelial tissues respond to sustained mechanical stress by slowly reorganising their keratin cytoskeleton, forming supracellular networks that push the cell nucleus out of its protective cage. This process reveals a new mechanism for tissue adaptation and has implications for development and disease understanding.
The partnership aims to develop genomic tools addressing large-scale problems in health and the environment, combining research strengths across UC San Diego's departments. The collaboration will accelerate discovery and drive real-world impact, leveraging CRISPR technology and microbiome-editing tools.
Research found that Parkinson's disease triggers shared 'stress responses' but also differs between men and women at the cellular level, particularly in how glial cells manage energy and protect nerve connections. This discovery may lead to more personalized treatments for patients.
A new gene circuit technology has enabled cells to autonomously generate programmed responses, processing multiple molecular signals at once. The RATEX platform allows cells to compute and respond to various types of molecular information.
A study by researchers from the University of Ottawa found that Calling and Non-calling western toads are genetically distinct, behaviourally different, and have ecological variations. This discovery has important implications for conservation and wildlife management in Canada.
Researchers discovered how ATRX mutations reprogram gene regulation architecture to fuel glioma growth and progression. Targeting genes downstream of ATRX slowed cancer progression in preclinical models.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient human DNA on cave walls, even where bones or artifacts are absent. The discovery opens up new possibilities for studying prehistoric human behavior without disturbing archaeological deposits.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
Researchers developed a novel gene therapy platform that successfully restored muscle function in preclinical models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by delivering full-length mRNA of the DMD gene via engineered extracellular vesicles. The treatment showed improved muscle strength, endurance, and function without serious side effects.
Researchers have uncovered the structural basis of Argonaute assembly, revealing that chaperone proteins hold it in an open conformation allowing miRNA loading. The study also found that RNA plays a key role in guiding Argonaute folding.
A new study has analyzed over 2100 samples to build a genetic dataset containing more than 500 million unique genes, revealing the immense potential of deep-sea biodiversity for developing new technologies. The research found that despite vast genetic diversity, deep-sea organisms rely on stable, core designs to survive extreme conditi...
Researchers describe a novel disorder caused by biallelic loss-of-function variants in the TMEM63B gene, resulting in severe lung disease. The disorder presents with early onset respiratory distress, lung abnormalities, and developmental delay but no epilepsy.
Researchers identified a promising new strategy for reversing autism-related brain deficits by targeting a specific glycine transporter. The therapy restored NMDA receptor function in mouse models and human brain organoids, improving behavioral abnormalities such as social interaction and repetitive behaviors.
Researchers found a unique protein called YAF9B that helps plants protect their stem cells from DNA damage. This discovery sheds light on how plants coordinate DNA repair processes, which could improve future crops by guiding more precise genome editing.
A recent study published in Development reveals that the UTY gene on the human Y chromosome still contributes to transcriptional regulation during early development. Despite its low expression and reduced enzymatic activity, UTY co-occupies active regulatory elements with its X chromosome homolog UTX.
A new AI tool, HERRO, corrects errors in nanopore sequencing reads to produce high-quality complete genome assemblies. This innovation enables researchers to build more accurate and complete genome maps with a simpler workflow, unlocking potential for precision medicine advancements.
Research on deer mice reveals a unique gene family, Phf8y, that acquired from the X chromosome and duplicated itself on the Y chromosome. This discovery provides insights into how the Y chromosome defends against decay and maintains fertility in males.
Philip Tai, PhD, received a $1.6 million grant to investigate AAV vector mechanisms using high-resolution DNA sequencing technology. His findings could lead to new vector designs that improve gene therapy treatments' safety. The goal is to remove mutations that cause cancer-causing integration into host cells.
Researchers developed a viable homozygous CHD8 mouse model, showing that stronger mutations can dramatically alter male–female autism patterns. The study revealed pronounced autism-related abnormalities in both sexes with severe mutations.
A recent study by University of California - Davis researchers has identified a protein called DAXX that guides the packing and folding of DNA in sperm cells. This discovery could improve treatments for couples struggling with male infertility, as well as help understand how environmental factors impact offspring health.
Recent advancements in animal models, organoid models, and bioengineered organoids have provided new tools for studying primary sclerosing cholangitis. These models replicate the effects of bile retention and inflammation, enabling studies of disease mechanisms, drug screening, and preclinical evaluation.
Researchers at Kyushu University identified a molecular mechanism behind keel formation, revealing that a developmental
Researchers have developed a new gene editing technology called 'prime assembly' that allows efficient insertion of large DNA segments into the human genome. This innovation enables treatment of genetic diseases by replacing entire genes, promising substantial progress in treating conditions with multiple mutations.
The alliance aims to address the diagnostic gap in rare diseases, leveraging genomics, AI, and technology. BGI Genomics is establishing a national-level rare disease diagnosis center with improved access across Southeast Asia.
Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that DNA helicase HELQ promotes replication fork reversal to protect cells from toxic DNA crosslinks. This process enables stalled replication forks to reverse and stabilize, minimizing mutations and cell death. The study identifies HELQ as a critical regulator of genome integrity under replication stress.
Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in targeted therapy treatments for advanced lung cancer and early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The studies showcase high response rates with novel combination therapies and a new understanding of how an enzyme affects infertility and cancer progression.
The study reveals that human TERT is only compatible with non-human primate cells, while other species show limited or no telomere lengthening. This highlights the importance of using suitable preclinical models for telomerase-based therapies.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that inhibiting RNase H2 can cause significant damage to DNA and activate the innate immune system to produce signals that attract T cells to attack the tumor. This approach could lead to improved patient outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers at MIT have found that chromatin can exist in two different categories: constrained and free, which affects its interaction with genes and DNA regulatory sequences. This study provides insight into gene regulation and DNA repair processes.
Researchers developed a new framework, 'Mollifier Layers,' to tackle challenging inverse PDEs. This advance could benefit fields such as genetics and weather forecasting by inferring hidden forces that produce observable patterns.
Researchers discovered a small molecule, UNI418, that destabilizes key DNA repair proteins, making drug-resistant cancer cells vulnerable to PARP inhibitor therapy. This approach restores tumor sensitivity and improves treatment outcomes.
A new study from Virginia Tech found that task switching in transplant surgeries increases one-year mortality rates by 14.8 percent, highlighting the need for efficient scheduling and workflow changes to minimize risks. The research also suggests that recovery time and surgeon experience level can mitigate these effects.
Scientists discover that tRNA gene mutations can alter the reading of the genetic code, leading to increased protein synthesis errors. This phenomenon is linked to aging and cellular decline, with potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that bacteria can actively limit the spread of antibiotic resistance genes by deploying molecular gatekeepers called YokF. This mechanism blocks the transfer of beneficial genes, giving microbes a competitive advantage in dense microbial communities.