Articles tagged with Molecular Genetics
Scientists identify chimeric RNA molecules as essential in cellular health and disease, finding they play a wide variety of critical roles in vital cellular processes. Faulty chimeric RNA are often malfunctioning in breast cancer tumors, prompting new cancer treatments targeting specific chimeras.
Research team discovers that nuclear softening during the two-cell stage of mouse embryonic development is vital for major zygotic gene activation and proper embryonic development. Nuclear softening allows for the expression of 2,000 genes necessary for embryonic development, facilitating proper development.
Researchers developed a combination therapy approach using TargetScore algorithm to target PARP and SHP2 proteins, overcoming treatment resistance in breast cancer models. This approach showed durable responses and improved survival in multiple preclinical models.
A new study reveals that the CASS4 gene plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease by directing brain-cleaning immune cells, which can be disrupted leading to the buildup of toxic plaques. This discovery offers new hope for the development of treatments or prevention strategies by targeting the gene or microglia in the brain.
Researchers found that H3mm15, a histone variant differing from H3.3 by three amino acids, contributes to normal sperm development in mice by regulating gene expression. The study found that H3mm15 forms less stable nucleosomes, leading to changes in chromatin behavior and gene regulation.
Researchers from Adelaide University have found a DNA switch that helps the body stop the growth of the most common form of breast cancer. The switch, known as HRRINT3, acts as an enhancer that helps the androgen receptor restrain cancer cell growth.
A study of Candida auris identified a metabolic signature linked to patient survival, with altered purine metabolism and sensitivity to compounds that target this pathway. The findings point to a possible biological vulnerability for further antifungal research.
Researchers have found a way to release a genetic 'brake' that silences healthy genes in Prader-Willi syndrome, opening a potential new path to treating the condition. The discovery offers hope for a treatment that targets the underlying cause of Prader-Willi syndrome.
A high-calorie diet is linked to cognitive impairment through altered RNA splicing and synaptic dysfunction. Treatment with pioglitazone and gene therapy restores PQBP1 levels, improving synaptic and cognitive outcomes.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia have discovered 18 new bacterial species collected from prostate cancer patients, including previously linked species like Porphyromonas and Treponema. The study provides new insights into microbes in cancer patients and could uncover links that improve understanding of how cancer develops.
Researchers systematically summarize how epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming interact to drive hepatocellular carcinoma. The review highlights the epigenetic-metabolism axis as a promising therapeutic target and offers new insights for treatment.
Scientists have identified Id3 as a key molecular regulator of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)-induced bone formation. An Id3 inhibitory peptide, rID3, combined with LIPUS, enhances osteogenesis and improves bone-defect healing in mice. The study provides a potential strategy for enhancing ultrasound-based bone regeneration.
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 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 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 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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.