Articles tagged with Molecular Genetics
A UCLA research team has developed a new method called cfSort to accurately quantify tissue-derived cell-free DNA in liquid biopsies. The approach identifies unique methylation patterns for each tissue, enabling accurate diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.
A plant-based, oral delivery of proinsulin regulated blood sugar within 15 minutes similar to naturally secreted insulin in diabetic mice. This method eliminates the need for expensive laboratory equipment and results in a shelf-stable product, making it more affordable and accessible.
Researchers developed a new biological age indicator, DNAmFitAge, that incorporates physical fitness parameters, showing a correlation with lower mortality risk, coronary heart disease risk reduction, and improved disease-free status in physically fit individuals.
Researchers at Osaka University identified two key genes, Srr1 and Skb1, involved in gross chromosomal rearrangement. These genes play a crucial role in preventing the formation of isochromosomes, a type of structural mutation in chromosomes.
Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.
Researchers developed an automated spot assay system using a liquid-dispensing robot to evaluate yeast growth potential on agar media. The new system, which corrects variations in agar height and automatically observes and quantifies yeast growth, showed comparable accuracy to manual experiments.
Researchers have discovered that HER3 plays a crucial role in promoting cell survival in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer. The surrounding liver microenvironment activates HER3, making it an emerging therapeutic target for these types of cancer.
Coral cells use a molecule called LePin to mark friendly algae for ingestion, a mutually beneficial relationship that helps corals survive. This discovery could inform strategies to prevent coral bleaching and promote coral resilience.
Researchers at Aarhus University discover how the SUC transporter recognizes sucrose and uses acid to power its sugar delivery. This breakthrough sheds light on how plants defend themselves from pests and could lead to new ways of protecting plants from harmful bugs.
Researchers from the ALFA Score Consortium explore how nutrition and physical exercise can positively impact the aging process by modifying epigenetic changes. They find that healthy aging is associated with more tightly condensed chromatin, fewer histone post-translational modifications, and greater regulation by non-coding RNAs.
The gene LRRC4 regulates synapse formation, stability and excitatory transmission, playing a crucial role in learning, memory formation and storage. It also has key implications in neuronal disorders and aggressive brain and spinal cord cancer.
Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.
In people with Rett syndrome, nerve cells have a mechanism called transcriptional buffering to partially compensate for genetic changes. This process helps maintain healthy RNA levels and acts as a defence against genetic variations, suggesting a potential new molecular mechanism in human cells.
Scientists discovered that male yellow crazy ants have maternal and paternal genomes in different cells, making them chimeras. This unique phenomenon occurs within a single fertilized egg, contradicting the fundamental law of biological inheritance where all cells should contain the same genome.
Molecular biologist Shixin Liu is recognized for developing cutting-edge biophysical tools to visualize and understand biomolecular machines. His work aims to establish a quantitative input-output relationship between environmental stimuli and gene expression profiles.
Children with Down syndrome are highly vulnerable to developing aggressive leukaemia due to a defect in the RUNX1 gene, which regulates blood cell formation. Researchers have identified a specific variant of the gene that promotes leukaemia development and discovered potential therapeutic approaches to correct this malfunction.
The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, offering insights into its traits such as drought tolerance and protein content. This breakthrough has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on artificial fertilizers, making faba bean a more attractive crop for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers have discovered a surprising mechanism by which the molecular machine Dis3L2 unwinds and destroys RNA molecules. By changing shape, Dis3L2 reveals an RNA-splitting wedge, allowing it to execute its tasks in a more dynamic and versatile way.
A new statistical analysis tool has uncovered the distribution and intermixing of Jomon hunter-gatherers and East Asian immigrant farmers in Japan. The study found that regions with higher Jomon ancestry are more prone to obesity, while those with higher East Asian ancestry are more susceptible to exacerbated asthma.
Researchers examined three epigenetic age acceleration measurements and found inverse associations with lung cancer risk in men and younger participants. However, these findings did not support a positive association between epigenetic age measures and lung cancer risk in the study.
Researchers developed a novel technology to engineer proteins targeting specific DNA sequences, offering a new approach to gene therapies. The system generates engineered zinc fingers that bind to any given sequence of DNA, potentially treating diseases caused by genetic mutations.
A new DNA biosensor developed by NIST, Brown University, and the French government-funded research institute CEA-Leti boasts accurate and inexpensive design. The modular device can measure biomarkers in a scalable and high-sensitivity manner.
Researchers have discovered that ancient crocodilian hemoglobin required 21 interconnected mutations to develop its hyper-efficient oxygen-binding properties. This complexity, not found in other vertebrates, enabled crocodilians to exploit their onboard oxygen stores for extended periods underwater.
A landmark study found a strong genetic correlation between higher education and protective causal association with several gut disorders. The research reveals that better education reduces the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have created a detailed molecular profile of endometriosis, identifying key differences between major subtypes and potential therapeutic targets. The new database will lead to improved care for millions of women suffering from the disease.
A new study reveals that smallpox originated more than 3,800 years ago, confirming historical sources and shedding light on the disease's history. The researchers used genetic analysis to trace the evolution of the virus, finding that different strains descended from a single common ancestor.
A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed artificial DNA that can target and kill cancer cells by binding to microRNA molecules. The DNA triggers an immune response that not only kills cancer cells but also prevents further growth of cancerous tissue.
Researchers at Florida State University have found that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can cause anxiety-like behavior in mice. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that aspartame's effects extend up to two generations from exposure, affecting male mice and their offspring.
Researchers modeled how genetic changes affecting protein synthesis speed can lead to misfolding and altered activity levels in proteins. This finding suggests the importance of kinetics alongside sequence for determining protein structure and function, with potential implications for fields such as biopharmaceutics and medicine.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has been awarded funding for three Collaborative Research Centers in the life sciences, including CRC 1551 and CRC/Transregio 355. The centers will focus on investigating polymer concepts in cellular function and heterogeneity of regulatory T cells in distinct microenvironments.
The new CRC 1551 will study the polymer properties of DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand their interaction in cells. The researchers aim to describe and understand nonequilibrium processes in cells triggered by complex interplay of cellular polymers.
The German Research Foundation renewed CRC 1361 for an additional four years to explore mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability. The consortium aims to elucidate how cells safeguard genetic information and promote human health by understanding DNA damage signaling pathways.
Researchers developed a pedigree for aquarium-bred corals, revealing relationships between individuals and identifying genetic differences. The study provides insights into maximizing genetic diversity and adaptability in corals bred for conservation, crucial for their resilience to threats like ocean warming and acidification.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found strong evidence for testing a novel drug in liver cancer treatment. MDA-9 inhibition may be an effective approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with potential synergies with other therapeutics.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a visual pathway in mice brains that is activated when animals see others scratching, triggering a reflex response. This discovery advances understanding of itching triggers and may point to solutions for itch-related conditions in humans.
Researchers have developed a new safety system for CAR-T cells, called VIPER CAR-T cells, that can be turned on or off. This allows doctors to target cancer more aggressively while minimizing side effects. The new system uses an FDA-approved antiviral drug to control the cell's activity.
A team of researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan has elucidated the mechanism behind the liquid-solid phase transition of FUS protein that leads to ALS. They discovered a new therapeutic target, arginine, which suppresses FUS aggregation and could delay ALS progression.
Scientists have developed Live-seq, an innovative approach that keeps cells alive during RNA extraction for further study. This technique uses FluidFM to manipulate tiny volumes of fluids in a sample under the microscope, allowing for the insertion and extraction of mRNA from single cells without killing them.
Researchers develop technique to control pH at microsites, enabling high-throughput biomolecular synthesis and enzymatic DNA synthesis. This allows for increased experimental throughput and speeding up processes in DNA synthesis.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a position paper on the ethical use of genetic testing and precision medicine in internal medicine. The guidelines address key issues such as incidental findings, education for physicians and patients, and counseling needs. ACP emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and anticoag...
Researchers found that high temperatures induce epigenetic changes in zebrafish embryos, leading to sex reversal and altering the sex ratio. This study provides insights into the mechanisms behind climate change's impact on species with genotype-by-environment sex determination.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.
Scientists from OIST and colleagues reveal that Kamptozoa and Bryozoa belong together, contrary to previous studies. Using high-quality sequencing technology, they found the two phyla split from mollusks and worms earlier than thought, forming a distinct group.
A novel single-cell RNA sequencing technique, TAS-Seq, has been developed to provide higher-precision data than current methods. The new method detects more genes and identifies highly variable genes, making it a sensitive high-throughput scRNA method.
A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...
A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that the structure of DNA storage in archaea affects its evolution rate. The study discovered that compacted DNA compartments change at a faster rate than less compacted ones. This discovery has potential impacts on research on genetic diseases like cancer.
Researchers studied meiotic cohesin complexes' effect on chromosome structure and genomic integrity in embryonic stem cells. Maintaining adequate levels of REC8 and STAG3 factors ensures chromosomal stabilization and sister chromatid cohesion.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...
Researchers discover that type 1 TPCs encode SV channels in plant vacuoles, while type 2 TPCs likely encode distinct ion channels. This study provides functional and evolutionary insights into the TPC family in plants, shedding light on their role in plant growth and defence mechanisms.
Researchers have identified the Xist gene as a critical regulator of fetal development in mice, leading to miscarriage and abnormal placentas when epigenetic instructions are missing. The study's findings suggest that failed Xist imprinting can be 'cured' by targeting specific genes involved in histone modifications.
Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to understand how deletions in one area of the genome affect nearby genes. They found that deleting a small region led to increased foetal globin expression and reduced adult globin levels, suggesting a key mechanism for asymptomatic patients with sickle cell disease.
Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.
Researchers found early and persistent activation of neutrophils in patients who developed severe COVID-19. The study suggests that identifying specific gene signatures could lead to effective treatments targeting high-risk patients. This discovery may also inform the development of simple blood tests to prioritize treatment.
Researchers found that the Klotho gene can suppress glioblastoma cell viability and induce apoptosis, leading to a significant decrease in tumor growth. The study contributes to the development of new diagnostic and treatment approaches for malignant brain tumors.
Researchers discovered that an inorganic polyphosphate released by nerve cells contributes to the death of motor neurons in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that lowering levels of this toxin may be an innovative therapeutic strategy for diverse types of ALS/FTD.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have redesigned a key component of the widely used CRISPR-based gene-editing tool Cas9 to be thousands of times less likely to target the wrong stretch of DNA. The new version, called SuperFi-Cas9, is as efficient as the original but reduces off-target interactions, making it potentially ...
A COVID-19 genetic risk variant inherited from Neandertals reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 27%. This variant is associated with fewer CCR5 receptors, which can lower the risk of HIV infection.
Researchers created a novel molecular diagnostic platform that can detect COVID-19 genes after only 8 cycles of amplification, significantly reducing the time required for diagnosis. The new SERS-PCR platform uses gold nanoparticles to produce high-sensitivity signals, providing an important tool in the fight against the pandemic.