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'Smart' genetic library -- making disease diagnosis much easier

Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a smart genetic reference library to determine disease-causing mutations in populations. The technique and database estimated naturally occurring rare-variants in the STAT1 gene and determined associated diseases. This will assist doctors in diagnosing primary-immunodeficiency in patients, ...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 3, 2017

New tools will drive greater understanding of wheat genes

A vast collection of genetically modified wheat seeds with over 10 million sequenced mutations has been developed to aid in the study and improvement of wheat plants. This new resource is freely available to researchers and breeders worldwide, enabling them to develop crops with enhanced nutritional value, yields, and climate resilience.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Controlling the body clock

Researchers at RIKEN create genetic knock-out rescue mice to study circadian timekeeping and identify key sites in the CRY1 gene that affect the duration of the circadian period. They find that specific mutations near the p-loop region influence phosphorylation levels, leading to longer or shorter circadian periods.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2016

New bioinformatics tool tests methods for finding mutant genes that 'drive' cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new bioinformatics tool to evaluate the accuracy of current methods for identifying cancer-promoting mutations. The study found that existing methods need improvement and shared their methodology publicly to aid others in developing more precise ways to target tumor growth.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2016

Researchers find association between gene mutation and rare heart disease

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a strong association between a genetic mutation and left ventricular noncompaction, a rare form of heart muscle disease. The study sequenced nearly 5,000 genes in 335 patients with a family history of the disease to identify common genetic variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 15, 2016

Nanotechnology supports treatment of malignant melanoma

Researchers use nanosensors to detect genetic mutations in tissue samples from patients with malignant melanoma. This enables the identification of specific mutations and targeted treatment, significantly extending patients' life expectancy. The new method detects changes quickly and easily using coated microcantilevers.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 6, 2016

From DNA to disease, study describes rare, new brain disorder

Researchers have identified a rare neurological disorder caused by GPT2 gene mutations, replicating the disease in lab cultures and mouse models. The study reveals insights into brain development, neurotransmitter function, and metabolic pathways, providing new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

Thyroid tumor: It takes 2 to tango

Researchers found a significant number of thyroid tumors carry a mutation in the EZH1 gene, leading to increased cell proliferation. The 'two-hit model' suggests that the first mutation increases tumor disposition and the second triggers disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2016

Sex and death insights from a mutant roundworm

Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered a genetic mutation in C. elegans that led to prioritization of adult survival over reproduction, revealing insights into life history trade-offs and their regulation. The study's findings have implications for understanding human genetics, particularly the NURF-1 gene involved in reproduction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 28, 2016

Discovery yields answers for family with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection

Researchers identify LOX gene mutations as cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in family study, providing biological mechanism and possible therapeutic targets. The discovery illuminates the genetic basis of a rare disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for patients with this condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Mechanism for herbicide resistance in Palmer amaranth identified

A new study by the University of Illinois reveals that Palmer amaranth populations are resistant to PPO-inhibiting herbicides due to a genetic mutation involving the deletion of three nucleotides. This mutation is expected to spread rapidly, making it essential for farmers to switch to alternative herbicides.