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X-linked gene mutations cause some cases of male infertility, Pitt study says

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that X-linked gene mutations can contribute to azoospermia and male infertility. Researchers identified a deletion in the TEX11 gene on the X chromosome as a potential cause, which can lead to meiotic arrest and prevent the development of viable sperm.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2015

Cancer's relentless evolution

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells exhibit high genetic diversity, driven by convergent evolution and mutation rates, leading to increased treatment resistance. Researchers are exploring a new paradigm that leverages cancer's evolveability to develop more effective treatments.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 1, 2015

Like Angelina Jolie, study pinpoints genetic cause of increased leukemia risk

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found a heritable genetic cause of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), similar to the BRCA mutation that affects breast and ovarian cancer risk. The ETV6 gene mutation is present at birth and increases the development of ALL, with the potential for future strategies to prevent the disease.

Mutations taking place only in the brain identified as the cause of intractable epilepsy

Researchers at KAIST identify brain somatic mutations in the MTOR gene as the cause of intractable epilepsy. These mutations are specific to the brain and can lead to permanent disabilities and death. A targeted therapy using rapamycin may offer a solution, suppressing mTOR kinase activation to lessen epileptic seizures.

Mutation detection in human in vitro fertilized embryos using whole-genome sequencing

Researchers used a new whole-genome sequencing method to detect potential disease-causing mutations in human IVF embryos, detecting 82% of single base de novo mutations. The technique, which uses DNA barcodes and advanced sequencing technology, can help identify the cause of congenital disorders such as intellectual disability and autism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 11, 2015

Crowdfunding helps solve rare disease mystery

A Tel Aviv University researcher has successfully identified a novel genetic mutation in a rare disease using whole exome sequencing and crowdfunding. The study, led by Dr. Noam Shomron, used DNA sequencing of a three-year-old girl and her family to reveal the genetic cause of her symptoms, which included mental retardation and severe ...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Genetics and Genomics·DateFeb 10, 2015

Researchers identify rare shared genetic mutation for disease in Inuit

A Canadian-Japanese research team has identified a shared genetic mutation responsible for an inherited metabolic disorder, glycogen storage disease type IIIa, in Inuit populations in northern Quebec. The mutation affects approximately 1 in 2500 people in Nunavik and can cause enlarged livers, hypoglycemia, and muscle weakness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 19, 2015

Mutations linked to repair of chromosome ends may make emphysema more likely in smokers

A new study found that mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene increase the risk of emphysema in smokers. Female smokers with these mutations may be more susceptible to the disease. The researchers also discovered a link between telomere shortening and other health problems, such as osteoporosis and liver disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 14, 2015

The fine-tuning of human color perception

Researchers analyzed 5,040 evolutionary paths of human color vision, finding that 4,008 trajectories are terminated prematurely due to nonfunctional pigments. The study's findings emphasize the importance of understanding molecular evolution and genetic engineering in decoding protein mutations' effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 18, 2014

Machine learning reveals unexpected genetic roots of cancers, autism and other disorders

Researchers at the University of Toronto developed a machine learning method to rank genetic mutations based on their likelihood of causing disease. The technique successfully predicted 94% of known genetic culprits behind diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and colorectal cancer, and identified novel genes in autism susceptibility.

Targeted next-generation sequencing reveals a high number of genomic mutations in advanced malignant

Researchers used targeted NGS to identify genetic alterations in genes involved in DNA repair, cell survival, and proliferation pathways. The study found that accumulated mutations correlate with tumor progression and decreased survival rates in patients with advanced malignant lung cancer. The results highlight the potential of NGS to...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateDec 17, 2014

Stay complex, my friends

Researchers found that long-lasting hosts evolved more complex defenses against parasites, providing a survival advantage. The study used the Avida platform to model co-evolution between host and virus, revealing a surprising large proportion of 'switching' mutations in co-evolved hosts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 2014

Woman's genes give clue for unique liver cancer treatment

A 47-year-old woman with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma received a uniquely personalized treatment based on her genetic profile, achieving significant tumour shrinkage and symptom improvement. The use of next-generation sequencing revealed a rare BRAF mutation, which was targeted by dabrafenib and trametinib therapies.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateNov 6, 2014

Autism's genetic architecture comes into focus

A groundbreaking study has identified over two dozen high-confidence autism genes, shedding light on the disorder's genetic architecture. The research also reveals a difference in genetic basis between 'higher-IQ' and 'lower-IQ' autism, with implications for early interventions.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2014

Discovery of a novel heart and gut disease

Scientists have identified a novel heart and gut disease, named Chronic Atrial Intestinal Dysrhythmia syndrome (CAID), caused by a rare genetic mutation. The disease is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, with patients often requiring invasive treatments and surgeries.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 5, 2014