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Bioprinting for bone repair improved with genes

An international team of engineers has successfully bioprinted bone along with two growth factor encoding genes that help incorporate cells and heal defects in rats. The researchers used gene encoding PDGF-B and BMP-2, which encouraged cell multiplication and migration, resulting in a 40% increase in bone tissue creation.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 12, 2022

Genetically modified proteins convert carbon nanotube to programmable optoelectronic device

Researchers developed a full-function bioelectronic photocell using genetically modified proteins attached to a carbon nanotube. The system can change its electronic properties in response to light, operating as a spotlight or memory cell. This discovery opens the door to environmentally friendly electronic elements, memory devices, an...

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 30, 2022

Novel enzyme catalyzing the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties characterized

Researchers have identified a novel enzyme that catalyzes the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties. The discovery provides fresh insights into carbohydrate metabolism and offers a breakthrough for the synthesis of sugar chains, which play key roles in various biological processes.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

CNIC scientists identify a shuttle protein required for the nuclear import of proteins essential for organ growth and development

Researchers have identified a crucial nuclear transport mechanism essential for organ growth and development, involving the protein YAP. The study shows that YAP interacts with importin-7 to control its nuclear entry, regulating cell and tissue growth, and potentially targeting diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Study probes how DNA folding might affect gene activity

Researchers have clarified the mechanism behind activating genes in drosophila fly sex cells, which may hold clues to understanding diseases. The study's findings suggest that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with abnormal packaging potentially leading to misregulation and disease.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Researchers reveal largest catalogue of gene activators

A team of researchers has identified over 250 gene activators in human cells, expanding our understanding of transcriptional regulation and its role in cancer. The study also reveals new insights into how proteins interact with each other to regulate gene expression, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.

How Omicron escapes from antibodies

A computational study finds that Omicron's spike protein has evolved to evade multiple classes of antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, even those from vaccinated individuals and monoclonal antibody treatments. The study suggests vaccines still offer protection due to the development of T cell immunity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

Shining light on the dark proteome

Researchers are developing new methods to identify and characterize unknown proteins, including those with multiple forms and modifications. Artificial intelligence-based tools are also helping predict protein structures and functions, providing clues to their roles in health and disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 26, 2022

Genes newly linked to longer human lifespan

A new study published in Genome Research has identified a group of genes that play a crucial role in building cellular components and may contribute to human longevity. Inhibiting these genes may increase lifespan by reducing their impact on the body later in life.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGenome Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

RNA molecules with no apparent function represent a new therapeutic approach against fungal infection by Candida

Researchers have identified fragments of genetic material in Candida fungus that do not encode proteins but are specifically expressed during distinct stages of the infection process. These long non-coding RNA molecules show high specificity and differ between species, making them a potential target for new treatments.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Experimental compound, which has received orphan drug and pediatric rare disease designations from the FDA, displays effectiveness in treating symptoms of Autism and Alzheimer’s disease

An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 2021

Endangered deer's prion gene could protect it from chronic wasting disease

Researchers found two prion gene variants in Père David's deer that may reduce susceptibility to CWD. The genetic variants were surprising given the population's small founder size and conserved prion protein gene. Studies are needed to confirm whether these variants provide protection against CWD.

Personalized T cell immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors is one step closer to becoming a reality

Researchers at Children's National Hospital have successfully developed a personalized T cell immunotherapy that targets and kills unique proteins in individual tumor cells. This approach, combining genetic sequencing and protein identification, offers a promising treatment option for children with hard-to-treat brain tumors.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

Mouse cell studies show that correcting DNA disorganization could aid diagnosis and treatment of rare inherited diseases

A study with lab-grown mouse cells reveals that lamin C plays a key role in maintaining the structural network under the cell's nucleus, ensuring proper DNA organization. This finding has significant implications for diagnosing and treating genetic disorders linked to DNA disorganization, such as progeria and muscular dystrophy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 14, 2021

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a mechanism that helps plants cope with water shortages

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a central mechanism in plants that helps them deal with drought conditions and water shortages. They found that the ABA signal molecule is stored in inactive state in leaves and released under desired conditions, allowing plants to rapidly respond to changing environmental conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2021