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Researchers at Leipzig University visualize activity of CRISPR genetic scissors

Researchers at Leipzig University have developed a new method to visualize the activity of CRISPR-Cas protein complexes, allowing for precise observation of gene recognition. The study reveals that base pairing with RNA is not energetically advantageous, but becomes stable only after the entire sequence is recognized.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

First-in-Canada clinical RNA sequencing platform may improve rare disease diagnostics in pediatrics

A new clinical RNA sequencing platform at SickKids is helping researchers understand complex genetic conditions and improve diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. The platform has been validated to be used in the clinical space, providing valuable diagnostic information that complements genome sequencing.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 13, 2023

RNA modification ‘pivotal’ for protein linked to neurodegeneration in ALS

A study found that RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration in ALS. The researchers observed highly abundant RNA methylation in the end-stage tissues of patients with ALS. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the disease, which is linked to environmental exposure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Researchers produce first-ever toolkit for RNA sequencing analysis using a ‘pantranscriptome’

A new toolkit enables researchers to map individual RNA data to a more diverse 'pantranscriptome', addressing reference bias and increasing the accuracy of gene expression mapping. This approach builds on pangenomics, allowing for the comparison of an individual's genome to genetically diverse cohorts of reference sequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 16, 2023

Immune system B-cells can help predict HER2-positive breast cancer treatment response

A new study found that measuring activation of immune-system B cells may be better than measuring either T-cell activation or total number of immune cells in and around a tumor. The findings suggest that six signatures of immune cell gene activation from B cells were associated with higher elimination rates and better survival outcomes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2023

Study discovers triple immunotherapy combination as possible treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a novel triple immunotherapy combination targeting checkpoints in T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, improving anti-tumor responses and survival rates in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that neutralizing specific immunosuppressive mechanisms dramatical...

Oncotarget | Treasures from trash in cancer research

A new study explores the value of 'trash data' from cancer genome sequencing, identifying new strategies to uncover previously unexplored information. The researchers found that genomic and transcriptomic data contain relevant information that can help elucidate carcinogenesis and discover putative biomarkers with clinical applications.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022

Climate change could make High Arctic fertile ground for emerging pandemics: uOttawa study

A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

Gene activity in a test tube

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a new method called INRI-seq, which allows for detailed analysis of gene activity in individual cells. This technique can help identify new targets for targeted therapies and improve our understanding of protein synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Turning the spotlight on cells in tissues so RNA can tell their story

Researchers have developed a new DNA nanotechnology-driven method called Light-Seq that enables the analysis of gene expression patterns in hard-to-access cells within intact tissues. This approach overcomes limitations of existing spatial transcriptomics methods, allowing for deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and biology.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022

Whole blood RNA profiling of severe COVID-19 cases

A study by Osaka University researchers comprehensively analyzed mRNA and microRNA expression patterns in the blood of patients with severe COVID-19, revealing specific mRNAs and microRNAs associated with the immune response pathway. The findings suggest that interferon-β plays a crucial role in COVID-19 severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022

Reading RNA modifications more precisely

Scientists at Kyoto University developed two methods to identify RNA modifications impacting gene regulation and disease. Their approach uses probability algorithms with high-throughput sequencing technology, distinguishing pseudouridine substitutions from other base changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenomics·DateAug 23, 2022

Genetic findings offer opportunity for personalized heart failure treatment

Researchers discovered distinct genetic mutations in heart failure patients, identifying potential targets for personalized treatment and improving patient care. The study's findings hold enormous potential for rethinking how to treat heart failure by understanding its root causes and the mutations that lead to changes in heart function.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Can a parasitic wasp save your fruit crops?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have created a genetic toolkit to investigate the molecular mechanisms of a parasitic wasp, Asobara japonica. By analyzing its genome and using RNA interference, they identified key genes involved in venom production and found that suppressing these genes can lead to phenotypic changes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalDNA Research·DateJun 16, 2022

How protists crack the walls of algae

A team of researchers from the University of Cologne identified a possible key enzyme that enables algae-eating protists to dissolve algal cell walls. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals new insights into the molecular toolkit used by these organisms to interact with their prey.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

How fat could help in tailoring cancer treatment plans

A study by Osaka University found that fat accumulation in liver tumors can predict patient response to immunotherapy. The researchers identified a unique tumor immune microenvironment, known as steatotic HCC, which is associated with high infiltration of immune cells but exhaustion of nearby T cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Rethinking congenital hydrocephalus

A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 5, 2022

A key brain region for substance use disorders now has a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations

Scientists have created a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a key brain region involved in reward-directed behavior and substance use disorders. The study identified 16 cell populations, including classic dopaminergic neurons, glutamatergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022