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Revealing the function of Mkx in periodontal ligament homeostasis

A study published at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that Mkx regulates cellular heterogeneity and gene expression in the PDL, revealing its importance in homeostasis. The results showed that a deficiency of Mkx promotes ossification in the PDL and suggests a compensatory mechanism via Scx to maintain homeostasis.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 24, 2022

Doctoral student finds alternative cell option for organs-on-chips

A doctoral student at Texas A&M University has discovered blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) as an alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) for organs-on-chips, offering a cheaper and more accessible option for patient-specific research. The new cells can be isolated from just 50-100 milliliters of blood and have sh...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeNews article·DateDec 10, 2021

Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a way to selectively turn on gene therapies in target cells by detecting specific messenger RNA sequences. This technology can fine-tune gene therapies for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to cancer treatment, potentially reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2021

B cells of the immune system discovered in the meninges

Researchers found large numbers of B cells and their immature progenitors in the outer layer of the meninges, a surprising discovery that suggests these cells play a special immune system function there. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the genes active in each individual cell and confirmed the finding in human tissue.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

A novel function of noncoding RNA in senescence and cancer

Researchers discovered that noncoding RNA derived from pericentromeric repetitive sequences upregulates SASP-like inflammatory gene expression by disturbing chromatin interactions. hSATII RNA is highly detectable in cancer cells and supports tumor development via small EVs, highlighting a new role in age-related pathologies.

SourceJapanese Foundation For Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Making AI algorithms show their work

Researchers developed a new method to test AI algorithms' decision-making processes by presenting them with carefully designed synthetic data. The technique, called Global Importance Analysis, revealed that AI models consider more factors beyond just sequence length, such as RNA folding and motif proximity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 13, 2021

Diagramming the brain with colorful connections

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a new tool called BARseq2 that uses genetic tags to label brain cells and trace thousands of brain circuits simultaneously. This allows researchers to examine the complex interactions between neurons, enabling a better understanding of brain function and behavior.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 10, 2021

Why naming neurons can help cure brain disease

A unified classification of diverse cell types in the cerebral cortex has been proposed by a Columbia-led team, which could shed light on how our brains work and potentially lead to treatments for diseases. The new system uses single-cell RNA sequencing and can be updated regularly using algorithms.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 2, 2020

Binding sites for protein-making machinery

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to determine how tightly ribosomes bind to hundreds of thousands of RNA sequences in a single experiment, using machine learning and deep sequencing technology. This approach enables precise control over protein production in bacteria, with potential applications in genetic diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020

Study provides first look at sperm microbiome using RNA sequencing

A new study provides the first in-depth look at the human sperm microbiome using RNA sequencing. The researchers found that non-targeted sequencing of human sperm RNA can identify micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses, offering a potential diagnostic tool for microbial status and fertility assessment.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·DateJan 30, 2020

Widespread misinterpretation of gene expression data

Researchers found a technical bias in RNA-seq data, leading to false results and misinterpretation of biological functions. The study highlights the importance of proper statistical handling to filter out false calls and preserve genuine findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

A new framework to study congenital heart defects

A new study published in Nature reveals the full spectrum of cells involved in congenital heart defect formation, identifying key cell types and their functions. The research uses single-cell RNA sequencing to uncover the molecular drivers of different cell types, shedding light on genetic mutations and disease mechanisms.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2019