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UVa researcher studying disease that cripples newborns

Dr. Mani Mahadevan's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DM1, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and disability. His team has developed a mouse model to study toxic RNA production, which may lead to a viable treatment for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 22, 2007

High doses of lithium-like drugs may impair neuronal function

High doses of lithium-like drugs inhibit GSK-3 beta and impair neuronal growth in mouse neurons, contradicting previous findings that suggest these drugs improve neuronal function. Researchers warn that using too much of these inhibitors can be detrimental to Alzheimer's treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNeuron·DateDec 20, 2006

From a lowly yeast, researchers divine a clue to human disease

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discovered novel functions of the Sen1 protein, which acts as a master regulatory switch in yeast. This discovery may help understand human neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and movement disorders.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 7, 2006
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Killing brain tumors from within: A 'Trojan horse' approach

A team of researchers has developed a new method for targeting malignant brain tumors by inducing cancerous cells to commit suicide. The technique uses a molecule containing long, double-stranded RNA attached to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and delivered selectively to cells with high EGF receptors.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 24, 2006

Toxic molecule may cause most common type of muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have successfully reversed myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by removing toxic RNA from muscle cells. The disease causes progressive muscle wasting and other symptoms in about 40,000 people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 24, 2006

Cracking a virus protection shield

Researchers have discovered the structure of a protein called nucleoprotein, which helps viruses like rabies evade the human immune system. The protein acts as a 'clamp' to protect the virus RNA from degradation by host enzymes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Coding for arthropods - what's so special about insects and spiders?

A new study reveals that arthropod mitochondrial genomes exhibit nonstandard codes, including AGG translating to both serine and lysine. The research suggests that these changes may have occurred due to pairing disadvantages, potentially leading to the evolution of multiple alternative codes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 24, 2006

Rett gene regulates alternative splicing

Researchers found that a protein called Y box-binding protein 1 binds to the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene, leading to changes in alternative RNA splicing. This process can result in diverse sets of RNA and proteins being produced from the same gene.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005

Defusing dangerous mutations

Researchers at EMBL have discovered two types of EJC complexes that determine how NMD deals with defective RNA molecules. The presence or absence of a protein called UPF2 affects the composition of the EJC, influencing how NMD recognizes and breaks down faulty RNAs.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 6, 2005

U Iowa researchers prevent hereditary deafness in mice

Researchers at U Iowa successfully used RNA interference to prevent genetic deafness in mice, offering a potential new treatment for humans. The gene-silencing technique targets dominant negative mechanisms that cause deafness in humans.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJul 27, 2005

Researchers look into components of RNA silencing machinery

Study reveals that heterochromatin forms despite lack of key RNA silencing components, indicating multiple pathways for chromosome regulation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing gene therapy to conquer chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2004
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Yale scientists visualize details of how hepatitis C unwinds RNA

Researchers at Yale University have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the helicase function of the hepatitis C virus. By visualizing the behavior of the viral enzyme NS3, scientists discovered that it moves with a discontinuous stepping motion that alternates rapid translocation with pausing.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2004

Chromatin remodeling may open up DNA to RNA-mediated silencing

Researchers discovered a chromatin remodeling protein called DRD1 that enables RNA-directed DNA methylation in plants. This finding highlights the importance of chromatin remodeling in rendering nucleosomal DNA accessible to RNA signals and/or DNA methyltransferases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

Clay may have aided formation of primordial cells

Researchers found that adding clay to fatty acid micelles greatly accelerated vesicle formation, and even demonstrated growth and division in these physical-chemical systems. This discovery offers a possible pathway for the evolution of living cells, with implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2003

Promising West Nile virus vaccine protects monkeys

A live but weakened virus is being tested as a potential West Nile virus vaccine, with promising results showing high levels of protective antibodies in monkeys. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing the disease-causing virus while triggering a strong immune response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalVirology·DateAug 18, 2003
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'Man's best friend' may be even better

Researchers have developed a canine model of nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis that closely resembles human conditions. The study found that histamine-induced nasal congestion in dogs was alleviated by α-adrenergic agonists, paving the way for testing new treatments.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 17, 2003

New gene therapy tool successfully treats mice with hemophilia A

A new gene therapy tool has shown promising results in treating mice with hemophilia A by correcting the faulty factor VIII gene. The technology uses RNA trans-splicing to produce normal factor VIII protein, offering a potential cure for this genetic disorder.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJun 8, 2002

Female genital shedding of HIV-1 poses infection risk

A study found that HIV-1 shedding in female genital secretions is common, with 57% of women having RNA present. High plasma RNA concentrations are the best predictor for risk of transmission. Women on antiretroviral therapy may still be at risk of transmitting the virus to their partners or babies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2001

U of Minnesota researchers identify gene for myotonic muscular dystrophy Type 2

Researchers pinpointed the gene on chromosome 3 that causes myotonic muscular dystrophy Type 2 (DM2), a complex disease affecting multiple systems. The discovery allows for the immediate development of a genetic test and paves the way for a more complete understanding and treatment of this form of muscular dystrophy.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2001
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University of Florida Research Shows Zinc Triggers Body's Defenses

A University of Florida study reveals that zinc supplements can increase the levels of genetic material in human immune cells, providing immediate protection against disease and stress. The research found a rapid response to zinc supplementation, with RNA levels increasing three times within 24 hours.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 6, 1998