Articles tagged with Transgenes
Researchers at Rice University have developed a noninvasive method to track the expression of specific genes in living brain tissue, enabling real-time monitoring of gene activity. The tool, called In-vivo Tracking of Active Transcription (INTACT), uses engineered reporter molecules and sensors to detect target mRNA in the bloodstream.
A gene therapy platform successfully mapped the living brain noninvasively, using engineered proteins to track gene expression in different brain regions. This technology has the potential to reveal critical information about cellular activity and neurological disease progression.
Researchers developed a new approach using the microbial protein Archaerhodopsin-3 to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to significant tumor shrinkage when exposed to green light. The findings, published by Okayama University, show great potential for this light-activated molecule as a novel cancer therapy.
A new study found that gene therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec significantly extended the median survival of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rats to >25 months. Additionally, the treatment elicited statistically significant improvements in cardiac parameters and mobility.
Researchers found that subretinal adeno-associated virus 8 injections trigger proinflammatory T-cell responses, but co-injection of immunodominant peptides can modulate the immune system. This study suggests a new approach to AAV gene therapy for retinal diseases.
A new study found that genetically engineered canola plants with pesticide resistance are persisting in roadside populations, but may be losing their engineered genes. Almost a quarter of the feral plants were found to not contain transgenes.
A new technique employing a retrotransposon from birds may provide a safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing by inserting genes into a designated 'safe harbor' in the genome. This approach could complement CRISPR technology and enable efficient gene supplementation for hereditary diseases.
A new study by CABBI researchers has identified the types of microbes associated with engineered oilcane, revealing diverse microbial associations that could increase oil yields for sustainable bioenergy production. The findings suggest that plant-microbial interactions play a key role in determining the composition of the microbiome.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to engineering live bacterial therapeutics by using native microbes that can survive in the gut. This method overcomes previous limitations of introducing engineered bacteria into the gut, demonstrating potential for long-term therapy and reversal of disease pathologies in mouse models.
A gene therapy approach has effectively reduced neuropathic pain in mice with spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries without detectable side effects. The treatment, which targets impaired neurons, resulted in long-lasting benefits persisting for at least 2.5 months.
A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.
Scientists discover that small RNAs recruit RNA Polymerase V to initiate DNA methylation, enabling crop breeders to avoid silencing from the start. This finding has substantial implications for reducing the cost and effort of producing transgenic crops.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.
Researchers have developed an immune tolerance platform called ImmTORTM to overcome challenges in gene therapy, including immunogenicity and durability. The addition of ImmTOR nanoparticles to AAV vectors has shown potential to enhance efficacy, safety, and durability by mediating more efficient transgene expression.
Scientists at KAUST developed rules to protect inserted genes from nematode natural defenses, allowing for multiple generations of gene expression. A web application helps analyze DNA sequences for PATC watermarks, facilitating research on transgene silencing resistance.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a molecular switch that enables precise control of gene therapy doses. The technique involves embedding an RNA molecule called a hammerhead ribozyme into the genes used in gene therapies, allowing doctors to regulate the dosing level.
Researchers developed a genetic engineering approach to produce anthocyanin-rich purple endosperm in rice, offering potential health benefits against cancers and cardiovascular disease. The resulting purple rice holds promise as a biofortified food source.
Scientists discovered that environmental changes can be passed on in the genes of tiny nematode worms for at least 14 generations. This phenomenon was observed in worms carrying a transgene array, which showed increased activity after exposure to warmer temperatures.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre successfully edited genes in two UK crops using CRISPR technology. The edits were preserved in subsequent generations, allowing for the development of disease-resistant crops. Additionally, the study found that off-target edits occurred occasionally but could be minimized by using specific guide RNAs.
Researchers have developed a novel control system to regulate therapeutic transgene expression by targeting the passenger strand of a specific microRNA. This approach achieves safe and specific regulation while sparing endogenous gene expression, offering potential for new gene therapy applications.
Wild-type zebrafish outcompete genetically modified Glofish for female mates due to aggressive mating behavior, resulting in the rapid decline and eventual disappearance of the GM trait. The study's findings support the idea that mate competition drives natural selection more effectively than mate choice.
Research on self-fertilization reveals that it may not always be an evolutionary advantage but can evolve as a side-effect of drought-avoiding life cycles. Flower shape evolution is also influenced by pollinator preferences, with different shapes preferred by different types of insects.
A two-year study by researchers from Ohio State University and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Ecologia found no evidence of genetically modified maize in southern Mexico. The study analyzed over 153,000 seeds from 870 maize plants in Oaxaca and found no transgenic material.
The project aims to examine both natural and human factors that spread transgenes into non-engineered crops and natural populations. Biological scientists will collaborate with social scientists to develop a global model of gene flow, accounting for human and natural processes.
A team of Japanese researchers has developed a novel method for introducing transgenes into animals by injecting retroviruses into immature male mouse testes. The technique resulted in high fertility rates and stable transgene transmission, enabling the production of genetically modified offspring from a single founder male.
Researchers Haygood, Ives, and Andow analyzed the probability of transgene escape within a given period, finding that it can happen much sooner than anticipated. Even with small leakage parameters, the risk of escape increases within ten generations.
Researchers used mathematical models to investigate transgene escape from confined crops, finding a high probability that leakage can occur sooner than expected. The study suggests that even with effective containment strategies, genes can still spread to wild populations within a relatively short time frame.
A field study by Vanderbilt University and Indiana University found that wild sunflowers already possess some level of resistance to white mold, reducing the need for genetic modification. The study suggested that transgenes may not spread widely through wild populations if they do not confer a reproductive advantage.
Researchers found that a genetically modified wheat transgene in sunflowers has little effect on wild relatives, suggesting a glacial pace of gene movement. The study suggests examining each transgene and crop on a case-by-case basis to determine potential ecological impacts.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that genetically engineered sunflowers can transfer their insect-killing gene to wild sunflower relatives, increasing seed production and fitness. The study suggests that this could be a concern for the spread of transgenes in natural environments.
A computer model reveals that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can lead to the extinction of natural populations in as few as 20 generations. The research also identifies an 'invasion risk' where introduced genes spread through the population without reducing overall size.