Articles tagged with Viral Dna
Researchers have discovered how ancient viral DNA influences placenta development and pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy disorder. The study identified a gene, EPS8L1, that is overexpressed in placentas from women with pre-eclampsia, providing potential biomarker for early detection.
Salk Institute researchers have determined the structure of HIV's integrase protein during its newly discovered function, enabling the development of better HIV therapeutics. The study reveals a surprising flexibility in the protein's architecture, which can interact with both DNA and RNA, paving the way for new integrase-targeting drugs.
Research by University of California, Riverside physicist Roya Zandi reveals how viruses form highly symmetrical icosahedral structures around their genomes through a process of self-correction, driven by protein elasticity. This study could lead to designing synthetic nanocontainers for medical and biotech uses.
Scientists discovered that certain bacteria can trigger their own cell death as a defense mechanism against viruses, utilizing components of the bacterial immune system. This phenomenon could be exploited to develop novel antimicrobial treatments and fight drug-resistant infections.
Researchers have discovered a protective cloaking mechanism in jumbo phages that shield their genetic material from the host's immune system. This innovation could lead to new therapies for antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new study found that recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) capsids contain single-stranded DNA impurities derived from plasmid and host cell DNA. The researchers suggest that the adverse effects of these impurities may differ from those of double-stranded DNA, highlighting the need for further evaluation.
A novel fluorescent biosensor captures spatio-temporal dynamics of STING activation in response to aberrant DNA, enabling visualization of single cell and population responses. This study reveals new insights into the immune response to chromosomally unstable tumours and potential avenues for treatment.
Researchers at Cornell University have found a new way that transposons, or 'jumping genes', can survive and propagate in bacteria with linear DNA. The study reveals that these genes can target and insert themselves at the ends of linear chromosomes, called telomeres, which is essential for their survival.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, posing an increasing threat in the U.S. Montana State University's Patrick Secor will study adaptations in Borrelia burgdorferi to illuminate how it circumvents its host's immune system. The goal is to discover new vaccine antigens and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a vulnerability in the hepatitis B virus that could lead to new treatments. The study found a compound already in clinical trials against cancer that successfully disrupted the virus's ability to infect human liver cells.
A recent study found that different birds react differently to being infected with bird flu, and microRNAs may play a key role in this variation. The researchers analyzed blood samples from ruddy turnstones and found 163 different forms of microRNA, including two unique to birds.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered how a unique type of virus called a jumbo phage protects itself inside bacteria. The shield works via a set of secret handshakes that allow only useful proteins to pass through, giving the phage an advantage over regular phages when fighting infections.
MSK researchers contribute to the Human Virome Program, which aims to map viruses living in and on humans. The project seeks to understand how these viruses contribute to human health and disease, potentially revealing links between viral infections and cancer outcomes.
Ian Tregillis and George R.R. Martin develop a formula to model the dynamic behavior of the Wild Card virus in the science fiction series. The formula is based on Lagrangian dynamics and applies to the fictional universe's viral system.
A study by researchers at Helmholtz Munich has discovered that ancient viral DNA elements are re-expressed in mammalian embryos, playing a crucial role in early development. The activation of these elements is conserved across species and provides opportunities for manipulating thousands of genes simultaneously.
Researchers have created a new circuit model that accounts for small changes to the sensor's behavior, allowing it to detect protein or DNA molecules from a sample. The device could lead to earlier diagnosis of diseases and more precise therapies tailored to each patient.
A new study reveals that anti-defense genes near the DNA entry point enable plasmids to overcome CRISPR system, promoting genetic transfer between bacteria. This discovery could pave the way for developing tools to address antibiotic resistance and genetic manipulation methods.
Scientists develop novel MST detection method using CrAss-like phages (CLPs) to detect human fecal contamination, showing high efficacy and accuracy. The method uses PCR to detect CLP DNA, offering a cost-effective and selective approach to monitoring water quality.
Researchers have identified specific human endogenous retrovirus sequences associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The study suggests that these viral elements contribute to disease susceptibility by influencing brain function.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that antiviral enzymes and chemotherapy can cause early mutations in bladder cancer, leading to resistance to treatment. Complex circular DNA structures also play a key role in driving the progression of urothelial carcinoma, a common type of bladder cancer.
A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes used computational tools to predict the 3D shapes of nearly 70,000 viral proteins, uncovering a powerful way viruses evade host immune defenses. The study found that bacteria-infecting and animal viruses share an ancient mechanism to evade immune systems.
Researchers found ancient giant viruses woven into single-celled organism's genetic code, sparking new understanding of virus-host interaction and potential evolutionary benefits.
Researchers discovered that phage viruses have weaponized mobile introns to sabotage competing viruses' reproduction. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolution of genomes and developing effective phage therapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Giant viruses have been found living on the surface ice and snow of Greenland, regulating algae growth. These viruses, which are larger than bacteria and have a much bigger genome, feed on snow algae and could work as a natural control mechanism to reduce ice melting caused by algal blooms.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interrupts p53-MDM2 interaction but does not bind with p53 protein in cancer cells. The study also shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike suppresses p53-dependent gene activation, leading to increased cell viability after chemotherapy exposure.
Researchers have developed a DNA vaccine against zika virus that induces a strong immune response and protects mice from the virus. The vaccine uses genetic engineering to encode specific viral proteins and stimulates an adaptive immune response, with high levels of neutralizing antibodies produced.
Researchers develop a computational approach to predict mutations leading to better proteins, with potential applications in neuroscience research and gene therapy. The technique uses a convolutional neural network to create a fitness landscape, enabling faster optimization of proteins.
Researchers have discovered a virus that infects the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes heart failure in frogs and toads. The virus could be engineered to control the fungal disease and potentially save amphibian species.
A computational model of the more than 26 million atoms in a DNA-packed viral capsid has expanded our understanding of virus structure and DNA dynamics. The study found that the DNA formed switchback loops as it was pushed into the capsid, similar to how DNA is organized in eukaryotic cells.
A recent study by Rutgers Health professor Stephanie Shiau and colleagues found that women with HIV experience accelerated DNA aging, linked to poorer physical function. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by women with HIV as they age, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.
Scientists discovered a novel mechanism for removing mtDNA from mitochondria, which can initiate an immune response promoting inflammation. The discovery reveals new targets for therapeutics to disrupt the inflammatory pathway and mitigate inflammation during aging and diseases.
Researchers created a DNA-based vaccine that mimics the structure of a virus, inducing a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine uses a DNA scaffold carrying viral proteins, allowing the immune system to focus on the target antigen.
Researchers analyzed ancient fecal samples to assess what details of the ancient people's lives could be ascertained from these samples. The study found DNA fragments of human betaherpesvirus 5, adenovirus F, and other viral and bacterial genetic material from thousands of years ago.
A study using optical tweezers reveals new insights into the roles of specific DNA motor proteins in packaging viral genomes. Researchers found that a conserved TerS subunit plays a key role in controlling viral genome packaging, and suggests a universal mechanism for terminase motor function.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology reveals that extracellular vesicles are the primary mechanism for genetic information exchange in the ocean. This discovery challenges traditional views on horizontal gene transfer and highlights the importance of EVs in microbial ecosystems.
A study by Lund University researchers mapped the effects of temperature on a virus particle's genetic material, revealing its rapid injection into cells at elevated temperatures. The findings suggest that higher body temperature may increase the risk of infection spread.
Researchers have developed a novel approach, REVeRT, to efficiently transport large genes using dual AAV vectors at the transcript level. This new method offers increased efficiency, fewer side effects, and greater flexibility compared to existing strategies.
The study presents a pioneering detection tool that combines molecular biology and electronics to identify various pathogenic agents. The technology has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity detecting as few as 10 target molecules and rapid results under one hour.
A team of researchers at the University of Johannesburg has made a groundbreaking discovery about how tomato plants defend themselves against the devastating ToCSV virus. By studying the molecular genetics of infected tomato varieties, they found that viral DNA methylation plays a crucial role in resistance to ToCSV.
Scientists have developed a way to program virus particles' size and shape using DNA origami nanostructures, potentially advancing vaccine development and drug delivery. The approach uses electrostatic interactions between DNA nanostructures and capsid proteins to create user-defined assemblies.
Researchers have discovered how MCV initiates DNA replication in host cells, allowing the virus to make hundreds of new copies of itself. This process is different from normal cellular DNA replication and can lead to cancer if not controlled.
Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.
Scientists at Temple University have developed a novel gene-editing strategy that disrupts the ability of HIV-1 virus to enter host cells by targeting a rare genetic disorder. This approach may offer another target for developing next-generation CRISPR technology for HIV elimination, while avoiding adverse effects on cell mortality.
African rhinos have dozens of gammaretroviruses in their genomes absent from Asian rhino species. The viruses are closely related to rodent viruses and suggest that African rhinos were infected by an exogenous viral variant, leading to genome colonization.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and the Max Planck Institute have identified a new mechanism for DNA folding, revealing how the Smc5/6 complex regulates chromosomal organization. This discovery provides new insights into normal development and disease prevention.
Researchers found over 30,000 unknown viruses integrated into the DNA of single-celled eukaryotic organisms, including algae and human parasites. These 'virophages' may protect their hosts from giant virus infections by reprogramming them to build virophages.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discovered that viral proteins use phase separation to coordinate the complex process of replicating viral genomes and then encapsulating them in a viral particle. This process allows for the orderly and coordinated formation of infectious viral offspring.
Researchers discovered host proteins APOBEC3 can aid HIV's latency, a major hurdle to cure research. The finding raises questions about the role of these proteins and potential ways to block their activity to inhibit viral persistence.
A new respiratory vaccine has been shown to provide complete protection against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. The vaccine uses a DNA encoding a viral protein and is delivered through the mucous membranes, targeting immune cells in the nose and lungs.
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
Scientists have identified a protein complex called Ku that helps human cells detect viral DNA, and discovered how viral proteins can block this detection. The findings offer a new approach to improving the response to infections caused by viruses like monkeypox.
Researchers have developed a new approach to stopping viral infections using a live-attenuated DNA virus vaccine. The method employs centanamycin to generate an altered virus that can't reproduce inside cells, stimulating the host's immune system to recognize and eliminate the invading virus particles.
Researchers investigated Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and found that viral RNA recognition drives uncontrolled interferon production. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells due to the failure of safety mechanisms to distinguish between viral and host genetic material.
Researchers identified specific monkeypox mutations that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The virus is accumulating mutations where drugs and antibodies from vaccines are supposed to bind, making it smarter and more infectious.
Researchers found that reducing SAMHD1 levels made brain tumor cells sensitive to chemotherapy drugs and slowed cell growth. They also suspect that glioblastoma alters SAMHD1's function to aid its own survival and treatment resistance.
Researchers found that ancient viral DNA in the human genome can act as antivirals, protecting human cells against certain viruses. The study, published in Science, provides proof of principle for this effect and reveals a potential genome defense system.
Researchers have uncovered a unique mechanism by which the SV40 virus infects cells by exploiting the nuclear pore complex and LINC protein. This finding may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer-causing pathogens and shed light on basic cell biology.
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.
Researchers discovered that plasmids can linger in the nose of lab workers for weeks, interfering with clinical diagnostic tests. The study highlights the importance of considering occupational exposure in diagnosis and treatment.