Articles tagged with Viral Genes
The Australian black swan's genetic makeup makes it highly susceptible to viral illnesses like avian flu. Without common immune genes found in other waterfowl, the species is at risk of decimation if HPAI enters its native habitat.
A team of researchers led by Adrian Oblak and Peter Bor-Chian Lin studied the INPP5D gene, which is associated with microglia-specific immune cells. They found that reducing its expression can mitigate Alzheimer's disease pathology, preserving cognitive function in lab models.
Researchers used WGS data of 10,585 people from China to construct the first blood virological profile of the Chinese population. The study identified 14 viruses widely present in the population, including hepatitis B virus, which was detected in 1.69% of individuals.
Researchers analyzed a child's genetic data to identify novel mutations in the GTF3A gene, which impair the innate immune response. The study found that these mutations make cells more susceptible to HSV-1 infection and loss of antiviral immune response.
A team of scientists found that bats have multiple copies of the PKR gene, allowing them to develop an antiviral repertoire. This adaptation enables bats to defend themselves against a wide range of viruses.
Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with natural resistance to SARS-CoV-2, including a gene linked to mucin production. These findings may help develop vaccines and treatments for viral diseases by understanding the mechanisms underlying immune responses.
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.
Researchers have discovered that two mouse genes, inherited from ancient viral infections, help defend the brain against new bacterial and viral infections. The genes, Rtl5/6, are carried by all mammals and were preserved in the genome for over 120 million years.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered how Zika virus forces dendritic cells to churn out lipid molecules, allowing the virus to build copies of itself. This study provides a major step forward in developing antiviral therapies against multiple flavivirus infections.
Scientists develop new approaches to combating poxviruses, including exploring substances that interfere with viral transcription and visualizing gene expression machinery at the atomic level.
Gladstone researchers discovered that BET proteins play two distinct roles in interacting with SARS-CoV-2 infected human cells: giving the virus a window into cells while helping our cells defend themselves. Blocking certain BET proteins worsens disease symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutics.
A new study from Tel Aviv University developed a unique treatment for AIDS that may be developed into a vaccine or a one time treatment. The treatment involves engineering type B white blood cells to secrete anti-HIV antibodies in response to the virus.
Researchers have found that flu viruses can directly infect heart cells, leading to electrical malfunctions and scarring. The study suggests that clearing the viral infection may be key to reducing flu's effects on the heart.
A UC Davis study found a critical agent keeping KSHV dormant and undetected by the immune system. The virus is linked to various cancers and AIDS-related diseases. The researchers identified CHD4 as a key regulator of the latency-lytic switch, allowing the virus to stay silent.
Researchers found that individuals with a diverse population of macrophage cells, which include M2 and regulatory macrophages, are better protected against severe COVID-19. The study suggests that a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is key to preventing the worst symptoms.
Researchers have identified a new strain of the myxoma virus that has enabled it to leap from European rabbits to Iberian hares, causing lethal disease in both species. The study suggests that this viral adaptation may also improve the virus's ability to replicate in human cancer cells.
An international team of researchers has identified 5,500 new RNA virus species that represent all five known RNA virus phyla. The study suggests there are at least five new RNA virus phyla needed to capture them and highlights the importance of marine microbes in ocean adaptation to climate change.
A recent study published in mBio discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 viral gene ORF8 plays a crucial role in the severity and spread of COVID-19. Researchers found that mutations in ORF8 contribute to inflammation and disease outcomes, suggesting new treatment options for patients with severe cases.
Researchers at Northwestern University used CRISPR to identify human genes important for HIV infection in blood cells, finding 86 genes that may play a role in replication and disease. The study proposes a new map for understanding how HIV integrates into the DNA and establishes chronic infections.
Researchers fill in gaps in Human Reference Genome, discovering repetitive sections are a major source of human variation and genetic diversity. The Telomere-2-Telomere project reveals complex architectural features with significant consequences for understanding human evolution and biological function.
Researchers at Kyoto University have identified a genetic mutation causing albinism in wallabies, tracing it to an inserted retrovirus gene. The study found that the mutation was caused by a copy of the HIV-like virus inserted into the host's genome.
Researchers identified seven rare structural variants affecting 31 genes in severely ill COVID-19 patients, shedding light on individual responses to the virus. These genetic variations may help explain differences in illness severity and suggest potential targets for early intervention.
A Rutgers study found measurable airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of most homes where COVID-19 infected individuals were isolating, suggesting airborne transmission beyond isolation rooms poses a risk to other occupants. The study also showed that infected individuals often did not strictly adhere to self-isolation protocols.
A new study reveals the sophisticated mechanism by which adenoviruses infect human cells and transfer foreign DNA into their nucleus. Protein V plays a crucial role in increasing the virus particle's stability and preventing premature DNA release, which triggers an anti-viral alarm system.
Researchers are exploring how an engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) can compensate for missing protein or swap out genetic mutations that cause vision problems. AAV has been found to be beneficial and is being used as a tool to deliver genes that work as they should.
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.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that deleting the ABI3 gene increases amyloid-beta plaque accumulation and decreases microglia function, which may contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. The researchers also identified a link between the mutation and increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's.
A new viral disease caused by Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has emerged, threatening global tomato production. ToBRFV overcomes the durable Tm-2² resistance gene, which had remained unbroken for over half a century.
Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.
Researchers discovered that RSV's NS1 protein alters immune gene expression to evade the immune response. The study provides crucial data for targeting NS1 in drug or vaccine development and may shed light on the link between RSV and asthma.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found a potential direct connection between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and herpesvirus. The study suggests OPTN protein restricts HSV-1 virus spread in cells.
A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that the DNA replication machinery of Mimivirus, a giant virus, is ancient and evolved over time. The research suggests that Mimiviral genes related to DNA replication are subject to purifying selection, indicating their essential role in the organism's survival.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a set of human genes that help control SARS-CoV-2 infection, including interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that inhibit viral replication. The study provides new insights into the biology of the virus and suggests possible therapeutic options.
Researchers found that melatonin synthesized in the lungs acts as a barrier against SARS-CoV-2, preventing expression of genes that encode proteins in cells serving as viral entry points. The hormone also inhibits immune response to allow virus to remain in respiratory tract for a few days.
Scientists have identified a key gene necessary for cells to consume and destroy viruses through a process called autophagy. The study found that a gene called sorting nexin 5 (SNX5) plays a critical role in viral autophagy, suggesting that it could be used to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.
Researchers developed a new decoding method to understand viral infections. They identified nine novel proteins encoded by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), including the pathogenic factor piUL49, which controls the onset mechanism of herpes encephalitis. The discovery is expected to lead to new treatments for HSV encephalitis.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that historical bias affects COVID-19 research, with only 611 out of 2,064 relevant genes being studied. The study highlights the need to explore understudied genes and broaden scientific study beyond current trends.
Researchers discovered a new overlapping gene in SARS-CoV-2 that has the potential to encode a protein longer than expected by chance. The gene, ORF3d, has been independently identified and shown to elicit a strong antibody response in COVID-19 patients.
A team of scientists used CRISPR technology to systematically knockout human genes and identified individual genes that confer resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that inhibiting these genes with small molecules reduced viral load, offering new therapeutic targets for COVID-19 treatment.
A study published in Science Advances found that removing a single gene from the poxvirus genome renders it harmless, triggering a potent immune response. The researchers used the ectromelia virus and discovered that disabling this gene made the infection detectable to the immune system.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to overcome cardiac effects of Friedreich's ataxia in a mouse model, achieving exercise performance similar to healthy littermates. The treatment delivered the frataxin gene via adeno-associated virus (AAV) and showed promising results.
Researchers found that certain human norovirus strains are more resistant to the body's natural defenses than others. This study highlights the importance of considering strain differences when studying norovirus biology and designing therapies.
A new experimental COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to prevent pneumonia and elicit high levels of protective antibodies in mice infected with the virus. The vaccine uses a mild virus genetically modified to carry a key gene from the COVID-19 virus, generating a strong immune response.
A study published in Cell reveals that viruses can produce previously undetected proteins by stitching together host and viral sequences, altering the course of viral infection. These new proteins could be exploited for vaccine purposes and may hold key to understanding viral virulence.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that pangolins lack two virus-sensing genes, which may help them tolerate the coronavirus. Understanding this evolutionary advantage could lead to new treatment options for COVID-19 in humans.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered genes for cellular metabolic cycles in the genomes of giant viruses, challenging traditional views on viral life. These genes suggest that giant viruses can alter their hosts' metabolism, shifting nutrient balances and influencing aquatic biogeochemistry.
A newly discovered protein called Mib1 has been identified as key to successful viral DNA uncoating, enabling adenoviruses to infect cells. The protein's presence is necessary for viral infection, and its inhibition could lead to the development of new anti-viral therapies.
A new species of insect virus, Binjari virus, has been identified that can be engineered to house genes from disease-causing flaviviruses. This non-infectious virus represents a flexible tool for testing diagnostics and vaccines for various infectious diseases, including yellow fever, dengue, and West Nile encephalitis.
A new study shows that a commonly used vector for large gene transfer can deliver genes to retinal cells, but provokes an acute inflammatory response when injected subretinally into rats. The researchers conclude that further work is needed to understand the inflammatory pathways involved and modulate the immune response.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified genes that safeguard against Zika viral infection and resuscitate infected cells. The study found that the IFI6 gene provides high levels of protection against the virus, potentially leading to the development of a novel antiviral therapy.
A team of researchers, led by Jennifer Brisson and Benjamin Parker, discovered genes from a densovirus that determine whether pea aphids produce winged or wingless offspring. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity in insects.
Researchers discovered cytochrome P450 enzymes in giant ocean viruses, which may help develop treatments for life-threatening illnesses. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could also shed light on the biology and origin of these viruses.
Researchers identified a gene, SPI-1, that restricts the replication of modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) in human cells. Reintroducing SPI-1 into MVA or host cells increased virus spread by over 100-fold, providing insight into host-range restriction mechanisms.
Scientists have deciphered the process by which viruses induce their hosts to transcribe viral genetic information, producing daughter viruses. The discovery sheds light on the 'viral exploitation' mechanism used by bacteriophages, such as lambda phage, and may contribute to the development of new antibacterial drugs.
Studies show that specific rabbit genes contribute to acquired resistance to the myxoma virus, while co-evolutionary forces drive parallel adaptation between viruses and hosts. The research demonstrates how genetic variations can lead to changes in virus pathogenicity.
Scientists have developed a gene therapy that blocks axon destruction in mice, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to prevent the loss of peripheral nerves in multiple conditions. This breakthrough could help prevent peripheral neuropathy, a disease affecting 20 million people in the US, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have developed new techniques to identify which of our genes are influenced by ancient viral DNA snippets, revealing complex interactions between viruses and human genetic material. The study found that a single transposon can control multiple genes, increasing the complexity of its impact on health and disease.
Researchers found that many genes inherited from Neanderthals interact with modern-day viruses like HIV and influenza A, suggesting they provided protection against ancient RNA viruses. The study suggests a 'poison-antidote' model of gene swapping between species, where Neanderthals bequeathed genetic tools to combat invaders.
Researchers have developed a method to separate infected and uninfected cells, revealing how Zika virus manipulates the human immune system by suppressing gene production in macrophage cells. This approach provides a more accurate account of Zika's effect on macrophages and shows that the virus uses two methods to stop their function.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have successfully developed a method to induce tolerance to gene therapy in mice, eliminating the autoimmune reaction that often occurs. This breakthrough could lead to effective treatments for single-gene disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.