Articles tagged with Viral Genes
A recent study led by Georgia State University identifies a gene from Ebola virus in myotis bats, which has been adapted to regulate their own immune response. The researchers found that the gene is attenuated in its ability to inhibit the immune response, but shares a similar structure with the Ebola VP35 protein.
A study found that bats have preserved a viral gene from an ancient Ebola-like virus for millions of years. The VP35 gene helps regulate the immune system and may play a role in preventing disease in bats.
A study found that Myotis bats have integrated viral proteins produced by Ebola into their genomes, resulting in less potent immune suppressors. This suggests that bats may have co-opted these proteins for immune function, potentially reducing their susceptibility to viral infections.
Researchers have discovered that giant viruses, known as pandoraviruses, can invent new genes through spontaneous mutations in intergenic regions. This suggests that these viruses may be
Researchers have discovered a 400-million-year-old anti-viral protein that can potentlly block HIV, revealing an evolutionary arms race between the virus and the immune system. This ancient gene, HERC5, has been involved in a centuries-long battle for survival with viruses, resulting in sophisticated shields to block them.
The study found that the CTCF protein helps herpes simplex virus regulate its own sleep-wake cycle, enabling it to establish latent infections in sensory neurons. By preventing CTCF from binding to viral DNA, the virus's ability to reactivated was weakened.
Scientists from Brazil and Senegal discovered the gene responsible for the mild effects of West Nile lineage 8, which could be used to develop a vaccine against more virulent lineages. The researchers found that the substitution P122S induces mutations linked to low replication rates, making it an ideal candidate for a vaccine.
New research reveals that viruses can transfer genes to organisms from different superkingdoms, including bacteria and complex organisms like plants and animals. This discovery suggests that viruses may have originated from primitive cells and could be a source of new genes for cellular organisms.
Researchers found hundreds of protein folds present across all superkingdoms of life and in various viruses, suggesting an ancient origin. The study also revealed exclusive gene transfers between specific groups of viruses and their hosts, pointing to unknown mechanisms for viral genetic material exchange.
A Penn State researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to develop a genetic lab tool using a mosquito virus to control malaria. The virus, called AgDNV, will be used to insert specific genes into mosquitoes, allowing scientists to study their phenotypes and develop malaria-control strategies.
Researchers have identified a gene, H2-Ob, that enables mice to resist persistent viral infections by producing specific antibodies. This gene is part of the MHC locus and acts as a negative regulator of the immune response, keeping chronic infections in check.
Researchers found HIV-1 integrates its genetic material into specific immune-cell-activating genes in humans. Digoxin inhibits wild type HIV-1 more than the mutated strain, suggesting a link between T cell activation and targeted integration.
Researchers at Caltech have developed two new viral vectors that can deliver genetic cargo to neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The vectors, AAV-PHP.eB and AAV-PHP.S, can reach their targets via the bloodstream and are customizable for gene therapy applications. They offer a significant improvement over existing me...
Scientists identified bacterial genes and compounds that extend lifespan, slow tumor growth, and reduce amyloid-beta accumulation in laboratory worms. These findings suggest potential for designing supplements to slow down aging process.
Researchers have shown that an experimental gene therapy is safe and may be effective in preserving vision in people with wet age-related macular degeneration. The treatment involves injecting a virus containing a therapeutic gene into the eye, which produces a protein to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
The study discovered genetically coupled promoters in viral-host networks, presenting an additional layer of regulation between virus and host. The findings reveal a mechanism for synchronizing gene expression in synthetic gene circuitry and provide novel design principles to reverse-engineer viral circuitry.
A new group of giant viruses, dubbed Klosneuviruses, has been discovered with a more complete set of translation machinery genes than any other virus known to date. These viruses are thought to have evolved from smaller viruses and encode proteins involved in protein biosynthesis, expanding our understanding of viral evolution.
Researchers at Portland State University have found that only half of a virus's genes are necessary for infection, highlighting the resilience of these pathogens. The study's findings also shed light on the molecular basis of survivability under extreme conditions and potential origins of life.
Researchers have created a new cellular model to test the efficacy of new gene therapies for Chronic Granulomatous Disease more efficiently, using Crispr/Cas9 technology. The improved method allows for faster and cheaper development of new treatments.
Researchers at UTMB have created a Zika virus replicon system that strips the virus of its infectious genes, reducing safety risks. This tool will aid in vaccine development and understanding viral replication and mutations.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have discovered how the Epstein-Barr virus controls two genes involved in cancer development, MYC and BCL2L11. The study found that the virus hijacks enhancer DNA regions to turn on or off these genes, leading to blood cancer development.
Researchers found that retroviral genes are essential for placenta development and contribute to male muscle mass. In mice, the inactivation of syncytins led to a fusion deficit during muscle growth, resulting in smaller fibers and less effective regeneration in males.
Researchers discovered a single gene pathway vital for Zika and flaviviruses to spread infection between cells. Shutting down this gene renders flaviviruses unable to leave infected cells, curbing their spread. The study identifies SPCS1 as a potential drug target.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have developed a strategy to create the first broad-spectrum antiviral drug, which could provide protection against seven deadly viruses, including Nipah and Ebola. By targeting a single gene, the approach boosts immunity against viral infections.
A pioneering gene therapy has restored vision to patients with a rare form of genetic blindness for up to four years, providing sustained improvement and raising hopes for a cure. The treatment involves injecting a virus into the eye to deliver billions of healthy genes, replacing a key missing gene.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens identifies a host gene involved in the formation of Hepatitis C virus particles. The gene, ABHD5, regulates the efficiency of virus assembly and release from human host cells. High levels of ABHD5 expression lead to fewer lipid droplets, while lower levels result in their accumulation.
A new study reveals that ancient viral elements embedded in our genome have become important for mounting a proper defense against today's viral infections. The research found that these endogenous viruses have repurposed their DNA into virus-derived switches that regulate genes integral to our innate immune system.
Researchers review gene drive systems, analyzing pros and cons, applications, and regulatory issues. They highlight the potential benefits of controlling insect-borne diseases, removing invasive species, and reversing pesticide resistance. Gene drives combine CRISPR technology to enable environmentally friendly solutions.
Rice University researchers use engineered viruses that respond to red light to overcome the challenge of delivering genes into host cells' nuclei. By incorporating light-responsive proteins, they successfully control viral activity and gene expression in target cells.
Research teams discovered genes from parasitic wasps are present in butterfly genomes, acquired through a virus that integrates into DNA. This finding reveals naturally produced GMOs in butterflies, including the iconic Monarch species, and highlights potential risks of gene transfers in GM insects.
Researchers found that modern toothed whales have inherited defunct copies of the Mx1 and Mx2 genes, profoundly altering their immune systems. The study aims to preserve these cetaceans as they face extensive die-offs.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Life Science Institute have discovered a genetic switch called Nix that underlies the difference between male and female mosquitoes. By harnessing this trait, they hope to develop mosquito control strategies by converting females into harmless males or eliminating deadly females.
Researchers discovered that honey bees use distinct mechanisms to fight off viruses, bacteria, and gut parasites, including the RNAi pathway and DNA methylation. The findings may help develop targeted treatments for honey bee colonies affected by specific infections.
Scientists have discovered 63 genes linked to rabies sensitivity, with potential applications in prevention and treatment. The study's novel screening method can be used to uncover host-based genes involved in various infections and responses to drugs.
Researchers discovered that the immune system can turn off cellular enzymes needed by the Influenza A virus, which could lead to new treatments for flu. The study found that PAI-1 protein plays a key role in this process, and its inhibitors may be used to combat viral infections.
A new report reveals that H7 influenza viruses regularly shuffle combinations of genetic segments, each with its own history of travel among hosts and geographic places. The study uses genomic analysis to visualize the spread of H7 genes across vast distances, identifying transboundary and transcontinental transmission.
A new study has found that filoviruses, the family housing Ebola and Marburg, are at least 16-23 million years old. This pushes back their evolutionary roots and provides insight into the historical relationship between these two lethal viruses.
Researchers analyzed bat influenza viruses and found they could not infect human cells or other animals, contradicting initial concerns. The study suggests these viruses have limited genetic compatibility with Type A or Type B influenza viruses, making reassortment unlikely.
Scientists have discovered that the bacterial immune system can distinguish between harmful and helpful viruses by watching for a specific transcription cue. This adaptation allows bacteria to harness viral genes for their own benefit, offering new insights into the complex relationships between microbes and viruses.
Researchers found viruses force bacteria to burn sulfur reserves, releasing energy for viral replication. The study reveals a new microbial interaction in deep-sea environments, hinting that viruses act as agents of evolution in chemosynthetic systems.
Scientists found viruses that infect bacterial cells in deep-sea environments, forcing them to burn sulfur reserves and release energy. The viral genes are similar to those used by the infected bacteria, suggesting a genetic exchange that helps the viruses propagate.
The study found that HPV disrupts host-cell genes and chromosomes at sites of viral insertion, leading to overexpression or disruption of cancer-causing genes. This damage promotes the development of cancer by increasing the expression of viral E6 and E7 proteins.
Joseph C. Glorioso, III, PhD received a Pioneer Award from Human Gene Therapy for his leadership and accomplishments in developing herpes viruses as efficient vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into cells. His research has shown promise for treating complex genetic and acquired diseases, including brain degeneration and cancer.
A Chinese woman died from a new bird flu virus H10N8 after visiting a live poultry market, with the virus showing genetic characteristics allowing it to replicate efficiently in humans. The H10N8 strain has been previously isolated but never reported in humans before.
Researchers discovered mutations in immunity genes in every breast cancer analyzed, suggesting an important role of immune system mutations in breast cancer development. The study's findings could lead to targeted prevention and therapy using vaccines or antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital have found a way to overcome the immune system's attack on gene therapy viruses. By using plasmapheresis, a process that temporarily removes antibodies from the body, they were able to increase gene expression in animals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by 500 percent.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new gene called MX2 that may prevent HIV from spreading after it enters the body. The study found that expressing the MX2 gene can inhibit HIV replication and replication.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found a link between cold sore susceptibility and a mutated gene, revealing why some people are more prone to the virus that causes them. The study identifies IL28b as the affected gene, which plays a crucial role in mounting an immune response against the herpes simplex virus.
Researchers aim to identify genetic elements that enable animal hepatitis E strains to infect humans, with potential implications for fighting cross-species virus infections. The study will also investigate host immune factors that defend against the virus.
Researchers develop an engineered virus that can deliver genes to difficult-to-reach cells in the retina, restoring vision to patients with inherited defects and degenerative illnesses. The new therapy is surgically non-invasive and takes only 15 minutes to administer.
Researchers found that live poultry markets were the primary source of the novel H7N9 influenza virus. The viruses originated from avian H9N2 viruses but acquired human receptor-binding specificity, contributing to their virulence and lethality in humans. Strong measures are recommended to prevent a possible pandemic.
A study published in PLoS Pathogens suggests that removing the viral infectivity factor gene from HIV allows the innate human immune system to destroy the virus. The researchers used a humanized mouse model and found that APOBEC3 proteins effectively restrict HIV growth when vif is removed.
A new vaccine has proven highly effective against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, when tested in mice and ferrets. The vaccine uses an attenuated version of the H9 virus with an added H5 gene, slowing viral replication and reducing the risk of successful reassortment.
A study by an international team of researchers has found that a combination of cytomegalovirus infection in the mother and a specific gene variant in the child significantly increases the risk of schizophrenia. The risk is five times higher than usual, according to the research published in Molecular Psychiatry.
The article examines the potential consequences of overlapping CaMV 35S promoter regions with viral gene VI in transgenic plants. It discusses the safety implications for foods containing or derived from GM ingredients.
Researchers successfully repair and read-through stop mutations responsible for Usher syndrome, offering hope for patients with the disease. The team developed gene-based treatment strategies using zinc-finger nuclease technique and aminoglycosides, which show promise in preclinical studies.
Researchers discovered that poxviruses can rapidly produce multiple copies of a gene to counter host defenses, allowing them to quickly adapt and evolve. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms of adaptation for large double-stranded DNA viruses.
Scientists discovered virus-like genes in the DNA of a commonly studied fruit fly, which could enable research on whether animals hijack viral genes as an anti-viral defense. The study found that several types of fruit flies harbored genes similar to those that code for the sigma virus, a fly virus in the same family as rabies.
Researchers discovered a new gene in the influenza virus that helps control the body's response to infection, reducing the impact of the disease. The PA-X gene was found to be active in mice infected with flu, leading to recovery, while its malfunction led to an overactive immune system and worsened infections.
Researchers develop new technique to target specific neural circuits and find that indirect pathways play key role in skilled hand movements. The study uses a double viral vector transfection method to selectively suppress propriospinal neurons, revealing the function of this 'phylogenetically old circuit'.