Articles tagged with Viral Genes
Cedars-Sinai researchers have developed a new delivery system that can effectively regulate therapeutic gene expression, overcoming obstacles in bringing genetic therapies to humans. The system allows for the flexibility to turn gene expression on or off, even in the presence of an immune response, making it a critical tool for treatin...
Researchers have developed a novel approach to prevent and treat atherosclerosis by transferring the apo A-I Milano gene or using antibody therapy to reduce plaque buildup. The studies show that these methods can significantly shrink existing plaques and even remove bad cholesterol.
Researchers at Ohio State University isolated three key genes controlling when female mosquitoes switch from feeding on blood to an all-sugar diet. These genes help the mosquitoes survive cold weather and potentially aid in understanding the West Nile Virus transmission.
A team of researchers has identified key genes responsible for the Spanish flu's extreme virulence, which could lead to the development of effective antivirals and vaccines. The study also suggests that certain FDA-approved flu medications may be effective against future strains of the virus.
A large-scale genomic study found that co-circulating minor variants of the flu virus can exchange genes and create novel, epidemiologically significant strains. This process can lead to an epidemic with just one or two more mutations, challenging the traditional view of epidemic flu.
Researchers discovered a fruit fly gene, f, that codes for a fusion protein enabling insect viruses to infect cells. The study found that the gene was originally transferred from an insect to a virus through recombination, leading to significant changes in viral behavior and pathology.
Scientists at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a retroviral resistance gene that can help prevent HIV and other retroviruses from infecting cells. The discovery opens up new possibilities for developing treatments and therapies.
A study published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses found that the viral protein p12 increases activity of a gene controlling production of p300, a key regulator of cell signaling and proliferation. This could provide insights into how HTLV-1 maintains lifelong infection and impacts immune cell survival.
Researchers discover that adding a single gene from the 1918 virus to a benign strain of influenza can transform it into a highly virulent form. This finding supports the idea that the 1918 Spanish flu virus was inherently more dangerous and provides insight into its transmission among humans.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to target specific populations of nerve cells in the brain using viruses. By injecting an adeno-associated virus into the brain, they can trigger the expression of a jellyfish gene that glows green in certain neurons. This approach has significant potential for the treatment of neu...
Researchers have discovered a gene that inhibits NF-kB, a cellular transcription factor involved in anti-viral immune responses and inflammation. The study found that this gene, K1L, prevents degradation of the cellular inhibitor of NF-kB, ultimately halting viral replication.
Researchers found that viruses used for gene delivery can influence gene expression, with AAV affecting genes minimally and adenovirus triggering broader responses. The study provides a systematic explanation for the relative safety profiles of two commonly used gene therapy vector classes.
Researchers believe SARS evolved from a rare recombination of mammalian and avian viruses, enabling it to evade human immune systems. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of SARS, which may hold clues to designing effective treatments and vaccines.
Researchers found that the HIV vpr gene exploits the normal repair process of cells to stop vital white blood cells from replicating, thus disabling the immune system. The study suggests a possible treatment for AIDS-related immune-system damage using medicines that prevent the human ATR gene from being activated by HIV's vpr gene.
Scientists have identified a preference for insertion at the beginning of genes and near actively expressed genes, which may explain why gene therapy patients developed leukemia. The discovery could lead to improved gene therapy techniques that insert genes in less risky areas.
Researchers have identified three new genes in a rhesus monkey rhadinovirus with high structural similarity to those in human herpesvirus-8, paving the way for future studies using recombinant viruses. The goal is to develop targeted drug therapies against specific KSHV genes to prevent virus spread and cancer induction.
Cancer biologists have successfully identified 21 potential cancer genes that collaborate with p27, a protein found in abnormally low levels in lymphomas and breast cancers. The study reveals new insights into the cellular pathways that distinguish one type of cancer from another.
Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center have developed a gene-therapy technique that can switch off genes in mice using RNA inhibition. The method has shown promising results in reducing light production from a firefly gene, suggesting its potential use in treating diseases such as cancer and hepatitis C by deactivating virus...
Researchers have successfully used a virus that causes warts to restore LDL receptor function in cells with defective genes, offering new hope for treating familial hypercholesterolemia. The next step is testing this technique in animals and humans to determine its safety and effectiveness.
A new study shows that a vaccine based on a chimpanzee adenovirus possesses the immunological strengths of a human adenovirus vaccine without its drawbacks. The vaccine, developed by researchers at The Wistar Institute, has been shown to be effective in mice against rabies and other viruses.
Researchers have developed a hybrid vaccine that protects mice from West Nile virus infection by combining weakened dengue and West Nile viruses. The vaccine stimulates strong immune responses and has shown to be effective in mice, paving the way for human trials.
A small genetic change in the PB2 gene makes influenza viruses more potent, warns of potential dangers of new strains. Research helps develop strategies for detecting future outbreaks and prepares for pandemics.
A new study sequenced the gene of a deadly type of Escherichia coli, revealing that it frequently picks up new DNA from other bacteria and viral genes. These newly acquired genes may contribute to the organism's virulence and make infections difficult to treat.
A genetically modified monkey, ANDi, carrying an extra gene may suggest a way to speed new treatments for human conditions. The modification method used could lead to laboratory animals carrying genes associated with specific medical conditions.
A team of scientists at UNC-CH has discovered a human gene that produces a protein essential for generating forces powering cilia movement. This discovery could help understand and combat chronic lung diseases such as asthma and primary ciliary dyskinesia, which affect cilia function.
Researchers used gene array technology to analyze brain gene expression in human alcoholism, identifying extensive reprogramming of the frontal cortex. This study provides insight into the molecular neurocircuitry altered by chronic alcohol abuse, shedding light on tolerance, dependence, and neurotoxicity.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins find that people with repeated sinus infections may carry a mutated CFTR gene, which could increase their risk of chronic sinusitis. The study suggests that patients carrying this mutation may benefit from targeted treatments for sinus infections.
An international team is accelerating the investigation of immune-related genes to improve organ transplant matches and develop vaccines for specific diseases. The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene complex holds clues to many medical questions.
The project aims to catalog the HLA gene complex and explore its differences among populations worldwide. The goal is to create a searchable database linking multiple interacting genes with function, ethnicity, and disease.
Researchers found that trans-Resveratrol modulates NF-kappa B activity, turning off a natural protective mechanism that prevents cancer cells from being killed. The study suggests that consuming more grapes and grape products may help prevent or treat certain cancers.
The Kaposi's sarcoma virus employs a novel strategy to evade the immune system by removing sentries on cell surfaces and shipping them for destruction. Researchers identified two viral genes that reduce MHC-1 proteins at the cell surface, allowing the virus to spread more widely.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a new connection between the FHIT gene and hereditary colorectal cancer. The study suggests that the FHIT gene plays a crucial role in preventing carcinogen-caused tumors, and its loss may contribute to the development of HNPCC-like disease.
Research suggests a single drug could silence misfiring immune genes, quelling asthma response. Identical DNA controls of cytokine genes in mice and humans hint at new treatment.
Researchers found a key cell gene that aids viruses in multiplying by commandeering host cell machinery. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches and antiviral drugs effective against various RNA viruses.
Researchers have developed an antitat gene therapy that blocks HIV replication in cells from infected patients, prolonging survival of immune system cells and potentially maintaining the virus in a dormant state. The approach combines genetic engineering and antisense technology, offering a promising new strategy for treating AIDS.
A team of UI researchers has advanced understanding of how gene therapy might effectively treat cystic fibrosis by addressing two fundamental problems: inefficient gene transfer and lack of gene persistence. They demonstrated efficient and lasting gene transfer into airway cells using a new vector from the retrovirus family, feline imm...
A new technique allows scientists to introduce desired genes directly into embryonic cells using the baculovirus, enabling the study of gene function in non-model organisms. This method has shown promising results in fruit flies, beetles, and other species, offering a breakthrough for understanding developmental processes.
Two companies, GeneWorks and AviGenics, are developing genetically engineered chickens to produce human growth factor and interferon for treating diseases. The birds can produce up to 100 milligrams or more of a drug in each egg, making the yields lucrative.
Researchers discovered that humans carry a snippet of DNA resembling an HIV gene sequence, known as HERV-K, which has been present in the human genome for over 30 million years. The virus's Rev protein, similar to HIV's, helps with viral replication and may have implications for xenografts and viral infection strategies.
The genomic sequence of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been completed, providing a vital tool for improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This information will enable researchers to understand the origin of many common diseases and identify positions of genes on this important segment of the human genome.
Researchers at Chromos Molecular Systems have successfully passed an artificial chromosome to their offspring, paving the way for practical germline gene therapy. The technology could enable genetic changes to be inherited without disrupting other genes, offering a safer alternative to current methods.
Wistar Institute scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of a key enzyme involved in gene activation, GCN5. The study reveals details on how the enzyme carries out its function and identifies the structural adjustments needed for proper regulation of gene activation.
Researchers discovered that neighboring RAG1 and RAG2 genes are controlled by a single genetic control signal, explaining their long-lived partnership in the immune system. This finding has implications for understanding gene evolution and regulation.
Jefferson researchers report progress in using a vaccinia-based vaccine to treat advanced melanoma, with two patients achieving complete remission. The vaccine works by boosting the immune system with granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), but more research is needed to enhance the treatment.
Researchers at UCSF Cancer Research Institute have made an observation that could explain the ability of modified cold virus ONYX-015 to kill cancer cells. The finding suggests that ONYX-015 targets a genetic vulnerability in tumor cells, specifically those with mutations or defects in p53 and p14ARF genes.
Researchers used 'silencing genes' cloned from electrically quiet human heart tissue to quiet firing nerve cells, demonstrating a potential gene therapy approach for conditions marked by excessive nerve excitability. The system was fine-tuned with an insect hormone-based control switch, allowing for temporary silencing of nerve cells.
A newly discovered gene mutation has been found to shut down the MHC-I transport system in tumor cells, making them less recognizable to the immune system. This could lead to a way to increase the immune system's sensitivity to tumors, potentially improving cancer treatment options.
Maxygen's DNA shuffling technique has created ultra-efficient proteins and supergenes, including a potent interferon that is 285,000 times more effective than natural versions. The company has also developed superior enzymes with potential applications in industrial processes.
Bernard Roizman's research has laid the groundwork for current efforts to develop a vaccine against HSV and gene therapies. He identified essential genes in viral replication, including a protease enzyme targeted by pharmaceutical companies.
Researchers discovered a gene segment that can 'jump' into foreign DNA, enabling vertebrates to create millions of different antibodies. This ability is crucial for the adaptive immune system, which relies on two lines of defense to detect and destroy invaders.
Researchers have discovered a molecular circuit breaker that prevents uncontrolled cell growth, which could increase the effectiveness of conventional anti-cancer therapy. The protein ARF works as a fuse or circuit breaker, monitoring cell signals and preventing over-stimulation.
Researchers at Penn State have identified new molecular players involved in gene expression and discovered unexpected dynamics among these molecules. The study reveals how these molecules interact with each other to activate genes, shedding light on the complex process of gene regulation.
Mutations in the beta-catenin gene are frequent in hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The study found that about 50% of tumors in transgenic mice contained these mutations, and 26% of human liver cancer samples also had similar genetic alterations.
Researchers found that localized gene therapy can produce widespread, systemic effects on rheumatoid arthritis. The study used an adenovirus to carry therapeutic genes for altered cell receptors, which lessened inflammation and cartilage destruction in both diseased and distant joints.
University of Washington researchers successfully use a modified virus to perform novel gene replacement, targeting mutated genes with high accuracy. The new method achieves efficient gene correction, allowing for precise control over the expression of the corrected gene.
Researchers discovered a new tumor suppressor gene, BAP1, which regulates BRCA1 activity and is associated with breast and lung cancer. The study reveals that BAP1 mutations can lead to the development of non-small-cell lung cancers.
Researchers have discovered a unique enzyme in an AIDS-related skin disease virus that protects it from ultraviolet radiation and the immune system. The enzyme, similar to human glutathione peroxidase, neutralizes caustic chemicals made by immune cells to fight infection.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a system in mice where the level of a genetically engineered protein responds to inflammatory signals. This method of gene therapy has great potential for treating chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory diseases, and may allow for targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory t...
A recent study found that a genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene does not fully explain why some people infected with HIV remain healthy for years. Instead, researchers attribute their good health to various factors, including immune system components and viral factors. The investigation involved 33 patients from different cohorts and rev...
Researchers have developed a gene therapy technique that restricts the activity of genes used for gene therapy to specific cell types, bypassing safety hurdles. This discovery could lead to targeted treatment of cardiovascular diseases and other disorders.