Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a practical, non-genetically modified brewing yeast that produces over nine times higher intracellular ornithine levels than the original yeast. The improved yeast retained normal brewing performance, making it suitable for value-added fermentation.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a new rum using the rare fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicusponicus, producing fruity esters and complex aromas. The resulting 'JAPONICUS RHUM AGRICOLE' offers layered flavors reminiscent of ripe banana and apple.
A study by University of Zurich researchers has shed light on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis with mucosal fungi. The team discovered that the fungus Candida albicans uses a toxin called candidalysin to survive in the mouth, and that interleukin 17-mediated immunity prevents it from growing out of control.
Researchers found that Werner syndrome mice experience age-dependent and sex-specific changes in their livers and immune systems, including fatty liver accumulation and altered lipid metabolism. These findings suggest a potential link between immunoglobulin variants and fatty liver progression in the disorder.
A new mathematical framework has been created to study fitness landscapes of regulatory DNA, enabling the prediction of gene expression changes. The framework uses a neural network model trained on millions of experimental measurements to decipher the evolutionary past and future of non-coding sequences.
A study found that certain genetic variants of MTHFR enzyme can increase folate deficiency risk, leading to neurological and heart problems. Researchers identified over 656 possible variants, including the common A222V variant, which affects enzyme function in subtle ways.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring variants in yeast can suppress harmful mutations, potentially contributing to genetic diseases like cancer. The study found that 26% of harmful mutations were suppressed by a single 'rescue mutation' in wild yeast strains.
Researchers propose a model of how caloric restriction contributes to yeast chronological aging delay by remodeling cellular metabolism. The study found that caloric restriction significantly lowers intracellular concentrations of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine, leading to a metabolic pattern of aging delay.
A WSU study found that UV light induces new types of DNA damage that may cause malignant melanoma, supporting its role in cancer development. Researchers discovered rare mutations linked to melanoma in irradiated yeast cells, expanding previous understanding of UV damage.
A Yale study shows that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in shaping the evolution of gene networks in yeast. The research suggests that epigenetic factors can be passed on to offspring, contributing to stable and heritable gene expression states.
Inhibiting sphingolipid metabolism in neurons improves neurodegeneration symptoms and increases survival in a mouse model, according to new research. The findings suggest that compromised sphingolipid metabolism in GARP mutations may be a potential cause of neurodegeneration.
Researchers discovered a crucial DNA repair process in yeast that involves a protein called Rad51 and two helper proteins called Swi5-Sfr1. This finding may help understand why DNA repair processes fail to function properly in humans, leading to diseases like cancer and inherited conditions.
A team of scientists has developed a method to rapidly evolve endogenous genes in plants, enabling accelerated breeding via molecular design. The technology, called STEME, uses CRISPR-like enzymes to introduce precise mutations into plant genes, leading to improved agronomic traits.
Researchers have found that Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast, produces uniquely excessive amounts of acetic acid. This discovery may pave the path towards improved treatments for intestinal diseases. The study also showed that modifying the yeast's genetic basis could enhance its probiotic effects.
Scientists discovered a lineage of budding yeasts that has lost dozens of genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle processes. These gene losses result in the yeast's genomes changing rapidly, leading to unique biological characteristics.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identify PP2A B55δ as a major regulator of alcohol fermentation by yeast. Understanding this molecular pathway could lead to ways to chemically enhance production of fermented beverages like sake.
A new USC Dornsife study reveals that genetic mutations can behave unpredictably due to interactions with the environment and pre-existing genetic differences. This complexity makes it difficult to predict how these mutations will affect individuals, even for well-studied diseases.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University challenge cohesin's ring-shaped model by demonstrating that a mutation can't break down the complex, suggesting it may have a different structure. A new hold-and-release model proposes cohesin is like a jaw that holds chromatids in place and then opens to allow chromatin to move.
Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 technology that enables precise editing of any gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by deleting single nucleotide changes. This allows for individual gene studies and optimization of genome engineering, potentially increasing productivity in industries such as ethanol production.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University found rapamycin can 'cure' cells with genetic defects, restoring normal cell function. The study identified 12 genes responsible for temperature-triggered defects in fission yeast cells.
Scientists have developed a new CRISPR method to analyze the effects of thousands of gene edits in parallel, improving their ability to identify harmful genetic changes. This technique enables researchers to rapidly distinguish between damaging and harmless edits, potentially leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.
A genetic mutation in the MPP gene can lead to impaired functioning of proteins needed for mitochondrial protein import, resulting in accumulation of immature proteins and interference with mitochondrial functions. This study identified the molecular consequences of this mutation, providing a fundamental explanation for the disease.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism underlying severe childhood neurodegeneration, caused by gene mutations that disrupt mitochondrial energy production. The study found that these mutations interfere with the function of an enzyme involved in protein transport into mitochondria.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have mapped the architecture of the nuclear pore complex in yeast cells, revealing a massive cylindrical configuration with flexible components. The study provides insights into cell transport and may aid efforts to understand and treat diseases linked to defects in the pore complex.
Researchers at Georgia Tech found that physical stress drove the evolution of multicellular bodies in yeast cells, allowing them to grow larger and more robust. This process was mainly driven by forces within the cells' physical structures, which pushed the snowflakes to evolve towards bigger, tougher bodies.
Researchers have discovered that self-assembling protein complexes can form long, stiff filaments through a single mutation. This phenomenon has implications for both biological research and nanoscience, as it may indicate that Lego-like assemblies are more common than previously thought.
Researchers used baker's yeast to test natural compounds from soil-based bacteria, discovering diverse agents affecting various cell processes. These compounds may be used to treat conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer.
A recent study using yeast genome sequencing reveals that only 20% of mutations drive cancer-like growth, while the rest are harmless hitchhikers. The research identifies genetic interactions between mutations that increase growth and proposes a new approach for identifying cancer-causing mutations.
A Kyoto University team developed a genome-wide base-editing technology using the CRISPR Nickase system, which reduces inaccurate edits and improves editing accuracy. The system combines a guide RNA and Cas9 nickase to 'nick' the DNA double helix, resulting in faster generation of yeast mutants and increased precision.
A protein complex called MRX plays a vital structural role during early DNA repair, stabilizing broken ends of DNA without requiring another protein cohesin. This study found that the Xrs2 member of the MRX complex ensures correct molecule presence at DNA damage sites, offering insight into genomic instability and cancer development.
A team of scientists discovered a comprehensive set of suppressive mutations in yeast cells, which could help explain how some people remain healthy despite carrying catastrophic mutations. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between genetic suppression and disease-causing mutations.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have engineered a strain of yeast that can convert all plant sugars, including xylose, into ethanol. This breakthrough could enable the widespread production of biofuels from cellulosic biomass, transforming the economics of ethanol production.
Researchers have developed a system to quickly screen millions of yeast cells for protein aggregates, offering new ways to explore their causes and potential therapies. The technology was used to study prions, Huntington's disease, and prion-switching, providing insights into the toxic effects of misfolded proteins.
Researchers at Hiroshima University identified a genetic mutation in K1801 that could ruin high-quality sake brewing, threatening consistent production with stable quality. A genetically engineered version of the yeast with normal growth but high ethyl caproate production was also created.
Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic strategy for treating cystic fibrosis, restoring lung cell function to 50% of healthy levels. By using a yeast genetic model, they identified key targets that can rescue the misfolding of the deltaF508-CFTR protein, which affects nearly 90% of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at Osaka University found that DNA damage response errors can lead to tumor formation when proteins are not removed correctly. Ku protein plays a key role in DNA repair, but its incorrect function can result in genetic information loss and cancer.
Scientists have mapped thousands of genetic mutations in yeast to understand their impact on cell survival. The study found that different combinations of mutations can influence survival and revealed a new technique for predicting the shapes of molecules encoded in our genes.
A team led by Professor Fritz Roth found that bakers' yeast can identify harmful genetic mutations more reliably than leading algorithms. By testing the effects of human mutations in yeast, they identified 62% of disease variants as damaging, outperforming computational methods.
Researchers have developed a yeast model to investigate a gene mutation that causes massive DNA damage and allows cells to continue dividing. The study reveals how cells ignore genetic damage and form micronuclei, which are commonly found in cancer cells.
Scientists at the University of York and GlaxoSmithKline Australia have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery in poppies that could lead to more effective painkillers. The discovery of the STORR gene provides new insight into how poppy plants produce morphine, a key step towards developing bespoke poppy varieties.
Researchers discovered hundreds of genes from an ancestor shared by humans and yeast that remain unchanged over time. The study enables the use of humanized yeast to better understand genetic disorders and test new therapies.
A CNIO team has developed a method to rescue premature aging in mice by increasing the body's capacity to produce DNA building blocks. By introducing a mutation that boosts nucleotide production, the researchers doubled the lifespan of ATR-mutant mice from 24 weeks to 50 weeks, also alleviating symptoms of Seckel syndrome.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created thermotolerant yeast that can grow at 40 degrees, allowing for more efficient bioethanol production. This breakthrough could reduce cooling costs and increase the use of residual waste as a raw material, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a robust backup DNA repair mechanism in yeast cells that prevents common genetic mutations. This finding suggests a similar system may exist in humans, providing potential new targets for controlling some cancers and treating Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome.
Researchers found that deleting a single gene in yeast cells leads to compensatory mutations in another gene, which could affect genetic analysis in cancer and other fields. This discovery suggests that genomes are highly interconnected and that removing one part can cause another part to warp elsewhere.
The study found that mutant RBS cells exhibited aberrant ribosome malfunction, leading to upregulation of p53 protein and strong inhibition of mTOR signaling. Supplementing L-leucine partially rescued defects in both human skin cells and zebrafish embryos carrying the mutated ESCO2 gene.
Research reveals that chromosomal rearrangements, such as inversions or translocations, can be beneficial in certain environments, leading to improved growth abilities. This discovery sheds light on how natural selection shapes chromosome structure to favor specific conditions.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that evolution is driven by a group of beneficial mutations, including genetic hitchhikers. About five to seven specific mutations are needed for an organism to succeed, rather than just one mutation.
Researchers defined the structure of Cdc13, a key telomere maintenance protein in yeast, revealing how its mutations can disrupt telomere function and potentially lead to cancer. The study's findings may pave the way for novel anticancer therapies by targeting the OB2 region of Cdc13.
This September 2012 issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal features studies on weak selection in molecular evolution, a new method for mapping quantitative trait loci onto phylogenetic trees, and the role of DNA replication defects in causing chromosome rearrangements. Additionally, researchers investigate ultraconserved el...
Researchers have identified Saccharomyces eubayanus as the wild yeast that fused with domesticated yeast to create lager beer. The discovery resolves a long-standing mystery and sheds light on the origins of one of the world's most popular beers.
Researchers have discovered that defects in RNA biology contribute to the development of ALS, a disease caused by misfolded proteins. The study found that genes related to stress granules can rescue FUS-related toxicity, suggesting new targets for developing drugs.
Scientists have successfully reversed the toxicity of mutated ALS protein in yeast cells using a human gene. By introducing a 'rescue' protein, they eliminated the deadly effects without sending the toxic protein back to the nucleus. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments for the disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed an innovative yeast-based screening method to identify a possible new treatment for the fatal childhood disease NP-C. The approach, known as 'exacerbate-reverse', has shown promising results in repairing genetic pathways that exacerbate lethality in yeast models.
Researchers at UMMS have developed a novel technique called EMPIRIC to produce all possible individual mutations and analyze their impact on cells. This approach enables the systematic screening of viral genomes for likelihood to develop drug resistance.
Researchers have identified new mutations in the SPTLC2 gene that play a crucial role in Hereditary Sensory and Autonomous Neuropathy Type 1 (HSAN 1). These findings will lead to more accurate diagnoses, improved genetic counseling, and prenatal testing for affected couples.
The study identified mutations in the ataxin 2 gene as a genetic contributor to ALS, with expansions of glutamine in ataxin 2 linked to an increased risk for the disease. The findings may aid in the development of biomarkers and new therapies for ALS.
Researchers developed a genetic screen for human cells to pinpoint specific genes and proteins used by pathogens. The study identified new genes essential for host-pathogen interactions, including those involved in diphtheria and E. coli infections.
Researchers have developed a yeast model to identify genes that contribute to cancer growth. The study found that point mutations in just a few genetic loci are responsible for the faster growth of cells, rather than aneuploidy. This discovery could help guide the search for new cancer genes in humans.
Researchers identified the hSDH5 gene as mutated in a hereditary form of paraganglioma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor. The study found that individuals with the mutation are at risk for developing tumors, and genetic testing can help identify those at risk.