Articles tagged with Gene Regulation
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that early exposure to alcohol changes the way genes function in the brains of mice, influencing brain structure. The timing of the exposure corresponds to human gestational weeks 3-6, and similar changes were observed in other tissues of the infant mice.
Scientists from the University of Chicago identified a newly-evolved gene, panish, which determines head-to-tail polarity in midge fly embryos. This discovery suggests that genetic changes to fundamental biological processes occur more often than previously thought, and opens new research avenues.
A new technique called Promoter Capture Hi-C was used to connect regulatory elements in the mouse and human genomes, providing insight into how genes are regulated. The analysis identified long-range interactions between promoters and enhancers, shedding light on the genetic basis of disease.
The bumblebee genome has been mapped, revealing a relatively small fraction of genes involved in the immune response compared to flies and mosquitoes. Despite its weak social organization, the bumblebee has just as few immune genes as the honeybee, suggesting that diet may play a role in shaping its immune system.
A new technique identifies how genes are controlled and pinpoints source of disease-causing mutations in enhancers. Researchers found that genes are regulated by multiple enhancers, allowing precise control during development and maintaining normal brain function.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have uncovered a novel mechanism by which the tumor suppressor gene p53 regulates PD-L1, allowing non-small cell lung cancer to grow. MicroRNA delivery with existing treatments may represent a new therapeutic approach for lung cancer.
A systems-wide genetic study of blood pressure regulation in the Framingham Heart Study identified four groups of genes linked to blood pressure that warranted further study. The researchers validated one key driver gene, Sh2b3, which plays a causal role in dysregulation of blood pressure in humans.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered how early cells make decisions to turn on one genetic program and exclude others. By understanding this process, scientists can create new cells at will for transplantation and tissue repair in diseases such as liver or heart disease.
Seth Bordenstein's research aims to understand the regulation of bacterial infections passed from mother to offspring. The study will test three hypotheses to pinpoint animal genes that control microbe density.
A team of researchers has found tiny genetic triggers inside brain cells that regulate appetite and weight. The discovery reveals how a protein called Islet 1 and two small stretches of DNA act as triggers for the Pomc gene, which controls feelings of fullness or hunger.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that the language used to switch genes on and off has remained conserved across millions of years of evolution. The differences between species reside in the content and length of these instructions, with specific transcription factors recognizing unique DNA words.
Researchers from NIH and King's College London create a reference resource for scientists studying autoimmune disorders, identifying 19 immune traits regulated by more than 240 genetic changes. This database may help design future studies and develop new treatments.
Researchers at Yale University have identified thousands of genetic 'dimmer' switches that drove the evolution of the human brain. These regulatory elements show increased activity in humans compared to rhesus monkeys and mice, highlighting unique features in the cerebral cortex.
A survey of genome-edited crops reveals many may not be subject to current GMO regulations due to advanced genetic engineering techniques. Bioethicists propose new models for regulation to address social issues associated with such crops.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover malaria parasite uses long noncoding RNA to switch genes and evade human immune system. They develop novel method to suppress virulence genes, breaking code of its immune evasion.
Researchers discovered that epigenetic modifications to mRNA act as a structural switch allowing RNA-binding proteins to recognize inaccessible regions. This phenomenon, known as the m6A switch, affects practically all RNA-protein interactions, with widespread implications for gene expression and regulation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a genetic pathway that regulates thousands of genes and may fuel cancer cell growth. Blocking this pathway with the experimental drug selumetinib led to reduced tumor growth and increased cell death, offering new hope for aggressive pediatric brain cancer treatment.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that the epigenome plays a significant part in guiding development in zebrafish embryos within the first 24 hours after fertilization. The study suggests an underappreciated fraction of the genome is involved in gene regulation, with many noncoding regions acting as developmental enhancers.
Research reveals that DNA sequences in 'gene deserts' can regulate gene activity elsewhere by forming DNA loops, increasing cancer risk through wormhole-like effects. The study provides new insights into the role of long-range genetic regulation in cancer development.
Two landmark studies reveal the interplay between chromosomal structure and gene expression across tissues. Researchers found that variations in gene expression are linked to differences in enhancer sequences and transcriptional regulation.
A recent study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine identified over 4,000 genes with altered expression in dying neurons, including those involved in cell death, survival regulation, and oxidative phosphorylation. This breakthrough opens doors to future research on novel players regulating neuronal survival and death.
Researchers identified significant differences in DNA methylation patterns between male and female brains during prenatal development. These epigenetic changes may contribute to the origins of disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A study comparing genome sequences of 29 mammals reveals how evolution repurposes shared genes for unique traits. The research provides insights into the 'mammalian radiation,' a period of rapid morphological evolution that occurred after the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs' extinction.
Mitochondrial donation has the potential to prevent transmission of serious mitochondrial disease, which affects brain, muscle, liver, and kidney tissues. Researchers estimate that up to 2,500 women in the UK could benefit from this technique.
Prof. Amanda Fisher, a renowned cell biologist from Imperial College London, has been awarded the Helmholtz International Fellow Award for her outstanding contributions to gene regulation and HIV research. Her work focuses on epigenetic gene regulation and T lymphocyte development.
Researchers identified a set of gene loci responsible for thermostatic regulation in Chinese pigs, highlighting the importance of introgression in adaptation. The study found that adaptations to cold and hot environments were triggered by interspecies introgression, providing insights into evolutionary history and adaptation mechanisms.
Long noncoding RNAs play a crucial role in regulating inflammatory gene expression and controlling immune responses. Researchers propose lncRNAs as potential targets for novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a specific sequence and protein tags that send DNA to the edge of the nucleus, where its genes get turned off. This process is crucial for controlling genes and determining cell fate, particularly during development.
The NIH has awarded over $28 million in grants to decipher gene regulation and its role in human health and disease. Researchers will study gene networks and pathways in different systems to develop new treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's.
Researchers found conserved sequences and inverse relationships between RBP binding and RNA structure, suggesting a regulatory role in gene expression. They also identified unique patterns around start codons and links to alternative splicing and polyadenylation processes.
Researchers have discovered microexons, small gene fragments critical for neuron maturation, providing a new understanding of genome regulation. The study found that these tiny exons play a key role in developing neurons and are highly conserved across vertebrates.
Researchers created a detailed map of human genome's looping structure, revealing that DNA loops play an essential role in nearly every cell process. The study also identified thousands of hidden genetic switches and rules governing loop formation.
Researchers found that individuals conceived during the Dutch Famine had altered regulation of growth genes, which may help them withstand adverse conditions but also increase risk for metabolic disease. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into epigenetics and its impact on human development.
A study by Denis Duboule's team found that the formation of digits and external genitals involves a similar group of genes, with small modifications controlling their development. The researchers used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate that a single regulatory DNA sequence controls both processes.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have uncovered a molecular clock that regulates multiple phases of circadian cycles, allowing genes with related functions to oscillate in synchrony. This discovery has implications for developing more efficient pharmaceutical regimens and minimizing side effects.
A comprehensive study of the mouse genome has discovered striking similarities and differences with the human genome, shedding light on gene regulation and its impact on human biology. The findings may lead to better use of mouse models in medical research.
Researchers have discovered that a significant number of mouse genes do not behave like their human counterparts, suggesting that science will need to rethink the role of the lab mouse. The findings come from the ongoing mouse ENCODE project and indicate that similar genes in humans and mice are expressed in different ways.
An international team of researchers identified approximately 6600 genes whose expression levels vary within a restricted range in both mice and humans. These genes, which represent about one-third of active genes across tissues in both species, reflect evolution's constraint on their expression to maintain cellular housekeeping.
A team of researchers has mapped the 'mission control centers' of the mouse genome, which are responsible for regulating gene activity. This discovery sheds light on why studies in mice cannot always be replicated in humans and highlights the importance of regulatory regions in common chronic human diseases.
Researchers have found that mice and humans share similar genetic and biochemical programs for regulating gene activity, but also exhibit striking differences. The study provides insights into gene regulation and the use of mouse models to study human biology and disease.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a gene in the kidneys that may contribute to high blood pressure in males. The study, led by Manoocher Soleimani, found that mice with a deficiency in this gene had significantly reduced blood pressure, suggesting its role in regulating salt absorption in the kidney tubule.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that stenting can induce deleterious blood vessel remodeling due to a specific gene variant. The researchers identify the receptor tyrosine kinase ROS1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating flow-limiting atherosclerosis.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel gene regulation method that enables thought-specific brainwaves to control the conversion of genes into proteins. The system uses EEG headsets to transmit brainwaves wirelessly to an implant, which regulates gene expression through light-sensitive optogenetic modules.
A recent study suggests that genes and regulatory elements share a common architecture in their reading processes, with the main differences occurring after the initial step. This unified model could provide insight into how genes evolve and shed light on the evolutionary origins of new genes.
Researchers developed a DNA regulatory technique that modifies a single gene to control its expression and behavioral consequences. The study showed that changes in this gene reduced drug and stress responses in mice, indicating a potential new approach to treating addiction and depression.
A new study suggests that personalized nutrition plans based on an individual's genotype could significantly reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and Type II diabetes. However, concerns over personal data protection are hindering widespread adoption of nutrigenomics, a relatively new branch of nutrition.
Cichlids' egg-spots developed through insertion of a mobile genetic element influencing pigmentation gene expression. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of novel traits and their regulatory mechanisms.
Professor Matthew Stephens at the University of Chicago has received a $1.5 million Moore Foundation grant to develop and apply statistical methods for integrating diverse types of biological data. His work aims to improve our understanding of genetic regulation within living cells.
Researchers found that exosomes from glial cells increase neuronal stress tolerance and improve signal conduction, biochemical signaling, and gene regulation. This discovery could lead to new strategies for treating neuronal diseases.
Researchers identified 230 SNPs associated with climate change and found that gene TBC1D12 became advantageous in colder climates, suggesting a link between sunlight and vegetation availability. The study could inform breeding practices for more resilient livestock breeds.
Researchers discovered a mutated regulator that disrupts blood cell production, leading to leukemia. Removing this regulator restored normal function and offers hope for new treatments.
Scientists have discovered that a single genetic change in the Bmp6 gene is associated with an increase in tooth number in freshwater sticklebacks, which can lead to cleft palate deformities. The study suggests that regulating this gene may hold the key to replacing human teeth and improving tooth formation.
Scientists have unraveled a molecular mechanism of mRNA recognition, essential for understanding differential gene regulation in male and female organisms. This principle represents an essential and widespread mechanism of gene regulation in higher organisms.
Rice scientists have made crucial contributions to understanding its complex agronomic traits by employing a genetics-based strategy. The study has identified key genes involved in shoot architecture, leaf development, and grain quality, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes.
Researchers found powerful commonalities in biological activity and regulation among species, reflecting their shared ancestry. The studies revealed similarities in gene expression patterns, DNA packaging, and chromatin organization across human, fly, and worm genomes.
Researchers identified the neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1) gene as a key regulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that lowers anxiety and increases feelings of relaxation. Variations in the human Nf1 gene are linked to alcohol-dependence risk and severity, suggesting a potential genetic basis for excessive drinking.
The study reveals that miRNA-9 negatively regulates oligodendrocyte lineage gene 1 during hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. This regulation is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying brain damage and myelin repair.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a new way internal body clocks are regulated by long non-coding RNA qrf. The discovery sheds light on how circadian clocks work and has implications for understanding human diseases such as sleep disorders and depression.
Researchers will use innovative approaches to study how genetic sequence changes affect cells in the body, leading to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The goal is to develop new therapies and improve treatment for these conditions.
The Antarctic midge's genome is the smallest sequenced so far, with only 99 million base pairs. This compact genome may hold clues to the insect's incredible ability to survive in extreme conditions. Researchers are now eager to explore whether other sub-Antarctic organisms have similar genomes.