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Counting fish teeth reveals regulatory DNA changes behind rapid evolution, adaptation

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2014

Scripps Research Institute scientists link alcohol-dependence gene to neurotransmitter

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 27, 2014

Molecular mechanisms underlying the prevention of autoim-munity by Roquin revealed

A team of scientists has revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying Roquin's role in preventing autoimmune diseases. The study found that Roquin recognizes a range of RNA binding partners to control T-cell functions, regulating a larger number of genes than previously thought.

Sweet genes

Researchers found that an enzyme thought to reside only in mitochondria can also produce acetyl-CoA in the nucleus, leading to faster cancer cell growth. The discovery may have broader implications for understanding epigenetic regulation in various physiological and pathological conditions.

Electroacupuncture effect on depression and variation of polygenes expression

Researchers used a rat genomic gene-chip to profile hippocampal gene expression changes after electroacupuncture therapy. The results showed that electroacupuncture regulates the expression of specific genes involved in depression, including Vgf and Igf2. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture may be a useful treatment for depr...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Helping good genes win in brain cancer cells

A study published in Molecular Neurobiology found that sodium butyrate reduces survival of cultured medulloblastoma cells and enhances expression of markers for a mature neuronal phenotype. This suggests the compound may promote cell death and favor maturation towards less malignant-prone phenotypes.

SourceWrite Science Right·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateDec 19, 2013

Chromosomes show off their shapes

A new method combines high-throughput DNA sequencing and computer analysis to produce reliable maps describing contacts between genes along individual chromosomes. The results suggest that the arrangement of genes on chromosomes is modular and based on their functions, with active genes exposed at chromosome boundaries.

Events coordination during embryogenesis

Researchers discovered how Brachyury regulates the timing of gene expression in the notochord, a precursor to the backbone, and found that certain mutations can delay or alter this process, potentially leading to birth defects and cancer. The study sheds light on a crucial regulatory mechanism in embryonic development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 29, 2013

What is it about your face?

Researchers at Berkeley Lab identified thousands of enhancer sequences involved in craniofacial development, which regulate genes to fine-tune facial morphology. The study provides insights into the genetic drivers of normal craniofacial variation and may lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for birth defects.

Gene regulation differences between humans and chimpanzees more complex than thought

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that mRNA expression levels do not always reflect differences in protein expression between humans and chimpanzees. This finding suggests that protein expression levels may evolve under greater evolutionary constraint, potentially due to a yet-uncharacterized compensation mechanism.