Articles tagged with Gene Regulation
Researchers at Arizona State University have made significant progress in understanding cell fate determination, a process that governs how cells develop and transition. By using mathematical modeling and synthetic biology techniques, they created artificial gene networks and observed the behavior of cells as they approached their tipp...
Valerie Hu's study reveals RORA regulates more than 2,500 genes, many involved in neuronal development and functions. The gene's expression is reduced in RORA-deficient brain tissues from individuals with autism.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a groundbreaking discovery into the regulation of a key cancer drug target. The study, funded by £2.4 million from the Wellcome Trust, reveals that signalling molecules called inositol phosphates play a crucial role in controlling gene expression.
Berkeley Lab researchers found that most bacterial genes are regulated by signals unrelated to their function, leading to maladaptive regulation in laboratory settings. Only a small percentage of genes showed adaptive regulation, suggesting that natural responses may not fit the classical all-benefit-and-no-cost model.
A Cornell University study provides evidence for the 40-year-old hypothesis that regulation of genes must play an important role in evolution. The researchers found that transcription factor binding sites show considerable amounts of positive selection, suggesting adaptation in these regulatory elements.
Researchers found that HDAC3 is essential for DNA replication in hematopoietic progenitor cells and plays a critical role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis by binding to the cellular protein FCγRIIb, which activates cell stress and death pathways. The study also identified a link between FCγRIIb and memory impairment in AD patients.
Scientists discovered that a molecule called BRD4 recognizes a specific amino acid on NF-kappa B and activates it, preventing its degradation in cancer cells. This interaction is critical in the development of cancer, and blocking it may lead to new cancer treatments.
Researchers identified a case of spatial and temporal conflict in regulating the ventral neurons defective gene, which must be precisely regulated for proper nervous system specification. The study shows that an additional input from a complementary gradient of the Dpp morphogen solves conflicting temporal and spatial responses.
A large research team elucidated how precise chemical modifications across the genome turn genes on and off during early human development. The study found that master genes governing development are silenced by histone methylation, while genes orchestrating cellular differentiation are primarily silenced by DNA methylation.
Mutations in lamin genes cause hereditary diseases like Emery-Dreifuss Muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy by altering nuclear structure and gene expression. Restoring MKL1 activity may be a productive intervention mechanism for these devastating diseases.
Researchers discovered that combining a few microRNAs enhances anti-breast cancer activity without the unwanted side effects of amplifying a single microRNA. This technique targets tumor-specific genes while sparing healthy tissue.
The Hospital for Special Surgery will establish a genomics center to study rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus using genomic approaches, aiming to develop more effective therapies. The center will focus on epigenetic therapy and personalized medicine, analyzing gene expression and environmental influences.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identify 14 genetic targets associated with heart rate, which could lead to new drugs for treating cardiovascular disease. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic regulation of heartbeats and cardiac conduction disorders.
A groundbreaking study by Mügen Terzioglu and colleagues challenges long-held ideas about the protein MTERF1's importance in mitochondrial transcription and translation. The findings, published in Cell Metabolism, demonstrate that MTERF1 is not as crucial to mitochondrial function as previously thought.
Two genes associated with rare autism-related disorders are also jointly linked to more general forms of autism, according to a new study published in Molecular Psychiatry. The findings suggest a new genetic pathway to investigate in general autism research.
A tiny piece of RNA, mir-125a-5p, plays a crucial role in regulating cyclical gene activity that defines the timing of tissue segment formation. This regulation is essential for proper embryonic tissue development and has implications for treating human conditions affected by embryonic development.
Mitochondria have been found to contain 'assembly plants' that regulate the expression of their genes, producing long precursor RNA molecules specific to this organelle. These structures, known as mitochondrial RNA granules, play a crucial role in energy production and may be linked to various diseases.
Researchers found that BPA suppresses a vital nerve cell function gene and raises concerns about the chemical's impact on central nervous system development. The study suggests that BPA could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome, which is characterized by mutations in the MECP2 gene.
A new study reveals that pseudogenes can regulate cancer-related genes like PTEN, potentially leading to new treatments. The research found that pseudogenes sharing sequences with PTEN can control its activity in two ways.
Researchers developed a system to artificially simulate natural complex interactions between proteins that regulate genes, allowing for precise control over gene activation. This breakthrough enables scientists to better understand human gene regulation and develop new gene-based therapies.
The study reveals two independent mechanisms for fixing heterochromatin to the inner face of the nuclear envelope, using lamin A/C and the lamin-B receptor. This discovery sheds light on how the nuclear architecture in rod cells of nocturnal animals differs from normal cells.
A high-resolution map of gene regulatory elements in the brain has been created, identifying thousands of enhancer sequences that amplify gene expression. The atlas provides critical information for studying neurological disorders and brain development.
Researchers found that the critical transcription factor TFIID can co-exist in two distinct structural states, enabling recognition and binding to DNA sequences. This discovery provides new insight into gene expression regulation, a process crucial for growth, development, health, and survival of all organisms.
A new gene has been identified with a key role in obesity and diabetes, regulating fat storage and energy expenditure. The study suggests that blocking this gene could lead to therapies for obesity and related illnesses.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal advocates for regulating sugary drinks to combat obesity. New York City's 16-ounce limit is seen as a successful model, and critics argue that similar measures can be taken without threatening personal choice.
A study by Isabelle Ouellet-Morin found that bullying by peers alters the structure surrounding a gene involved in mood regulation, making victims more vulnerable to mental health problems. The research suggests that victimization experiences in childhood can change not only stress response but also gene functioning related to mood.
Researchers found that chromatin, a protein complex, regulates genes in the liver to sync with circadian cycles. The study suggests connections between dietary schedules and chronic diseases, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol.
Researchers have broadened the understanding of how cells regulate silencing of the X chromosome, finding indications of gene activity inside and outside the Xist cloud. The study's findings suggest a more subtle regulation mechanism than previously thought, with potential implications for cancer therapy and non-coding RNA function.
Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology found that deletion of just one gene, Gadd45g, results in complete sex reversal of male mice. The study uncovers a novel signaling cascade essential for initiating male sex organ development.
A NIH study found that changes in immune gene function may cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Decreased DNA methylation led to increased IL17RC protein, promoting inflammation and immune cell recruitment that damages the retina.
Scientists at the University of Georgia and Harvard Medical School have discovered a new gene that regulates heme synthesis in red blood cell formation. The study found that a deficiency in this gene leads to severe anemia, which promises to advance our understanding and treatment of human anemias and mitochondrial diseases.
Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.
A new therapy for a rare form of cystic fibrosis has been developed using an unconventional approach. The drug, VX-770, was found to open both normal and mutant CFTR channels without the need for ATP, a molecule that normally regulates channel activity.
Researchers study circadian clocks in cultured cells and find that the transcription factor BMAL1 must die for the DBP gene to function. This discovery offers a possible explanation for how different genes have distinct daily cycles of expression.
A large Australian family's genetic mystery has been solved, revealing the cause of their rare intellectual disability as altered protein regulation. The study found that a specific gene and its regulation played a key role in triggering the disability, which affects only male family members.
A study published in Clinical Epigenetics found that individuals with a specific genetic variation in SIRT1 are more likely to develop vibration-induced white finger disease. The research suggests that testing for this variant before starting work with vibrating machinery could prevent years of pain and disability.
A recent study reveals a common RNA pathway that contributes to the degeneration of motor neurons in both ALS and dementia. The discovery provides a potential target for developing new treatments and offers insights into the normal function of key proteins involved in these diseases.
Researchers at EMBL and Oxford University found that gene loops can turn bi-directional promoters into one-way systems, controlling transcription direction. This discovery enables bidirectional regulation of genes, allowing cells to adjust the spread of regulation throughout the genome.
Researchers have identified a new gene, Wnt16, linked to bone density and cortical bone thickness, which can predict fracture risk. The discovery opens up opportunities for developing new medicines to prevent common fractures.
A new study has outlined how interactions between genes, proteins and molecules direct the development of stem cells into mature heart cells. The research could help scientists better understand how genetic mutations lead to congenital heart defects and assist efforts to engineer artificial heart tissue.
A team of researchers developed an automated system to map protein-DNA interactions, uncovering a hierarchical structure for the regulatory code. They found that regulatory factors can be classified into three levels, with each tier governing cell type, sub-identity and specialized gene expression.
The ENCODE project has unveiled that over 80% of the human genome is associated with biological function, while proteins switch genes on and off regularly. The study provides insights into genetic information control and expression in specific cell types, shedding light on disease susceptibility.
About 80 percent of the human genome is found to be biochemically active, regulating nearby genes and influencing expression in different cells. The discovery helps understand how mutations in regulatory elements lead to diseases like lupus and diabetes.
Researchers created detailed maps of regulatory DNA switches that dictate gene expression and developed a dictionary of the genome's programming language. The findings greatly expand our understanding of how genes are controlled and how this control may differ between normal and diseased cells.
Researchers uncover nearly 358 genetic variants associated with disease predisposition, including rare regulatory variants that were previously undetectable. This study sheds new light on the complex role of gene regulation in human diseases.
A new study from Linköping University reveals that circadian rhythm disruptions can immediately inhibit blood vessel growth in zebrafish embryos. The research also shows that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production is key to normal circadian rhythm functioning.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified PHF20 as a novel transcriptional factor that regulates gene P53, a crucial gene for normal cell growth and tumor suppression. The study found that PHF20 directly interacts with p53 and stabilizes it, allowing for its activation in response to DNA damage.
The study discovered that the claudin-10 gene plays a crucial role in reabsorbing sodium chloride in the kidney. In its absence, mice exhibit elevated magnesium levels and excess calcium deposition in the kidneys, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining salt balance.
Nek9 protein is required for chromosomes to separate into two identical groups during cell division. Its inhibition has been identified as a promising strategy against cancer.
Prosperous Native-American tribes are concerned that state-legalized internet gambling could harm their revenues and economies. Experts, including Joseph M. Kelly, PhD, JD, argue that federal regulation would be preferable to prevent negative impacts.
A study published in Oncogene found that progestins regulate miRNA-29, a molecule that helps breast cancer cells revert to a stem-like state marked by proteins CD44 and CK5. This phenomenon makes breast cancers more resistant to treatments targeting hormone dependence.
Scientists discovered that exposure to pathogens causes significant changes in a plant's epigenetic code, which helps the plant develop resistance. These epigenetic changes are linked to genes responsible for coordinating stress responses, suggesting the epigenome plays a role in disease resistance.
Researchers identified 12 genetic markers associated with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, which regulate testosterone and estrogen in the bloodstream. The study found that SHBG levels are influenced by multiple factors, including genes related to liver function, metabolism, and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers identified genetic markers influencing protein levels regulating oestrogen and testosterone in the bloodstream, near genes related to liver function and type 2 diabetes. These findings highlight an important connection between metabolic and reproductive systems in men and women.
A team of scientists has discovered an epigenetic enzyme that doubles the output of thousands of different genes in male fruit flies to compensate for their single X chromosome. The study found twice as many DNA-transcribing proteins attached to the male X chromosome compared to females.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a variation of an enzyme's ability to 'hop' along DNA, modifying genetic material and physical capabilities in bacteria. The study provides insight into epigenetic gene regulation and its potential applications in biomedical fields.
Researchers found PHF21A gene mutated in patients with Potocki-Shaffer syndrome, leading to malformations and intellectual disability. The gene plays a crucial role in neuron survival, and its suppression can lead to brain cell death.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute have discovered a molecular link between telomerase and the Wnt/β-signalling pathway, which regulates telomere length in stem cells and cancer cells. This regulation mechanism could lead to the development of new treatments for human tumours.
A study by Griffith University has identified a new region on the X chromosome linked to migraine in females. The research suggests multiple genes may be involved, including one related to iron regulation in the brain.
Dr. Terry Orr-Weaver is the recipient of the FASEB 2013 Excellence in Science Award, honoring her contributions to DNA replication and cell cycle research. She has made significant insights into the control of cell division, particularly in Drosophila.