Articles tagged with Gene Regulation
Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of CLOCK and BMAL1 proteins, which regulate gene expression in response to daily cycles. The discovery provides new understanding into the intricacies of biological clocks and may lead to breakthroughs in treating circadian-related disorders.
Researchers have identified a gene strongly linked to appetite regulation as a predictor of premature infants' feeding readiness. The NPY2R biomarker in saliva declines with maturity, allowing non-invasive testing for optimal feeding care.
A $1.5 million NIH grant will support a four-year research project led by Frances Sladek to characterize SNPs' effects on nuclear receptors and predict disease susceptibility and response to drug treatments. The study aims to bring personalized medicine closer for patients.
A team of scientists has discovered a new family of six genes that regulate mitochondrial transport in neurons, which is crucial for brain activity and viability. The proteins are highly expressed in the nervous system and may be involved in neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute decoded genes for extreme body size in mice, revealing 67 loci and new genes regulating energy balance, metabolic processes, and growth. The study's findings suggest that artificial selection can parallel natural selection to alter similar genes, shedding light on the genetic basis of complex traits.
Researchers found a genetic trade-off between female sexual maturation and longevity, where delayed reproduction is associated with longer life. Mice with lower IGF1 levels reached sexual maturity later and lived longer.
A new study reveals that the pattern of gene regulation in plant pathogens is shaped by their past environments, not just their genetic makeup. This finding has significant implications for disease control and may require a new approach to regulating microbial activity.
The March of Dimes Foundation has awarded UTMB assistant professor Muge Kuyumcu-Martinez a two-year $150,000 grant to support her research on congenital heart defects. The award will enable her to study the protein kinase C pathway and its interactions with genes using cell-culture and transgenic mouse experiments.
A team of researchers at Caltech has traced the developmental process that ensures certain stem cells become T cells. They identified key genes and regulatory proteins involved in this process, shedding light on how stem cells are committed to a specific cell fate.
A study by BUSM researchers has identified a gene called GPS2 that plays a critical role in regulating inflammatory response and homeostasis. Increasing GPS2 levels was found to impair the response to TNF-alpha, resulting in a decreased inflammatory response.
Scientists have discovered that chromosomes fold into a series of contiguous 'yarns,' grouping genes and regulatory elements together to facilitate coordinated development. This domainal organization allows for the precise orchestration of gene activity, but also creates a challenge when mutations disrupt this structure.
A new study found that social stress changes the expression of nearly 1,000 genes in rhesus macaques, affecting their immune response and other functions. The researchers discovered significant differences in gene expression between high-ranking and low-ranking females, suggesting a strong link between social environment and biology.
A study of rhesus macaques found that their social status correlates with gene expression patterns across a range of genes, with lower-ranking individuals showing signs of chronic stress and altered immune function. The study estimates that gene expression can predict an individual's social status with 80% accuracy.
Researchers found a common network of interactions among genes mutated in children with autism, affecting brain cell formation and signaling. The study also discovered that most new mutations were paternal in origin, correlating with the age of the father.
Cardiomyopathy is a deterioration of the heart muscle affecting its pumping ability. MDC-researchers identified RNA binding motif protein 20 (RBM20) as a gene regulating titin splicing, a process connected to the disease. Understanding this mechanism may lead to more efficient molecular diagnosis and therapies for cardiomyopathy.
A team of researchers has developed a new tool to identify conserved motifs in the genomes of trypanosomatids, a group of parasites that include the causing agents of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. The tool, named LeischCICS, uses bioinformatics tools to pinpoint potentially functional and regulatory sequences.
Researchers have discovered that a retrotransposon element is responsible for inducing anthocyanin production in blood oranges when exposed to cold conditions. This finding has significant implications for the future of blood orange production, potentially allowing for reliable worldwide cultivation and increasing their availability as...
The project 'Clockwork Green' investigates the importance of circadian clocks in plants, exploring their role in survival and reproduction. By releasing transgenic tobacco plants with silenced clock genes in their natural habitat, researchers aim to uncover the functions of circadian-regulated genes and their impact on plant growth.
Researchers discovered that high levels of Amd1, an enzyme in the polyamine synthesis pathway, are essential for maintaining embryonic stem cells' (ESCs) self-renewal ability. The study also found that manipulating polyamine levels could help direct ESC differentiation into clinically useful cell types.
Biologists at the University of Rochester used a genetic tool from jewel wasps to find changes in cell regulator genes that affect wing growth. This discovery could help understand cell growth regulation and underlying causes of some diseases.
A team of scientists led by Bing Ren has discovered how differential DNA methylation in the parental genomes sets the stage for selective expression of imprinted genes. The study found parent-of-origin specific DNA methylation imprints at 1,952 dinucleotide sequences, including previously unknown regions.
Plant steroid hormones brassinosteroids play a crucial role in regulating the number and distribution of stomata on leaves. Research found that brassinosteroids inhibit the protein BIN2, allowing stomata formation when present and inhibiting it when absent.
A new NIH study reveals that certain genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism show increased regulatory activity during a critical period of development, influenced by environmental factors. This discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation in shaping brain function and behavior.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery by mapping the human genome's three-dimensional structure, revealing how genes interact and influence each other. This study sheds light on the complex regulation of gene expression and its implications for understanding human diseases.
A Canadian-led research team has identified two genetic mutations responsible for up to 40% of glioblastomas in children, a fatal cancer of the brain. The mutations were found to be involved in DNA regulation, which could explain resistance to traditional treatments and have significant implications on other cancers.
Researchers discovered a common mechanism regulating blood pressure in humans through a sweeping genetic analysis of a rare disease. The study identified two genes interacting to control salt and potassium balance in the kidney.
A novel method has precisely pinpointed the location of proteins that read and regulate chromosomes, providing a high-resolution view into gene regulation. This breakthrough could lead to a deeper understanding of normal human development and disease mechanisms.
Researchers identified a new gene, Meg1, regulating nutrient flow from mother to offspring in maize plants, which could help increase global food production. The discovery of this imprinted gene provides scientists with a molecular tool to manipulate and improve seed traits.
Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have developed genetic markers to test blue marlin for their ocean of origin. The new test can accurately determine if a blue marlin was taken from the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, helping federal seafood agents enforce regulations and prevent overfishing.
Scientists have identified a gene switch that regulates the choice of odorant receptor genes in olfactory sensory neurons. Regulatory elements in the genome act as on-off switches to determine which gene is chosen for expression.
Researchers investigate how c-myc gene mutations interact with p53 and Bcl2 genes in Burkitt's lymphoma. The study shows that the nature of the second 'hit' determines immune response against developing tumours, with implications for cancer therapy.
Researchers at Uppsala University have examined the mechanism of gene transcription and found that genes active in the brain are transcribed with a special mechanism. During fetal development, there is a larger proportion of RNA molecules containing introns compared to fully developed brains.
A study published in Nature Genetics finds that both males and females up-regulate X chromosome gene expression to equalize the dosage imbalance caused by having only one copy of the X chromosome. This confirms a longstanding hypothesis and provides new insights into how cells manage genetic imbalances.
Researchers found that young, human-specific genes are more likely to be expressed in the developing human brain. This correlation suggests that these genes may play a key role in constructing the uniquely powerful human brain.
A team of researchers has discovered a pervasive human RNA modification that contributes to obesity and type II diabetes. The study shows that this modification process, called methylation, impacts protein expression and function through its action on a common RNA base: adenosine.
A study has identified a gene, Tomosyn-2, that confers diabetes susceptibility in obese mice by regulating insulin secretion. The protein acts as a brake on insulin release from the pancreas, and its destabilization allows for sufficient insulin production to prevent diabetes.
Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research have discovered a gene regulating sorghum flowering, which can delay flowering and increase biomass accumulation by up to 200 days. This breakthrough enables the development of sorghum as a dedicated bioenergy crop with potential to produce lignocellulosic-based biofuels.
Research identifies a new gene regulatory region on chromosome 17 involved in testicle formation in individuals with XX or XY chromosomes. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanism of human sex development, revealing a missing link in the testis development system.
Researchers have identified a critical link between p63 and Satb1 genes in regulating skin development. The study found that Satb1 plays an essential role in chromatin remodeling, which is necessary for gene expression and cell differentiation.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified specific mutations in the MED12 gene as the cause of fibroid tumorigenesis in 70% of studied tumors. This discovery provides hope for targeted therapies and a deeper understanding of fibroid development.
Researchers identified parkin as a regulator of fat uptake by liver cells, impacting blood fat levels and potentially linking to Parkinson's disease. The study found that increased parkin protein levels are associated with high-fat diets and mutant human cells.
Researchers identified three periods of evolutionary innovation in gene regulation that increased in frequency during different periods in vertebrate evolution. These innovations affected genes involved in embryonic development, cell-to-cell communication, and signaling pathways.
A Gladstone scientist has discovered a genetic factor that regulates heartbeat synchronization, potentially advancing medicine and human health. The study found that abnormalities in this regulation lead to heart arrhythmias, which can be fatal, and may offer new avenues for drug therapy to target these pathways.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that a defect in brain glucose sensing contributes to obesity, while correction of this defect can treat the condition. The researchers discovered a novel role for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in hypothalamic glucose sensing and whole-body energy balance regulation.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered SAGA's importance in fruit fly development, targeting different genes by interactions with transcription factors. SAGA regulates transcription elongation and is associated with paused polymerase II on developmentally regulated genes.
A recent stem cell study has found that the protein molecule E-cadherin, which plays a key role in cancer, also regulates up to 25% of genes within cells. This unexpected discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by understanding why some cancer cells are difficult to eradicate.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered the role of Super Elongation Complex (SEC) in controlling gene expression during early development. They found that SEC facilitates coordinated and rapid induction of genes, including Hox genes, which are essential for embryonic development.
Researchers have identified Foxp2 as a gene that helps regulate the wiring of neurons in the brain, leading to insights into speech and language disorders. The study found that altering Foxp2 levels impacts the length and branching of neuronal projections, which modulates brain connectivity.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that a specific microRNA, miR-206, plays a pivotal role in normal muscle development during embryonic stages. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the maintenance and regeneration of healthy muscle tissue, particularly in diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cancer.
A team of scientists has uncovered a novel mechanism regulating gene expression and transcription linked to Spinocerebellar ataxia 7, an inherited neurological disorder. Non-coding RNA plays key role in neurological development and function.
The 2011 Pew Scholars will advance research leading to medical breakthroughs and treatments, covering human diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes. The program, investing over $125 million, recognizes early-career scientists with innovative ideas.
Researchers identified a critical node, defective proventriculus (dve), in a network regulating Rhodopsin gene expression. This interlocked feed-forward loop (FFL) motif controls cell-type specific expression, restricting and inducing Rhodopsin presence in different photoreceptors.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified over 11,000 protein interaction networks that control gene regulation in human cells. These networks, which consist of thousands of multi-protein complexes, play a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes and producing proteins.
A collaborative research proposal by Hebrew University and University of Kentucky teams explores the role of small non-coding RNAs in regulating genetic information. The study aims to understand how organisms interpret genomic information, potentially leading to new therapies for human diseases.
New studies at UCSB reveal wide-ranging variability in retinal neurons among individuals, with potential causal genes identified for cone photoreceptor production. The research contributes to a fuller understanding of retina development and its significance in vision research.
Scientists uncover a highly conserved dual mechanism that regulates both brain development and function across diverse species. The discovery could lead to biomarkers for neurological diseases and potentially cure them with microRNA therapeutics.
James Birchler, a renowned cytogeneticist, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his pioneering work on chromosome structure and function. His innovative techniques have paved the way for introducing disease-resistant and agronomic traits into plants, with significant implications for agriculture and medicine.
A recent study suggests that successful genetic blueprints for mesodermal development are recycled by evolution, rather than being invented anew in different species. The researchers found highly conserved transcription factor binding sites across six fruit fly species, indicating a shared regulatory program.
Researchers studied fruit flies adapting from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe and found that a gene called crm regulates temperature-dependent traits. The study reveals that changes in this gene may have enabled the flies to survive in colder climates.
The ENCODE Project, a massive database cataloging the human genome's functional elements, is being made available as an open resource. The project provides a guide for using the vast amounts of data and resources produced so far, facilitating scientific discovery and public understanding of science.