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Gene regulation: Can we stomach it?

Researchers have identified 60 small RNA particles (sRNAs) in Helicobacter pylori, a surprising finding given the pathogen's previously thought lack of sRNAs. The discovery could provide new insights into gene regulation and potentially lead to the development of a vaccine against H. pylori.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 23, 2010

Mechanical forces could affect gene expression

Researchers at the University of Michigan have shown that small mechanical forces can control gene expression by reducing DNA looping, a common mechanism for gene regulation. The study provides new insights into how cells regulate themselves and could lead to new understandings of diseases such as cancer and cardiac disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 2, 2010

Slimming gene regulates body fat

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a previously unknown gene in fruit flies that controls fat metabolism. The gene, called 'schlank', is structurally similar to genes found in humans and may play a role in energy metabolism. Introducing mouse Lass genes into mutant flies showed promise for new obesity treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 2, 2009

UC San Diego engineer provides insights to decades-old DNA squabble

Researchers have used innovative approaches to deduce the internal structure of chromatin, reconciling a decades-old controversy. The new finding could unlock the mystery behind cancer origins and other diseases. Chromatin's complex combination of DNA and proteins regulates genetic processes like DNA replication and transcription.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2009

Anti-biotech groups obstruct forest biotechnology

The development of genetically modified trees is being obstructed by anti-biotech groups and regulations that prioritize process over product. Researchers argue that a regulatory environment focused on scientific case-by-case assessments is necessary to unlock the full potential of forest biotechnology.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 30, 2009

Gene evolution process discovered

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a key mechanism governing gene evolution, revealing that protein REST controls gene expression by binding to specific genetic sequences. This process has been shown to play a leading role in the evolution of intelligence in mammals, particularly in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 15, 2009

Small molecules mimic natural gene regulators

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed small molecules that mimic the behavior and function of a natural regulator of gene expression, binding to a key protein and promoting gene activity. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for treating diseases caused by errors in gene regulation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJun 3, 2009

FANTOM findings boost for biologists

The FANTOM4 consortium has published several milestone papers in Nature Genetics and BioMed Central journals, providing new data on genomic regulatory blocks and chromatin conformation signatures. These findings have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of gene regulation and cell differentiation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 20, 2009

A novel explanation for a floral genetic mystery

Scientists have proposed a novel explanation for a long-standing floral genetic mystery in plants, revealing a complex mechanism that provides a clear selective advantage. The study used computational modeling to investigate potential explanations for the existence of interdependent genes that regulate flower development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 15, 2009