Articles tagged with Gene Regulation
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.
Perturbation of lamin B1-Oct-1 interactions can affect the expression of genes regulated by Oct-1, leading to increased reactive oxygen species production. This could be a key mechanism underlying the aging process.
The study identified six new genes associated with obesity, including TMEM18, KCTD15, and GNPDA2, which show a neural effect. These genes are active in brain cells and have been validated in multiple studies.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a protein called Asr1 that 'glues' ubiquitin to specific spots in the DNA-copying enzyme, causing it to be jettisoned and inactivating gene transcription. This discovery sheds light on how ubiquitin regulates gene activity.
Researchers created a model that explains how genes are turned on and off by analyzing DNA sequences and transcription factor interactions. The study found that simple rules govern gene expression patterns, accounting for 65% of variation between cells.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that not all DNA segments bound to the GATA1 protein are conserved across mammals, challenging previous assumptions. They found that 45% of these segments retain their identical form in other species, suggesting purifying selection maintains most regulatory regions.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered the relation between genes that affect a cell's capacity to generate energy. The study highlights the importance of Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in regulating mitochondrial fusion, which is crucial for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Montana State University have identified a gene called srbA that allows molds to resist drugs and thrive in low-oxygen environments. The gene is found in both humans and molds, and its removal makes the mold more susceptible to antifungal drugs and oxygen deprivation.
A genetic mutation in Dalmatians causes high uric acid levels leading to bladder stones, a problem also affecting humans. Researchers identified the SLC2A9 gene responsible and plan to offer DNA testing for breeders to eliminate the trait.
Researchers mapped thousands of positions where PPAR gamma regulates genes in fat cells, potentially leading to new therapies for reducing fat cell numbers or altering function. The findings aim to decrease side effects associated with antidiabetic drugs.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore found that 'junk' DNA plays a crucial role in distinguishing humans from other species. These repeats provide a source of evolutionary variability and may hold the key to understanding physical differences between humans and other organisms.
A recent study suggests that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may be linked to a genetic mutation in the eye's melanopsin gene. Individuals with this mutation are five times more likely to experience SAD symptoms, highlighting a potential genetic predisposition to the condition.
Research detects ER-alpha and PR isoforms in Mongolian gerbil stomach, but their regulation by E2 and P4 varies between tissues. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind these receptors' roles in gastric health.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with isolated cleft lip, which affects approximately one in five cases. The study found that the variant disrupts proper expression of the IRF6 gene, leading to disruptions in AP2 binding and contributing to the development of cleft lip.
Researchers found a novel gene, bZIP28, regulating heat stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery may lead to creating crops more resilient to warmer climates.
Researchers found that cells tune gene expression using discrete bursts of activation, proportional to the frequency of nuclear localization pulses. This 'bang bang' regulation controls gene expression, with genes affected in proportion to the number or frequency of these jumps.
A novel Brandeis University study reports on molecular gymnastics performed by a protein involved in regulating DNA transcription. The research uses state-of-the-art tools and simple methods to observe the shape and behavior of individual DNA molecules.
The Conaway Lab identifies a new way in which the proteasome helps regulate gene expression through its interaction with the chromatin remodeling complex INO80. This mechanism involves the deubiquitinating enzyme Uch37, which can remove protein tags from other proteins.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that certain microRNAs regulate growth and aging processes in plants by inhibiting TCP transcription factors. This results in slower aging and increased lifespan, with potential applications for cultivating longer-lived and faster-growing plants.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have uncovered the genetic pathway that controls abscission in plants, shedding light on this fundamental physiological process. The discovery has significant implications for regulating fruit quality and pre-harvest fruit drop in commercial industries.
Researchers at Uppsala University used medical x-rays to find rudimentary fingers in the fins of Panderichthys, a transitional animal between fish and tetrapods. This discovery indicates that fingers evolved earlier than previously thought, contradicting the long-held theory that they emerged in tetrapods.
Research reveals that chronic alcohol consumption alters neural systems in the brain, leading to cognitive deficits and disorders of memory and learning. Dynorphins, a key player in this process, are found to be upregulated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impairing learning and memory.
Scientists have identified a gene called Lrh1 that plays a crucial role in regulating ovulation. Deleting this gene in mice prevents ovulation, opening up potential avenues for developing more effective contraceptives and fertility treatments. This discovery could benefit up to 15% of infertile couples seeking help.
Researchers at UCSC have identified a novel type of gene regulation in mammals involving hammerhead ribozymes, which control the activity of important immune response and bone metabolism genes. The discovery challenges previous views on gene expression and suggests a more versatile role for RNA molecules.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new target for RNAs that regulate genes, finding that these tiny strands bind to non-coding RNA transcripts and recruit proteins to activate or inhibit gene expression.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism in plants that regulates circadian rhythms, which are integral to responses to light, temperature, and other environmental cues. The PRR gene family plays a crucial role in these mechanisms, with its members transcribed and translated at different times of day.
Researchers have identified approximately 2000 genes that contribute to the increased drought tolerance of two Andean potato clones. The study found up-regulated genes involved in osmotic adjustment, detoxification, and cell communication and signaling, as well as increased solute concentrations to induce water uptake from drying soils.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified the role of transcription factors in controlling cell death in the heart, paving the way for gene regulatory therapy. They have successfully developed non-viral delivery mechanisms to transfer DNA and repress activation of specific transcription factors.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) has been signed into law, providing protections for patients and research participants from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. However, gaps in oversight of genetic tests and the need for regulatory guidance remain to be addressed.
Researchers at USC identified a gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels, providing new insights into blood sugar regulation. The study found that genetic variation in the G6PC2 gene may be responsible for reducing insulin secretion and increasing glucose concentrations.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine used high throughput microscopy to study the regulation of estrogen receptor-alpha, finding that its response depends on the manner of regulation. The technique enabled them to analyze thousands of images of cells and differentiate between ligand- and steroid-dependent regulation.
Researchers identified regulatory sequences that act like zip codes, determining where odour receptors are expressed in olfactory neurons. These elements positively and negatively regulate receptor expression, suggesting a broader role in nervous system development.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified genes responsible for fat storage in cells, which may lead to new understanding and potential treatments for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The study found that ~1.5% of all genes function in lipid-droplet formation and regulation.
Researchers have mapped nucleosome organization along genes in Drosophila melanogaster, revealing a critical stop sign for transcription. This discovery highlights the importance of nucleosomes in regulating gene expression and has implications for developing effective anti-viral drugs against HIV.
Scientists chart the epigenome of plant Arabidopsis thaliana, mapping precise DNA modifications and their effects on gene activity. The study provides insights into plant productivity, stress resistance, human genome dynamics, and cancer research.
Researchers discovered a gene in flies whose activity is controlled by protein and sugar intake, suggesting a second mechanism for glucose release under specific dietary conditions. The findings also reveal potential links between diet, insulin signaling, and life span, particularly with high-protein diets.
New data reveals miRNAs control female mouse fertility by regulating the corpus luteum's blood vessel formation and TIMP1 expression. Injection of specific miRNAs into ovaries improved corpus luteum function in Dicerd/d mice.
Researchers examined two emotion regulation strategies: reappraisal and suppression. Reappraisal reduced negative emotions and activated prefrontal cortex, while suppression increased amygdala activity. These findings suggest reappraisal as a more successful coping strategy.
Researchers have identified 25 genes that regulate aging in both yeast and nematodes, with significant overlap between nutrient-response pathways. These findings suggest that similar mechanisms may contribute to human aging, providing a foundation for understanding age-associated diseases.
Researchers at the University of Washington have identified 25 genes regulating lifespan in yeast and roundworms, with at least 15 having similar versions in humans. The study provides quantitative evidence that these genes have been conserved during evolution, suggesting potential targets for treating age-related diseases.
Researchers at EMBL discovered that estrogen causes rapid epigenetic changes in breast cancer cells, challenging the long-held assumption of methylation as a mechanism of long-term gene regulation. This cyclical nature of methylation may shed light on the molecular bases of cancer and development.
Scientists at the University of Helsinki and the University of California have discovered a gene regulating carbon dioxide uptake and water evaporation in plants. This gene helps develop drought-tolerant crops, addressing climate change's impact on global food production.
A team at CSHL led by Professor Leemor Joshua-Tor discovered a new wrinkle in the regulation of gene expression that governs metabolic state in yeast cells. The discovery revealed a key role for the NADP molecule in adapting to changes in nutritional environments.
The study found that mice lacking HOXA11 had no uterosacral ligaments, highlighting the gene's importance in their development. In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased HOXA11 expression was linked to weakened connective tissue and increased levels of a degradation mediator.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have solved the structure of p300/CBP, a gene regulator implicated in deadliest cancers. The breakthrough reveals how p300/CBP regulates a wide variety of genes and enables the development of targeted cancer therapies.
PARP-1 and histone H1 compete for binding to gene promoters, with PARP-1 turning genes on. The study reveals a surprising number of genes are kept on by the presence of PARP-1.
VEGF-B has been shown to inhibit apoptosis in retinal cells and brain cells in mouse models of injury and stroke, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Autophagy is also identified as a virulence-associated trait and survival mechanism for the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.
Uppsala University scientists have developed a method to analyze genetic regulation and identified genes that govern fat levels and energy conversion. This breakthrough provides new understanding of the causes of disturbed metabolism, including familial combined hyperlipidemia.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered two genes, E2F7 and E2F8, that play a vital role in preventing massive cell death in developing embryos. The study shows that these genes suppress the activity of another gene, E2f1, which is involved in triggering programmed cell death.
Swedish researchers have identified several genes that regulate the autoimmune disease SLE, including BANK1, which affects B cells and auto-antibody production. The findings may lead to new treatments targeting B cell functions.
Researchers successfully switched a gene regulatory element from a bat to a mouse, resulting in abnormally long forelimbs. This study demonstrates that evolution can be driven by changes in gene expression patterns, rather than solely genetic changes.
Researchers at Tufts University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical for mediating satiety in adult mice. Mice with deleted BDNF genes ate more and became heavier, highlighting the protein's role in energy balance.
The Baumann lab has identified the long-sought telomerase RNA gene in a single-cell research model, providing a critical tool for studying telomerase in human cells. This breakthrough sheds light on the correlations between telomere shortening and various diseases, including cancer and coronary heart disease.
Researchers discovered a new regulatory element in the CFTR gene that controls its expression in the gastrointestinal tract. The study identified three key regulatory factors that modify chromatin structure, leading to altered CFTR expression.
Researchers have shed new light on the role of RNA polymerase II in gene expression, revealing a complex mechanism that allows for efficient use of existing genes. The study found that phosphorylation of serine 7 at the carboxyterminal domain is essential for processing and maturation of specific gene products.
Researchers found that a common genetic mechanism, involving the Kitlg gene, is responsible for the evolution of skin pigmentation in both fish and humans. This discovery reveals a surprising parallel between the evolutionary history of stickleback fish and human populations.
A University of California, Irvine study identifies a single amino acid that triggers circadian rhythms, opening up potential for new pharmaceuticals to treat sleep disorders and related ailments. The finding uncovers the most specific information about the body's internal clock to date.
Two studies published in BMC Genomics have identified over 1,400 genes involved in grape ripening and revealed the first biochemical evidence of reactive oxygen species accumulation during color transition. The findings provide a powerful new resource for understanding fruit ripening control in non-climacteric plants.
Researchers compared 12 closely related fruit fly species to better understand genetic adaptation, immune systems and gene regulation. The study, led by Cornell University, found evidence of evolutionary pressures on genes and regulatory elements that control diseases, development and behavior.
Researchers identify novel TRF2 target promoters, distinguishing between three classes of genes dependent on TBP or TRF2. Depletion of TRF2 leads to reduced ribosomal gene transcription and chromosomal defects.