A study found that farmers with specific genetic variations in the paraoxonase gene are more likely to experience poor health after exposure to organophosphates used in sheep dip. This suggests a potential link between repeated exposure and chronic ill health.
UCSD researchers identified a gene, KChIP2, that regulates critical electrical currents in the human heart and is associated with increased vulnerability to arrhythmias. The study found that a defective version of this gene can lead to malignant heart rhythms and sudden death in patients with heart failure.
This year, APS awarded several prestigious lectureships to outstanding researchers in physiology. The award winners include Allen Cowley, Pontus Persson, Adrian Morrison, and Albert Bennett, who will present their research on various topics including genomics, cardiovascular function, biomedical ethics, and more.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a genetic cause of high blood pressure, a condition that affects 25% of adult populations. The study found two genes that contribute to the disease, which is linked to increased salt reabsorption and diminished potassium secretion in the kidneys.
A recent Wistar Institute study identifies an enzyme that modifies histones to activate specific genes in yeast. This discovery supports the 'histone code' theory, suggesting a complex interplay among histone modifications controls gene activity.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found a previously unknown binding site on RNA polymerase, dramatically increasing the speed of DNA-to-RNA conversion. This discovery has significant implications for understanding gene expression and regulation in cells, particularly in cancer research.
Rutgers is launching a National Program of Excellence in Biomedical Computing to study the biology of transcription and gene expression. The program aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern gene expression, which is crucial for solving pressing human health problems such as cancer and infectious diseases.
Researchers propose that the APP tail participates in gene expression by binding to DNA, potentially activating transcription. This finding may shed light on mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease and raise concerns about the effectiveness of drugs intended to prevent plaque formation.
Researchers have identified the three-dimensional atomic structure of a critical gene-regulating molecule, revealing its importance in human diseases such as cancers, autoimmune disorders, and developmental disorders. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments and therapies for these conditions.
Researchers at TSRI have cloned the TOC1 gene, which regulates circadian rhythms in plants, providing insight into how plants adapt to daily environmental changes. The study's findings suggest that understanding plant internal clocks may also elucidate clock mechanisms in other species, including humans.
Scientists have identified a number of genes specifically regulated by the hormone leptin, which is produced by fat tissue and secreted into the bloodstream. These findings offer new insights into how leptin causes fat loss and decreased appetite, and may also provide new targets for drugs designed to stimulate weight loss.
Researchers identify a genetic marker associated with panic disorder, linked to variations in cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor function. The study found that this variation could be a risk factor for panic attacks and may be useful in diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found a mutant gene in C. elegans that doubles adult lifespan when mutated, suggesting its role in regulating aging. The gene encodes a PI(3)K enzyme, which may trigger a biochemical program leading to decreased aging and senescence.