Articles tagged with Gene Regulation
Researchers at MUSC have found a connection between a defective copy of the MEF2C gene and autism behaviors. This rare form of autism is caused by one of two MEF2C genes in each cell being nonfunctioning, leading to issues such as language difficulties, epilepsy, and breathing problems.
PML bodies are found to physically restrict access to DNA methylation enzymes, suppressing gene activation. The study sheds light on a new role of PML bodies in regulating gene expression by manipulating 3D nuclear organization.
St. Jude awarded a National Science Foundation grant to develop new tools for studying pediatric diseases by integrating biology and engineering at the molecular level. The collaboration will provide St. Jude faculty with a new chemical and engineering toolbox to address gene regulation disorders, including childhood cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, Sestrin1, that regulates cholesterol levels by shutting off cholesterol production in the liver when food provides enough essential nutrients. The study combines fine-grained detail from animal studies with statistical power of genetic studies involving hundreds of thousands of human genomes.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover two genes that regulate levels of healthy fats called FAHFAs, which decrease inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity. An experimental drug successfully increases FAHFA levels by blocking the activity of these genes, offering new insights into therapies for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
A study by IRB Barcelona's Cell Signaling laboratory found that histone modifications regulate response to cellular stress, including heat and salt stress. The researchers identified over 200 amino acid regions in histones that undergo modifications under stress, allowing for personalized adaptation.
A new study reveals that transposable elements contribute to cell-specific chromatin looping, gene regulation, and species divergence. The researchers developed software MapGL to track physical gain and loss of genetic sequences across species, shedding light on the evolutionary influences of structural variations.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered the critical gene ZNF263, which regulates heparin biosynthesis in human cells. This breakthrough could enable the production of heparin in well-controlled cell culture, providing a safer and more sustainable alternative to current methods.
Researchers Susanne Hellmuth and Olaf Stemmann found that the protein shugoshin regulates separase activity, preventing premature sister chromatid separation. This discovery adds to our understanding of chromosome inheritance and highlights the importance of tight regulation in cell division.
A new transcription factor (FaPRE1) has been identified as a key regulator of strawberry ripening, controlling the expression of genes related to color, aroma, and texture. The gene plays a twofold role in regulating expression, silencing development genes and beginning ripening genes.
A study by University of Helsinki researchers identified a gene variant in the regulatory region of the retina responsible for canine blindness in Miniature Schnauzers. The finding provides valuable insights into retinal biology and offers a new model for understanding related diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers at IST Austria find that bacteria can copy genes as an adaptive strategy, creating genetic diversity and tuning gene expression levels. This mechanism allows for quick adaptation on ecological timescales, potentially impacting antibiotic resistance.
Researchers developed a new single-cell sequencing technique to study the regulation of gene transcripts. They found that cells use distinct strategies to control transcript copies, involving both transcription and degradation processes.
Conserved epigenetic regulators BAZ2B and EHMT1 identified as novel anti-aging targets in aging research. The study reveals a mechanism for regulating cognitive aging by reducing mitochondrial function.
A massive genome analysis identified 179 genes and regulators as cancer 'drivers', but found that thousands of non-driver mutations, or 'passengers', can also contribute to cancer development and have a significant impact on genomic regions. These findings suggest that passenger variants can both hinder and promote tumor growth.
The study analyzes mechanisms regulating carcinogenesis and tumor progression, opening new perspectives in the fight against human cancer. HERC1 ligase is found to regulate the activation of ERK and p38 kinase through ubiquitination.
A new study from the University of Michigan presents the first genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has decimated some North American bat populations. Genetic differences were found in genes associated with regulating arousal from hibernation and breakdown of fats.
Researchers have identified a link between the nervous system and immune system in Parkinson's disease, finding that genes like Parkin and PACRG protect nerve cells from cell death. These proteins regulate a signalling pathway that also plays a role in innate immunity, which prevents bacterial infections.
Scientists have discovered a fundamental process that regulates gene activity by destroying tangled RNAs. This discovery may lead to powerful new medical treatments and shed light on the development of human disorders.
A team of researchers has identified novel mechanisms of disease progression in the non-coding genome that could lead to better diagnostic tests and precision therapies. The study found evidence of new molecular mechanisms that may cause cancer and give rise to more-aggressive tumours.
Researchers have developed a custom artificial neural network that can analyze molecular signals controlling gene function, enabling biologists to understand complex mechanisms of gene regulation. This breakthrough enables the creation of machine learning algorithms that reflect common concepts in biology.
A new algorithm called OnTAD rapidly identifies and elucidates the functions of topologically associating domains (TADs), which are disrupted in diseases like cancer. The tool reveals increased gene expression in hierarchical TADs, associated with active epigenetic states.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used targeted gene epigenome editing to reverse a genetic mutation causing WAGR syndrome, a condition leading to intellectual disability and obesity. The study suggests the potential for developing epigenome editing therapies to prevent brain developmental disorders.
New research from the University of Alberta sheds light on iron biology's role in three human diseases: porphyria, Andersen disease, and Wolfram syndrome. The study finds that a protein called aconitase regulates genes in the nucleus to control iron levels.
Uppsala researchers developed a new method to investigate dynamic processes in large genetic libraries using DuMPLING. This approach enables the examination of thousands of living cells in a single microfluidic chip, linking genetic information to complex cell behavior. The study focuses on bacterial cell cycle regulation and aims to i...
Researchers from MIPT explored microRNA interactions with mRNA in two human cell lines, finding that microRNA does not strongly regulate all genes and its regulation potential does not directly depend on its expression level. The study also identified differences between microRNA interactions in the two cell lines.
New research reveals that chromatin dynamics regulate the entire herpes virus genome's expression during infection. The discovery sheds light on the interplay between the virus and host cells, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Scientists uncover genetic differences in gene expression that underlie species-specific songs, revealing a key role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in song learning. The study sheds new light on the evolution of animal behaviors.
Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.
Researchers identified genomic elements regulating optix gene expression in Heliconius butterflies, found to be necessary for normal pattern development. These elements evolved in parallel in distantly related species with similar patterns, highlighting the complexity of butterfly wing patterning.
A study has identified a new mechanism by which pancreatic beta-cells respond to inflammatory environments, leading to the onset of Type 1 Diabetes. Researchers mapped approximately 3,600 non-coding DNA regions that activate in response to inflammation.
A study identified two types of genetic variants in the PM20D1 gene that regulate its expression in adipocytes, with one variant acting as an on/off switch and another similar to a dimmer switch; these variations are associated with obesity risk.
Researchers analyzed human and chimpanzee cerebral organoids to understand dynamic gene expression and regulation in early brain development. They identified human-specific gene expression patterns and developmental differences in the adult prefrontal cortex.
Researchers discovered a brain circuit linking cigarette smoking to type 2 diabetes, showing that nicotine consumption leads to reduced insulin release and higher blood sugar levels. The study found that variations in the Tcf7l2 gene may influence both tobacco addiction and diabetes development.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory have identified post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms governing longevity, which will aid in screening for new therapies. The study uses C. elegans worms and dietary restriction to understand the genetic complexity of aging.
Researchers at the University of Bergen identified new genetic signals regulating infant growth, which may help combat growth-related diseases like obesity and malnutrition. The study found that different BMI-signals exist for children and adults, with varying genetic influences during childhood.
Researchers discovered that gene expression regulators work together to raise an individual's risk of developing schizophrenia. The study found that modeled gene expression changes matched those found in patients' brains, highlighting the importance of considering complex genetic interactions in psychiatric disorders.
Scientists identified over 11,000 families of grouped genes in genomes of different species, with a third being part of conserved clusters. The study found that natural selection favors gene organization, making it easier to regulate genes, and that horizontal transfer may be less common than previously thought.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a network of RNA-binding proteins that play a key role in the formation of disease-causing fibrous tissue in the heart. Inhibiting specific proteins may help prevent or treat cardiac fibrosis, which underlies many heart diseases.
Researchers investigate Mediator complex's function in transcription, shedding light on its conserved role across evolution. The study reveals the complex's involvement in developmental regulation and provides insights into gene expression.
Researchers developed single-nucleus methyl-3C sequencing (sn-m3C-seq) to analyze chromosome structure and epigenetic features in single human brain cells. This approach enables the simultaneous study of two levels of gene regulation, which may help clarify how genetic variations contribute to human disease.
Researchers have created the first high-resolution atlas of malaria parasite gene expression, revealing new insights into gene function and regulation. The Malaria Cell Atlas provides potential targets for future treatments and a better understanding of the spread of drug resistance.
A recent study found that genetic mutations affecting RNA regulation play a crucial role in autism spectrum disorder and stroke. Analyzing noncoding DNA, researchers discovered new insights into the mechanisms underlying these complex conditions.
Research found that ATG7 is related to the onset of frontotemporal dementia and Lou Gehrig's disease. The study showed that activating autophagy through ATG7 can improve neurodegenerative symptoms in fruit flies, suggesting a potential treatment for neuro-degenerative diseases.
Researchers found KLF4 protein stability is critical for stem cells to specialize and become specific cell types. By preventing this breakdown, stem cells can differentiate into organs.
The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) complicates data sharing in research, with participants' consent withdrawal rights and limited data retention posing challenges. Researchers advocate for GDPR-compliant repositories and adaptable funding policies to ensure safe data sharing.
A Princeton University-led team used AI to decode the functional impact of non-coding DNA mutations in people with autism. The researchers analyzed 1,790 family genomes and found thousands of potential genetic contributors. This breakthrough method is applicable to discovering genetic contributions to any disease.
Researchers found an interaction between BRD4 and the enzyme MTHFD1 from folate metabolism, which links gene regulation to transcriptional control. This discovery promises new approaches in cancer combination therapy for aggressive tumors.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School discovered that large loops form between DNA sequences where a key protein Pax3 binds, and these loops are essential for the development of skeletal muscle. The study shows how 3D genome organization regulates cell differentiation in skeletal muscle formation.
Researchers discovered that ribosomes in human cells destroy healthy mRNAs, affecting protein production and regulating gene expression. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of gene misregulation in human diseases.
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved a new Research Training Group focusing on the evolution of complex genetic regulation systems. The GenEvo group will bring together researchers from evolutionary and molecular biology to analyze regulatory processes and their selection under evolutionary pressures.
A Rutgers discovery identified a siesta-suppressing gene in fruit flies that helps creatures balance the benefits of napping against getting important activities done during the day. The 'daywake' gene regulates behavioral flexibility, allowing flies to seek food or mates when temperatures are cool.
Researchers have identified over 100 new genes that could contribute to the development of cleft lip and palate (CL/P), a condition affecting 1 in 700 live-born babies. The study suggests that genetic variants near these genes are regulated by 'enhancers' in the genome, which play a crucial role in maintaining proper cell identity.
Rhythmic food intake drives liver gene expression independently of the molecular clock, regulating metabolic pathways and potentially leading to health issues like aging and obesity. The study's findings have implications for understanding circadian biology and the impact of timing on health.
A team of biologists has discovered new rules governing cell decision-making in genetics, revealing how genes are activated under specific conditions. The study found that a protein called Zelda strengthens Dorsal activity, allowing cells to make decisions about gene activation based on their environment.
Researchers found that Hirschsprung disease shares common genetic mechanisms with complex disorders like schizophrenia and autism. The study identified key genes, cellular mechanisms, and molecular targets for personalized treatment.
Researchers have developed a new label-free imaging technique that reveals the dynamic movement of chromatin in eukaryotic cells just before cell death. The study found that cells experience a 'burst' of activity, known as cellular paroxysm, which is thought to play a role in the earliest stages of cell death.
A Belgian team developed a new bioinformatics method called cisTopic to analyze gene regulation in cells. The method discovers common topics of gene control across cells, revealing unique gene activity patterns. This enables researchers to understand cellular diversity and its implications for diseases.
A new research unit at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin aims to improve the identification and diagnosis of rare genetic diseases by analyzing non-coding DNA sequences. The researchers will develop software for whole-genome data analysis, enhancing our understanding of gene regulation and transcription.
Researchers discovered a new candidate gene, unpaired 1, that contributes to lifespan regulation in Drosophila melanogaster. Overexpression of this gene increased lifespan in nervous tissue and fat body, but decreased lifespan in intestine.