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All life copies DNA unambiguously into proteins. Archaea may be the exception.

Researchers discovered that one microorganism can live with a bit of ambiguity in its genetic code, synthesizing two different proteins seemingly at random. This finding contradicts a long-held dogma and has implications for future disease therapies, including treating diseases caused by premature stop codons.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2025

Medical School research laboratory team awarded $11.3M to study innovative tools to treat genetic disorders

A research team led by the University of Minnesota Medical School will investigate alternative genetic decoding in single-celled organisms and identify readthrough-inducing drugs to treat genetic disorders caused by premature termination codons. The goal is to restore normal function of genes and proteins in cells, potentially helping ...

Study sheds light on the origin of the genetic code

A recent study revises our understanding of the universal genetic code's evolution, suggesting that early life preferred smaller amino acids over larger ones. The researchers found that amino acids with aromatic ring structures were incorporated into the code later than previously thought, offering clues about other extinct genetic codes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Professor Irene Coin’s lab: Important publication on genetic code expansion and Blue Flame Award

Irene Coin's lab has developed a comprehensive overview of genetic code expansion technology and its application in membrane proteins. The technology allows for the modification of proteins directly in living cells, enabling the production of novel protein therapeutics and a deeper understanding of natural proteins.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 14, 2024

While vaccines target the changing parts of coronavirus, researchers suggest it’s the unchanging parts we also need to pay attention to

A new study published in Microorganisms highlights the importance of small molecule drugs that target the unchanging parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research suggests that these stable targets could provide a consistent and reliable treatment option for COVID-19, even as vaccines are updated to address changing viral strains.

SourceCorewell Health·JournalMicroorganisms·DateSep 9, 2024

How cells control gene expression by cleaning up their mistakes

Cells produce three times as many 'unproductive' transcripts with mistakes or unexpected configurations as they do steady-state, finished RNA. These unproductive transcripts are quickly destroyed by a cellular process called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), which suggests the cell intentionally makes mistakes to regulate gene expression....

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2024

'Gene misbehavior' widespread in healthy people

A recent study found that 'gene misbehaviour' is a common phenomenon in the healthy human population, with over half of inactive genes showing misexpression. The researchers used advanced techniques to analyze blood samples from 4,568 healthy individuals and identified mechanisms behind these gene activity errors.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2024

Genetic diagnostics of ultra-rare diseases

A large multicenter study has identified 34 new genetic diseases using genetic diagnostics, including a novel AI-powered analysis tool called GestaltMatcher. The study analyzed the genetic data of 1,577 patients and found changes in 370 different genes, with 425 children diagnosed with rare diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 22, 2024

Filling in genomic blanks for disease studies works better for some groups than others

A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that genome-wide association studies' imputation technique works better for European, African American, and Latino groups than others. The researchers evaluated over 100 global populations, finding that imputation is less reliable for those farther away from Europe.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 10, 2024

Fontan circulation link to changes in the genetic code may lead to new treatment for heart conditions

Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJACC Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Map of disease-causing mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer revealed

Researchers have created the first extensive map showing which genetic changes can cause disease, leading to valuable insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. The study reveals that 90% of previously unexplained genetic changes' impact on health is significant, promising speedier diagnosis and new treatment avenues.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Male sex chromosome finally deciphered

A team of researchers has fully sequenced the Y chromosome, completing the human genome puzzle and unveiling new insights into male-specific development, fertility, and disease. The achievement reveals detailed structures of sperm-regulating gene families and discovers additional genes in the Y chromosome.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2023

SRI seeks to learn how insects speak through smells

Researchers at SRI International have identified genes that enable insects to produce terpenes, a key component of their chemical communication. This breakthrough provides a roadmap for understanding how these chemicals are used and could lead to new ways to protect crops and prevent insect-borne diseases.

SourceSRI International·JournalProtein Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2023

Making immunotherapy safer

Researchers developed CrossDome, a tool that uses genetic and biochemical information to predict T-cell immunotherapy's impact on healthy cells. The tool identified high-risk candidates in cases where treatments mistakenly attacked heart cells.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 14, 2023

LincRNA paints a target on diseased tissues

Researchers have discovered a novel feature of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) that can serve as markers indicating specific types of tissue. This finding has the potential to lead to highly specific disease treatments by targeting diseased tissues.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023

First-in-Canada clinical RNA sequencing platform may improve rare disease diagnostics in pediatrics

A new clinical RNA sequencing platform at SickKids is helping researchers understand complex genetic conditions and improve diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. The platform has been validated to be used in the clinical space, providing valuable diagnostic information that complements genome sequencing.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 13, 2023

CityU scholars unify color systems using prime numbers

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a unified colour system based on prime numbers, called C<sub>235</sub>, which can represent various colours more efficiently than existing systems like RGB and CMYK. The new colour system has potential applications in designing energy-saving LCD systems and colourizing DNA codons.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023