DNA News and Research

RSS

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to correct mutation responsible for sickle cell disease

Genome editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system has tremendous promise for therapeutic correction of genetic errors in human cells. Prior to adoption as a medical therapeutic, safety concerns relating to off-target effects must be minimized to mitigate risks that may arise from the unintended action of this system at sites similar, but not identical, to the desired gene target site.

From Integrated DNA Technologies 10 Aug 2018

Researchers describe underlying mechanisms of congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure is a terminal disease that affects nearly 6 million Americans. Yet its management is limited to symptomatic treatments because the causal mechanisms of congestive heart failure -- including its most common form, ischemic cardiomyopathy -- are not known.

10 Aug 2018

New approach identifies genes that help microbes to survive in the human gut

Trillions of tiny microbes and bacteria live in your gut, each with their own set of genes. These gut microbes can have both beneficial and harmful effects on your health, from protecting you against inflammation to causing life-threatening infections.

10 Aug 2018

New discovery could pave way for improved leukemia treatment

Previous research has revealed that patients with acute myeloid leukemia who also have a particular mutation in a gene called NPM1 have a higher rate of remission with chemotherapy. About one-third of leukemia patients possess this favorable mutation, but until now, how it helps improve outcomes has remained unknown.

9 Aug 2018

Study identifies key role of TLK1 and TLK2 enzymes in DNA replication

During cell growth, cells copy their DNA through a process called DNA replication. For this process to be accurate, the genetic and epigenetic information must be copied flawlessly.

9 Aug 2018

ETH scientists discover new cancer-specific molecular changes in tumor tissues

A research team led by Gunnar Raetsch, Professor of Biomedical Informatics at ETH Zurich, has evaluated the largest set of genetic data in cancer medicine: The Cancer Genome Atlas in the United States.

9 Aug 2018

Study finds false negatives in common tests used to determine ROS1 status in lung cancer

Drugs like crizotinib are used to treat patients with ROS1-positive lung cancer. But which patients are ROS1-positive? A University of Colorado Cancer Center study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology shows that common laboratory tests used to determine ROS1 status all have inherent limitations that can lead to false-negative results.

9 Aug 2018

RNA and DNA sequencing platform matches broader swath of drugs to late-stage cancer patients

A comprehensive RNA and DNA sequencing platform benefits late-stage and drug-resistant multiple myeloma patients by determining which drugs would work best for them, according to results from a clinical trial published in JCO Precision Oncology in August.

9 Aug 2018

Defects in RNA modification can cause altered smooth muscle contraction

Genetic information is stored in DNA and is passed on in a very stable manner from one cell to the next or from one generation to the next.

9 Aug 2018

Study looks at boxer shorts versus underpants and sperm count

A new study from the Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shown that loose underwear such as boxers may be better for sperm counts in men when compared to tight ones such as briefs.

8 Aug 2018

Researchers find ways to render curcumin soluble and deliver it to infected tumors

In India and other countries in Southeast Asia, curcumin is often used as a spice in cooking, particularly chicken or fish. It is known for its therapeutic effect and as a way to kill germs present in raw meet.

7 Aug 2018

Researchers identify new regulator in breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer is a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. Here, important receptors are missing, which often serve as targets for treatments.

6 Aug 2018

Researchers report new way to map the inner workings of a living cell

Imaging tools like X-rays and MRI have revolutionized medicine by giving doctors a close up view of the brain and other vital organs in living, breathing people. Now, Columbia University researchers report a new way to zoom in at the tiniest scales to track changes within individual cells.

6 Aug 2018