Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

TGen, Barrow researchers identify genetic risk factors linked to stress-induced cardiomyopathy

Researchers at the Translational Genomics Research Institute and Barrow Neurological Institute have for the first time identified genetic risk factors that are linked to stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), a rare type of heart disease.

1 Dec 2015

Low levels of BRCA1 protein in the brain linked to dementia

Mutant forms of breast cancer factor 1 (BRCA1) are associated with breast and ovarian cancers but according to new findings, in the brain the normal BRCA1 gene product may also be linked to Alzheimer's disease. The results, published in Nature Communications, suggest that low levels of BRCA1 protein in the brain may contribute to dementia.

1 Dec 2015

Scientists can accurately measure microbial growth rates inside gastrointestinal tracts

For the first time, scientists can accurately measure population growth rates of the microbes that live inside mammalian gastrointestinal tracts, according to a new method reported in Nature Communications by a team at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University and Harvard Medical School.

1 Dec 2015

Johns Hopkins researchers develop method to turn stem cells into retinal ganglion cells

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method to efficiently turn human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, the type of nerve cells located within the retina that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain. Death and dysfunction of these cells cause vision loss in conditions like glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.

1 Dec 2015

Mutant protein responsible for cystic fibrosis talks to wrong cellular neighbors

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found evidence that a mutant protein responsible for most cases of cystic fibrosis is so busy "talking" to the wrong cellular neighbors that it cannot function normally and is prematurely degraded.

1 Dec 2015

DNA sequence variation can influence gene activity in developing human brain

An international research collaboration has shed new light on how DNA sequence variation can influence gene activity in the developing human brain.

1 Dec 2015

Memorandum of understanding signed between Cell Therapy Catapult and Kanagawa Prefecture

The Cell Therapy Catapult, the UK organisation dedicated to the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry by bridging the gap between scientific research and commercialisation, today announces the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan.

30 Nov 2015

Research sheds light on genetic factors involved in autoimmune diseases

A collaboration between researchers at the Babraham Institute and the University of Manchester has mapped the physical connections occurring in the genome to shed light on the parts of the genome involved in autoimmune diseases. Using a new technique, called Capture Hi-C, the team revealed novel insights into how changes in the genetic sequence have a biological effect and increase the risk of disease.

30 Nov 2015

Human Longevity announces acquisition of Cypher Genomics

Human Longevity, Inc., the genomics-based, technology-driven company, announced today that the company has acquired Cypher Genomics, Inc., a leading genome informatics company offering highly accurate, rapid and robust human genomic interpretation software solutions.

30 Nov 2015

Scientists discover genetic causes of Goldenhar syndrome

Some children are born with cleft palates and, of those children, some have an asymmetrical face and a malformed ear. A team of scientists led by Berlin-based researcher Enno Klußmann of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine has taken an important step towards discovering the genetic causes of this condition, known as Goldenhar syndrome.

30 Nov 2015

Could statins treat muscular dystrophy? An interview with Dr. Nick Whitehead and Dr Stan Froehner

In addition to their well established cholesterol lowering benefits, statins also have potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and antioxidant effects, which continue to be identified in a wide range of diseases.

30 Nov 2015

Researchers discover drug target and genetic pathway for graft-versus-host disease

A Seattle Children's Research Institute lab has discovered a genetic pathway that can be targeted with existing drugs to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a common and deadly complication of bone marrow transplants.

30 Nov 2015

New research reveals how gaps between gene interactions influence disease risk

New research from The University of Manchester and the Brabraham Institute has revealed how gaps between genes interact to influence the risk of acquiring diseases such as arthritis and type 1 diabetes.

30 Nov 2015

Rare variants linked with Parkinson’s disease

Researchers using exome sequencing in families with Parkinson’s disease have identified two genes that could be associated with the condition.

27 Nov 2015

Exploring how absence of ASS1 protein affects sick children may provide a 'lens' on cancer

What can a rare genetic childhood disease teach us about cancer? Dr. Ayelet Erez of the Weizmann Institute of Science's Department of Biological Regulation says: "A single-mutation disease can act as a 'lens.' If we find exactly what malfunctions in the sick child, we can zoom in and understand the role of the same gene among the many genetic changes that accompany cancer."

26 Nov 2015

Research reveals MECP2 Duplication Syndrome can be reversed

The methyl CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) produces a protein of the same name, the level of which is critical for normal brain function. Mutations leading to protein under-expression cause Rett Syndrome while gene duplication causing over-expression lead to MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. Both disorders are severely debilitating childhood neurological diseases.

26 Nov 2015

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

TGen, Barrow researchers identify genetic risk factors linked to stress-induced cardiomyopathy

Low levels of BRCA1 protein in the brain linked to dementia

Scientists can accurately measure microbial growth rates inside gastrointestinal tracts

Johns Hopkins researchers develop method to turn stem cells into retinal ganglion cells

Mutant protein responsible for cystic fibrosis talks to wrong cellular neighbors

DNA sequence variation can influence gene activity in developing human brain

Memorandum of understanding signed between Cell Therapy Catapult and Kanagawa Prefecture

Research sheds light on genetic factors involved in autoimmune diseases

Human Longevity announces acquisition of Cypher Genomics

Scientists discover genetic causes of Goldenhar syndrome

Could statins treat muscular dystrophy? An interview with Dr. Nick Whitehead and Dr Stan Froehner

Researchers discover drug target and genetic pathway for graft-versus-host disease

New research reveals how gaps between gene interactions influence disease risk

Rare variants linked with Parkinson’s disease

Exploring how absence of ASS1 protein affects sick children may provide a 'lens' on cancer

Research reveals MECP2 Duplication Syndrome can be reversed

Key finding aids quest to produce liver cell therapies

University of Georgia researchers evaluate potential new strategy to combat drug-resistant diseases

Scientists map out genes that keep cancer cells alive

New drug may show promise against resistant melanomas

eBook: Using iPSCs models for human disease research and drug discovery eBook

Redefining control and consistency in anaerobic microbiome workflows

AI in Healthcare: How generative tools are transforming clinical practice

The future of automation: Machine learning–driven hepatocyte and organoid counting