Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Gene-edited immune cells show promise against advanced GI cancers

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have completed a first-in-human clinical trial testing a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique to help the immune system fight advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

3 May 2025

Study shows brain estrogen directly regulates appetite in mice

Researchers in Japan found that estrogen produced within the brain, called neuroestrogen, suppresses appetite and reduces body weight in mice by enhancing MC4R expression. The study also showed that neuroestrogen boosts leptin sensitivity, suggesting new targets for obesity treatment.

2 May 2025

Study uncovers how a mobile genetic element hijacks human cells

Viruses are known to use the genetic machinery of the human cells they invade to make copies of themselves. As part of the process, viruses leave behind remnants throughout the genetic material (genomes) of humans.

2 May 2025

NAD+ restoration improves mitochondrial function in Werner syndrome cells

A new research paper was published in Aging (Aging-US) on April 2, 2025, as the cover of Volume 17, Issue 4, titled "Decreased mitochondrial NAD+ in WRN deficient cells links to dysfunctional proliferation."

2 May 2025

Study uncovers 'cell of origin' of the second most common lung cancer

The 'cell of origin' of the second most common lung cancer and the way that it becomes dominant in the lung have been discovered, in a new study in mice and humans from researchers at UCL, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Cambridge.

2 May 2025

Gut immune cells linked to worsening rheumatoid arthritis

After spending years tracing the origin and migration pattern of an unusual type of immune cell in mice, researchers have shown in a new study how activity of "good" microbes in the gut is linked to rheumatoid arthritis and, potentially, other autoimmune diseases.

2 May 2025

Study finds key genetic differences between male and female placentas

The genes of male and female placentas have marked differences in how they are expressed, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other institutions.

1 May 2025

TDP-43 dysfunction in brain blood vessels may drive Alzheimer's and ALS progression

Reduced levels of a critical protein are linked to devastating brain diseases like Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Surprisingly, the protein shortage primarily affects the brain's blood vessels.

30 Apr 2025

Existing therapies may help control chronic muscle inflammation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A new study led by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) suggests that currently available therapies may help control chronic muscle inflammation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe condition that leads to muscle weakness and premature death.

30 Apr 2025

Study links impaired synaptic pruning to autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition in which affected individuals experience difficulties in social communication and exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests.

30 Apr 2025

Clusterin identified as key marker for aging in blood stem cells

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of an aging patient population and an increasing prevalence of age-associated diseases, underscoring the need for advancing research into the biological mechanisms of aging.

30 Apr 2025

Can folic acid prevent or promote breast cancer? It depends on dose and DNA

Folic acid plays a dual role in breast cancer depending on dose and context. While moderate intake may reduce risk, high levels or genetic variants disrupting metabolism may promote tumor progression via altered DNA methylation.

30 Apr 2025

Rare TYROBP gene variant found in Finns linked to increased Alzheimer's risk

Found in the Finnish population, a rare variant of the TYROBP gene significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, a new study led by the University of Eastern Finland shows.

30 Apr 2025

Study links pregnancy specific genes to poorer lung cancer outcomes in women

Lung cancer can co-opt genes that normally help a fetus develop and evade the mother's immune system. And while these pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) can get activated in the cancers of both men and women, female patients had poorer outcomes, a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) research team has found.

29 Apr 2025

Nectin4-targeted VHH-CAR-T cells show potency against bladder cancer

Announcing a new article publication for BIO Integration journal. Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most common malignancies and the second most frequent urogenital tract tumor.

29 Apr 2025

Genetic variation found to influence tumor microbiota and colorectal cancer progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. While scientists believe that gut microbiota play an important role in both the onset and progression of CRC, emerging evidence points to the significance of intratumoral microbiota-microbiota inside tumors-in CRC progression.

29 Apr 2025

Researchers uncover how substance use accelerates brain aging

In a comprehensive Genomic Press Interview, researchers from UTHealth Houston have uncovered crucial evidence that substance use disorders (SUDs) accelerate biological aging in the brain through distinct molecular mechanisms.

29 Apr 2025

Obesity changes how the gut responds to plant compounds, researchers report

Researchers found that the impact of polyphenols rutin and genistein on the human fecal metabolome varies significantly by body mass index (BMI). Lower BMI individuals showed more diverse metabolic responses, revealing how gut health and obesity could shape polyphenol metabolism.

28 Apr 2025