http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/genes/ Genes and Genetics News. Read today's medical research in genetics including what can damage genes, what can protect them, and more. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/genes/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525165224.htm Scientists have described the three-dimensional atomic structure of a human protein bound to a piece of RNA that "guides" the protein's ability to silence genes. The protein, Argonaute-2, is a key player in RNA interference, a powerful cellular phenomenon that has important roles in diverse biological processes, including an organism's development. Fri, 25 May 2012 16:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525165224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525140146.htm Scientists have long known that cancer cells can proliferate by deleting both copies of the tumor suppressor genes that would otherwise kill them. Now research shows they can also grow by deleting single copies of the genes, especially when clusters of those genes appear randomly on a chromosome. The discovery sheds new light on tumorigenesis and explains why large genomic deletions show up so often in cancer cells. Fri, 25 May 2012 14:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525140146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215339.htm Researchers have found that personality traits like being extroverted, enjoying laughter and staying engaged may also be part of the longevity genes mix that allows some people to reach age 100 and beyond. Thu, 24 May 2012 21:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215249.htm A new type of male contraceptive could be created thanks to the discovery of a key gene essential for sperm development. The finding could lead to alternatives to the conventional male contraceptives that rely on disrupting the production of hormones, such as testosterone. These treatments can cause side effects such as irritability, mood swings and acne. Thu, 24 May 2012 21:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143500.htm Research into how carbohydrates are converted into energy has led to a surprising discovery with implications for the treatment of a perplexing and potentially fatal neuromuscular disorder and possibly even cancer and heart disease. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123207.htm Researchers have found that detailed knowledge about your genetic makeup -- the interplay between genetic variants and other genetic variants, or between genetic variants and environmental risk factors -- may only change your estimated disease prediction risk for three common diseases by a few percentage points, which is typically not enough to make a difference in prevention or treatment plans. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm Scientists found that loss of the ADA gene directly contributes to B cell tolerance problems and that these defects are mostly corrected after gene therapy. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123013.htm A new study has revealed previously undiscovered genetic variants that influence fertility in men. The findings shed much-needed light on human reproduction and might provide answers for countless men suffering from infertility. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524122851.htm Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have, for the first time, identified a single gene that simultaneously controls inflammation, accelerated aging and cancer. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524122851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524112531.htm Scientists have developed an innovative approach for the modeling of genetic variation in two- or three-dimensional space called spatial ancestry analysis (SPA). With SPA, researchers model the spatial distribution of each genetic variant by assigning a genetic variant's frequency as a continuous function in geographic space. Thu, 24 May 2012 11:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524112531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161323.htm A new and unexpected role for RNA is identified: the defence of genome integrity and stability. New research shows that an until now unknown class of RNA -- the newly christened DDRNA -- plays a key role in activation of the molecular alarms necessary to safeguard our genome when DNA damage from internal or external factors occurs. Wed, 23 May 2012 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm Scientists have successfully protected laboratory animals from lethal hantavirus disease using a novel approach that combines DNA vaccines and duck eggs. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523114847.htm Blame it on your genes? Researchers say individuals with variations in certain "obesity genes" tend to eat more meals and snacks, consume more calories per day and choose the same high fat, sugary foods. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523114847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102956.htm Scientists have identified a gene expression fingerprint associated with very low pregnancy rates in semen donors with normal seminal quality. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102146.htm Researchers have gained new insights into the mechanisms of heart disease. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522200627.htm For the first time scientists have succeeded in taking skin cells from heart failure patients and reprogramming them to transform into healthy, new heart muscle cells that are capable of integrating with existing heart tissue. Tue, 22 May 2012 20:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522200627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522180620.htm With the successful completion of the Human Genome Project, research attention is increasingly focusing on proteins. Versatile products produced from genetic templates, proteins are principle actors in both the maintenance of health and the onset of illness. Protein microarrays are a means of bridging the gap between analysis of the nucleotide sequences that make up DNA and the proteome -- the universe of proteins built from the amino acids coded for by genes. Tue, 22 May 2012 18:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522180620.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522161336.htm Researchers have discovered a new way to precisely detect a single chemical at extremely low concentrations and high contamination. Tue, 22 May 2012 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522161336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152655.htm Rapid DNA sequencing may soon become a routine part of each individual's medical record, providing enormous information previously sequestered in the human genome's 3 billion nucleotide bases. Recent advances in sequencing technology using a tiny orifice known as a nanopore are covered in a new a article. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152430.htm Up to half of all prostate cancer cells have a chromosomal rearrangement that results in a new "fusion" gene and formation of its unique protein — but no one has known how that alteration promotes cancer growth. Now, researchers have found that in these cancer cells, the 3-D architecture of DNA, wrapped up in a little ball known as a chromatin, is warped in such a way that a switch has been thrown on thousands of genes, turning them on or off to promote abnormal, unchecked growth. Researchers also found that new chromosomal translocations form, further destabilizing the genome. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm Biomedical engineers have developed a microfluidic chip to test for latent tuberculosis. They hope the test will be cheaper, faster and more reliable than current testing for the disease. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm Researchers have achieved, for the first time, the generation of neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients. The discovery paves the way for research that will examine restoration of normal gene expression in Fragile X patients. Tue, 22 May 2012 08:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521164102.htm A promising new strategy for "reactivating" genes that cause cancer tumors to shrink and die has now been developed. The discovery may aid the development of an innovative anti-cancer drug that effectively targets unhealthy, cancerous tissue without damaging healthy, non-cancerous tissue and vital organs. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521164102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163747.htm An inexpensive "orphan drug" used to treat sleep disorders appears to be a potent inhibitor of cancer cells, according to a new study. The novel approach, using groundbreaking technology that allows rapid analysis of the genome, has broad implications for the development of safer, more effective cancer therapies. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521141824.htm Scientists have found evidence of antibiotics – one a suspected human carcinogen – in seafood imported into the United States and purchased from grocery store shelves. Mon, 21 May 2012 14:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521141824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521115331.htm New nerve cells formed in a select part of the brain could hold considerable sway over how much you eat and consequently weigh, new animal research suggests. Mon, 21 May 2012 11:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521115331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104633.htm Scientists have found a better way to 'spell check' gene sequences. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103819.htm Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism regulating the development of breast cancer bone metastases and showed that heparin-like compounds can potentially be used to inhibit breast cancer metastasis to bone. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133921.htm A collaborative expedition into the deep genetics of prostate cancer has uncovered a distinct subtype of the disease, one that appears to account for up to 15 percent of all cases, say researchers. Sun, 20 May 2012 13:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132832.htm A large survey of human genetic variation shows that rare genetic variants are not so rare after all, and offers insights into human diseases. A team of scientists studied 202 genes in 14,002 people -- one of the largest ever in a sequencing study in humans. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132812.htm Findings suggest that the effects of exercise on memory depend on the age of the exerciser; underlying genetic mechanisms matter, too. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132804.htm Researchers have identified the mechanism by which protein Zds1 regulates a key function in mitosis, the process that occurs immediately before cell division. The research opens the door to developing targeted and direct therapies against cancer. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143635.htm Scientists have taken a first step toward understanding how rare genetic differences among people contribute to leading chronic illnesses. One-letter DNA code changes occur frequently in human genomes, but each variant is usually found in only a few individuals. This phenomenon is consistent with the population explosion of the past 5,000 years. Studying the evolution of rare genetic variants and their health impact is critical as low cost, rapid sequencing enters clinical use. Such information would help doctors interpret personal genomes. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm Scientists have used a new technique to map 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in DNA from human and mouse embryonic stem cells, revealing new information about their patterns of distribution. These studies have revealed that these DNA modifications play major roles in fundamental life processes such as cell differentiation, cancer and brain function. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131957.htm The team created a catalogue of all the mutations in the genomes of the 21 breast cancer genomes. They identified entirely new mutational processes that drive breast cancer development, including one remarkable process defined by localized regions of hypermutation found in most of the breast cancers. This phenomenon has never been seen before. They also found that, once many mutations have accumulated in a cell, the cell then diverges into different subgroups, one of which is destined to become the aggressive, dominant, breast cancer tumor. These findings have implications for our understanding of how breast cancers develop over the decades before diagnosis in adults. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131703.htm It turns out that when we eat may be as important as what we eat. Scientists have found that regular eating times and extending the daily fasting period may override the adverse health effects of a high-fat diet and prevent obesity, diabetes and liver disease in mice. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131655.htm Over the past decade, research in the field of epigenetics has revealed that chemically modified bases are abundant components of the human genome and has forced us to abandon the notion we've had since high school genetics that DNA consists of only four bases. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516195554.htm Medical researchers explored naturally occurring genetic variations in humans to test the connection between HDL levels and heart attack. By studying the genes of roughly 170,000 individuals, the team discovered that, when examined together, the 15 HDL-raising variants they tested do not reduce the risk of heart attack. Wed, 16 May 2012 19:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516195554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152444.htm Taiwanese doctors have restored some movement in four children bedridden with a rare, life-threatening neurological disease using gene transfer. The first-in-humans achievement may also be helpful for more common diseases such as Parkinson's. Wed, 16 May 2012 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152349.htm Researchers have described nine new genes that drive the development of breast cancer. This takes the tally of all genes associated with breast cancer development to 40. Wed, 16 May 2012 15:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140016.htm ApoE4, a well-known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease triggers a cascade of signaling that ultimately results in leaky blood vessels in the brain, allowing toxic substances to pour into brain tissue in large amounts, scientists report. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm Researchers have transplanted a set of human genes into a zebrafish and then used it to identify genes responsible for head size at birth. This finding also is related to some cases of autism and possibly schizophrenia and childhood obesity. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140010.htm Common variants of the ApoE gene are strongly associated with the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease, but the gene's role in the disease has been unclear. Now, researchers have found that in mice, having the most risky variant of ApoE damages the blood vessels that feed the brain. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092712.htm Cell surface protein GD2 blows potent tumor-generating cells’ cover. The first single marker of breast cancer stem cells also is targetable by a drug in preclinical tests. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515181256.htm A new study suggests that the guidelines governments use to determine when to evacuate people following a nuclear accident may be too conservative. Tue, 15 May 2012 18:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515181256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131715.htm A novel mechanism for anxiety behaviors, including a previously unrecognized inhibitory brain signal, may inspire new strategies for treating psychiatric disorders, researchers report. By testing the controversial role of a gene called Glo1 in anxiety, scientists uncovered a new inhibitory factor in the brain: The metabolic by-product methylglyoxal. The system offers a tantalizing new target for drugs designed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorder, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515104735.htm Researchers have created an ultrasensitive biosensor that could open up new opportunities for early detection of cancer and "personalized medicine" tailored to the specific biochemistry of individual patients. Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515104735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm Scientists have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35 percent larger than normal. The research could lead to new approaches to stimulate brain regeneration and may provide important insight into developmental disorders such as autism and Rett syndrome. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm A DNA-covered submicroscopic bead used to deliver genes or drugs directly into cells to treat disease appears to have therapeutic value just by showing up, researchers report. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070437.htm Medical researchers have identified and prioritized a comprehensive group of genes most associated with schizophrenia that together can generate a score indicating whether an individual is at higher or lower risk of developing the disease. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm A new study consisting of inducing cells to express telomerase, the enzyme which -- metaphorically -- slows down the biological clock -- was successful. The research provides a "proof-of-principle" that this "feasible and safe" approach can effectively "improve health span." Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514203927.htm Researchers have developed a genetic test that can accurately predict whether the most common form of eye cancer will spread to other parts of the body, particularly the liver. The test successfully classified tumors more than 97 percent of the time. Mon, 14 May 2012 20:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514203927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514153117.htm Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of bile duct cancer, a deadly type of liver cancer. By identifying several new genes frequently mutated in bile duct cancers, researchers are paving the way for better understanding of how bile duct cancers develop. Mon, 14 May 2012 15:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514153117.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134307.htm A study has identified microRNA-3151 as a new independent prognostic marker in patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has normal-looking chromosomes. High levels of this microRNA in cancer cells indicates patients will experience shorter remissions and survival periods. Additionally, the microRNA is encoded within a gene called BAALC, which itself is an independent marker of poor survival when overexpressed in these patients. Mon, 14 May 2012 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514122747.htm New research uses a novel, computer based strategy to identify potential anti-cancer drugs, including one that targets the third most common p53 mutation in human cancer, p53-R175H. The number of new cancer patients harboring this mutation in the United States who would potentially benefit from this drug is estimated to be 30,000 annually. Mon, 14 May 2012 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514122747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514112826.htm Prickly pufferfish could hold the key to why humans do not continually replace their teeth and may lead to advances in dental therapies. Mon, 14 May 2012 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514112826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm Scientists have identified the genetic cause of a birth defect known as Hamamy syndrome. Their findings lend new insights into common ailments such as heart disease, osteoporosis, blood disorders and possibly sterility. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120513144630.htm Scientists have discovered that a protein known as Cdt1, which is required for DNA replication, also plays an important role in a later step of the cell cycle, mitosis. The finding presents a possible explanation for why so many cancers possess not just genomic instability, but also more or less than the usual 46 DNA-containing chromosomes. Sun, 13 May 2012 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120513144630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133733.htm Scientists have just shown that lung cancer molecular subtypes correlate with distinct genetic alterations and with patient response to therapy. These findings in pre-clinical models and patient tumor samples build on their previous report of three molecular subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer and refines their molecular analysis of tumors. Fri, 11 May 2012 13:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122322.htm Regenerating sensory hair cells could form the basis for treating age- or trauma-related hearing loss. One way to do this could be with gene therapy that drives new sensory hair cells to grow. Researchers have shown that introducing a gene called Atoh1 into the cochleae of young mice can induce the formation of extra sensory hair cells. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122322.htm