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Category: biotech/medical – Page 2,313

New tool reveals DNA structures that influence disease

Disruption of certain DNA structures—called topologically associating domains, or TADs—is linked with the development of disease, including some cancers. With its newly created algorithm that quickly locates and helps elucidate the complex functions of TADs, an international team of researchers is making it easier to study these important structures and help prevent disease.

“On your DNA you have and regulatory elements—such as promotors and enhancers—that , but these two things can be far away from each other,” said Qunhua Li, associate professor of statistics, Penn State. “Similar to a dresser drawer that keeps your clothes organized and available for use, TADs bring genes together with their regulatory elements, which enables them to begin the process of gene expression.”

Gene expression is the process by which the information encoded in DNA gives rise to observable traits.

Senescent Cell Clearance Declines With Age

A new study sheds light on the accumulation of senescent cells and suggests that therapies that remove them could be beneficial both immediately and in the long term for human health and longevity.

Normally, as cells become damaged beyond repair, exhausted, and no longer able to replicate, they are removed from the body via a process known as apoptosis, which is a kind of self-destruct program initiated by the cell, or removed by the immune system. This system acts as a safety net to prevent damaged cells from remaining active and, in the context of cells damaged by mutations, a way to prevent cancer.

Unfortunately, as we age, this disposal system, like many others in our body, begins to falter and ultimately fail. This leads to the accumulation of unwanted, damaged senescent cells in every tissue of our body. This build-up of senescent cells is one of the proposed reasons we age and has been the focus of intense research in the last few years.

Ways to get more fibre into your diet

Fibre’s role goes beyond keeping our digestive tract in order. It can also help with weight loss or maintenance, control blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

However, many of us are not hitting our daily recommended amount of fibre — 20g for women and 26g for men.

Also, one in four Singaporeans experience chronic constipation. If you are one of them, here is how you can add fibre to your diet.

Mitochondria are the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for cellular stress

Mitochondria, tiny structures present in most cells, are known for their energy-generating machinery. Now, Salk researchers have discovered a new function of mitochondria: they set off molecular alarms when cells are exposed to stress or chemicals that can damage DNA, such as chemotherapy. The results, published online in Nature Metabolism on December 9, 2019, could lead to new cancer treatments that prevent tumors from becoming resistant to chemotherapy.

“Mitochondria are acting as a first line of defense in sensing DNA stress. The mitochondria tell the rest of the cell, ‘Hey, I’m under attack, you better protect yourself,’” says Gerald Shadel, a professor in Salk’s Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory and the Audrey Geisel Chair in Biomedical Science.

Most of the DNA that a cell needs to function is found inside the cell’s nucleus, packaged in chromosomes and inherited from both parents. But mitochondria each contain their own small circles of DNA (called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA), passed only from a mother to her offspring. And most cells contain hundreds — or even thousands — of mitochondria.

A new gene therapy strategy, courtesy of Mother Nature

Scientists have developed a new gene-therapy technique by transforming human cells into mass producers of tiny nano-sized particles full of genetic material that has the potential to reverse disease processes.

Though the research was intended as a proof of concept, the experimental therapy slowed and prolonged survival in mice with gliomas, which constitute about 80 percent of in humans.

The technique takes advantage of exosomes, fluid-filled sacs that release as a way to communicate with other cells.

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