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Category: genetics – Page 54

Scientists identify ‘inflammation’ gene that hastens aging

New therapies for managing aging could emerge from research into a new gene, which scientists have identified as a key driver of degeneration.

Age-related diseases are strongly linked to inflammation which, when chronic, albeit low-grade, contributes to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and sarcopenia, significantly impacting health and longevity.

In a study published in Nature Communications, Dr. Ildus Akhmetov, a geneticist at Liverpool John Moores University’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, along with colleagues from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, uncovered groundbreaking insights into the role of the Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor (EDA2R) in this process.

“Inflammation” Gene Linked to Faster Aging

New therapies for managing ageing could emerge from research into a new gene, which scientists have identified as a key driver of degeneration.

Age-related diseases are strongly linked to inflammation which when chronic, albeit low-grade, contributes to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and sarcopenia, significantly impacting health and longevity.

In a study published in Nature Communications, Dr Ildus Akhmetov, a geneticist at Liverpool John Moores University’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, along with colleagues from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, uncovered groundbreaking insights into the role of the Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor (EDA2R) in this process.

Rapidly Evolving DNA May Explain Human Brain Complexity

Summary: A new study reveals that human accelerated regions (HARs)—segments of DNA that evolved much faster than expected—may be key to the brain’s advanced cognitive abilities. Researchers compared human and chimpanzee neurons and found that HARs drive the growth of multiple neural projections, which enhance communication between brain cells.

When human HARs were introduced into chimp neurons, they also grew more projections, suggesting a direct link between HARs and neural complexity. However, these same genetic changes may also contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, highlighting the delicate balance of human brain evolution.

A Next-Generation Malaria Drug: New Epigenetic Inhibitor Kills the Deadliest Parasite

Epigenetic inhibitors: A promising new strategy for antimalarial treatment? A recent study discovers a gene regulation inhibitor that selectively eliminates the malaria parasite.

A multinational research team, led by Professor Markus Meißner from LMU Munich and Professor Gernot Längst from the University of Regensburg, has made significant discoveries about gene regulation in Plasmodium falciparum, the primary cause of malaria. Their findings, published in Nature, provide new avenues for developing advanced therapeutic strategies.

Malaria remains a major global health challenge. In 2022 alone, an estimated 247 million people were infected, with over 600,000 deaths, the majority occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. These statistics highlight the urgent need for innovative research to drive progress in malaria prevention and treatment.

Massively parallel reporter assay investigates shared genetic variants of eight psychiatric disorders

Researchers just found common genes linked to autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anorexia.

These disorders all share common genetic variants that influence brain development.

Researchers found that these genetic differences impact multiple stages of brain growth and are involved in complex protein interactions. This discovery could explain why many of these conditions often appear together in individuals and families, offering a fresh perspective on mental health connections.

By identifying 683 genetic variants that regulate brain development, scientists hope to pave the way for new treatments targeting these shared genetic factors. This research challenges traditional classifications of psychiatric disorders and suggests that a single therapy could potentially address multiple conditions. With nearly 1 billion people worldwide affected by mental health disorders, these findings mark a significant step toward more effective, genetically-informed treatments.

High-throughput experimental validation of genetic variants linked to eight psychiatric disorders reveals the regulatory mechanisms underlying variants with pleiotropic and disorder-specific effects.

Nanoparticles deliver microRNAs to muscle stem cells for potential muscular dystrophy treatment

In an international collaboration, researchers have made an important breakthrough in the therapeutic delivery of microRNAs against Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disease with no cure, to date.

Duchenne is a characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. Without the corresponding functional protein, muscles cannot function or repair themselves properly, resulting in the deterioration of skeletal, heart, and lung muscles. Because the dystrophin gene is located on the X chromosome, it mainly affects males, while females are usually carriers.

Researchers have developed a strategy to treat muscular dystrophy, which uses as vehicles to transport therapeutical microRNAs to muscle . Once inside the muscle stem cells, the nanoparticles release the microRNA to stimulate the production of muscle fibers.

Single-cell RNA analysis reveals key immune mechanisms in lungs of pigs infected with reproductive and respiratory virus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in pigs is economically devastating for the global swine industry. The viral infection leads to reproductive disorder in sows and respiratory problems in infected newborn and growing pigs.

Unfortunately, high genetic variability of the virus and differing disease-causing strength or virulence hinders vaccine development and complicates disease management. Not much is known about the factors contributing to viral disease severity or the anti-viral immune responses.

Dr. Jun-Mo Kim, Associate Professor at the Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Korea, has focused his research efforts on filling this gap in understanding.

Is TNF-alpha Inhibition A Future Therapy For Longevity?

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How to Make Superbabies

Working in the field of genetics is a bizarre experience. No one seems to be interested in the most interesting applications of their research.

We’ve spent the better part of the last two decades unravelling exactly how the human genome works and which specific letter changes in our DNA affect things like diabetes risk or college graduation rates. Our knowledge has advanced to the point where, if we had a safe and reliable means of modifying genes in embryos, we could literally create superbabies. Children that would live multiple decades longer than their non-engineered peers, have the raw intellectual horsepower to do Nobel prize worthy scientific research, and very rarely suffer from depression or other mental health disorders.

The scientific establishment, however, seems to not have gotten the memo. If you suggest we engineer the genes of future generations to make their lives better, they will often make some frightened noises, mention “ethical issues” without ever clarifying what they mean, or abruptly change the subject. It’s as if humanity invented electricity and decided the only interesting thing to do with it was make washing machines.

Genome Editing with CRISPR: How to Effectively Minimize Off-Target Effects

Unlock the full potential of CRISPR technology while ensuring precision and safety! In this video, we dive deep into the science of CRISPR gene editing, explore the challenges of off-target effects, and reveal cutting-edge strategies to minimize risks.
📌 Key Topics Covered:

1️⃣ What is CRISPR?

Discover the origins of CRISPR-Cas9, its revolutionary impact on genetics, agriculture, and medicine, and the latest advancements like base editing and AI-driven optimization.
2️⃣ Understanding Off-Target Effects.

Learn why unintended DNA modifications occur, how gRNA promiscuity and nuclease activity contribute to risks, and proven mitigation strategies (e.g., HiFi Cas9, dual gRNA systems).
3️⃣ Off-Target Prediction & Detection.

Explore bioinformatics tools (e.g., CRISOT) and advanced detection methods like Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), LAM-HTGTS, and Digenome-seq for unbiased, high-sensitivity analysis.
4️⃣ Validation & Solutions.

See how CD Genomics’ off-target validation service combines multiplex PCR, Illumina sequencing, and cloud-based analytics to deliver publication-ready results with unmatched accuracy.

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