Genes News and Research

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Scientists document communication pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infected human cells

In the transmission of signals within the cell which, for example, stimulate cell growth or trigger metabolic processes, phosphate groups play an important biochemical role.

26 Aug 2020

Scientists identify key genes that influence cancer treatment success

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of today's cancer treatment. About half of all people suffering from cancer with a so-called radiotherapy.

26 Aug 2020

Study looks into safety and early outcomes of gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy

In May 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a gene replacement therapy for the inherited, progressive neuromuscular disease 5q-linked spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

26 Aug 2020

Study reveals key biomolecule that can heal damaged heart tissues

When a person suffers a heart attack, parts of the heart can become stiff and scarred, leading to disability and possible progression toward heart failure.

26 Aug 2020

Each person's gut has a unique viral 'fingerprint'

Each person's gut virus composition is as unique as a fingerprint, according to the first study to assemble a comprehensive database of viral populations in the human digestive system.

25 Aug 2020

Lipid-based nanoparticles can help treat genetic disorders

Introducing genetic material into the body to treat diseases can work, but making sure that those materials are safely sent to the right location is complicated.

24 Aug 2020

Researchers identify a novel molecular mechanism of intestinal stem cells

Stem cells in the intestines maintain an excellent balance between two promising forms—developing into intestinal epithelial cells, or remaining as stem cells.

24 Aug 2020

Newly discovered molecule can help develop anticancer treatments

A molecule recently discovered by scientists can trigger a natural immune-boosting protein, known as STING (short for STimulator of INterferon Genes).

24 Aug 2020

Exposure to air pollution may increase risk of cardiometabolic diseases

Air pollution is the world's leading environmental risk factor, and causes more than nine million deaths per year.

21 Aug 2020

Master regulator genes of asthma identified

Researchers identify master regulator genes of asthma, provide new path forward in the study of asthma and the development of novel therapies.

21 Aug 2020

Genetic background influences cancer risk in individuals with single-gene variants

Life can change dramatically when someone learns they are genetically predisposed to a disease, such as a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, where a mutated gene can lead to elevated cholesterol and increased risk for a premature heart attack.

21 Aug 2020

Study explains how epigenetic factors relate to aging

According to a study, headed by a psychologist at the University of California, genetic background may influence how people adapt to aging in late life.

20 Aug 2020

Small set of genes may help decide the identity of every neuron in worms

When it comes to brain cells, one size does not fit all. Neurons come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and contain different types of brain chemicals.

20 Aug 2020

Study sheds light on inner workings of the human heart

Researchers have investigated the function of a complex mesh of muscle fibers that line the inner surface of the heart.

20 Aug 2020

Cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients may prevent the development of long-term immunity

Shiv Pillai, MD, Ph.D., investigator in the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard and professor at Harvard Medical School (HMS), recently published a paper in Cell showing that that high levels of some cytokines seen in COVID-19 patients, as part of a cytokine storm, may prevent the development of long-term immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

20 Aug 2020