Feature Channels: Genetics

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Scientists have unlocked the genetic secrets behind the biosynthesis of flavonoid glycosides in citrus, a breakthrough that could fortify the nutritional potency and disease resistance of these fruits. This discovery refines our grasp of the genetic orchestration of these beneficial compounds, setting the stage for an upgrade in citrus nutrition and health.

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Researchers at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center found that a molecular mechanism, shared in cancer and pregnancy, that suppresses the immune system. Block this mechanism, called B7-H4, and the immune system revs up to slow cancer’s growth.

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After previously approving its use for a limited population, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now approved Elevidys, a gene therapy designed to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), for a broader range of child patients.

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Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have identified a small molecule that could lead to a safe and effective treatment for the neurodevelopmental condition known as Angelman syndrome.

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Certain pieces of DNA have been labeled as “selfish genetic elements” due to notions that they don’t contribute to a host organism’s survival. Instead, researchers have now discovered that these elements have been weaponized and play a crucial role by cutting off a competitor’s ability to reproduce.

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UCLA Health and UCSF researchers create artificial intelligence program to help diagnose and manage rare and genetic diseases.

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In a recent study, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine suggest the cell’s messenger RNA (mRNA) — the major translator and regulator of genetic material — along with a critical protein called ZAK, spur the cell’s initial response to UV radiation damage and play a critical role in whether the cell lives or dies.

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A pivotal study has demystified the genetic underpinnings of schaftoside, a vital compound in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with significant potential as a COVID-19 therapeutic. The research decodes the biosynthetic pathway and uncovers gene expansions within the Grona styracifolia genome, providing critical insights for optimizing the production of this promising medicinal agent.

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Domesticated animals play a prominent role in our society, with two-thirds of American families enjoying the companionship of pets and many others relying on animal products for their nutritional needs. But the process of domestication remains a bit of a mystery.

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A new study has revealed a key homeodomain transcription factor, PbHB.G7.2, that plays a crucial role in ethylene biosynthesis during pear fruit ripening. By binding to the promoter of the ethylene biosynthetic gene PbACS1b, PbHB.G7.2 enhances ethylene production, significantly impacting the ripening process.

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In genetic sensor research, precision and sensitivity remain challenges. Against this backdrop, researchers now leveraged synthetic biology, high-throughput assays, and bioinformatics to enhance sensor capabilities. They have highlighted the advanced detection accuracy of protein-based sensors, RNA aptamers, and novel synthetic metabolic pathways such as SEMP for disease biomarkers and environmental pollutants.

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There is a clear relationship between alcohol and neurodegeneration; for example, an alcohol use disorder correlates with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It is unclear, however, whether individual differences in brain structure and connectivity are risk factors for, or consequences of, alcohol use. New research exploring this relationship will be shared on Wednesday, 26 June 2024 at the 47th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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A genetic variation common in people of African ancestry is associated with an increased risk of complications from diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, according to a report published June 25 in the journal Nature Medicine.

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Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the genetic factors influencing tea plant leaf droopiness, a key determinant of mechanical harvest success.

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In a breakthrough that could redefine tomato flavor, a study has pinpointed the genetic markers that dictate citric acid (CA) levels — the cornerstone of a tomato's taste and nutritional richness.

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A detailed genomic study of broccoli has revealed the genetic foundations for the production of glucosinolates (GSLs), compounds celebrated for their health benefits, including anti-carcinogenic properties. By assembling a high-quality chromosome-level genome, researchers identified key genes involved in GSL biosynthesis.

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Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital found that, with early screening, they could detect new cancers in pediatric patients with an underlying genetic predisposition at their most treatable stages.