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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Binge and heavy drinking may change DNA, resulting in greater desire for alcohol

Binge and heavy drinking may trigger a long-lasting genetic change, resulting in an even greater craving for alcohol, according to a Rutgers-led study in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

29 Jan 2019

Megaphages detected in the intestinal tract of humans who eat high-fiber, low-fat diet

Viruses plague bacteria just as viruses like influenza plague humans. Some of the largest of these so-called bacteriophages have now been found in the human gut, where they periodically devastate bacteria just as seasonal outbreaks of flu lay humans low, according to a new study led by University of California, Berkeley, scientists.

29 Jan 2019

New study elucidates role of signaling molecule in development of myocarditis

Researchers of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich have shown that a protein called midkine, a member of the class of signaling molecules known as cytokines, is a key driver of inflammation in the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure in patients with myocarditis.

29 Jan 2019

RNA-induced gene fusion can occur in mammalian cells, reveals study

A fusion gene is a new gene made by joining parts of two different genes. The current thought is that fusion genes can happen in cells with unstable genome when part of the DNA from one chromosome moves to another chromosome.

29 Jan 2019

Research provides new understanding of genome regulation in early life

After the fertilization of an egg cell, two become one; two sets of genetic information combine to form a genome. We can think of the egg and sperm as information capsules with stored instructions for starting a new life, but post fertilization, what kick starts the interpretation of these instructions?

29 Jan 2019

New approach identifies epigenetic changes in leukemia cells for patients undergoing ibrutinib treatment

Many new anti-cancer drugs inhibit proteins that are essential for the proliferation of cancer cells. One example is ibrutinib, an innovative therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia first approved in 2014.

29 Jan 2019

EZH2 mutations can be used as marker for diagnosing different types of cancers

Inside the cell, DNA is tightly wrapped around proteins and packed in a complex, 3D structure that we call "chromatin".

29 Jan 2019

New class of antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics tested in humans

A first-in-human study with a new class of antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics showed the ability to target the RNA-silencing drug to the liver, resulting in improved potency and safety at therapeutic doses. The design and results of this trial, conducted in healthy human volunteers are reported in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers.

28 Jan 2019

Genetic testing to be provided by the NHS in exchange for genomic data

The NHS is going to start providing genetic tests in exchange for patients in England who agree to share their genomic data so that it can be used for research.

28 Jan 2019

Antibiotic-resistant superbugs have reached the Arctic

An international team of researchers has identified antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in an area of the arctic that have spread from urban India.

28 Jan 2019

Hens that lay human proteins in eggs offer cost-effective method of producing new drugs

Chickens that are genetically modified to produce human proteins in their eggs can offer a cost-effective method of producing certain types of drugs, research suggests.

28 Jan 2019

'Antibiotic-Resistant Genes' found in one of the last pristine places on earth

Antibiotic-Resistant Genes that were first detected in urban India have been found 8,000 miles away in one of the last 'pristine' places on earth, a new study has shown.

28 Jan 2019

Scientists pinpoint mechanism that leads to steroid diabetes

Patients undergoing long-term treatment with steroids may suffer from metabolic side effects. Researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, partners in the German Center for Diabetes Research, have now pinpointed a mechanism that leads to so-called steroid diabetes

25 Jan 2019

Study: CD4+ T cells could be important mediators of protection against Zika virus

Immune cells called CD4+ T cells could be important mediators of protection against the Zika virus, according to a study published January 24 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Sujan Shresta of the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, and colleagues.

25 Jan 2019

New study solves mystery behind how proteins interact with cell membrane

Trillions of cells -- all different shapes and sizes -- form a human body's structure. Surrounding each cell is a membrane, jointly acting as hostess and security -- welcoming certain information into the cell while making sure its components don't spill out into the body's void.

25 Jan 2019

Identical twins shine new light on genetic cause of juvenile arthritis

Identical twin toddlers who presented with severe arthritis helped scientists to identify the first gene mutation that can single-handedly cause a juvenile form of this inflammatory joint disease.

24 Jan 2019

Study uncovers new link between inflammation and cancer

Severe inflammation in tissues is often associated with the occurrence of cancer. The mechanism linking both these conditions is not clearly understood. Furthermore, inflamed and cancerous tissues contain a heterogenous mix of damaged and protective cells.

24 Jan 2019

Researchers uncover new role of heterochromatin in maintaining chromosomal integrity

Although many people are aware that chromosomal damage and shortening contribute to the aging process, understanding how chromosomal defects occur is about more than just finding a way to turn back the clock. Large changes in the structure of chromosomes, known as gross chromosomal rearrangements, can result in cell death or genetic diseases such as cancer.

24 Jan 2019

Enzyme that breaks down amino acids plays key role in promoting cellular senescence

Permanently arrested cell growth is known as "cellular senescence", and the accumulation of senescent cells may be one cause of aging in our bodies. Japanese researchers have discovered that a certain enzyme in our bodies promotes cellular senescence by producing reactive oxygen species.

24 Jan 2019

Study reveals how staying in shape is crucial for reproductive success of cells

Cells must keep their shape and proportions to successfully reproduce through cell division, finds new research from the Crick and King’s College London.

From The Francis Crick Institute 24 Jan 2019