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Clinical genetics news

Single gene found to influence gut bacteria balance and IBD susceptibility

Two recent studies from the University of California, Riverside, published in the same issue of Gut Microbes highlight the role of a gene called PTPN2 in protecting the gut from harmful bacteria linked to inflammatory bowel ...

Rare cranial disorders: Towards a non-invasive therapy using gene silencing delivered by nanoparticles and 3D printing

A "gene silencer" (technically known as small interfering RNA, or siRNA), locally delivered by nanoparticles embedded in an injectable gel produced through 3D printing, can switch off the defective gene responsible for serious ...

Neuronal activity reveals new clues to ALS progression

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with no cure and limited treatment options. One of the earliest signs of ALS is overactive brain signals known as cortical hyperexcitability. ...

Qatari genetic map reveals over 150,000 structural variants

Research co-led by King's College London and Sidra Medicine, Qatar, has produced the most detailed map to date of large-scale genetic differences in the Qatari population, providing a clearer picture of the genetic diversity ...

Missing Y gene linked to male infertility

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scientists have uncovered a direct link between a missing Y chromosome gene and male infertility. Their new research reveals that deleting this single gene in mice not only caused infertility ...

Discovery reveals how chromosome ends can be protected

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that safeguards the chromosome ends from being mistakenly repaired by the cell. While DNA repair is vital for survival, attempts to repair the chromosome ends—called ...

Why a promising ALS drug failed—despite hitting its target

A new Emory University study, led by the Emory ALS Center and the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease at Emory's Goizueta Brain Health Institute, sheds light on why a once-promising experimental medication for amyotrophic ...

How DNA damage can lead to motor neuron disease

Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered how DNA damage caused by a faulty DNA protection and repair system can lead to neurodegenerative disorders such as motor neuron disease (MND).

How quickly mRNA degrades is linked to autoimmune disease risk

A pizza shop with 30 delivery people ought to be able to deliver a lot of pizzas—if their cars don't break down on the way. Likewise, genes that produce a lot of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules can build a lot of proteins—if ...