Sampath works as a DNA researcher at the University of Copenhagen. Right now, he is studying how proteins and protein signaling help with DNA Damage in cells.
A breakthrough genetic method called Ifegenia holds promise in combating malaria by targeting the female mosquito population. By utilising CRISPR gene-editing technology to disrupt a key female-specific gene, researchers have achieved successful suppression of the deadly malaria vector. This innovative approach offers a controlled and safe means to reduce malaria transmission, potentially saving countless lives in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Researchers developed a new and improved polygenic risk score for coronary artery disease (CAD) called GPSMult. It incorporates data from multiple ancestries and risk factors and can accurately identify individuals at high risk of CAD.
Researchers investigated the relationship between long-term exposure to green spaces and the process of epigenetic ageing, which involves changes in gene expression and cellular characteristics not related to DNA sequence changes. Their results suggest that spending time in green spaces may have a positive impact on the ageing process at a molecular level.
Researchers analysed the genomes of more than 20000 blood samples in people with or without schizophrenia, taken from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. They found that somatic mutations (non-inherited) in two genes, NRXN1 and ABCB11 correlated with schizophrenia cases when disrupted in utero.
Researchers conducted a groundbreaking study on a bacterium with a minimal genome. They observed that despite a loss of fitness during genome minimisation, the minimal cell evolved and regained its lost fitness over 2,000 generations. The study revealed that evolution persisted even in the absence of backup genes, challenging previous assumptions. These findings have significant implications for understanding the adaptability of organisms with simplified genomes and their relevance to clinical pathogens, host-associated endosymbionts, engineered microorganisms, and the origins of life itself.
Researchers developed a new analysis method to explore the connection between the gut and brain in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), finding specific molecular and bacterial profiles associated with ASD-related characteristics, as well as their correlations with brain gene expression, dietary patterns, and inflammation markers.
The US FDA has now preliminarily approved a drug called Elevidys to be used as gene therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in children. The drugmaker Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. said it would charge $3.2 million for the one-time treatment.
Hair growth is influenced by various factors and hair regeneration is an active field of research. Scientists have now discovered that increasing a specific type of RNA called miRNA-205 stimulated hair growth in mice, with potential for human applications.
Researchers published groundbreaking whole-genome data from 233 primate species revealing their wonderful diversity. Their data provides evolutionary insights, climate associations, and intriguing mutation patterns. It also provides key insights into human health and diseases. Importantly, it gives insights into why we are human!
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a specific type of heart attack where a bruise or bleed occurs in the wall of the coronary artery. This leads to cutting off the blood supply to some parts of the heart. As a result, heart attack or myocardial infarction ensues. SCAD is most common in women under the age of 60 and is a leading cause of heart attacks around the time of pregnancy. Now, scientists have identified genes that are associated with SCAD.
Scientists discover how recent genetic mixing has transformed the roots of modern populations, revealing surprising insights into our diverse heritage.
Researchers analysed the genome from immune cells of 39 individuals. Their analysis revealed that Transposable Elements (TE), also called ‘jumping genes’ predict the severity of Influenza A infections. Genes indeed determine our health and response to diseases.
Genome biologists achieved a major feat by isolating ancient DNA from excavated pre-Hispanic individuals in modern-day Mexico. Genome sequencing of this pre-Hispanic ancient DNA revealed a ‘ghost’ ancestry, meaning ancestry not found in present-day Mexican populations.
A recent study presents a new method called Peptide-Assisted Genome Editing (PAGE). It is an enhanced CRISPR-Cas system and allows for efficient and safe gene editing in primary human cells, including T cells, and haematopoietic progenitor cells, with high editing efficiencies of up to 98%.
They then compared Balto’s DNA sequence to current-day sled dogs. They found that Balto, who lived 100 years ago, differed genetically to modern-day breeds like the Siberian Husky.
Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Princeton University have reported a new genetic disorder associated with neurodevelopmental differences. The discovery identified the disorder in 21 families from all over the world. The genetic disorder is caused by rare variants in the MAP4K4 gene.
Rapid diagnosis of cancer can save lives. Now, engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new nanoparticle sensor that can detect cancer and other diseases with a simple urine test. Barcoded DNA administered to patients using nanoparticles is cleaved and excreted in urine where it is analysed.
Our genome is large. It is compacted into domains in the nucleus of cell. These domains, called topologically associating domains (TADs) are important for gene regulation and recombination during development and disease. The DNA-binding protein CTCF and cohesin were known to regulate the compaction of our genome. Now, scientists have discovered that DNA tension plays a major role too.
A new study shows that an increase in levels of the amino acid tyrosine in the blood plasma is associated with heart failure. Increased tyrosine levels induced DNA damage in cardiac cells. It also weakened the DNA Damage Response by reducing the activation of ATR, one of the key kinases. A weak DNA Damage Response leads to further accumulation of DNA Damage and cell death that eventually causes heart failure.
Scientists developed a new CRISPR-based system called KaryoCreate to study chromosome aneuploidy. Using guide RNAs, they could recruit mutant kinetochore proteins to chromosomes in cultured cells. This mutant protein results in improper segregation of chromosomes leading to aneuploidy. Researchers can use this as an experimental model to study aneuploidy in the context of cancer and beyond.
Biologists identified the mechanistic link between EBV and cancer. They discovered that the protein EBNA1 encoded by EBV binds to specific sequences on chromosome 11 of humans. This binding triggers chromosome breakage and genome instability. Genome instability is a known driver of cancer development.
A cell cycle is a series of events that ensure a cell grows and divides properly. It is also called the cell division cycle. It is composed of interphase (G1, S and G2 phases), followed by the division phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid is the genetic material of your body. It is a double-helix molecule found in almost all your cells. The genetic code in your DNA is required for proper development and functioning of an organism.
