Genetics · 10articles

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.

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.

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.