Researchers identify causal genetic variant linked to common childhood obesity Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have identified a causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity. The study provides new insight into the importance of the hypothalamus of the brain and its role in common childhood obesity, and the target gene may serve as a druggable target for future therapeutic interventions. The findings are published in the journal Cell Genomics.
https://medicalxpress.com/news..../2024-05-causal-gene

Unraveling the roles of non-coding DNA explains childhood cancer's resistance to chemotherapy St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have identified specific DNA variants in the non-coding regions of the genome contributing to chemotherapy resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The results guided the team to unravel the mechanism behind a previously unknown contributor to therapeutic resistance. The discovery was enabled by combining new technologies to overcome previous limitations in understanding the non-coding genome, which could be adapted to other types of cancer and diseases.
https://medicalxpress.com/news..../2024-05-unraveling-

Study indicates that cancer patients gain important benefits from genome-matched treatments In 2016, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) launched the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) to bring the latest progress in cancer care to rural Maine patients. Now, after successfully expanding access to genome tumor testing and targeted cancer treatments throughout Maine, the MCGI team provides compelling evidence that genome-matched treatments can provide significant patient benefit.
https://medicalxpress.com/news..../2024-05-cancer-pati

Researcher discusses mechanism behind a birth defect affecting brain size Nonsense-mediated RNA decay, or NMD, is an evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanism in which potentially defective messenger RNAs, or mRNAs (genetic material that instructs the body on how to make proteins), are degraded. Disruption of the NMD pathway can lead to neurological disorders, immune diseases, cancers, and other pathologies. Mutations in human NMD regulators are seen in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and intellectual disability.
https://medicalxpress.com/news..../2024-05-discusses-m

Novel genetic plant regeneration approach without the application of phytohormones Conventional plant regeneration approaches by cell culture require the external application of plant growth regulators, including hormones. However, optimizing culture conditions can be laborious. Now, researchers have developed a novel plant regeneration system that omits the need for hormone application by genetically regulating the expression of genes that control plant cell differentiation. Their work holds significant potential in the development of genetically modified plants in a simpler and cost-effective manner.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/r....eleases/2024/05/2405