Tag: genetics
Wasp venom holds clues on how genes get new jobs
University researchers studying the venom of parasitic wasps believe a relatively understudied mechanism for creating new gene functions may be widespread in other species as well.
Scientists find new gene tool for predicting course of prostate cancer
Researchers at the University’s Wilmot Cancer Institute and Roswell Park in Buffalo have discovered a possible new tool for predicting whether prostate cancer will reoccur following surgery based on the expression patterns of four genes.
Protein found that initiates DNA repair
Researchers who specialize in the study of aging have identified a protein that may serve as a first responder, activating a “longevity gene” known as sirtuin 6 and setting in motion a cascade of molecular first responders to repair damaged DNA.
‘Honeycomb’ of nanotubes could boost genetic engineering
Medical Center researchers have developed a new and highly efficient method for gene transfer that could successfully deliver DNA into tens of thousands of cells simultaneously.
Tracking melanoma metastasis leads to key gene discovery
A Wilmot Cancer Institute investigator discovered a gene that’s required for the initiation of melanoma and the growth of disseminated melanoma cancer cells in the lungs.
Scientists map genome of common bed bug
“There’s an explosion of insect genome sequencing right now,” said Jack Werren, a professor of biology and a member of the research team. “But the bed bug is particularly interesting because it’s a human parasite, a major pest, and has a unique biology.”
Researchers receive $1.4M to study gene therapy, DNA delivery
In order for gene therapy to be effective, doctors must discern how to deliver DNA to a cell’s nucleus. Medical Center researchers are embarking on a study to unravel this roadblock to new treatments for diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Less effective DNA repair process takes over as mice age, biologists find
Biologists Vera Gorbunova and Andei Seluanov have discovered one reason for the the increase in DNA damage as we age: the primary repair process begins to fail and is replaced by one that is less accurate.
Researchers identify new rare neuromuscular disease
An international team of researchers– co-lead by researchers in the School of Medicine and Dentistry – has identified a new inherited neuromuscular disorder. The new disease was diagnosed in two families, one in the U.S. and the other in Great Britain.
Pancreatic cancer cell ‘recycling’ system points to potential new therapy
Investigation in mice shows that blocking the gene’s most important function can slow the disease and extend survival.