Genetics

Fibromyalgia: Is the pain all in the genes?

A large-scale genetic study has identified specific genetic variants associated with fibromyalgia, offering new insights into its biological basis.

Enhancer activity: The indirect chromatin modulation that reshapes gene expression

Ligand-dependent enhancer activation indirectly influences non-target promoters within the same chromatin domain, revealing a complex regulatory mechanism.

New CRISPR screen identifies key regulators of anterior neural tube closure

A novel CRISPR interference screen in human organoids identified ZIC2, SOX11, and ZNF521 as essential transcription factors governing anterior neural tube closure.

Prime editing in zebrafish: a precise path to gene modification?

Prime editing, a refined CRISPR/Cas9 technology, enables precise DNA insertions and substitutions in zebrafish, with nuclease-based PEn achieving up to 27.3% precise insertion.

When ribosomes pause at stop codons, protein integrity hangs in the balance

Ribosome pausing at stop codons varies by sequence and tissue, influencing protein C-terminal integrity and potentially leading to heterogeneous protein extensions.

Cell and gene therapy approvals speed up. What does it mean for your practice?

The FDA issued new draft guidance to accelerate cell and gene therapy development, aiming to clarify regulatory pathways and expedite patient access.

Next-Gen CRISPR Improves Embryo Editing Accuracy, Stoking Ethical Debate

Advanced CRISPR tools enhance precision in human embryo gene editing, reducing off-target effects but intensifying ethical concerns over germline modification.

Synthetic Cell Raises Fundamental Questions About Life's Definition

Researchers have created a synthetic cell capable of self-replication, challenging established biological definitions of life and raising ethical considerations.

Prime Medicine Wins Gene-Editing Dispute Against Beam Therapeutics

Prime Medicine has secured a victory in its intellectual property dispute with Beam Therapeutics over foundational gene-editing technology.