Biology Genetics

Pomacea canaliculata, commonly known as the apple snail, a pest commonly found in Hong Kong’s wetlands and farmlands, feeds on aquatic plants and deposits its eggs on terrestrial plants or stone bunds. It is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the “100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species”. The Division of Science of Lingnan University and its collaborative research team analysed the genomes of the Pomacea canaliculata and its close relatives, and discovered that despite being aquatic animals, they possess the trait of terrestrial reproduction, and their egg masses also exhibit desiccation resistance, UV screening, and predator deterrence. This capability may originate from an infection by a virus during the Jurassic period, where their ancestors integrated the viral gene to evolve in their own genome, and scholars point out that this could not only provide foundational insight into how land invasion occurred, but also suggest potential avenues for developing inhibitors to eradicate the snail pest from the root. These research findings were recently published in the top international academic journal Advanced Science.

Hiroshima University researchers say a newly proposed three-step “detour” pathway for making dolichol, a molecule cells need to properly process proteins, may be more universal than scientists realized. Experiments in yeast suggest eukaryotes may rely on overlapping biochemical pathways, including the evolutionarily conserved “detour” and evidence of a possible “backup route,” to produce a molecule essential to life.

Researchers studied 23 cases of oral cancer with a burrowing growth pattern and found that rare carcinoma cuniculatum has a unique genetic fingerprint. The research found genetic alterations in FAT1, NOTCH1, PIK3CA, and CASP8, suggesting a potential explanation for its slow growth and favorable prognosis. These findings suggest that genetic testing could improve diagnosis and inform treatment decisions in oral cancer.

Position of a RELA mutation can shape symptoms, severity and treatment response

We don’t have time to count every fish in the ocean! Environmental DNA or eDNA allows us to see where fish live by analyzing DNA in seawater – such as from shed scales or skin. This Japan-wide eDNA survey conducted by the Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC), Tohoku University & JAMSTEC, revealed hidden factors of the ecological niches that affect shifts in fish distributions.

Enamel proteins from the teeth of six Homo erectus individuals that lived in China around 400,000 years ago offer insights into how ancient genetic material might have made its way into modern humans.

Cellular changes affect ability to conceive

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that the zinc finger proteins RLF and ZFP292 play redundant roles in stabilizing the CoREST corepressor complex at gene promoters in embryonic stem cells. Deleting both proteins allowed the cells to differentiate, suggesting that they could be useful targets for maintaining stem cell quality.

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered hidden genetic damage that has been overlooked for decades, which could lead to more accurate research on aging and diseases like cancer. This groundbreaking discovery opens the door to more reliable technologies for working with DNA in the future.

Hiroshima University researchers have developed a practical framework to identify candidate pathogenic variants hidden among the large number of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) detected in comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of cancers. This framework could improve the accuracy of precision oncology by more reliable prioritization of VUS.

According to a 20-year study in mice published in Nature Communications, repeated cloning cannot be sustained indefinitely in mammals.

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that leukemia caused by NUTM1 rearrangements is distinguished from other forms of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) by a unique pattern of gene activity and gene regulation. Unlike the common form of B-ALL caused by KMT2A rearrangement, which is resistant to treatment, leukemic cells with NUTM1 rearrangements are highly sensitivity to chemotherapy.

A potential breakthrough for jet lag and shift work-related sleep disorders. A Japanese research team has discovered a new compound that can advance the body’s internal clock—offering hope for faster recovery from jet lag and better adaptation to night-shift work. The compound, called Mic-628, specifically activates the transcription of a clock gene named Period1 (Per1). When given orally to mice, it advanced their body clocks and activity rhythms, regardless of dosing time. The findings suggest a new approach to controlling circadian rhythms through drug action rather than light exposure.

A research team at The University of Osaka revealed that the loss of heterochromatin can cause a chain reaction leading to genetic changes and the subsequent development of diseases including cancer. Using fission yeast, the study specifically found that loss of Clr4, which encodes a methyltransferase, can induce an increase in R-loop levels at pericentromeric repeats, and the later conversion of R-loops into ADR-loops can prompt gross chromosomal rearrangements.

Researchers at The University of Osaka used a range of cellular techniques to show that the histone protein CENP-A can be deposited into centromeres by two independent pathways. By identifying that CENP-C can substitute for Mis18C in binding to the chaperone HJURP to prompt CENP-A deposition, they showed that there is redundancy in the process of specifying the location of the centromere on chromosomes, which is essential for mitosis and meiosis.

Brain atlas, From perfume to plastic, Stable solar power, Plant aging switch, Anti-cancer droplets, Greener gold, Extreme star factory and How research shapes sustainability policy. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

A group of researchers led by The University of Osaka have identified a novel genetic mutation in Streptococcus pyogenes, a common bacterium which causes strep throat, significantly associated with severe invasive infections. A single mutation in the bacterial ferric ion transporter enhances bacterial growth in human blood. This mutation, unique to Japanese isolates, indicates a novel pathogenic mechanism. This world-first discovery offers a potential new target for treatments and preventive measures.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have used a miniature heater positioned over a nano-sized opening to gently unzip DNA’s double helix into a single strand for quick, efficient analysis. The device enables detection of longer DNA strands than before while using less power and improving accuracy. The technology could be used in handheld medical devices, helping doctors to diagnose disease and tailor treatments based on patients’ genes.

Echoes of grief, Unexpected mineral, Insulin on edge, Fingerprinting bacteria, Beefing up taste & Power of glass. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that a one-time genome editing treatment introducing a gene encoding the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist Exendin-4, marketed as the weight-loss drug Exenatide, results in sustained secretion of the drug, reduced food intake, and enhanced weight loss in mice. This in vivo genome editing approach provides a potential strategy for treating complex diseases without defined genetic causes, such as heart disease and autoimmune disorders, without the need for frequent medication.

Stress-responsive gene pushes pancreatic insulin-producing cells toward dysfunction, fueling diabetes

Cyborg jellyfish, 3D collagen, Light, light go away, AI electronic nose, FLASHing cancer, Hydrogen storage in nanoscales & Can I drink this? Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

Scientists have identified a brain molecule called NEAT1 that appears to play a central role in triggering light sensitivity (photophobia), a common and debilitating symptom of migraines

Using a new fluorescent mouse model with advanced imaging techniques, researchers have successfully visualized how musculoskeletal components are integrated into the functional locomotor system during embryonic development.

New light-powered DNA detection enables more accessible, affordable genetic analysis

A genomic study of hydrogen-producing bacteria has revealed entirely new gene clusters capable of producing large volumes of hydrogen.

Suppression of the CcMCA1 gene has potential in halting invasive plant species

Advancement in veterinary regenerative medicine can help domestic and endangered wild cats alike

Near-gap-free and near-error-free genomes of a susceptible bed bug strain and a superstrain with around 20,000-fold insecticide resistance offer the broadest look yet at the full scope of mutations driving their resilience.

Studied oxidative stress and Parkinson’s disease as a case study