Happy Monday everybody – we hope you’re enjoying the long weekend! As usual, we’ve got the latest stories from the genomics world and beyond.
New research has shed light on the function of mitochondria…
Researchers have identified a new recycling mechanism in mitochondria, which allows the organelles to self-repair when damaged. This pathway could potentially act as a target for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases (Nature).
A new study has shown that mitochondrial DNA is frequently integrated into the nuclei in our brain cells. The results showed a correlation between the number of insertions and the age of death, suggesting that these insertions are in fact harmful (PLOS Biology).
Scientists have identified two enzymes that regulate a chemical modification in mitochondria, which is linked to the accumulation and inheritance of mutations. This mechanism could be an effective target for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases (Cell Metabolism).
Novel targets for neurodegenerative diseases have been discovered…
Two protein targets have been identified that could decrease neurodegeneration in those suffering from ALS (Cell Reports).
In a study using brain organoids, researchers have linked a new gene to the incurable disorder Huntington’s disease (Nature Communications).
Precision methods for cancer treatment have been in the news this week…
Analysing ctDNA to understand the genetic profile of prostate tumours could be key in implementing precision treatments, according to a new study. The work showed that second-generation hormone are an effective treatment, but only for those with certain mutations (Nature Medicine).
A 67-year-old patient has become the first person in the UK to receive an experimental mRNA vaccine to treat his lung cancer. This is part of a larger international trial, which could see the transformation of the cancer treatment landscape (BBC News).
New work has shed light on how the interactions between RNA and topoisomerase I influence gene regulation, particularly in cancer cells. This information could inform the development of novel treatments (Molecular Cell).
What else has been going on this week?
A new technique has been developed that allows multiple ‘superbugs’ to be tracked simultaneously in hospitals. The deep sequencing approach could transform infection management in healthcare settings (The Lancet Microbe).
A recent study has revealed a novel pathway by which essential nutrients are passed from mother to foetus. Understanding the pathway, which is used to transport key fatty acids such as omega-3, could lead to new methods to tackle deficiencies suffered in the womb (Nature Communications).
News of an open-source computational model has been published this week, which can be used to match patients with certain mutations to the best treatment for their condition. Specifically, the model will be used to tackle diseases caused by premature termination codons (Nature Genetics).
Finally, researchers have shown that determining biological age of tissues is a complex endeavour, due to ever-changing stem cell activity. This brings into question the accuracy of direct-to-consumer testing kits that promise to determine ones biological age (Stem Cell Reports).
Check out last week’s Week in Brief here.
