Welcome back to Week in Brief! We hope you had a great weekend, and that you’re ready for some exciting genomics news.
How do ancient and ancestral sequences influence our genome?
A study in fish has revealed new information about how novel genes evolve. The findings showed that new genes can appear via a combination of repurposed ancestral gene fragments and the incorporation of new coding regions (Molecular Biology and Evolution).
A new study describes the identification of control sites that influence gene regulation, preventing ‘cryptic’ sequences being expressed. In particular, these regulatory sites inhibit the activation of ancient viral sequences (Nature Communications).
New variants have been linked to disease…
Scientists have identified thousands of variants in the RAD51C gene that are linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The results have been made publicly available for immediate use by clinicians (Cell).
An analysis of genomic data from over 1 million individuals worldwide has led to the identification of 100 genes associated with anxiety disorders. These genes could be used as drug targets (Nature Genetics).
In the largest study of its kind to-date, researchers have assessed how autosomal recessive variation contributes to certain developmental disorders. The findings from the study could inform diagnosis for these conditions (Nature Genetics).
Human health hasn’t been the only thing in the news this week…
In a bid to better understand biodiversity in Europe, researchers from over 30 countries have contributed to a project that has created reference genomes for 98 species (npj Biodiversity).
A large-scale analysis of wildlife present at the Huanan Seafood Market and viral genomes from early COVID-19 patients has shed light on the origins of the virus and its evolution (Cell).
What else has been going on in the genomics world?
Researchers have identified a combination of different bacteria that could inhibit the growth of harmful, antibiotic-resistant microbes in the gut. These bacteria were found in the stool of healthy individuals and could be used in microbial transplants (Nature).
Despite the implementation of updated standards of care, stroke risk has continued to increase in sickle cell disease patients. This highlights a need to better understand the risk factors for these individuals (Blood).
A twin study has revealed that ‘fussy’ eating in children and adolescents is a largely genetic trait. Environmental factors such as the food eaten at home were more important during toddlerhood, whilst individual experiences became more important in adolescence (The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry).
Finally, using optical genome mapping, researchers have investigated triplet repeat instability in corneal cells. They identifed a crucial mechanism underpinning a common cause of age-related sight loss (eBioMedicine).
Check out last week’s Week in Brief here.
