Happy Monday folks! Looking for the latest news from the genomics world and beyond? Week in Brief has you covered!
Scientists have identified mutations in two gene pairs that are present in 5% of adult cancers. These tumours rely on a gene, PELO, to survive, which could be used as a treatment target (Nature).
New research has revealed genetic overlaps between 72 long-term conditions associated with aging. The findings could contribute to better disease prediction, prevention and treatment (eBioMedicine).
Using a large-scale multi-omics approach, researchers have identified 58 novel drug targets for different forms of heart disease. The work used data from the Million Veteran Program, and the findings were further validated in a multi-ancestry cohort (Nature Cardiovascular Research).
A recent study has suggested that a polygenic risk score, generated using data from non-invasive sources such as cheek swabs or blood tests, could be used to identify individuals with COPD (JAMA).
RAD51 biomarker testing has been seen to complement next-generation sequencing to stratify prostate cancer patients. This information could lead to the implementation of better personalised treatment plans (Cell Reports Medicine).
In a study in mice, researchers have shown how the activation of a transcription factor in combination with HPV oncogenes causes healthy stem cells to transform into oral cancer cells (Nature Communications).
A comprehensive genetic analysis of data from East Asian and European populations has revealed variants that confer protection against Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s and Dementia).
New researcher has shed light on the process of liver maturation and polyploidisation, findings which could influence the field of regenerative medicine (Genes and Development).
When exposed to alcohol, immune cells in the brains of those with a high genetic risk for alcohol use disorder behave differently compared to cells from those with a low risk, according to a study that made headlines this week (Science Advances).
Finally, a study has shown that X-linked microRNA is responsible for physiological differences between the hearts of males and females (Circulation Research).
Check out last week’s Week in Brief here.
