Genomics related news from across the University of Edinburgh. Genes linked to deadly parasites’ spread beyond Africa identified Parasites that cause the deadly illness known as sleeping sickness can spread beyond their native Africa as a result of mutations to key genes, a study shows. Memorandum of Understanding creates Industry partnership to support restoration of European oyster A team of Roslin Institute based researchers will identify genetic traits linked to disease resistance, while providing scientific expertise to support the breeding processes carried out by industry partners. Genomics study to help retain diversity in UK sheep Analysis of 13 breeds reveals complex histories and underscores value of genetic resources to retain diversity. Genetic clues could help breed chickens resilient to flu Scientists discover DNA regions linked to bird flu resistance in chickens, a discovery that could lead to more resilient poultry flocks. Critically endangered animal has multiple species Genetic insights into Chinese giant salamander prompts calls for legislation to define and safeguard ancient species. Meeting Report - Single Cell Approaches Workshop Over 80 researchers joined us on 23rd August, both in-person at the Nucleus Building and online, to hear about a variety of projects making use of single cell approaches and to learn how they can get started with their own projects. Indigenous chickens reveal environment-driven microbiome diversity Study reveals Ethiopia’s unique ecological impact on indigenous chicken gut microbiomes, highlighting key insights for global poultry farming. Largest study of the nose and mouth microbiome to date Researchers have used data from over 3000 individuals to map the nose and mouth microbiome. Whole genome sequencing used to detect genetic causes of primary ciliary dyskinesia Genetic factors underlying the rare condition were identified in patients, including in a novel gene previously not linked to primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Tell-tale gene affects success of drug used to treat chronic pain Women who carry a particular form of a pain gene are more likely to respond well to a common medication used to treat long-term discomfort, research shows. Mutation drives bacterial adaptation to immune response A team of Roslin Institute scientists have uncovered a genetic mutation that helps a common bacteria affecting humans and animals to survive against immune defences and antibiotics. Genomic analysis reveals new resistance gene variation in pet pathogen Insight into the diversity of antibiotic resistance genes could aid in developing effective surveillance and interventions. Edinburgh Molecular Mechanisms Cluster (EMMC) to launch £5 million UKRI-funding has been awarded to Professor Kenneth Baillie and team to establish the EMMC, which will aim to identify the molecular mechanisms linking genetic associations and disease. Study uncovers the mechanism behind sickness and nausea that occur during pregnancy A new study from authors including IGC’s Professor Caroline Hayward, and using data from the Generation Scotland cohort, uncovers that sensitivity to the protein GDF15 explains why many experience sickness and nausea whilst pregnant. Cost-effective DNA analysis could support dog research Lower-cost genomic analysis could enable affordable screening of individual dogs for genetic health conditions, and support breeding programmes. West Nile virus study sheds light on mitigating outbreaks Mapping development of mosquito-borne virus offers clarity on managing risk of infections. First comprehensive molecular picture of ovarian carcinosarcoma A study led by Edinburgh Cancer Centre scientists provides the first comprehensive molecular picture of ovarian carcinosarcoma (OCS), an uncommon form of ovarian cancer. Virus ancestry could help predict next pandemic A new study has identified 70 virus lineages that pose the biggest risk of causing future global pandemics. Male fertility gene discovery reveals path to success for sperm Discovery of a pair of genes that work together to protect male fertility, could provide new insights into some unexplained cases of the most severe form of infertility, research suggests. Edinburgh Next Generation of Genomics Symposium (ENGoGS23) 175 attendees were present at ENGoGS23, a symposium for early career researchers working in genomics or using genomic technologies, which was held on the 14th November 2023 at the Playfair Library. Experts examine DNA changes that shaped life on Earth Four-year collaborative project seeks to understand key process linked to evolution. New spinout Trogenix unveils revolutionary cancer treatment platform A new University of Edinburgh spinout Trogenix has unveiled a novel technology platform that promises unprecedented precision in targeting aggressive cancers, starting with brain cancer. New study sheds light on potential cancer driver genes A new study into the protein structure of human cancer-associated mutations has shed light on potential driver genes which lead to the progression of the disease. Meeting Report - Infectious Disease Genomics Symposium Two of the University of Edinburgh's networks came together on the 6th September 2024 at the Nucleus Building, King's Buildings Campus for a meeting on how host, pathogen and microbial genomics can be used to better understand infectious disease. Gene-edited cells could halt MS progression Scientists have used gene-editing techniques to boost the repair of nerve cells damaged in multiple sclerosis. Cancer gene linked to Scottish island People with grandparents from a remote Scottish island are more likely than the rest of the UK population to have a version of a gene that increases cancer risk. DNA encoding method aids data-driven genetics research New approach to representing genetic inheritance could support studies involving large datasets. Dyslexia and ADHD share genetic links, study shows Scientists have shed new light on the genetic basis of dyslexia, showing how it overlaps with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Professor Paul Sharp wins Royal Society’s Darwin Medal Professor Paul Sharp FRS, is recognised by the Royal Society with a prestigious medal, created in memory of Charles Darwin FRS, for his research on the evolutionary origins of HIV and malaria. Research highlights main components needed to repair damaged DNA A new study has highlighted the critical role of a protein called cyclin F in controlling DNA repair during different phases of the cell cycle. Skin cell discovery could help Atlantic salmon fend off sea lice Comparative transcriptomics of Coho and Atlantic salmon response to sea lice has identified the cell type that could hold the key to improving resistance, a study suggests. Researchers define fundamental molecular mechanism in DNA replication A new study from researchers at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer describes a mechanism for how the DNA replication machinery deals with barriers on the DNA, via the recruitment of extra ‘accessory’ DNA helicases. New research investigates the strand specificity of DNA damage and repair A new paper by a research team led by Professor Martin Taylor found that DNA damage is bypassed in the same way when copying leading and lagging strands. Two founder variants account for 90% of pathogenic BRCA alleles in Orkney and Shetland Viking Genes volunteer data has linked a harmful variant in the gene BRCA2, which increases the chance of developing breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, to a historic origin in Whalsay, Shetland. Rare disease genetics reveals microtubule mechanism for ciliopathies Using patient cells, organoids and mouse models, a research team led by Professor Pleasantine Mill reveal that cilia are key to how different mutations in a single tubulin gene can result in multiple rare diseases. IRR researchers leading national centre to tackle rare lung diseases A £9.4 million collaborative research centre will accelerate improved tests, treatments and potentially cures for thousands of people living with rare respiratory diseases Generation Scotland halfway to recruiting 20k new volunteers Generation Scotland, Scotland’s largest family health study, hit 10,000 new volunteer sign-ups at the end of February. Butterfly and moth genomes mostly unchanged despite 250 million years of evolution Comparison of over 200 high-quality butterfly and moth genomes reveals key insights into their biology, evolution and diversification over the last 250 million years, as well as clues for conservation. Songbird reference genome constructed to aid avian research Researchers have transcribed the genome of the white-crowned sparrow, a longstanding model wild bird species used to understand the bird biology. This article was published on 2024-02-02
