Here are summaries of a selection of the papers published by GCB faculty in July 2019:
DISEASE
Genome-wide association studies have discovered multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD); however, the actual causal genes have not yet been identified. Ornit Chiba-Falek and team used a new computational strategy to identify causal genes for LOAD and to guide further laboratory experiments. Read more
To examine whether CRISPR editing of muscle stem cells holds promise for sustained gene repair therapy for muscular dystrophies, Charlie Gersbach was part of a team that developed a new approach that marked muscle stem cells with adeno-associated virus serotype-9 (AAV9)-mediated delivery of genomic editing tools and grafted AAV9-treated muscle to immune deficient mice. Read more
Ashley Chi and team uncovered a connection between DNA damage response and ferroptosis through the iron metabolisms. Since ATM (mutated in Ataxia-Telangiectasia) can be activated by radiation therapies, this study provide the rationales to combine radiation and ferroptosis to enhance treatment response of breast cancers. Read more
David Hsu was part of a team that explored how nutrients and chemicals in food navigate the same molecular pathways used by certain cancer therapies to slow tumor growth. Read more
MENTAL HEALTH
Using data from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study, Avshalom Caspi and Terrie Moffitt were part of a team that investigated associations between psychotic symptoms in 12-year-olds and a range of mental health problems and functional outcomes at age 18. Read more
GENETICS
Susanne Haga along with Catalina Villegas assessed the number of genetic counselors working in the Southern United States—a rural and medically underserved region—using various online and professional resources. This research is to assess potential workforce shortages with certified genetic counselors. Read more
REVIEWS
In this review, Jenny Tung and Noah Simons discuss current models, which suggest that low social status affects immune function by increasing inflammation and compromising antiviral defense. While this pattern appears to be somewhat conserved, recent studies argue that the gene regulatory signature of social status also depends on the local environment and the nature of social hierarchies. Read more