Telomere News and Research

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A telomere is a region of repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome, which protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration.

Complete Reference Genomes Unlocked for Six Ape Species

Comprehensive reference genomes have now been assembled for six ape species: siamang (a Southeast Asian gibbon), Sumatran orangutan, Bornean orangutan, gorilla, bonobo and chimpanzee.

12 Apr 2025

Early Embryo Development May Be the Foundation for Lifelong Health

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that the initial stages of embryo development significantly influence an individual's future health and aging.

19 Mar 2025

Study Shows How Transposons Exploit Telomeres in Bacteria

Transposons, or "jumping genes" – DNA segments that can move from one part of the genome to another – are key to bacterial evolution and the development of antibiotic resistance.

8 Mar 2025

New Genetic Discovery Could Lead to Larger Tomatoes and Eggplants

Bigger, tastier tomatoes and eggplants could soon grace our dinner plates thanks to Johns Hopkins scientists who have discovered genes that control how large the fruits will grow.

6 Mar 2025

Genetically Engineered Mice May Accelerate Anti-Aging Research

Washington State University scientists have created genetically-engineered mice that could help accelerate anti-aging research.

5 Feb 2025

Long-Read Sequencing Brings New Hope for Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

One in every 10 people worldwide is impacted by a rare genetic disease but about 50% of them remain undiagnosed despite rapid increases in genetic technology and testing.

27 Jan 2025

Researchers Decode Complete Genome of Medicinal Plant Forsythia Suspensa

A recent study has decoded the complete genome of Forsythia suspensa, a plant renowned for its medicinal value and decorative appeal.

23 Nov 2024

Crystal Structure of i-Motif DNA Opens Doors for Targeted Drug Design

The first crystal structure of an alternative DNA shape from the insulin gene has been revealed by a UCL-led research team.

9 Sep 2024

Advancements in Grape Genomics Promise Enhanced Breeding Strategies

Grapes are economically and culturally significant worldwide, but climate change has posed substantial challenges to grape production in recent decades.

8 Aug 2024

Genomic Insights into Prunus Species Evolution and Traits

The Prunus genus, encompassing apricots, peaches, plums, and mei, is vital due to its economic and nutritional value.

22 Jul 2024

Small Molecule Restores TERT Levels to Combat Aging-Related Decline

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have demonstrated that therapeutically restoring 'youthful' levels of a specific subunit of the telomerase enzyme can significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of aging in preclinical models.

24 Jun 2024

Revolutionizing Telomere Research with High-Resolution Sequencing

Within each of our cells, long strands of DNA are folded into chromosomes and capped with protective structures called telomeres.

19 Jun 2024

Study Unveils Key Mechanism of Telomere Maintenance by CST–Polα/Primase

The length of telomeres that protect the ends of our chromosomes should be tightly regulated. Those that are too long predispose to cancer, and those that are too short lose their protective ability, resulting in telomere disorders with serious health consequences.

6 Jun 2024

Upgraded Nipponbare Genome Assembly Paves the Way for Enhanced Rice Research

A research team has achieved a groundbreaking improvement in the haplotype-resolved genome sequence of the japonica rice cultivar Nipponbare.

21 May 2024

New Insights Into PARP1 Biology Could Open Avenues to Improve Cancer Treatments

A new study led by University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center researchers shows that an enzyme called PARP1 is involved in repair of telomeres, the lengths of DNA that protect the tips of chromosomes, and that impairing this process can lead to telomere shortening and genomic instability that can cause cancer.

8 May 2024