A detailed study of how domains within the Cas9 protein move when the molecule binds to DNA has allowed scientists to locate the protein that monitors the fidelity of binding between the Cas9 single-guide RNA and its DNA target. The researchers then tweaked this domain to boost specificity, creating the highest fidelity Cas9 protein to date.
Tag: discovery
'Exciting' discovery on path to develop new type of vaccine to treat global viruses
Scientists have made a significant discovery in efforts to develop a vaccine against Zika, dengue and Hepatitis C viruses that affect millions of people around the world.
Discovery can pave the way for more effective cholesterol medicine
Research sheds new light on how the body converts the bad kind of cholesterol. The discovery could lead to new and potentially more effective medicine.
Synaptic receptor mobility: Discovery of a new mechanism for controlling memory
A new mechanism has been discovered for storing information in synapses and a means of controlling the storage process. The breakthrough moves science closer to unveiling the mystery of the molecular mechanisms of memory and learning processes.
Discovery of chromosome motor supports DNA loop extrusion
It is one of the mysteries in biology: how does a cell neatly distribute its replicated DNA between two daughter cells? Scientists are split into two camps: the first argues that condensing works like a hook, tying DNA together. The other camp thinks that the ring-shaped protein pulls the DNA inwards to create a loop. Now researchers from give the ‘loop-extrustion camp’ a boost: condensin does indeed have the putative ‘motor power’ on board.
Discovery of genes linked to preterm birth in landmark study
A massive international DNA analysis of pregnant women has identified for the first time six gene regions that influence the length of pregnancy and the timing of birth. The findings may lead to new ways to prevent preterm birth and its consequences — the leading cause of death among children under age 5 worldwide.
Discovery may be key to obesity, Diabetes Rx
Research has demonstrated the potential of a protein to treat or prevent metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes.
New Zealand researchers makes 'natural born killer' cell discovery
An unexpected role for a white blood cell called the Natural Killer (NK) cell — a critical cell for ridding the body of infection and cancer, has been discovered. The NK cell is a ‘vigilante’ killer — a white blood cell that destroys invaders and cancer cells through a process of ‘identity card’ checking. The researchers’ new work shows that violent vigilante NK cells act as helper cells to start up the immune response.
Discovery fuels hope for Rett syndrome treatment
Researchers have relieved symptoms of Rett syndrome in a mouse model with a small molecule that works like the dimmer switch in an electrical circuit.
Surprising discovery about how neurons talk to each other
New findings challenge existing dogma that neurons release fixed amounts of chemical signal at any one time and could have implications for brain disorders including Parkinson’s and schizhophrenia.