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Most heritable traits, including disease susceptibility, are affected by interactions between multiple genes. However, we understand little about how genes interact because very few possible genetic interactions have been explored experimentally. We have used RNA interference in Caenorhabditis elegans to systematically test approximately 65,000 pairs of genes for their ability to interact genetically. We identify approximately 350 genetic interactions between genes functioning in signaling pathways that are mutated in human diseases, including components of the EGF/Ras, Notch and Wnt pathways. Most notably, we identify a class of highly connected 'hub' genes: inactivation of these genes can enhance the phenotypic consequences of mutation of many different genes. These hub genes all encode chromatin regulators, and their activity as genetic hubs seems to be conserved across animals. We propose that these genes function as general buffers of genetic variation and that these hub genes may act as modifier genes in multiple, mechanistically unrelated genetic diseases in humans.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng1844 | DOI Listing |
Sci Adv
September 2025
Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Grain size substantially influences rice quality and yield. In this study, we identified (), a quantitative trait locus encoding an F-box protein that enhances grain length by promoting cell proliferation. The transcription factor OsbZIP35 represses expression, while COR1 interacts with OsTCP19, leading to its degradation.
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September 2025
Biology Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA.
Sterols are essential isoprenoid derivatives that contribute to membrane structure and function. In plants, they also serve as precursors to phytohormones and specialized metabolites important for development, defense, and health. Although the sterol biosynthetic pathway is considered well-characterized, we report the discovery of a plant-specific cytochrome -like protein, CB5LP, as a critical component of phytosterol biosynthesis.
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September 2025
HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Evolution, Budapest, Hungary.
We develop a model that integrates evolutionary matrix game theory with Mendelian genetics. Within this framework, we define the genotype dynamics that describes how the frequencies of genotypes change in sexual diploid populations. We show that our formal definition of evolutionary stability for genotype distributions implies the stability of the corresponding interior equilibrium point in the genotype dynamics.
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September 2025
Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China.
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting axial joints, is frequently complicated by uveitis. However, the molecular mechanisms linking AS to secondary uveitis remain poorly understood.
Methods: We integrated transcriptomic datasets from AS (GSE73754) and uveitis (GSE194060) cohorts to identify shared molecular pathways.
Elife
September 2025
Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
The p53 transcription factor family consists of the three members p53, p63, and p73. Both p63 and p73 exist in different isoforms that are well characterized. Isoforms have also been identified for p53 and it has been proposed that they are responsible for increased cancer metastasis.
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