Genomics | Penn Today

3D Rendering human or animal cells on blue background

New data reveals cell size sparks genome awakening in embryos

An innovative study provides a new perspective on how a zygote transitions from maternal to zygotic control, uncovering how an embryo “recognizes” when to undergo this transition.

three test tubes with rendering of DNA sequence inside

How do you find a virus that’s completely unknown?

A team of microbiologists and pulmonologists at Penn have scanned genome databases and found a new abundant viral family associated with disease.

The mystery behind cleft palate and lips

New research identifies 100 new risk genes that could lead to the development of cleft lip and palate, combining molecular findings with genome data to find that many of the genes that are highly associated with clefting are located near the enhancer regions that work with a specific protein.

Abstract image indicating diversity of data generated by genome sequences

Demystifying genomic technology for veterinary researchers

The School of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Host-Microbial Interactions helps researchers delving into ‘omics’ to promote animal and human health.

side-by-side comparison of two nuclei with different compaction

Cell development discovery changes our understanding of how genes shape early embryos

To fit inside each nucleus, DNA coils around specialized proteins. These spools of wrapped DNA inhibit gene regulatory proteins from binding to protein-coding stretches along the genome, which help keep genes in the “off” position when they’re not needed.

What now for human genome editing?

The Perelman School of Medicine’s James Wilson discussed possible venues for the scientific oversight of controversial research. The FDA could be a good option, he suggested, but the organization would have to change its confidentiality restrictions to supervise effectively.

Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test: How reliable is it? A Penn prof explains

Theodore Schurr of the School of Arts and Sciences said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s genetic analysis, which used indigenous DNA samples from Peru, Mexico, and Colombia as reference points, was legitimate due to historical migration patterns.

Scientists break the rules of reproduction by breeding mice from single-sex parents

The Perelman School of Medicine’s Marisa Bartolomei offered commentary on same-sex reproductive experiments, which have proven easier in bimaternal than bipaternal pairings.

New center will study the complex genomics within individual cells

Junhyong Kim and James Eberwine are leading a multi-disciplinary team in developing cutting-edge technologies that can assess the genetic material inside individual compartments of single cells. The new Center for Sub-Cellular Genomics aims to revolutionize therapies for diseases such as bipolar disorder, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Finding patterns in a class of neurological disorders

Research from Penn Engineering and the Perelman School of Medicine has found that the shared pattern is misfolded in Fragile X Syndrome, a member of the class of disorders that also includes ALS and Huntington’s disease

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