Now, scientists have identified mutations in single genes that can be responsible for at least some cases of cerebral palsy, according to a new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix, and Yale University.
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has received a $68 million grant to investigate and discover what contributes to extreme longevity. The researchers are studying hundreds of families — over several generations — with individuals who have had exceptionally long lives. Many of these families have unusual concentrations of people living to at least age 100.
A research team led by Samantha A. Morris, PhD, an assistant professor of developmental biology at Washington University School of Medicine, was one of 64 teams chosen to compete in STAT Madness, the March Madness of science and medicine. Morris’ team has made the competition’s Final Four.
Jumping genes, which scientists call transposable elements, are short sections of the DNA sequence that have been incorporated randomly into the genome over the long course of human evolution. The evolutionary histories of jumping genes are the subject of much current research, but viral infection is thought to play an important role in their origins.
Researchers led by Ting Wang the Sanford C. and Karen P. Loewentheil Distinguished Professor of Medicine, have plumbed genomic databases, looking specifically for tumors whose jumping genes are driving cancer growth.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a new tool described as a “flight data recorder” for developing cells, illuminating the paths cells take as they progress from one type to another.
Two professors in the Genetics Department, Robi D. Mitra and Gary D. Stormo are being honored as outstanding scientists by the Academy of Science-St. Louis.
Tim Schedl, PhD, professor of genetics, is recognized for his significant and lasting impact in teaching graduate students in the areas of genetics and genomics.
Personalized medicine centers on being able to predict the risk of disease or response to a drug based on a person’s genetic makeup. But a study by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that, for most common diseases, genes alone only tell part of the story.