Science & Education
Scientific articles
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Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Transthyretin gene (TTR) mutations are associated with an autosomal dominant disease leading to clinical symptoms through amyloid deposits, especially in the heart, but also in the …
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Genetics and Pathophysiology of Premature Aging
Progeria, the phenomenon of premature aging, is an ultra-rare genetic condition. A recent study reported mutations in MTX2 as the cause of a novel progeroid syndrome and revealed mitochondrial dysfunction as contributing…
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One Gene – Two Mutational Mechanisms
For a few genes, mono-allelic gain-of-function mutations as well as bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations have been found to cause disease. Based on findings in a large consanguineous family with multiple stillbirths,…
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A Variant-Specific Mutational Effect
A given genetic disorder is usually associated with numerous distinct mutations in the underlying gene. For a novel neurodegenerative syndrome, however, only a single TRAPPC4 variant seems to be causative. A cohort of 23…
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Underlining the Diagnostic Superiority of Genome Sequencing
Technological options for genetic diagnostics have evolved rapidly, with genome sequencing (GS) being the latest addition. Evaluating the utility of GS in over 1,000 patients with a wide range of suspected genetic…
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Mechanistic Insights Into Cancer Predisposition
Genetic predisposition to cancer is tightly linked to an increased rate of somatic mutations. For one of the corresponding syndromes, the underlying defect has now been revealed to affect the DNA replication process.…
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Understanding Parkinson’s Disease on a Global Scale
Current insights into Parkinson’s disease (PD) are largely based on studies in Europe and North America. A recent effort towards establishing a multi-ethnic understanding of PD resulted in intriguing findings in Malayan…
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Large Patient Cohort Enables Insights into a Rare Disease
Farber disease (FD) is a severe disorder for which rarity has hampered a comprehensive understanding. A recent study on a large cohort of patients provides unprecedented novel insights into FD. The study, to which…
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Unlocking the Genetics of Seizures
Seizures are frequently rooted in a genetic factor, but many of the corresponding disorders are ultra-rare. A new study reports ADARB1 mutations in two families in which patients suffer from a severe seizure+ syndrome;…
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A Novel Disorder of Nerve Cell Communication
Proper development and function of nerve cells relies on communication by so-called neurotransmitters. Mutations in the GAD1 gene, which is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, have now been found to cause a multitude…