Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research

Genetic master controls expose cancers' Achilles' heel

In a surprising finding that helps explain fundamental behaviors of normal and diseased cells, Whitehead Institute scientists have discovered a set of powerful gene regulators dubbed "super-enhancers" that control cell state ...

Cancer created Apr 11, 2013 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (6) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Yeast model connects Alzheimer's disease risk and amyloid beta toxicity

In a development that sheds new light on the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a team of Whitehead Institute scientists has identified connections between genetic risk factors for the disease and the ...

Medical research created Oct 27, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers expose new vulnerabilities in the security of personal genetic information

Using only a computer, an Internet connection, and publicly accessible online resources, a team of Whitehead Institute researchers has been able to identify nearly 50 individuals who had submitted personal genetic material ...

Genetics created Jan 17, 2013 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (4) | comments 2 | with audio podcast

Scientists ignore cultural barriers to find the cause of a rare disease

In a research collaboration blind to affairs of politics, ethnicity, and religion, an international team led by Israeli scientists has identified the genetic cause of a neurological disorder afflicting members of a Palestinian ...

Genetics created Apr 11, 2011 | popularity 3.3 / 5 (3) | comments 4 | with audio podcast

Long intervening non-coding RNAs play pivotal roles in brain development

Whitehead Institute scientists have identified conserved, long intervening non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) that play key roles during embryonic brain development in zebrafish. They also show that the human versions of the lincRNAs ...

Medical research created Dec 22, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Cell surface transporters exploited for cancer drug delivery

Whitehead Institute scientists report that certain molecules present in high concentrations on the surfaces of many cancer cells could be exploited to funnel lethal toxic molecules into the malignant cells. In such an approach, ...

Genetics created Dec 02, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Long noncoding RNAs control development of fat cells

Whitehead Institute researchers have identified a previously unrecognized layer of genetic regulation that is necessary for the generation of undesirable white fat cells. When this regulation is disrupted, white fat cells ...

Overweight and Obesity created Feb 13, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Scientists identify a surprising new source of cancer stem cells

Whitehead Institute researchers have discovered that a differentiated cell type found in breast tissue can spontaneously convert to a stem-cell-like state, the first time such behavior has been observed in mammalian cells. ...

Cancer created Apr 11, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Leucine deprivation proves deadly to malignant melanoma cells

Whitehead Institute researchers have found that depriving human melanoma cells of the essential amino acid leucine can be lethal to the cells, suggesting a possible strategy for therapeutic intervention.

Cancer created May 16, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Long non-coding RNA prevents the death of maturing red blood cells

A long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) regulates programmed cell death during one of the final stages of red blood cell differentiation, according to Whitehead Institute researchers. This is the first time a lncRNA has been found ...

Genetics created Dec 07, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Brain glia cells increase their DNA content to preserve vital blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier is essential for maintaining the brain's stable environment—preventing entry of harmful viruses and bacteria and isolating the brain's specific hormonal and neurotransmitter activity from that ...

Medical research created Jan 13, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Study reveals rate at which key genetic deletions contribute to male infertility

A large-scale analysis of Y chromosomes from more than 20,000 men finds that two spontaneously recurring deletions along a complex region of the Y chromosome are responsible for approximately 8% of cases of failed sperm production.

Genetics created Oct 25, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Modified antibodies trigger immune response, point to novel vaccine design strategies

In an approach with the potential to aid therapeutic vaccine development, Whitehead Institute scientists have shown that enzymatically modified antibodies can be used to generate highly targeted, potent responses from cells ...

Medical research created Jan 07, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Protective prion keeps yeast cells from going it alone

Most commonly associated with such maladies as "mad cow disease" and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, prions are increasingly recognized for their ability to induce potentially beneficial traits in a variety of organisms, yeast ...

Medical research created Mar 28, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast