Getting older means our bodies start to work a bit less well. Sometimes, this can lead to health problems like brain diseases, a big deal worldwide. To help with this, we need new and safe ways to make people feel
When Tumor Suppressor Genes Become Inactive
When tumor suppressor genes mutate, their products no longer inhibit the cell cycle or promote apoptosis (the death of cells occurs as a regular and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development). Therefore, these mutations can be called “loss-of-function,”
The effects of DNA methylation and Histone acetylation on Gene Expression
DNA methylation and histone acetylation are two epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression. Methylation is adding a methyl group to a cytosine nucleotide in DNA. At the same time, acetylation adds an acetyl group to a lysine residue in a
What is Myostatin, and what does it do?
Myostatin is a protein found almost exclusively in muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles), where it is active both before and after birth. This protein typically limits muscle growth, ensuring muscles do not grow too large. The MSTN gene provides instructions for making
What is Gene Therapy and How Does It Work
Genes can play an essential role in health — a defective gene or genes can make you sick or be fatal. Acknowledging this, scientists have been working for decades on adjusting or replacing faulty genes with healthy ones to treat,