Genetic Mapping of Mental Health Disorders

    

     A group of researchers has been able to identify why mental health disorders have such high rates of comorbidity. Fourteen psychiatric disorders were examined and five groups were identified, which later allowed a gene map to be created. These groups included: compulsive disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders, internalizing disorders, and substance use disorders. Each of these groups has 238 pleiotropic loci, or small differences that influence the way the brain works, which can contribute to the high rates of comorbid disorders. 

    About half the population is affected by a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. Many psychiatrists only focus on the symptoms, not the genetics/biology. By understanding the links between disorders, it is easier to come up with treatments that can target multiple disorders in groups of people instead of each one individually. These findings also suggest a need for therapeutic development designed to treat more than one disorder in a person at a time. 

Sources: 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09820-3

https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2026/01/12/one-genetic-map-could-rewrite-how-we-understand-mental-health/

Overcoming Bottlenecks in Plant Genetics: The Jumping Gene

 

    In the past delivering gene-editing machinery to plant cells was thought to only be successful through CRISPR/Cas9. However, limitations exist with this method as it is too large, so plant biologist are left with no choice but to use a two-step method which is time consuming and restrictive to certain plant species. Cas9’s are made up of around 1,300 amino acids, scientists began experimenting with smaller alternatives. A recent study from UC Davis highlights the promising findings of TnpB, an enzyme associated with transposons also known as “jumping genes” functions like CRISPR/Cas9, but is only around 400 amino acids in length, which is a much more ideal size for gene editing in plants.

    

The discovery and small stature of TnpB is a massive step toward global food security. With the use of this smaller, more manageable enzyme researchers can target genes in specific crops. Additionally, they can do so with high percentages of accuracy that can improve traits such as drought resistance, nutritional value, and shelf life. For example, the team successfully used this tiny editor to modify tobacco plants, demonstrating a 90% efficiency rate.

    

    These findings support the need for new and relevant research in the engineering of genome editing technology in plants, opposed to utilizing functional, but not ideal methods that are used in biomedical science.

Tags: #Genetics #Agriculture #CRISPR #TnpB #PlantScience #UCDavis #Biotech

Sources: 

https://biology.ucdavis.edu/news/pint-sized-gene-editor-could-expand-precision-breeding-plants#:~:text=However%2C%20TnpB%20is%20only%20around,manageable%20size%20for%20viral%20delivery  

https://www.nature.com/nplants/ 

 Scientists Find discovery of Genes That Shape People's Teeth.

Daniel Molinos

A study published in US News by Dennis Thompson Health Day Reporter. 

    Ever wondered why your teeth are shaped the way they are? Researchers identified 18 genes that influence tooth development, including 17 that had not previously been connected to dental traits. Researchers analyzed data from around 900 volunteers in Colombia, all of whom had a mix of European, Native American, and African ancestry, using 3D scans to measure tooth crowns and compare those measurements with people's genetics. Researchers also found a gene variant likely inherited from Neanderthals that came from interbreeding with early humans. This gene was mainly found in people of European ancestry and is associated with thinner incisors, which are the front teeth you use to bite into food. Researchers also discovered the gene EDAR, typically found in East Asian populations, which is known to influence tooth width. With that information, the study also showed that people of European ancestry tend to have smaller teeth overall. Researchers are still not sure if these genes were selected during evolution, but the findings help researchers gain a better understanding of human evolution. This research also has potential medical benefits, since some genes responsible for normal differences in tooth size can also contribute to dental problems. This research may help dentists use genetics to diagnose dental issues or potentially develop gene therapies to treat their patients. 

Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-12-17/scientists-identify-genes-that-shape-peoples-teeth

Another Source: Scientists Identify Genes That Shape People's Teeth

Genes Don’t Always Determine Disease: New Research on Genetic Blindness

               A recent genetics study suggests that some mutations that were previously believed to always cause blindness may not lead to disease in many individuals. Researchers analyzed genetic data from large population databases and discovered that certain mutations linked to inherited retinal diseases cause symptoms in far fewer people than scientists originally expected.

The study focused on genetic variants associated with inherited retinal disorders, which damage the retina and can eventually lead to vision loss. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that processes visual information. When the retina is damaged by genetic mutations, it can gradually lead to serious vision problems or blindness. In the past, scientists assumed that most people who carried these mutations would develop the disease. However, the study showed that only about 9% to 28% of individuals with these variants actually showed signs of retinal disease.

These findings highlight the complexity of genetics. Even when a person carries a mutation associated with a disease, it does not necessarily mean the disease will develop. Other genes or environmental factors may influence whether the condition appears. This concept is known as penetrance, which refers to the likelihood that a person with a certain genetic mutation will actually show symptoms.

This discovery is important because it changes how scientists and doctors think about genetic diseases. In the past, genetic testing sometimes suggested that certain mutations would almost always lead to disease. However, this research shows that the relationship between genes and disease is often more complicated than expected.

Understanding why some individuals remain healthy despite carrying these mutations could help researchers identify protective factors that prevent disease from developing. Learning more about these factors may lead to better treatments and improved genetic counseling for patients. Overall, this research helps scientists better understand how genetic mutations influence disease and may contribute to improved prevention and treatment of inherited eye disorders in the future.

Source: 

https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/these-genes-were-thought-to-lead-to-blindness-100-percent-of-the-time-they-dont

Additional Link: 

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/inheritance/penetranceexpressivity/

Lowered Cost of Protein Production, Thanks to AI.

  Researchers at the Michigan Institute of Technology found a way to using artificial intelligence to make the production of protein cheaper. The article explains the importance of industrial yeast and how it is the main contributor to the production of protein and how it is responsible for the manufacturing of vaccines. The AI tool observed the genetic code of a yeast and used that information to predict the best codons for manufacturing.  This AI tool showed to enhance the yeast's production of six different proteins. J. Christopher Love, Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, described predictive tools to be time efficient and save money.

Figure 1. K. phaffi is a type of yeast the model learned pattens of codon from in this project and it is important in the biopharmaceutical industry. 

    Technology is constantly evolving and scientists and researchers should take advantage of the possibilities that it brings. Using artificial intelligence in science could be scary because of potential errors, but this model bases its predictions off of observations of other genetic codes. This article mentioned that the model was trained in trastuzumab, which is an antibody used for cancer treatment. Using this model has the abilities lower costs of production of vaccines and other important compounds that are currently needed. If this research is able to save time on protein production, and ultimately help people, it should definitely be used. 

Source: 

https://news.mit.edu/2026/new-ai-model-could-cut-costs-developing-protein-drugs-0216 

Another source on this topic:

https://nationaltoday.com/us/ma/cambridge/news/2026/02/18/ai-model-may-slash-protein-drug-development-costs/

The Genetics of Height

 The Genetics of Height 

An article written by Molly McDonough explains how genetics have a significant impact on human height, a topic that has been debated for centuries. In the past, people believed height was determined by a single gene that simply ran in families. However, modern research has shown that height is actually a polygenic trait, meaning that many different genetic variations contribute to a person’s final height. Scientists have confirmed that approximately 90% of height variation is due to genetic factors, while environmental influences such as nutrition play a smaller, though still important, role. This research demonstrates how powerful DNA patterns are in shaping physical development.

 Understanding that height is influenced by hundreds or even thousands of genetic variants highlights the complexity of inheritance. Additionally, genes influence more than just height they also play a major role in health outcomes and disease risk. Studying these genetic patterns helps researchers better understand human development and can i

McDonough, M. (2025, August 13). The Genetics of Height. Harvard.edu. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/genetics-height

MedlinePlus. (2022, July 8). Is height determined by genetics? Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/height/

New Findings in Preterm Birth Genetics: What is the “Molecular Timer”

 Cecilia Burkhardt

Figure 1: Shown in red are uterine fibroblast cells from a mouse uterus. 

    Preterm births are pregnancies occurring before 37 weeks gestation. Babies born preterm are more suspectable of complication including eyesight, respiratory issues, underdeveloped organs, infections, etc. For a while premature births have been misunderstood, but a growing concern. A study from UC San Francisco aimed to answer the unanswered question and identified a “molecular timer” that is key to understanding why preterm births occur. 

    A protein known as KDM6B was discovered through research in … and its function proved to act as a regulator of activity within genes in the uterus. Significantly, the KDM6B control fibroblasts, structural cells, which was originally believed to have no role previously wit child labor. In the very early days of pregnancy the timer begins ticking and sets a genetic countdown for the stages of pregnancy.

    The study consists of research where methyl groups were removed from histones. In the early stages of pregnancy, the methyl groups ensure that the birth genes are maintained, so that the uterus can begin supporting the growing fetus. Throughout the duration of the pregnancy the methyl groups erode, and when the correct level of methyl groups has vanished labor can begin. In the study it was concluded that when the KDM6B protein was manipulated in mice, the quantity of the methyl groups changed and as a result directly manipulated the length of the pregnancy. 

    These findings hold significance in the field of genetics in relation to healthy pregnancies. Prior to these findings, premature births were thought to occur due to complications weeks before labor, but now it is suggested that the risk of preterm birth might be determined in the earlier stages of gestation. Researchers must continue research to discover if the KDM^B timer exists in humans more research could begin to investigate the protein and assist in genetic screenings in high-risk individuals to determine risk of preterm birth in relation to the KDM6B protein. This could lead to interventions that could allow for full term births to be carried through in high-risk births and lower the risk of complications and potentially result in healthy, full-term births. 

Tags: #Genetics #PretermBirth #UCSF #KDM6B #MolecularBiology #HealthScience 

Link 1: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/01/429351/whats-behind-preterm-birth-scientists-just-found-big-clue#:~:text=Throughout%20pregnancy%2C%20the%20female%20body,KDM6B%20that%20regulates%20gene%20activity. 

Link 2: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm

The Genetics Behind Acne

 

    Acne vulgaris is often thought of as a simple teenage skin problem, but recent genetic research shows that it is actually a complex genetic condition influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. Variations in specific genes contribute to inflammation, immune responses, and susceptibility to acne. Researchers describe acne as a polygenic disorder, meaning that many genes rather than a single mutation collectively influence whether someone develops acne and how severe it becomes. These genes mainly regulate inflammatory pathways and immune signaling in the skin. Certain genetic variants (called SNPs, or single nucleotide polymorphisms) can increase inflammatory signaling after bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes activate immune responses in hair follicles. This leads to redness, swelling, and lesion formation characteristic of acne. The study also highlights how genetic risk differs between populations. Variants associated with acne severity were found at different frequencies in Egyptian, Pakistani, Chinese, and European populations, showing that genetics and ancestry influence disease risk. Environmental factors such as hormones, stress, and diet interact with genetic predispositions, demonstrating a classic example of gene–environment interaction in human traits. Overall, this research changes how we view acne, not just as a cosmetic issue, but as a biologically complex condition shaped by genetics, immune regulation, and environmental influences.

This article demonstrates that acne is a polygenic trait, meaning multiple genes contribute small effects that together influence disease risk. Inflammatory cytokine genes such as IL-6 play a major role because genetic variants can increase immune responses that trigger acne lesions. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) help researchers identify genetic differences that explain why acne severity varies between individuals. The research shows how ancestry affects genetic associations, emphasizing the importance of studying diverse populations in genetics research. Acne provides a clear example of gene–environment interaction, where genetics sets susceptibility but environmental factors influence outcomes. Understanding genetic pathways involved in acne could eventually lead to personalized dermatology treatments tailored to a patient’s genetic makeup.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10473401/

Additional Information: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/acne/ 

#Genetics #AcneResearch #PolygenicTraits #HumanGenetics #HealthScience