Scientists find “Orphan Gene” in a single plant species that’ll boost crops protein value

Research from the University of Iowa State has found a gene in Arabidopsis plants that regulates protein content in the plants leaves and seeds. It is called the Orphan Gene because it is only found in this species of plant. Scientists Li and Wurtele came up with the idea that what if they could transgenic technology to implement this gene into staple crops that we commonly eat. The Orphan gene is gene QQS and binds to protein NF-YC4 which is a protein that appears in all plants and animals. By overexpressing this gene, scientists hope to be able to boost the protein value in plants. Since most of the worlds’ diet consists of plant-based protein diets, this could improve the protein quality and rely less on costly meat-based protein. Although research is very costly and could take years, this is only the beginning of this genes discovery, there is a large possibility more of this gene can be discovered and it already has a large potential.

The discovery of this gene can make a huge impact if it is implemented in other plants. Most people in the world already do not get enough protein in their diet, so this could impact the world if these scientists were able to make this work, as well as make sure it is safe. Since this gene was only discovered in 2004 and has limited research on it, hopefully scientists can unlock more mysteries of this gene and put it to good use.

 The original article can be found here.

Salmon is the first Genetically Engineered Animal to win US Approval for Food

     

          The first genetically modified animal approved by the FDA for consumption is the Atlantic Salmon.  A company named AquaBounty Technologies have been breeding the genetically enhanced fish in closed off farms.  The main improvement to this AquaAdvantage salmon is that it takes much shorter for them to grow to full length. They are able to grow year round rather than just in the Spring and the Summer.  This allows the fish to grow to full size in 18 months rather than how long it usually takes which is 3 years.
      Transgenic organisms are animals or plants that have a foreign gene from a different species that was deliberately inserted into its genome.  The foreign gene is formed using Recombinant DNA technology. This is done in order to improve a specific aspect of the host animal.  For the atlantic salmon it was to enhanced its growth rate.  One of the foreign genes added to the salmon's genome of 40,000 genes was a growth hormone regulating gene from a Chinook Salmon.  The other foreign gene was a DNA promoter from an ocean pout.
        Of course with all genetic modified organisms there is always controversy.  This case is no different.  The opponents of the AquaAdvantage salmon are concerned that if the salmon are able to escape their farm that they will alter the ecosystems of surrounding fish.  Also the opponents believe that the salmon that is genetically modified should at least be labeled, however at the moment the FDA says they do not need to be labeled.
        In my opinion I feel like this is an enormous step for the science community.  Hopefully this will lead to more approvals from the FDA of genetically improved food.  I feel that with the technology that we have we can do so much to make the starvation problem around the world diminish.

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Gene Linked to PTSD

When referring to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, it is often said that not all wounds are visible.  PTSD is a debilitating disorder that quite literally destroys lives.  Trauma that initiates PTSD becomes so embedded in the mind of the person suffering from the disorder that it can lead to major depression, anxiety, insomnia, difficulty forming relationships, and even suicide.  But now, it has been discovered that there is indeed a genetic component to this disorder, which may eventually lead scientists to a cure.

According to Medical News Today, Ya-Ping Tang, MD, PhD, of New Orleans has found that a specific gene is critical to the adult-onset PTSD.  In particular, the action of this specific gene occurs during adolescent exposure to trauma.  This specific transgene has been identified as CCKR-2.

Not only is the original trauma significant to PTSD, but in most cases, a second stressor or "re-victimization" is essential to the development of this disorder.  In studies done with mice, original trauma and a second stressor were not enough on their own to cause PTSD.  However, with the introduction of CCKR-2, PTSD-like behavior was finally observed.

This identification of CCKR-2 and its significance in the development of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder have finally provided fresh hope for treatment of those who suffer from this life-altering condition.  Now that CCKR-2 is a known cofactor in the brain that coincides with adolescent trauma, it is possible for scientists to prevent and even cure PTSD by developing a way to block the reception of the neurotransmitter CCKR-2.  By doing so, generations could be spared the intense agony that is known as PTSD.