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Genes and epigenetics determine height; what is controlling the epigenetics?
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It is known that human height is controlled by many genes. But the recent study co-led by GR Chandak elaborates on the role of environment via epigenetic changes. Methylation of genes is a common epigenetic modification. The study suggests methylation of SOCS3 gene, is associated with stunting in children, which in turn is a known risk factor for future risk of non-communicable diseases like cardiometabolic disorders. Interestingly, the methylation status is linked with prenatal maternal nourishment and other socio-economic factors in low and middle-income countries such as India, providing an opportunity to alleviate stunting through timely interventions.
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Non-coding genome ain't junk!
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Recent study by Abishek Bharadwaj and Regalla Kumarswamy find long non-coding RNA, TUG1 to play a role in the functioning of smooth muscles of heart. Dysfunction of these muscle cells is a reason for development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, permanent localized dilation within the aorta, and which can give rise to aortic rupture, and even death. The study details how TUG1 regulates smooth muscle cell differentiation.
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What does it take to make local (arthropod) communities?
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Mihir Kulkarni from Jahnavi Joshi's group studied diverse arthropod communities in 32 freshwater rock pools on 3 plateaus in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspots to understand what drives the composition of these communities. In his study, he found that habitat-level factors play a key role in the process.
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Not sub-species, but different species
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Govindhaswamy Umapathy's lab sequenced the genomes of Mysore Slender Loris Loris & Malabar Slender Loris, considered as sub-species of Grey Slender Loris. In their study, they found that they differ about 2% genetically & diverged about 1.049 mn years ago. They propose the two lorises be recognized as distinct species. This is important for conservation measures of this otherwise threatened genus of animals.
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Microbiome & COVID-19 - Are there correlations?
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CCMB and Tata Consultancy Services scientists conducted the first analytical cross-sectional study on the microbome composition differences between COVID-19 positive and negative individuals, across the three waves of COVID-19 infection. Rickettsiaceae was the only family that was consistently depleted in COVID-19 positive samples across waves.
From the CCMB end, the study was led by Archana Bharadwaj Siva, and included Karthik Tallapaka and Divya Tej Sowpati.
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Dengue and Aedes aegypti - A match made in heaven!
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Mosquitoes are a menace in many countries given the number of diseases they spread. Dengue is one of concern in India. Of all the many mosquitoes available, the dengue virus grows in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, without making the mosquitoes sick. How has their relationship evolved, is what Vishal Sah writes in our latest SciTales article.
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Saba Naz for being a runner-up of the 2023 Ben Barres Spotlight Awards. She will use her award to build on her earlier research and kickstart a whole-genome sequencing project of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in India.
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Govindhaswamy Umapathy for the Fellowship in Reproduction and Endocrinology by the Society for Reproductive Biology and Comparative Endocrinology.
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Harsh Kapoor for the 1st prize at the SciArt competition at Regional Young Investigators Meeting, Lucknow.
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7000+ visitors at CCMB on its Open Day
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7000+ visitors, mostly school and college students and educators came to CCMB to celebrate science with us on CCMB Open Day on 26 Sept. From fun games to art corner to interactive exhibits and live experiments, we had something for all.
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CRISPR engineering of the zebrafish
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Glimpses from our recent Skill Development Workshop, "Engineering Zebrafish with CRISPR Tools". Attended by Asst profs, PhD scholars, medicos, the workshop modules were oriented towards genome engineering of zebrafish embryos using CRISPR gene-editing technology for generating human resources that are employment-ready for the requirements of industries and academia.
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Celebrate wildlife with us!
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If you have enjoyed reading the CCMB Daak, do subscribe and share it with your friends and colleagues!
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Please send us your feedback at socialmedia[at]csirccmb[dot]org. Looking forward to them.
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