New technique reveals how gene transcription is coordinated in cells
By capturing short-lived RNA molecules, scientists can map relationships between genes and the regulatory elements that control them.
The beauty of biology
Senior Hanjun Lee planned to pursue chemistry at MIT. A course in genetics changed that.
Taking RNAi from interesting science to impactful new treatments
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, founded by MIT professors and former postdocs, has turned the promise of RNAi research into a new class of powerful therapies.
Study: Movement disorder ALS and cognitive disorder FTLD show strong molecular overlaps
Single-cell gene expression patterns in the brain, and evidence from follow-up experiments, reveal many shared cellular and molecular similarities that could be targeted for potential treatment.
A protein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease
Researchers also found that a variant of the protein is not as protective against the bacteria and increases susceptibility to the disease.
Scientists develop a rapid gene-editing screen to find effects of cancer mutations
With the new technique, MIT researchers hope to identify mutations that could be targeted with new cancer therapies.
How early-stage cancer cells hide from the immune system
A new study finds precancerous colon cells turn on a gene called SOX17, which helps them evade detection and develop into more advanced tumors.
Noninvasive technique reveals how cells’ gene expression changes over time
MIT researchers can now track a cell’s RNA expression to investigate long-term processes like cancer progression or embryonic development.
Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems
By analyzing bacterial data, researchers have discovered thousands of rare new CRISPR systems that have a range of functions and could enable gene editing, diagnostics, and more.
How cell identity is preserved when cells divide
MIT study suggests 3D folding of the genome is key to cells’ ability to store and pass on “memories” of which genes they should express.
Making genetic prediction models more inclusive
MIT computer scientists developed a way to calculate polygenic scores that makes them more accurate for people across diverse ancestries.
Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms
New research finds RNA-guided enzymes called Fanzors are widespread among eukaryotic organisms.
A more effective experimental design for engineering a cell into a new state
By focusing on causal relationships in genome regulation, a new AI method could help scientists identify new immunotherapy techniques or regenerative therapies.
Decoding the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease
By analyzing epigenomic and gene expression changes that occur in Alzheimer’s disease, researchers identify cellular pathways that could become new drug targets.
Study explains why certain immunotherapies don’t always work as predicted
The findings could help doctors identify cancer patients who would benefit the most from drugs called checkpoint blockade inhibitors.