Fighting the spread of drug-resistant malaria with genetic surveillance
A large collaborative project of in-depth genomic surveillance of malaria has identified and tracked drug resistant malaria parasites in the Greater Mekong Subregion*, helping inform public health decisions in Southeast Asia.
Researchers track how microbiome bacteria adapt to humans via transmission
Beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome use different means to transmit from one person to another which impacts their abundance in the gut and the functions they provide, new research has found.
New therapeutic target discovered for a number of aggressive cancers
A protein in tumour cells could be targeted to treat some types of aggressive cancer including brain, blood, skin, and kidney, new research has shown.
Water vole genome will help boost conservation of one of UK's most endangered mammals
A new tool to help conserve one of the UK’s most threatened mammals has been released, with the publication of the first high-quality reference genome for the European water vole. The genome was generated by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, in collaboration with animal conservation charity the Wildwood Trust, as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Cellular signatures of kidney tumours discovered
The origins of seven types of kidney cancer, including several rare subtypes, have been identified by researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology and Oncode Institute. The findings confirm that these cancers have their origin in specific forms of developmental cells present in the maturing fetus.
Computer method to help predict outcomes and tailor treatments for patients with inherited heart diseases
An integrated, genomic computer system for precision cardiology has been created using clinical data that can help inform medical and surgical decisions to support future therapies for patients with inherited heart disease.
New genetic variants lead to diagnoses for children with developmental disorders
Non-coding regions of DNA could hold the key to diagnosing developmental disorders in children, new research suggests.
Applications are open for the Sanger Management Training Scheme
Following the success of its 2020 Management Trainee Scheme, the Wellcome Sanger Institute is this year offering nine placements for its valuable training initiative, which will last for two years. No science background is required.
Genetic study identifies risk for some childhood cancer patients developing secondary leukaemia and will help inform treatment plan
Scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Cambridge found that in children with neuroblastoma – a cancer of immature nerve cells – treatment with platinum chemotherapy caused changes to the genome that could then cause leukaemia in some children later on.
Atlas of malaria parasite gene activity provides new targets for drugs and vaccines
Researchers have mapped in fine detail the genetic changes malaria parasites go through as they prepare to infect people.
‘Rescue mutations’ that suppress harmful DNA changes could shed light on origins of genetic disorders
New insights into the ability of DNA to overcome harmful genetic changes have been discovered by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Lausanne and their collaborators.
Unparallelled insights into how our bodies develop from a single cell
New insights into how our bodies come into being from a single cell have been generated by researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and the University of Cambridge.
Identifying the rise of multi drug resistant E.coli
Antibiotic resistance in E.coli has been steadily increasing since the early 2000s despite attempts to control it, a new study suggests.
Global Gene Corp announces R&D investment in genomics in the UK
Global Gene Corp is delighted to announce R&D investment in genomics in the United Kingdom.
New genetic target for blood cancer treatment
Targeting a pathway that is essential for the survival of certain types of acute myeloid leukaemia could provide a new therapy avenue for patients, the latest research has found.
New era of quality and scale in genome sequencing will drive biological discovery
Publication of 16 high-quality vertebrate reference genomes establishes standards for biodiversity genomics.
Major advance enables study of genetic mutations in any tissue
For the first time, scientists are able to study changes in the DNA of any human tissue, following the resolution of long-standing technical challenges by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. The new method, called nanorate sequencing (NanoSeq), makes it possible to study how genetic changes occur in human tissues with unprecedented accuracy.
Differing immune responses discovered in asymptomatic cases versus those with severe COVID-19
The largest study of its type in the UK has identified differences in the immune response to COVID-19, between people with no symptoms, compared to those suffering a more serious reaction to the virus.
Genetic variants identified that impact immune cells' functioning
Certain genetic variants that cause modified protein binding in immune cells, are also seen in those at high risk of some autoimmune diseases, new research has found.
New genetic drug target for treatment resistant colorectal cancer
Targeting a specific cancer survival gene in colorectal cancer could lead to new treatment options for advanced disease, new research suggests.
‘Patchwork’ tumours prevalent across multiple cancer types
Scientists have confirmed that tumour evolution is driven by changes that benefit the cancer, and these lead to a wide range of variation in tumours, impacting treatment.
Genetic link to male infertiliy identified
A genetic variant linked to male infertility has been discovered, and this knowledge could help improve the diagnosis and management of men who carry it.
Salivary gland cells revealed as sites of COVID-19 infection
Scientists have shown that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can infect specific cells in the salivary gland in the mouth.
CRISPR study identifies gene that plays key role in metastasis of cancers to the lungs
A gene not previously linked to cancer has been shown to play a key role in the spread of certain cancers to the lungs, new research from scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute has shown. The team found that when the gene LRRN4CL was over-expressed in mice, the skin cancer melanoma was more likely to metastasise to the lungs.
SARS-COV-2 infects cells via specific viral entry factors that are more abundant in elderly, men and smokers
A large-scale new study uncovers which cell types in the human body can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 due to their viral entry factors. The research also suggests that increased gene expression of these viral entry factors in some individuals partially explains the differences of COVID-19 severity reported in relation to age, gender and smoking status.