Low doses of radiation promote cancer-capable cells
Low doses of radiation equivalent to three CT scans, which are considered safe, give cancer-capable cells a competitive advantage over normal cells in healthy tissue, scientists have discovered. Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Cambridge studied the effects of low doses of radiation in the oesophagus of mice.
Pneumonia mapped in largest genomic survey of any disease-causing bacterium
Researchers have mapped the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia around the world and revealed how these bacteria evolve in response to vaccination.
Major stem cell discovery to boost research into development and regenerative medicine
A new approach has enabled researchers to create Expanded Potential Stem Cells (EPSCs) of both pig and human cells.
Global Strep A vaccine one step closer
The search for a global Strep A vaccine has narrowed after researchers sequenced the DNA of more than 2,000 Group A Streptococcus samples from around the world.
CRISPR catches out critical cancer changes
Researchers reveal which gene fusions are critical for the growth of cancer cells and identify a new drug target for multiple cancers.
Mice reveal 38 new genes involved in hearing loss
Multiple new genes involved in hearing loss have been revealed in a huge study of mouse mutants by researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and King’s College London, and colleagues. The new genes reveal the metabolic pathways and regulatory processes involved in hearing.
New cancer drug targets accelerate path to precision medicine
Researchers discover thousands of genes essential for cancer’s survival and rank which ones show the most promise as drug targets for developing new treatments.
Genetic code of WWI soldier’s cholera mapped
The oldest publicly-available strain of the cholera-causing bacterial species, Vibrio cholerae, has had its genetic code read for the first time by researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators. The bacterium was isolated from a British soldier during World War One (WWI) and stored for over 100 years before being revived and sequenced.
Major mutation pattern in cancer occurs in bursts
Researchers have created a huge resource for investigating the biological mechanisms that cause cancer. The scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators identified which patterns of DNA damage - mutational fingerprints that represent the origins of cancer - were present in over a thousand human cancer cell lines.
Improving global surveillance of antibiotic resistance
A World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Note has been published that will enable health authorities to make informed choices on the most appropriate molecular tests in order to achieve a clearer picture of antimicrobial resistance globally.
Cancer comparison across species highlights new drug targets
Cancer genes in mucosal melanoma, a rare and poorly understood subtype of melanoma, have been compared in humans, dogs and horses for the first time by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators. Researchers sequenced the genomes of the same cancer across different species to pin-point key cancer genes.
100 cancer organoid models developed by Sanger Institute scientists
Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have developed 100 cancer organoids.The work was co-funded by Cancer Research UK and the Sanger Institute and leads the UK effort as part of the international Human Cancer Model Initiative (HCMI). The organoids will soon be available for researchers, together with associated data including whole genome sequences.
More than 100 new gut bacteria discovered in human microbiome
Scientists working on the gut microbiome* have discovered and isolated more than 100 completely new species of bacteria from healthy people’s intestines.
Genetic testing gives answers on developmental disorders during pregnancy
Genetic testing improves the diagnoses of abnormalities in developing babies that are picked up during ultrasound scans, scientists report in The Lancet.
Immune master regulator orchestrates responses to parasite infection
A new study has identified the master regulator that maintains a healthy gut and limits damage by parasitic whipworms. Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and collaborators have revealed that the interleukin 10 receptor (IL-10R) is critical to prevent uncontrolled whipworm infection in mice and a damaging immune response in the gut.
Scientists take huge step forward in decoding genomes of small species
For the first time, scientists have read the whole genetic code of one single tiny mosquito.
Genetic study reveals possible new routes to treating osteoarthritis
In the largest genetic study of osteoarthritis to date, scientists have uncovered 52 new genetic changes linked to the disease, which doubles the number of genetic regions associated with the disabling condition.
CRISPR study reveals new immune system regulators
Scientists have created the first retroviral CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing library to explore the regulation of mouse T cells, which are key cells in the immune system. Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators have mapped the most important genes for controlling T helper cells, and identified several new potential regulatory genes.
Mystery of Yemen cholera epidemic solved
The most likely source of the cholera epidemic in Yemen has been discovered by scientists. Through the use of genomic sequencing, scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Institut Pasteur estimate the strain of cholera causing the current outbreak in Yemen – the worst cholera outbreak in recorded history – came from Eastern Africa and entered Yemen with the migration of people in and out…
Bird migration and conservation clues in robin and turtle dove genomes
The European robin and Turtle dove have had their genetic codes sequenced and assembled for the first time by scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators.
From eye drops to potential leukaemia treatment
An active ingredient in eye drops that were being developed for the treatment of a form of eye disease has shown promise for treating an aggressive form of blood cancer. Scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham and their collaborators have found that this compound, which targets an essential cancer gene, could kill leukaemia cells without…
New strains of hepatitis C found in Africa
The largest population study of hepatitis C in Africa has found three new strains of the virus circulating in the general population in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sanger’s cloud computing wins award
High performance computing community recognises pioneering work of Sanger’s scientific IT teams.
Largest study of CRISPR-Cas9 mutations creates prediction tool for gene editing
The largest study of CRISPR action to date has developed a method to predict the exact mutations CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can introduce to a cell.
Human cell atlas study reveals how the maternal immune system is modified early in pregnancy
Cell map of healthy pregnancy could also help understand miscarriages or preeclampsia