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Help Is Here for Little Orphan Gene Clusters

The cover paper in the latest edition of Chemistry & Biology ($) comes from William Gerwick and his colleagues at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. In the paper, the authors present a new method for determining the function of so-called "orphan gene clusters," or segments of DNA whose product is a mystery. The new technique, regrettably called the "genomisotopic approach" (now there's a mouthful), brings together isotope labeling with genome sequence analysis to more consistently identify the output of the DNA in question. The team uses mass spec and NMR to visualize the structure of the ensuing product.

The Scan

Positive Framing of Genetic Studies Can Spark Mistrust Among Underrepresented Groups

Researchers in Human Genetics and Genomics Advances report that how researchers describe genomic studies may alienate potential participants.

Small Study of Gene Editing to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

In a Novartis-sponsored study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that a CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment targeting promoters of genes encoding fetal hemoglobin could reduce disease symptoms.

Gut Microbiome Changes Appear in Infants Before They Develop Eczema, Study Finds

Researchers report in mSystems that infants experienced an enrichment in Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Finegoldia and a depletion of Bacteroides before developing eczema.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Specificity Enhanced With Stem Cell Editing

A study in Nature suggests epitope editing in donor stem cells prior to bone marrow transplants can stave off toxicity when targeting acute myeloid leukemia with immunotherapy.