A new way to see the hidden complexity of our genes

Scientists from James Cook University have developed a new computer tool that reveals layers of gene activity that were previously invisible, opening fresh possibilities for understanding health and disease.

The tool, called ScIsoX, looks at tiny variations in how genes are read inside individual cells—known as isoforms. These isoforms can change how a cell behaves, but most existing methods overlook them.

"Genes are like songs, and isoforms are the different remixes," said Thaddeus Wu, postdoctoral fellow at the College of Science and Engineering and lead author of the work published in the journal Genome Biology.

"ScIsoX lets us hear the full playlist, not just the main track."

By analyzing single cells from real-world datasets, ScIsoX uncovered patterns of gene activity that could help researchers better understand conditions like cancer, neurological disorders and immune diseases.

The software is free for scientists worldwide on GitHub.