Genetherapy

Archive for January, 2010

Story Summary: Now experiments in mice suggest this may be because alcohol chemically alters the fetuss DNA, affecting how genes are expressed. Its well known that fetal alcohol syndromeoccurs when pregnant women drink excessively and causes behavioural and physical harm to the child after birth. This will yield a predictable ratio of brown, yellow and mottled offspring – unless epigenetic factors are affecting gene expression. Infant mice that had been exposed to alcohol in the womb also had some of the symptoms of human fetal alcohol syndrome, such as a lower body weight and smaller skulls. This suggests that if women drink too much in pregnancy, epigenetic changes may cause some of the permanent symptoms seen in fetal alcohol syndrome in their children. Early helpIn some cases, epigenetic changes in people seem to be passed on to subsequent generations. If Chongs group can confirm that fetal alcohol syndrome causes epigenetic changes in humans too, it might allow the syndrome to be spotted earlier on in life. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of licensing optionsavailable for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to. We are already being overwhelmed by the high birth rate of antisocial and stupid individuals eho are just the same ones who are most likely to damage their children with alcohol. We can only hope that the genes revert during the gestation of the grand children if the alcohol. It would be interesting to measure the tolerance to intoxication in the offspring. It would be interesting to measure the tolerance to intoxication in the offspring. It only states that it changes gene expression and not the actual genetic code, so its my understanding that these changes wont be passed down from F1 to the F2 generation. It only states that it changes gene expression and not the actual genetic code, so its my understanding that these changes wont be passed down from F1 to the F2 generation. It just effects how those genes are expressed in the F1 progeny. ) in the areas resistant might be slowly be corrected generation to generation. ) in the areas resistant might be slowly be corrected generation to generation. Enforce by regular blood tests and if you fail a sufficient number you lose your child?…Read the Full Story

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1. Mothers boozing alters offsprings genes, in mice
2. Maternal Immune Response To Fetal Brain During Pregnancy A Key Factor In Some Autism
3. Alcohol, Pregnancy And Brain Cell Death

Story Summary: Analysis of a specific gene has now demonstrated that although bats live in air and dolphins in water, where sound travels five times faster, they independently evolved a near-identical gene that allows them to accept high-frequency sound in the ear – vital for sonar. The gene makes prestin, a protein in hair cells of the cochlea, which is the organ in the inner ear where sonar signals are accepted and amplified. Rossiter says the outcome is a striking example of evolution through the same genetic route, because echolocation is such a complex trait. Although there have been previous examples, they have been of much simpler characteristics, such as the evolution of the antibacterial enzyme lysozymeto degrade bacterial walls. Aural menagerieRossiters team were alerted to the potential importance of the prestin gene to echolocating animals by earlier work showing that in humans, damage to the gene prevents people from hearing high-frequency sounds. The story could be further enriched if there were data about prestin genes in echolocating birds and other echolocators, such as shrews, he says. If you would like to reuse any contentfrom New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndicationdepartment first for permission. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of licensing optionsavailable for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to. That this proves Darwin wrong and there must be two Gods – and some minor deities for shrews and birds. the bird deity must be better than the shrew deity, it says in my book, written by heaps of different people over the course of 300 or so years and translated so many times that i have no idea what the original said. You said . . written by heaps of different people over the course of 300 or so years and translated. (I know, so many ifs)Near-identical genes are not the *same*; they are *similar*. The finding here is nothing unexpected: there are only so many proteins that respond to high frequency sounds, so it stands to reason that sonar using animals would evolve similar mechinisms. All comments should respect the New Scientist House Rules. All comments should respect the New Scientist House Rules….Read the Full Story

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1. Three human genes evolved from junk
2. Three human genes evolved from junk
3. Which virus will birds give us next?

Story Summary: According to Woese and Goldenfeld, they are profound, and horizontal gene transfer alters the evolutionary process itself. Their arguments make sense and their conclusion is very important, says biologist Jan Sapp of York University in Toronto, Canada. The process of evolution just isnt what most evolutionary biologists think it is. Vertical hegemonyHow could modern biology have gone so badly off track? Biology built up a facade of mathematics around the juxtaposition of Mendelian genetics with Darwinism, he says. In particular, he argues, nothing in the modern synthesis explains the most fundamental steps in early life: how evolution could have produced the genetic code and the basic genetic machinery used by all organisms, especially the enzymes and structures involved in translating genetic information into proteins. That was a big mistake, says Woese, who has made his academic reputation proving the point. In 1977, Woese stunned biologists when his analysis of the genetic machinery involved in gene expression revealed an entirely new limb of the tree of life. Woese himself sees it as a first step in getting evolutionary biology back on track. Coming to terms with horizontal gene transfer is the next big step. Typically around 10 per cent of the genes in many bacterial genomes seem to have been acquired from other organisms in this way, though the proportion can be several times that (New Scientist, 24 January 2009, p 34). Its natural to wonder if the very concept of an organism in isolation is still valid at this level, says Goldenfeld. Lateral thinkingThis is all very different from evolution as described by Darwin. Evolution will always be about change as a result of some organisms being more successful at surviving than others. In horizontal gene transfer, by contrast, change is not a function of the individual or of changes from generation to generation, but of all the microbes able to share genetic material. The fact that there is a significant horizontal gene transfer in the biosphere doent completely change everything; it just adds another curl to the ever more detailed picture of how evolution happens. The fact that there is a significant horizontal gene transfer in the biosphere doent completely change everything; it just adds another curl to the ever more detailed picture of how evolution happens. Can you identify them, or the movies from which they came?08:00 26 January 2010….Read the Full Story

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1. Evolution News & Views: Swine Flu, Viruses, and the Edge of Evolution
2. Molecular decay of enamel-specific gene in toothless mammals supports theory of evolution
3. Evolution News & Views: The Myth of Vestigial Organs and Bad Design: Why Darwinism Is False

Story Summary: When they suppressed prohibitin1 with RNA interference techniques, the tumor cells became more susceptible to Taxol, both in cell culture and in live mice with implanted Taxol-resistant tumors. We are working to target various cancer drugs to taxane-resistant cells by attaching them to compounds that bind to prohibitin, Zetter explains. One such compound is already known, and works well in animals to target other prohibitin-rich cells, but has yet to be tested in humans. His lab is in talks with several cancer centers to obtain serum samples from patients who did and didnt respond to Taxol, so that prohibitin1 levels could be measured and compared. The interesting finding was that prohibitin was not just another over-expressed protein, Zetter says. When we looked at the whole cell, the absolute amount of prohibitin wasnt changed. Instead, prohibitin was moving from the inside of the cell to the cell surface….Read the Full Story

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1. Chemotherapy resistance: Checkpoint protein provides armor against cancer drugs
2. Genes Linked to Breast Cancer Drug Resistance Could Guide Future Treatment
3. PipelineReview.com – Biotech News & Online Store – Array BioPharmas ARRY-520 Demonstrates Significant Activity in Hematological and Taxane-Resistant Tumors

Story Summary: The results of the study, which were published in the journal Human Genetics, showed that most cases with holoprosencephaly had deletions of one of four major holoprosencephaly genes, which is consistent with previous studies. Researchers also identified a previously unreported abnormality associated with holoprosencephaly, an extra piece of DNA on one copy of chromosome 13, which was identified in two individuals with holoprosencephaly, one with a full form of the disorder and one with a mild form. aThese results are exciting because they demonstrate how microarray testing allows us to broaden the clinical spectrum associated with various chromosome aberrations,a said Lisa G. Shaffer, Ph. D. , President and CEO of Signature Genomic Laboratories and senior author of the study. a Signature Genomic Laboratories, founded in 2003, was the first laboratory to provide microarray-based cytogenetic diagnostics with its proprietary SignatureChipA(r) and is the leader in providing microarray-based chromosome analysis. Signatureas worldwide client base includes clinical geneticists, neurologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, obstetricians, and the research community….Read the Full Story

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1. Researchers at Signature Genomics Attribute Diverse Spectrum of Neurological Problems to Chromosome Abnormalities of Genetic Region Associated with Autism
2. Researchers at Signature Genomic Laboratories Identify Likely Causative Gene for New Genetic Disorder
3. News: Signature Genomic Laboratories Detects Chromosome Abnormalities in Individuals with Pallister-Killian Syndrome without Invasive Skin Biopsy.

Story Summary: (Nasdaq: ISIS) announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed claims in a patent application derived from the Tuschl III patent series that is assigned to Max Planck. aWe continue to expand and strengthen the scope of our broad and fundamental intellectual property estate that enables development and commercialization of microRNA-based therapeutics, including a miR-21 targeted drug. aThe Tuschl III patent series describes the most important microRNAs in animals and lays the foundation for the discovery and development of a new class of therapeutics that target microRNAs. Regulus is the ideal partner to develop high impact medicines based on microRNA. The allowance of this second Tuschl III patent in the U. S. extends the scope of this patent estate, which has already yielded patents directed to miR-122 in the U. S. microRNAs are small RNA molecules, typically 20 to 25 nucleotides in length, that do not encode proteins but instead regulate gene expression. Nearly 700 microRNAs have been identified in the human genome, and more than one-third of all human genes are believed to be regulated by microRNAs. Many microRNAs are conserved across multiple species indicating the evolutionary importance of these molecules as modulators of critical biological pathways. Indeed, microRNA expression or function has been shown to be significantly altered in many disease states, including cancer, heart failure and viral infections. Targeting microRNAs opens the possibility of a novel class of therapeutics and a unique approach to treating disease by modulating entire biological pathways. About Regulus Therapeutics Inc. Regulus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company leading the discovery and development of innovative new medicines based on microRNAs. Regulus is targeting microRNAs as a new class of therapeutics by working with a broad network of academic collaborators and leveraging oligonucleotide drug discovery and development expertise from its founding companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ALNY) and Isis Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ISIS). Regulusa intellectual property estate contains both the fundamental and core patents in the field as well as over 600 patents and more than 300 pending patent applications pertaining primarily to chemical modifications of oligonucleotides targeting microRNAs for therapeutic applications. In 2008, Regulus entered into a major alliance with GlaxoSmithKline to discover and develop microRNA therapeutics for immuno-inflammatory diseases. About Alnylam PharmaceuticalsAlnylam is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics based on RNA interference, or RNAi. The companyas leadership position in fundamental patents, technology, and know-how relating to RNAi has enabled it to form major alliances with leading companies including Medtronic, Novartis, Biogen Idec, Roche, Takeda, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, and Cubist. Isis drug development programs are focused on treating cardiovascular, metabolic, and severe neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Isis partners are developing antisense drugs invented by Isis to treat a wide variety of diseases. Any statement describing Regulusa, Alnylamas, and Isisa goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement, including those statements that are described as such partiesa goals. Such partiesa forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause their results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements….Read the Full Story

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1. Regulus Announces U.S. Allowance of Fundamental microRNA Therapeutics Patent Application
2. StreetInsider.com – Alnylam Announces Allowance in Europe of New Fundamental Patent Broadly Covering RNAi Therapeutics
3. Regulus Therapeutics Appoints Hubert C. Chen, M.D., Vice President of Translational Medicine

Story Summary: According to the Companys Chief Medical Officer, J. Tyler Martin, M. D. , The unique and highly potent pattern of IFN-lambda and IFN-alpha induction by SD-101 represents a novel, differentiated approach for HCV. The safety and antiviral activity demonstrated in this Phase 1b study compares favorably to current treatments, and we believe that further study may support a role for SD-101 as a supplement to current or emerging therapies to treat HCV. With the completed acquisition of Symphony Dynamo earlier this month, Dynavax has full development and commercialization rights to SD-101. Over 80% of HCV infections become chronic and can progress over a period of 10 – 40 years. Nearly half of all liver transplants in the U. S. are performed for end-stage hepatitis C. Approved therapies to treat hepatitis C, including pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin, represent a market of approximately $3 billion. However, these therapies often cause significant side effects and are effective in treating only about half of all patients infected with HCV. About DynavaxDynavax Technologies Corporation, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops novel products to prevent and treat infectious diseases. The Companys lead product candidate is HEPLISAV, a Phase 3 investigational adult hepatitis B vaccine designed to provide more rapid and increased protection with fewer doses than current licensed vaccines….Read the Full Story

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1. Treatment for chronic hepatitis C: A phase II study
2. Pharmasset Initiates Phase 1b Multiple Ascending Dose Clinical Trial of PSI-7851 in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
3. Novavax Reports Positive Data for its Trivalent Seasonal Influenza (VLP) Vaccine Candidate in a Second Phase II Study

Story Summary: Fox Chase specimens collected at each stage are supported by annotations that include medical histories, detailed records of treatment protocols as well as outcomes. We know that making our biosamples available to the wider scientific community will accelerate the pace of cancer research. With this goal in mind, partnering with BioServe makes a lot of sense for us. As a leader in biomaterial collection and distribution, BioServe is substantively engaged with cancer research being conducted by pharma, biotech and leading academic research institutions worldwide. There is a capability to fulfill standing requests for specimens, as well as a flexibility to meet emerging needs as research programs define targets or pursue promising new directions. About Fox Chase Cancer CenterFox Chase Cancer Center is one of the leading cancer research and treatments centers in the United States. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. About BioServeBioServe provides a comprehensive biomaterial to validated data genomics services platform, helping researchers gain the pre-clinical data for breakthroughs in drug discovery, molecular diagnostics and pharmacogenomics….Read the Full Story

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1. Covance Enters Into a Biomarker Alliance With Rules-Based Medicine, Inc.
2. NCI renews Fox Chase / Penn Ovarian Cancer SPORE grant for a third 5-year term
3. Santaris Pharma A/S Forms Strategic Alliance With Shire plc to Develop RNA-Based Medicines for the Treatment of Rare Genetic Disorders

Story Summary: This contract will allow Coriell to introduce a powerful type of stem cell called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, into the Repository. Produced by genetically reprogramming specialized cell types, such as skin cells, iPS cells share the ability of embryonic stem cells to turn into any of the 200 cell types in the human body without the use of an embryo. The availability of iPS cell lines from various rare and common disease states, as well as from various populations, will open the doors for pre-clinical research studies. Another initiative being pursued at Coriell through the NIGMS contract is the collection of samples from individuals born with isolated congenital heart defects. In the United States, approximately 40,000 babies are born each year with some type of congenital heart defect, which is the leading cause of infant death. Cell lines and DNAs from affected individuals will be made available to researchers in hopes that the underlying causes of these heart defects can be discovered. The collection currently contains more than 10,000 extensively characterized cell lines and DNAs — representing more than 1,000 disorders — and has allowed scientists to advance the understanding of many rare diseases, such as Huntingtons disease and cystic fibrosis. org) is an internationally known, non-profit, biomedical research institution headquartered in Camden, NJ, contiguous with the Cooper University Hospital Health Sciences Campus. About NIH & NIGMSThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and investigates the causes, treatments and cures for common and rare diseases….Read the Full Story

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1. HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH REVEALS EARLIEST STEP IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
2. Two Lines Account for Most Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Stanford Scholar Finds
3. 2 lines account for most human embryonic stem cell research, Stanford scholar finds

Story Summary: Venter recalls Nirenberg as a reserved, softly spoken man, who was both supporter and mentor. He taught us how to interpret the letters of the code, Venter told me this week. All of a sudden, we understood how to read it. In the end, a bitterly contested race developed between Venter and an international consortium, backed by governments and Britains Wellcome Trust, to decipher the human genome. The draft of the genome was unveiled in 2000, revealing there to be far fewer genes than originally thought (more like 25,000). Called a diploid genome, it consists of the DNA in both sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, and it is the full six billion letter genome possessed by almost all of his cells (that year, he also published his autobiography, A Life Decoded, which I edited). The details of Venters genome told us much: that he had increased risk of Alzheimers, various cardiovascular diseases and wet earwax. For the field of personalised medicine, this will be an enormous advance, revealing who is at risk of certain diseases, who will respond best to particular drugs, and who will suffer the side-effects of various treatments. As the Telegraph reported yesterday, researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston have identified a gene signature that predicts a high risk of cancer recurrence in certain breast tumours that have been treated with common chemotherapy drugs. Another issue is how to handle vast amounts of data. Tim Hubbard, of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, near Cambridge (named, of course, after Fred) points out that as scientists read the code of more people and study the way the use of the code varies with age, or is corrupted by cancer, they will generate massive amounts of information, approaching the flood of data that physicists produce when they switch on the Large Hadron Collider and its cousins. To cope with the deluge, we need to spend more on high-powered computers and to share data with institutes scattered worldwide via vast central repositories, such as the European Bioinformatics Institute. The Governments response to the report acknowledged the need for greater investment in data repositories and interpretation techniques. The Governments response to the report acknowledged the need for greater investment in data repositories and interpretation techniques….Read the Full Story

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1. Illumina launches personal genome sequencing service for $48,000 : Genetic Future
2. Risks of Sharing Personal Genetic Information Online Need More Study, Stanford Bioethicists Say
3. Blog – Personal Genomes Get Very Personal

Story Summary: Using the new cell culture system, scientists can now study hepatitis C virus in the lab over a period of weeks – which may boost efforts to develop a vaccine or broadly effective treatment for the infection. Until now, scientists working on hepatitis C vaccine design have been hampered by the lack of an animal model or a culture system that could support long-term study of viral infection. Their work is published in PNAS the week of January 25, 2010. Khetani and Alexander Ploss, a member of Rices lab, designed experiments to examine whether the cultured cells possessed the normal entry points used by HCV virus particles and whether the viruses used them. The team of investigators also had to devise an assay that could demonstrate rapidly and conclusively that the viruses were replicating – going through their complete life cycle – within the cells. At Rockefeller, Rices group had developed strategies to measure infection more rapidly and accurately than standard techniques allowed. When viewing liver cells under a microscope, the glow of the green fluorescent protein indicates successful entry of HCV pseudoparticles into the target cell. Many future projects can be envisioned now that the system has proven workable, Bhatia said. For instance, virologists will be in a better position to understand the virus behavior because the lab-grown colonies are more life-like than in previous infection systems. Screening of candidate vaccines and antiviral drugs can be carried out simultaneously with testing for liver toxicity. Researchers are looking at administering, along with the transplant, antibodies that would block re-infection. Researchers are looking at administering, along with the transplant, antibodies that would block re-infection. (c) 2010 Howard Hughes Medical Institute. A philanthropy serving society through biomedical research and science education. A philanthropy serving society through biomedical research and science education….Read the Full Story

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1. Liver cells grown from patients skin cells
2. Keeping hepatitis C virus at bay after a liver transplant
3. Natural compound blocks hepatitis C infection

Story Summary: However, Goldstein speculated that rare mutations that are too low in frequency to be uncovered by GWA studies might be hiding within the common variants and throwing off the signal. Leonid Kruglyak, a geneticist at Princeton University in New Jersey, says the work confirms what many had suspected. I think everyone who thought hard about genome-wide association studies knew that this was a possibility, he says. Many variationsThe work addresses a concern that has been brewing in the genetics community for several years. One explanation is that a rare variant with a strong role in disease arises more frequently in people who share a common variant. Goldstein and his colleagues looked at mock populations of thousands of people. 5-2% of the population — that were very likely to cause an unspecified disease. The authors simulated the genealogy of this population and ran GWA studies. They found common genetic variants that associated with the disease, but only a proportion of individuals with the common variant also had the rare variant that theoretically caused it. Goldstein speculates that, a lot, and possibly the majority of these unexplained associations, are due to, or at least contributed to, by this effect. They compared individuals with diseases caused by a single-gene mutation, such as sickle-cell anaemia or a genetic form of deafness, with a control population. Sure enough, in GWA studies on these populations, common variants seemed to associate with the disease, although in some cases these were as far as 2. Sarah Tishkoff, a geneticist at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, says this may make it challenging to identify the functional variant within an association. In a sense, he says the issues being raised signal the need for shift from the powerful statistics of GWA studies to work more focused on specific genes in affected families and how they function biologically. You can be controversial, but please dont get personal or offensive and do keep it brief….Read the Full Story

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1. Rare genetic variants create synthetic genome-wide signals of disease risk
2. Notes on the Common Disease-Common Variant debate: two years later | Culture11
3. Nine new X chromosome genes associated with learning disabilities uncovered

Story Summary: Now, researchers want to improve these drug therapies and develop alternative preventative strategies, such as vaginal gels and creams that contain the same or related compounds used in treatments for people infected with HIV. A University of Missouri researcher is developing a compound that is more potent and longer-lasting than current HIV therapies. In order to multiply itself and remain in the body, the HIV virus relies on certain proteins. Patients with suppressed viral loads will have increased life expectancy. Not all drugs work with all patients, and new resistant viral strains develop. Therefore, its important to keep adding to our possible options for therapy. Source: University of Missouri– 23 August 2009Johns Hopkins scientists say they have figured out how bacteria that cause diarrhoea may also be the culprit in some colon cancers. — full story– 15 July 2009An international team of scientists has sequenced the genome of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm, commonly known as a blood fluke, that infects 210 million in 76 countries through….Read the Full Story

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1. Natural compound blocks hepatitis C infection
2. Natural compound blocks hepatitis C infection, UCLA study finds
3. Natural compound blocks hepatitis C infection, UCLA study finds

Story Summary: In some cases, patients suffer from a devastating infection of tissue and muscle requiring extensive surgery. Understanding the detailed molecular architecture of bacterial epidemics has been a long-sought goal of infectious disease research, he added. Genetics and evolution research has long been hobbled by the lack of comprehensive genome-wide markers. The recent advent of massively parallel DNA sequencing techniques now permits full-genome sequences to be generated rapidly. Sequencing the genome of 95 strains from the three epidemics, coupled with analysis of 280 bi-allelic SNPs in all 344 strains, revealed an unexpectedly complex population structure composed of a dynamic mixture of distinct clonally-related complexes. On average, each strain was differentiated from one another by only 49 SNPs and 11 insertion-deletion events (indels) in the core genome. The extensive full-genome data permitted the investigators to identify genes with unusually high rates of genetic variation, thereby providing new clues about selective forces at work in the host. — full story– 16 August 2009Scientists at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital have identified inherited variations in two genes that account for 37 percent of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including….Read the Full Story

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1. Genome Sequencing Study Finds Clues to Unraveling the Causes of Deadly Epidemics
2. Personalized Genome Sequencing Finds Disease-Causing Genes – 3/5/09
3. Falling birth rates shift rotavirus epidemics

Story Summary: The findings, which appear online in Cancer Research, may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for late stage breast and other cancers. According to the researchers, it is becoming increasingly accepted that changes that do not affect the genetic blueprint or DNA sequence, known as the epigenetic landscape, play a major role in defining the properties of normal as well as the cancer cells. While targeting of TGFbeta and TGFbeta receptors have been actively pursued for cancer therapy, the current finding may introduce a new spin on the wheel and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for late stage breast and other cancers by the direct perturbation of the Smad signalling pathway, explained lead author Panos Papageorgis, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow in the genetics program at BUSM. — full story– 16 August 2009Scientists at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital have identified inherited variations in two genes that account for 37 percent of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including….Read the Full Story

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1. Breast cancer gene discovery most important for 20 years
2. Researcher Awarded $1.6 Million To Investigate Tumor Suppressors Role In Breast Cancer
3. Discovery leads to rapid mouse personalized trials in breast cancer

Story Summary: The researchers used healthy liver cells that had been cryogenically preserved and grew them on special plates with micropatterns that direct the cells where to grow. If you specify which cells sit next to each other, you can extend the lifetime of the cells and help them maintain their function. The current system may already be suitable to screen drugs against the strain of hepatitis C used in this work; however, this strain, which was derived from a Japanese patient with fulminant hepatitis is the only strain ever successfully grown in a laboratory environment. The researchers hope to modify the system so they can grow additional strains, such as those more common in North America, which would allow for more thorough drug testing. — full story– 16 August 2009Scientists at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital have identified inherited variations in two genes that account for 37 percent of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including. — full story– 29 July 2009Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown that they can engineer mouse and human cells to produce brown fat, a natural energy-burning type of fat that counteracts obesity….Read the Full Story

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1. Geneticists hunt for scleroderma triggers
2. Whooping cough immunity lasts longer than previously thought
3. Promising results for rapid viral diagnosis tests in emergency rooms

Story Summary: This was an important first step toward coalescing unified support around the cause of regenerative medicine. The Multi-Agency Tissue Engineering Science (MATES) Interagency Working Group (IWG), organized under the auspices of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), was established in 2000. The principal purpose of the MATES IWG is to provide a platform across which member agencies can interact and exchange information on tissue engineering efficiently and effectively. It is the means by which Federal agencies involved in tissue engineering stay informed of each others activities and coordinate their efforts in a timely and efficient manner. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, and provides services to support the growth of its member companies and organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, DC to specifically represent the interests of regenerative medicine companies, research institutions, investors, and patient groups supporting more rapid adoption of technologies in our field….Read the Full Story

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1. MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge Presents: Promise of Tissue Engineering: Making Regenerative Medicine a Reality
2. THE AUTOMATION PARTNERSHIP; The Automation Partnership s First Project to Automate Manufacture of 3D Tissue Constructs – June 23, 2009 – Control Engineering
3. Organogenesis Files PMA for CelTx(TM) for Oral Soft Tissue Regeneration

Story Summary: Improvements to cloning and sequencing techniques are allowing researchers to study microorganisms in environmental samples, and new knowledge of species interactions and community dynamics is emerging. The identification of microorganisms in these samples is of vital importance to interpreting the results of such studies. The method is highly sensitive, quantitative, easy to use, and amenable to high-throughput screening. Until recently, the ELISPOT assay has been limited to the characterization of only one effector molecule. Since the maintenance of both IFN- and IL-2 by pathogen-specific T cells has been linked to a more favorable clinical outcome in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Leishmania infections, an ELISPOT assay able to characterize both of these effector molecules would be helpful for monitoring immune responses to certain infectious agents. Source: David Crotty Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form. What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?06 Aug 2009Measles is a very infectious illness caused by a virus – a viral infection caused by the rubeola virus….Read the Full Story

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1. ChIP-Seq, Drosophila Targeted Mutagenesis Featured In Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
2. ChIP-Seq, Drosophila Targeted Mutagenesis Featured In Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
3. Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features RNA analysis methods

Story Summary: Samples taken in the Montreal area between 2005 and 2007, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the University of Guelph, provide strong new evidence that E. coli(Escherichia coli) bacteria originating from these food sources can cause common urinary tract infections. Eating contaminated meat or food does not directly lead to a UTI. When animals are slaughtered and their meat is processed for sale, the meat can be contaminated with these bacteria. Manges advises that consumers should cook meat thoroughly and prevent contamination of other foods in the kitchen. Although some infections caused by these E. coli are resistant to some antibiotics, the infections can still be treated. Her research is part of a broader study concerning food safety and is financed through funding by the Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with the Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, specifically the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance, and also the Division de linspection des aliments, Ville de Montreal. htm Source: William Raillant-Clark McGill University Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. PLEASE DONATE HEREThese are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: What Is Measles? What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?06 Aug 2009Measles is a very infectious illness caused by a virus – a viral infection caused by the rubeola virus. What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?06 Aug 2009Measles is a very infectious illness caused by a virus – a viral infection caused by the rubeola virus….Read the Full Story

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1. Promising Results From A Vaccine To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
2. Vaccine For Urinary Tract Infections Shows Early Promise
3. Vaccine to prevent urinary tract infections shows early promise

Story Summary: When an immune response is initiated a specific type of cell migrates to the lymph nodes to activate new immune cells, telling them where they need to go to tackle the infection. Many of the cells that ought to collect more new immune cells stop at these accumulations and begin activating these instead, leading to chronic inflammation, which we believe benefits Helicobacter pylori, says Malin Hansson. This thesis also paves the way for a future vaccine against gastric adenocarcinoma. Previous research has shown that many infected patients with gastric adenocarcinoma have low levels of a specific type of antibody in tissue, even though Helicobacter pylori normally causes unusually high levels of antibodies. If these antibodies really can protect against development of gastric adenocarcinoma, it would be possible to develop a vaccine that increases MEC expression and thus the number of antibodies present in tissue, says Malin. Facts about Helicobacter PyloriHelicobacter pylori is one of the most common pathogenic bacteria found in humans. Without treatment, infection can lead to gastric and duodenal ulcers that can be fatal if left untreated. Source: University of Gothenburg Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?06 Aug 2009Measles is a very infectious illness caused by a virus – a viral infection caused by the rubeola virus….Read the Full Story

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1. A potent and selective anti-tumor agent on human gastric adenocarcinoma
2. Herb medicine Rocket has gastric anti-ulcer properties – Health – Health & Science – The Times of India
3. Tummy troubles — gastrin key in bacterial-induced stomach cancer

Story Summary: This has resulted in the first precise explanation of the biological events contributing to deadly epidemics of severe infection. This method can be used to track and help prevent devastating epidemics in the future. In some cases, patients suffer from a devastating infection of tissue and muscle requiring extensive surgery. On average, each strain was differentiated from one another by only 49 SNPs and 11 insertion-deletion events (indels) in the core genome. The investigators discovered that each strain has a unique genome sequence, which brings unparalleled ability to track strain spread. The investigators discovered that each strain has a unique genome sequence, which brings unparalleled ability to track strain spread. The extensive full-genome data permitted the investigators to identify genes with unusually high rates of genetic variation, thereby providing new clues about selective forces at work in the host. The extensive full-genome data permitted the investigators to identify genes with unusually high rates of genetic variation, thereby providing new clues about selective forces at work in the host….Read the Full Story

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Story Summary: Gastroenteritiscan have a number of causes, such as bacterial infection or food poisoning. According to Medilexicons medical dictionary: Rotavirus gastroenteritisis A group of RNA viruses (family Reoviridae) wheel-like in appearance, which comprises a genus, Rota virus, which includes the human gastroenteritis viruses (a major cause of infant diarrhea throughout the world). Separated into groups A-F, rotaviruses can infect a number of vertebrates. This is also why rotavirus infections are rare in adults. It can usually be treated at home with extra fluids to prevent dehydration. It is important to keep an infected child isolated from other children until 48 hours have passed after their last bout of diarrhea and vomiting. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign. In healthy adults it may cause only mild signs or symptoms or none at all. Symptoms of dehydrationIt is essential for parents to be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, and recognize them. Symptoms of dehydration include: deep, rapid breathingdry mouth and eyes no tears are produced when the child cries passing urine infrequentlysluggishness sunken appearance of the eyes weakness Seek medical advice if: there is blood in the childs vomit the child has a temperature of 102 f (38. Small particles of infected feces can enter the body through the mouth or nose. There can be contamination if a person has rotavirus and does not wash their hands after using the toilet or the parent of a child who has rotavirus does not wash their hands after changing the childs diapers (UK: nappies) or helping the child use the toilet. In some cases, rotavirus spreads through contaminated water or infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Older adults and adults caring for young children have an increased risk of infection as well. This is why the most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are diarrhea and vomiting; both of which are caused by an excess of unabsorbed fluids in the intestine. Rotavirus is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam. A stool sample may be analyzed in a lab to confirm the diagnosis. In some circumstances, blood and urine tests may be used in order to rule out other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, or pneumonia. Usually, the infection resolves itself within three to eight days. If a child has severe diarrhea (especially if it lasts longer than a few days), an oral rehydration fluid such as Pedialyte is suggested. Rehydration fluids can replace lost minerals more effectively than can water or other liquids. It is also recommended to give a child ORS after each bout of diarrhea. The child should continue to drink water as well as the ORS solution. If you are breastfeeding your child, you should try to maintain a normal feeding pattern. In the case of an older child not feeling well, encourage him or her to rest. Avoid anything that may irritate the stomach, including dairy products, fatty or highly seasoned foods, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Treating other symptomsSymptoms of pain and fever can normally be relieved using Tylenol (paracetamol) or acetaminophen. You should not give aspirin to children who are under 16 years of age. Also, the use of anti-diarrhea medicine is also not recommended for children under 12 years of age. The use of medicine to prevent vomiting (antiemetics) is also not usually recommended for children due to the possible risk of adverse side effects, such as muscle spasms, or allergic reactions. To reduce the spread of rotavirus wash hands thoroughly and often: However, strict hand washing does not offer any guarantees. The vaccine is not approved for use in older children or adults. Studies concluded that the vaccine did not increase a childs risk of intussusception. The safety of the RotaTeq vaccine is continuously monitored and doctors are required to report any complications associated with the vaccine. This vaccine is a liquid given in two doses to infants between 6 and 24 months. Clinical trials of the vaccine detected no increased risk of intussusception. Infection controlIt may be possible for adults and children to spread the infection without realizing it. Recommended steps include: Encourage your child to wash their hands thoroughlyafter going to the toilet, and before eating. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: Haiti AppealThe severe earthquake that struck Haiti has inflicted damage and devastation on a massive scale. National treatment guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids to control symptoms in very young children with persistent asthma. Bedtime BasicsBedtime can be a scary time for kids who share their room with a monster….Read the Full Story

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Story Summary: ScienceWyatt Technology Demonstrates SEC-MALS Capabilities for Studying Interactions of Tumor Suppressor p53 with S100 Proteins2010-01-22 13:16:11 – (SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA – January 21 2010) – Wyatt Technology Corporation, the world leader in instruments for absolute macromolecular characterization, announces that its light scattering system has been selected by the MRC Centre for Protein Engineering to investigate the interactions of the p53 tumor suppressor gene with S100 protein. Wyatts static Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) systems further cancer research by studying how S100 proteins influence the oligomerization of p53 following separation by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). However, when the p53 gene is mutated, it can no longer serve its tumor suppressor role and instead leads to cancer growth. The aim is to develop short peptides able to rescue p53 mutants. Part of the research at the LMB is to investigate how S100 proteins bind to p53 in its different oligomeric states, using monomeric and dimeric p53 mutants. The p53 variants have a large fraction of intrinsically disordered structure and do not elute according to globular protein standards in SEC. The studies of the complex formation of p53 and S100 proteins by Wyatts SEC-MALS instrumentation have helped to understand how S100 proteins influence the oligomerization of p53. Based on these results and in vivo studies, a binding model has been established where S100 proteins can activate tetrameric p53 while inhibiting p53 activity binding to the monomer by shifting the tetramerization equilibrium. The Companys groundbreaking technology and uncompromising levels of customer care make Wyatt the global hallmark in its field….Read the Full Story

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Confirming previous “gut instinct” about the health benefits of apples, Denmark scientists find that consumption of apples raises levels of beneficial bacteria present in the digestive tract.

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Stanford Medical School (US) scientists grow neurons from embryonic stem cells and implant them in the brains of lab animals, where they formed proper brain connections.

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